Best Multiplayer Zombie Survival Games - 9 Top Picks for Thrilling Coop & PvP Action

Multiplayer zombie survival games blend coop gameplay, PvP combat, and sandbox survival into intense, replayable experiences. From 7 Days to Die and DayZ to mod-heavy titles like Project Zomboid and Unturned, these games offer distinct mechanics, base building, scavenging, horde defense, and infection management, that keep players engaged.

The Best Multiplayer Zombie Survival Games (In No Particular Order)

This guide showcases 9 top titles built for multiplayer survival, optimized for both public and private server hosting. With Host Havoc's dedicated servers, you can customize gameplay, install mods, and maintain low-latency worlds for friends or communities. Let’s check out the best games to play and host, when the undead rise.

7 Days to Die – Voxel-Based Zombie Survival with Base Building and Horde Nights

7 Days to Die is a sandbox survival game that blends crafting, tower defense, and FPS combat into a unique zombie apocalypse experience. Set in a procedurally generated open world, players scavenge for supplies, fortify bases, and prepare for relentless blood moon hordes that strike every seventh night. The voxel-based environment adds full destructibility, making structural planning critical to long-term survival.

Key Attributes:

• Voxel World & Destruction: Every structure and terrain block can be mined, built, or destroyed, impacting defense strategy and exploration.
• Blood Moon Horde Events: Every seventh in-game night, waves of zombies attack your base in escalating intensity.
• Deep Crafting System: From handmade spears to automatic turrets, crafting drives progression.
• Character Progression: Specialize in skills like mining, guns, stealth, or healing to suit your playstyle.
• Full Mod Support: Thousands of community mods—like Darkness Falls—add new zombies, mechanics, and overhauls.

Server Hosting Insight:

Private servers are essential for long-term survival and community play in 7 Days to Die. Host Havoc’s 7DtD server hosting supports custom world generation, modded installs, and automated restarts for Blood Moon prep. With scalable performance and control panel access, it’s perfect for co-op groups, PvP servers, or large-scale modded campaigns.

DayZ - Persistent PvP Survival with Hardcore Mechanics

DayZ delivers a harsh, multiplayer open-world survival experience where up to 60 players scavenge, fight, and die in a massive post-apocalyptic map filled with zombies and hostile survivors. Originally an Arma 2 mod, DayZ is now a standalone title renowned for its emergent gameplay, brutal PvP, and sandbox realism.

Key Attributes:

• Persistent Multiplayer: All player actions, loot, kills, base-building, persist on hosted servers.
• Survival Systems: Hunger, thirst, illness, injuries, and temperature must be managed in dynamic weather.
• High-Stakes PvP: Every player encounter can end in cooperation, robbery, or death. Trust is rare.
• Limited Resources: Realistic ammo scarcity and permadeath raise the stakes.
• Base-Building: Fortify buildings, set traps, and defend stashes, if you can hold them.

Server Hosting Insight:

Custom DayZ servers allow you to configure loot tables, zombie density, PvP rules, and whitelist access. Host Havoc’s DayZ server hosting supports modding, private hives, and high-performance persistence, ideal for clans or roleplay groups wanting stable, modded apocalypse worlds.

Project Zomboid - Isometric Sandbox with Realistic Zombie Simulation

Project Zomboid is a deeply detailed isometric zombie survival sim focused on realism, coop strategy, and inevitable death. Set in a slowly collapsing Kentucky town, PZ simulates nearly every survival element, nutrition, sleep, boredom, infection, with perma-death tension and a modding scene that’s second to none.

Key Attributes:

• Sandbox Customization: Players or admins control zombie speed, infection rates, weather, and loot spawns.
• Multiplayer Coop: Form survivor factions, share safehouses, farm, and clear towns together.
• Infection Mechanics: One bite can end your run, unless you're running mods to change that.
• Skill System: Level up carpentry, medical skills, foraging, or cooking to increase survival odds.
• Mod Support: Lua-based mods enable total overhauls, new professions, and expanded maps.

Server Hosting Insight:

Project Zomboid multiplayer shines on persistent servers with scheduled restarts, mod syncing, and world backups. Host Havoc’s Project Zomboid server hosting offers seamless Steam integration, Lua mod support, and configurable sandbox presets for total control over your undead sim.

Unturned - Free-to-Play Sandbox with PvE, PvP, and Mod Support

Unturned is a lightweight, multiplayer zombie survival sandbox that combines low-poly visuals with surprisingly deep mechanics. Often called “DayZ meets Minecraft,” it’s ideal for casual or competitive players thanks to its blend of scavenging, crafting, and modular hosting options.

Key Attributes:

• Flexible Multiplayer Modes: Supports both PvE base-building and PvP loot-fights across user-hosted or official maps.
• Core Survival: Players manage food, water, health, and zombie infections while upgrading gear.
• Vehicle Support: Cars, helicopters, and boats enable fast travel and high-impact gameplay.
• Extensive Modding: Steam Workshop provides thousands of maps, items, and overhaul packs.
• Skill Trees & Quests: Character progression is improved through XP-driven unlocks and NPC interactions.

Server Hosting Insight:

Running a dedicated Unturned server unlocks roleplay modes, PvP safe zones, or even faction war scenarios. Host Havoc’s Unturned server hosting supports curated plugins, workshop mods, and full region control, making it ideal for both community building and competitive events.

The Forest - Atmospheric Survival Horror with Base-Building and Mutant Combat

The Forest (and its sequel, Sons of the Forest) blends survival crafting with intense horror elements, placing players in a hostile forest overrun by cannibalistic mutants. While not classic zombies, the AI behavior and relentless attacks create similar tension and strategic depth.

Key Attributes:

• Story Driven Survival: Discover clues and narrative arcs while trying to rescue your missing son.
• Base Building Mechanics: Chop trees, construct barricades, and reinforce shelters for night defense.
• AI-Driven Enemies: Mutants patrol, scout, and attack in escalating waves, based on your activity.
• Dynamic Coop: 2-8 player sessions allow shared exploration, combat, and building.
• Creepy Atmosphere: Minimal UI, immersive sound design, and terrifying underground encounters.

Server Hosting Insight:

Multiplayer servers ensure consistent world state, synchronized progress, and mod-ready configs. Host Havoc’s The Forest server hosting offers preconfigured environments, dedicated save slots, and scalable server performance, perfect for horror survival with friends.

DeadPoly - Looter-Shooter with Low-Poly Style and PvP Tension

DeadPoly is a fast-paced multiplayer looter shooter set in a zombie infested city rendered in charming low-poly graphics. It offers a quick-in, high-stakes survival loop combining PvP gunfights, zombie defense, and gear progression.

Key Attributes:

• Third Person Shooter Combat: Engage in tactical firefights across urban ruins and interiors.
• Base Raiding Mechanics: Players can build hideouts and attack other player fortresses for loot.
• Loot Economy: Scavenge weapons, armor, and consumables from randomized drops or high-risk zones.
• Persistent Character Builds: Customize gear loadouts and survivor aesthetics across sessions.
• Solo or Squad Play: Join forces with friends or operate as a lone raider on private or public servers.

Server Hosting Insight:

DeadPoly benefits from private servers where admins can control loot rates, PvP rules, and player caps. Host Havoc’s DeadPoly server hosting supports mod-ready environments, easy map resets, and lag-free firefights even during peak hours.

The Front - Tactical Sandbox Shooter in a Post-Apocalyptic World

The Front is a sandbox survival shooter where players battle mutated enemies, raid enemy bases, and construct high-tech defenses. It combines elements from survival games like Rust and ARK with dynamic PvE and PvP gameplay.

Key Attributes:

• Crafting and Automation: Build traps, power grids, and advanced crafting benches for sustained defense.
• PvPvE Structure: Fight zombies, mutants, and rival factions in real time across a huge open world.
• Base Management: Fortify compounds with turrets, storage systems, and upgradeable structures.
• Tech Progression: Unlock new weapons, tools, and automation systems to scale your survival.
• Event Driven Play: Engage in world events that escalate threat levels and rewards.

Server Hosting Insight:

Custom The Front servers enable fine-tuned balancing of loot, AI difficulty, raid timers, and blueprint unlocks. Host Havoc’s The Front server hosting supports full FTP access, region selection, and mod installation for full-featured apocalyptic warfare.

Soulmask - Tribal Fantasy Survival with Undead and Mystical Combat

Soulmask is a unique tribal-themed survival game that blends open-world base building with magical combat and undead style enemies. Its mystical atmosphere and AI-driven tribes offer a different twist on the zombie survival formula.

Key Attributes:

• AI-Controlled Tribes: Encounter hostile or neutral NPC clans that evolve and expand.
• Dark Fantasy Undead: Face off against cursed enemies, skeleton hordes, and spirit-controlled beings.
• Soulmask Powers: Equip magical masks that grant abilities like stealth, healing, or telekinesis.
• Survival Core: Gather resources, craft armor, cook food, and build village style settlements.
• Multiplayer Campaigns: Team up in PvE adventures or fight for territory in larger tribal wars.

Server Hosting Insight:

Soulmask servers allow for world rule customization, faction balancing, and persistent multiplayer campaigns. Host Havoc’s Soulmask server hosting gives admins full control over tribe behavior, map expansion, and player role systems, perfect for fantasy based survival storytelling.

Enshrouded - Fantasy Survival with Undead Foes and Dark Magic Systems

Enshrouded is a dark fantasy survival game that trades traditional zombies for corrupted undead and magical abominations, offering a unique blend of RPG mechanics, survival crafting, and group based exploration. With rich lore and immersive visuals, it’s ideal for players who want deeper narrative alongside their multiplayer survival.

Key Attributes:

• Spell Based Combat: Wield fire, frost, and shadow magic against undead hordes and boss-level entities.
• Open World Exploration: Traverse corrupted biomes, dungeons, and magical ruins in procedurally rich environments.
• Survival Systems: Hunt, cook, gather, and build defensive settlements while navigating magical anomalies.
• Multiplayer Dungeon Raids: Party based PvE with support for building raid bases and tackling difficult encounters.
• Crafting and Enchanting: Create armor and gear infused with runes, spells, or elemental resistance.

Server Hosting Insight:

Enshrouded’s gameplay benefits from private servers to manage world resets, enable consistent team progression, and balance mob spawns. Host Havoc’s Enshrouded server hosting supports persistent instances, modding support, and optimized tick rate for combat-heavy fantasy survival sessions.

What Makes a Good Zombie Survival Game Server?

When it comes to hosting a multiplayer zombie survival game, not all servers are created equal. From surviving hordes in 7 Days to Die or running a modded Project Zomboid apocalypse, server specs and features can dramatically affect gameplay.

Key Server Features to Look For:

• High RAM and CPU Allocation: Games with crafting systems and large player counts (like DayZ or The Front) benefit from robust hardware to reduce lag and prevent desync.
• Tick Rate Optimization: Required for shooters like Left 4 Dead 2 or fast-paced PvP scenarios in DeadPoly.
• Low Latency via Global Regions: Services like Host Havoc let you choose from multiple data center locations, ensuring smooth performance for international groups.
• Steam Workshop Integration: For games like Garry’s Mod, Terraria, and Unturned, seamless mod installs can expand your gameplay with just a few clicks.
• Control Panels and Admin Tools: Manage your server in real time, kick disruptive players, change maps, install plugins, or roll back worlds in a few steps.

A great server is more than just performance, it's about customization, reliability, and community management. That’s why Host Havoc is trusted by thousands for zombie survival game hosting.

How to Choose Between PvE and PvP Zombie Servers

Choosing between PvE (Player vs Environment) and PvP (Player vs Player) drastically changes the tone of your zombie survival experience. Let’s break down the differences:

PvE Servers - Cooperative Survival

• Best for players who enjoy base building, crafting, and tackling AI zombie hordes together.
• Games like Unturned and Minecraft zombie mods offer rewarding PvE experiences, especially with roleplay or town building communities.
• PvE often includes grief protection, trading zones, and events like Blood Moon defenses in Terraria.

PvP Servers - Competitive Apocalypse

• Introduces danger from both zombies and other players, perfect for high-stakes survival in DayZ, The Front, or Project Zomboid.
• Fosters emergent storytelling: betrayals, ambushes, and base raids.
• PvP servers often have rulesets like full loot, faction systems, or base raiding limits.

Mixed or Custom Rule Servers

• Some servers support both PvE zones and PvP areas. For example, in Unturned, admins may designate towns as safe zones while allowing PvP in the wild.
• Host Havoc supports these flexible setups with custom configs and mod compatibility.

FAQ: Multiplayer Zombie Survival Games & Server Hosting

Which zombie survival games support mods and Workshop integration?

Games with full Steam Workshop or modding support include:

• 7 Days to Die
• Project Zomboid
• Unturned
• Garry’s Mod

Popular mods like Darkness Falls (7DtD) and Breaking Point (Arma 3) introduce new weapons, mechanics, and survival systems. Host Havoc provides one-click mod installs and full FTP access for custom modpacks.

Can I create safe zones in PvP zombie survival games?

Yes. Games like Unturned and Project Zomboid support PvP-safe zones, allowing admins to create peaceful areas for trade, respawning, or storytelling. Host Havoc servers allow custom map rules and region-specific PvP toggles.

Do zombie survival servers support events and custom modes?

Absolutely. Popular event types include:

• Blood Moon horde waves (7DtD)
• Seasonal zombie invasions (Unturned)
• PvP tournaments (DayZ, DeadPoly)

Admins can script or automate these events via plugins or server config tools. Host Havoc supports both static and dynamic event integration.

What are the differences between server types for zombie games?

Zombie games support varied server formats:

• Hardcore: Realistic survival, permadeath (DayZ)
• Roleplay (RP): Narrative-driven survival (Project Zomboid)
• Faction PvP: Territory control and raids (The Front, Arma 3)
• Host Havoc enables custom server roles, rule enforcement plugins, and whitelist access for community curation.

Can I migrate my zombie game server to Host Havoc?

Yes. Host Havoc provides migration support for popular games like 7 Days to Die, Unturned, and Project Zomboid. You can transfer world saves, mod files, and server configs with guided setup assistance and FTP/SFTP access for fast deployment.

Choose Your Ultimate Multiplayer Zombie Survival Experience

If you prefer the creative freedom of voxel crafting in 7 Days to Die, the hardcore realism of DayZ, or the tribal fantasy magic of Soulmask, the best multiplayer zombie survival games all come alive when hosted on a dedicated server. Hosting your own world provides full control over game rules, mod integration, and player access, key ingredients for both casual gaming and serious community-building.

With Host Havoc, launching your own zombie survival server is seamless. From mod-ready control panels to region optimized latency and 24/7 support, every title in this guide is supported with infrastructure built for stability, flexibility, and fun.

Pick your game. Gather your group. Claim your server.

The undead are waiting, make sure you control the world they roam in.

👉 Explore Host Havoc Game Servers