Zombie games on Xbox are not exactly a new trend. A look at Microsoft’s portfolio during the Xbox 360’s heyday and the Xbox One era will only confirm this fact.
After the disastrous launch of Xbox One, there was an air of doubt surrounding the Xbox’s future. However, after Mr. Phil Spender took charge of the gaming division, there was hope once again. The guy just gets it; after all, he’s a gamer first and an executive second.
After introducing us to welcome features like backward compatibility and FPS boosts, he shifted focus on creating an exciting gaming line-up for Xbox, including zombie games. Let’s look at some of the best ones on the current gen Xbox consoles.
Strange Brigade
We’re starting off the zombie fest with a wonderful indie gem of a game on Xbox One, Strange Brigade. Aside from having a beautiful aesthetic and a quirky premise, it’s also got an excellent 4-player co-op element. Players can choose from 4 diverse protagonists and go on an expedition to face off against the supernatural.
Strange Brigade has snappy controls with excellent third-person shooting mechanics. You’ll also make use of amulets that bestow powers, handy for lots of puzzle-solving segments. There are traps that are just as deadly for the enemies as for the protagonists. and neutralizing the plethora of enemy waves.
The game’s animations and aesthetic are giving us serious Fable vibes. We highly recommend Strange Brigade to anyone who wants accessible, fun, and adventure-heavy zombie games on their Xbox One.
Left 4 Dead 2
Our list’s next game, Left 4 Dead 2 on the Xbox One, takes us to a drastically different zombie game experience. More precisely, is the fact that it’s got a great emphasis on a co-op style of gameplay. You’ll love it too because it’s super fun.
Players will experience first-person shooting action within the same ballpark as other zombie shooters. The satisfying moment of working together to rip apart the brains of a zombie is an absolute delight.
The zombies are much more cunning, too, creating formations and tactics. It’s vital for players to strategize to anticipate their movement and kill them for good. A great way to enjoy Left 4 Dead 2 on Xbox One is to play with a friend or two.
Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
If the last entry on our list of Xbox zombie games was too dark, this one will brighten your day. Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is a cure for whenever you’re feeling low. The outlandish premise of having sentient plants and zombies colliding hilariously will put a smile on your face.
The sequel title is an improvement in every way over its predecessor. With silly names that’ll have you snickering, gameplay that’ll entertain like no other, and the funniest faces ever, you’re in for a rollicking good time in Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2.
Did we mention there are several new character classes with unique skills to unlock? You’ll lose countless hours once you dive into the game’s fun and addictive You can’t go wrong with Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2.
DayZ
If you’re tired of seeing cooperation in Xbox zombie games, then give DayZ a try. The game is super innovative in its presentation, depicting a more realistic and grim version of a zombie apocalypse.
You can be as selfish as you want in DayZ; it’s every survivor for themselves. Sure, you can find a partner online to team up with but remember to keep a close watch on them. Betrayal is part of DayZ’s uniqueness. You can tweak the experience further with our DayZ server hosting picks.
The game’s famous for not holding the player’s hand. There are no map markers to indicate points of interest. You must explore and discover things on your own. The resources are limited, and you need to fight with others, on top of zombies, to survive in DayZ.
Death Road To Canada
Fresh ideas for zombie games on Xbox are a rarity, so we must appreciate them whenever we see any. Case-in-point, Death Road To Canada is a delightful little indie game that brilliantly subverts expectations. It’ll give you loads of chuckles and rouse your curiosity, leaving you wanting more.
Death Road To Canada possesses a pixelated aesthetic reminiscent of the 16-bit era of video games. Perhaps that’s why we’ve got a soft spot for it and can look past any hiccups it has. The game’s got a party management system of sorts.
The mood and the character’s background play a significant role in the story. Also, there’s a clock ticking, and you must make each stop count where you have to gather supplies. Death Road To Canada gets a thumbs up from us; try it out.
The Evil Within 2
Ah, one of the most polished zombie games on Xbox also happens to be scariest as well. From the brilliant mind of Mr. Shinji Mikami himself, we’ve got a sequel that ups the intensity and the horror in The Evil Within 2.
If you’ve not played the first game, first, shame on you; second, you’re in luck, as both games, while connected, are standalone. The Evil Within 2 shows veteran detective Sebastian Castellanos entering a realm of nightmares and horrific creatures.
There’s a spooky vibe all around, and he must navigate the twists and turns to find his daughter. It’s not all bad, though, since players can upgrade Sebastian’s weapons and skills to even the odds somewhat. Though, we will say you’re better off using a cautious approach, as Walter White says, ‘Tread lightly.’
Telltale’s The Walking Dead
We’re big on narrative-driven titles, and if you’re in the same boat, you’ll know about the must-play Telltale games. One of their games involves zombies, based on the popular tv show and comic series, The Walking Dead. The gameplay carries depth, despite the illusion of choice.
Certain key decisions will end up really changing the games for better or worse. Rather than traditional choice and consequences, Telltale’s The Walking Dead is more of a moral quandary. You shape the protagonist’s personality in hopeless and depressing situations.
You can make them helpful or selfish. Each decision is remembered by NPCs, and they react accordingly. This creates a fun little interactive drama for players. After clearing a season of Telltale’s The Walking Dead, you can always go back to replay the game to use a different approach.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3 (Zombie Mode)
Talk about a trip down memory lane. Sure, everyone has their favorite Call Of Duty Zombie game on Xbox. However, nothing comes remotely close to matching the awesomeness of Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3 Zombies mode. They’re much more aggressive, which made aiming a bit of a challenge, but it was never tedious.
The sheer excellence of shooting the undead in this thrilling first-person shooter is beyond compare. The inclusion of co-op and having friends over or playing online was another reason to check out this fantastic game.
With plenty of upgrades and skills on top of the weapon variety, Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3 easily has the best zombie mode yet. The traversal and quicker pace of the game’s flow gives an adrenaline rush that very few can match.
Dead Space (Remake)
Our next choice for the best Xbox zombie games dives into the realm of cosmic horror with Dead Space (Remake). This terrifying game was a long time coming, as fans were clamoring for it to return to the series’ horror roots.
The remake’s improvements from the original game are apparent from the get-go. Isaac Clarke is fully voiced this time around, and the game’s graphics are a huge leap. Dead Space (Remake) also has an ambiance and sound design that’ll give players the heebi-jeebies.
Dead Space (Remake) plays to the fear of the dark and unknown. You’ll never know what’s waiting around the corner for you. The story is the same, mostly, but the enemies are much more relentless. The necropmorphs are space zombies that will not waste the chance to devour Isaac Clarke.
Resident Evil 2 Remake
We’re close to the end here and entering the upper echelon of zombie games on Xbox. We can think of no other title more deserving of this spot than Resident Evil 2 (Remake). The game’s ambiance is on a whole another level, giving players a sense of unease that we haven’t felt since the original Resident Evil 2.
With the choice of dual protagonists, Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, the gameplay narrative shifts. The level design and the visual upgrade of Resident Evil 2 (Remake) are top-notch. The zombies are not only horrific, but they’re harder to hit due to their awkward motion.
If that wasn’t enough, the looming presence of Mr. X, the Tyrant, is also a menace to deal with. Capcom has surely nailed it with Resident Evil 2 (Remake) on Xbox.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
For our runner-up choice on the list of top-tier zombie games on Xbox, we’re going with Dying Light 2 Stay Human. When the first game came out, it put Techland on the map. With the sequel, we’re happy to say; it handily knocks it out of the park again. Games like Dying Light 2 Stay Human are why we love the genre.
The action requires always being mindful of the surrounding. The zombies are tougher, more agile, and even more deadlier than before. Dying Light 2 Stay Human’s got loads of branching narratives, depending on the player’s choices and allegiances with factions.
Be careful, as every major choice will have repercussions. NPCS will become friendlier or hostile depending on if the new protagonist, Aiden, sides with them or not. This encourages multiple playthroughs.
Dead Island 2
Dead Island 2 is our top pick for the best zombie game overall on Xbox. If you’re wondering why that is, well, it’s because, after an 8-year-long wait, we finally got another entry in this spectacular zombie game series.
Dead Island 2 has roleplaying elements, seriously, we’re all for RPGS, but the card system felt like an experiment that didn’t pan out. Regardless, it doesn’t hamper the enjoyability of the game. The action and traversal are exhilarating as you use the environment to chain together zombie kills.
The gameplay of Dead Island 2 and the story is a pleasure to experience. We can safely say the wait was worth it. The inclusion of the FLESH system gives combat a strategic touch. You shouldn’t sleep on Dead Island 2; it’s incredibly outstanding.
Final Thoughts About the Best Zombie Games On Xbox
Well, that’s a wrap, folks. Our list of excellent zombie-themed games on Xbox concludes. We hope you all enjoyed the ride. So, what’re your thoughts on our picks? Fire away in the comments below.
If you think we’re missing a few of your favorites, don’t forget to mention them. In the meantime, if you’re hankering for more titles with flesh-eating abominations, here’s our ranking of 15 best zombie games. That’s it for now, so until next time, happy gaming, ya’ll.
