The best zombie games of all time

The Infected in The Last of Us aren’t technically zombies since they haven’t died and risen again, but let’s face it, they share the same basic traits. They have a hunger for flesh and move at Joel and Ellie with the same voracious intensity seen in other zombie games. They’re frightening, especially in Clicker form, with their disgusting fungus limbs and mushroom heads. The Last of Us excels in every imaginable facet, from its methodical third-person action gameplay to its stunning presentation to the delivery of its sterling story. Even if you are completely sick of zombie games, The Last of Us is a must-play. The Infected are far better developed than most traditional zombies, and the overarching story is one of the best the medium has seen, especially as a horror game on the PS4. The sequel is in a league of its own as well, but can’t quite match the surprise and originality of its tight predecessor.

While it seems like we may never get another true Left 4 Dead game, more on that series later, we thankfully got a sequel in all but name. Back 4 Blood was made by the original brains behind the influential co-op zombie shooter, and is exactly what fans have been asking for. You will team up with a group of up to three friends, each selecting your own character, as you shoot, punch, and explode your way through various campaign missions. The twist in Back 4 Blood is the new card system that makes every run unique. Yes, zombies and special infected are always randomized, but these cards add another layer of unpredictability on top of that. You may have a run with more of a certain type, or one where the map is covered in fog, limiting visibility. You can also build your own deck of cards that act as perks, upgrade guns, and more.

Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead: Season One offered a different type of zombie experience. Using Telltale’s patented brand of interactive storytelling, The Walking Dead was light on mechanics, reserving them for dialogue decisions, quick-time events, and other button prompts. More interactive fiction than anything else, The Walking Dead relied heavily on its story. And the beginning of Lee’s and Clementine’s adventure was breathtaking. The episodic format split the impressive narrative into five chunks, each more consequential and revealing than the last.