Survival games are a subgenre of action games set in hostile, open-world environments where players must manage resources, craft tools, and overcome threats to stay alive. These games emphasize realism, progression systems, exploration, and emergent storytelling, allowing players to create unique survival journeys shaped by their decisions and skills.

Key features of survival games include managing hunger and thirst, gathering resources, crafting tools and equipment, building bases, and creating player-crafted items. These mechanics contribute to the immersive and challenging nature of survival games, where players must adapt to changing environments and make strategic decisions to endure.

In recent years, survival games have gained popularity across PC and console platforms, fueled by strong streaming and creator-driven discovery. Titles like The Forest, Valheim, and Subnautica have captivated audiences, making survival game creators some of the most influential voices in gaming.

Below is our curated list of the top 21 survival gaming influencers in 2026 - creators who consistently drive discovery, shape player behavior, and help survival titles break through crowded markets through long-form gameplay, challenge content, tutorials, and highly engaged communities.