Summary
- Prehistoric games offer unique experiences like surviving as dinosaurs or early humans in authentic environments.
- Dawn of Man combines survival and city-building, allowing players to evolve their tribes from hunter-gatherers to a settled community.
- Far Cry Primal immerses players in a Mesolithic setting, focusing on survival through crafting, taming animals, and tribe conflicts.
Prehistoric open-world games are a unique breed. They don’t just throw players into massive maps; they drop them into an ancient world where survival means spears, fire, and giant creatures lurking around every corner.
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It could be about evolving as an early human or trying not to get squashed by a T-Rex. These games capture the raw, untamed essence of prehistory. If players have ever wanted to hunt mammoths or just survive alongside dinosaurs, there's plenty to sink their teeth into on this list.
6 Saurian
A Dinosaur Simulator Done Right
Saurian
- Released
- August 2, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Saurian isn’t about surviving as a human; it’s about surviving as a dinosaur. Set in the Hell Creek Formation of 66 million years ago, it’s as close as players can get to living the prehistoric life as a Triceratops or a Dakotaraptor. The developers went all-in on scientific accuracy, even consulting paleontologists to make sure the behavior, environments, and even feathered dinosaurs were authentic.
Instead of crafting and building, the gameplay is all about the struggle to survive in a world where the line between predator and prey is a constant blur. Players experience the life cycle of their chosen dinosaur, from hatchling to adult, while dealing with hunger, thirst, and the constant threat of becoming someone else’s lunch. It’s a niche game, but for dino enthusiasts who want the real deal, it’s a dream come true.
5 Dawn of Man
When Humanity Was Just Getting Started
Dawn of Man
- Released
- March 1, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
It’s one thing to hunt mammoths; it’s another to build a whole civilization around it. Dawn of Man challenges players to lead a prehistoric tribe through the Stone Age, managing resources, crafting tools, and figuring out how not to freeze to death in harsh winters. It’s part survival, part city builder, and entirely addictive.
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The game strikes a balance between realistic challenges and accessible gameplay. Players can domesticate animals, develop early farming techniques, and gradually evolve their society from humble hunter-gatherers to a more settled community. The sense of progression is satisfying, especially when that first crop finally grows after a brutal winter. It’s a slower pace than most games on this list, but there’s something deeply rewarding about watching one's little tribe survive and thrive.
4 Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey
Evolution Is A Pain
Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey
- Released
- August 27, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Violence, Blood, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Panache Digital Games
- Publisher(s)
- Private Division
- Genre(s)
- Survival
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
From the mind behind Assassin’s Creed, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey takes players back to when humanity was just learning to walk upright. Set 10 million years ago, it’s a journey through evolution, guiding a clan of early hominids as they learn to use tools, forage, and stay alive in a world that’s out to kill them.
It’s not a game for the impatient. Players have to discover everything from scratch, from how to crack open a coconut to the terrifying realization that the river isn’t just a place to drink but also home to hungry crocodiles. The game’s hands-off approach means figuring things out is part of the experience. There’s a real sense of accomplishment in every tiny discovery, whether it’s learning to climb a tree without falling or teaching the next generation how to use a stick as a weapon.
3 Conan Exiles
Survival Of The Brutal
Conan Exiles
- Released
- May 8, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Nudity, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Funcom
- Genre(s)
- Survival, Action-Adventure
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Okay, so it’s technically more of a fantasy take on prehistory, but Conan Exiles nails that primal survival vibe. Players are thrown into the brutal Exiled Lands with nothing but the will to survive. Crafting weapons, building shelters, and fighting off both wildlife and other players make it a savage experience.
While the setting is loosely based on the Hyborian Age from Conan the Barbarian, the survival mechanics feel grounded. Harvesting resources, crafting armor from animal hides, and gathering food to stave off hunger give it that rugged, prehistoric feel. Plus, the map is massive, ranging from arid deserts to lush jungles, and it’s filled with hostile NPC factions that don’t take kindly to intruders. It’s a world that never stops challenging players, whether it’s dealing with rival clans or just trying not to die of thirst.
2 Far Cry Primal
Flint Weapons, Woolly Rhinos, And Sabertooth Companions
Far Cry Primal
- Released
- February 23, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Forget guns and vehicles; Far Cry Primal ditches modern warfare in favor of spears, clubs, and animal taming. Set in the fictional land of Oros, it transports players back to the Mesolithic period, where tribes clash over territory and predators stalk the forested hills.
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The game stands out by making the world itself feel alive. Mammoths roam the plains, packs of wolves hunt in the night, and rival tribes set up their own camps. The protagonist, Takkar, doesn’t just fight these threats; he learns to tame them, building a small army of loyal animal companions. Crafting is essential, with players gathering resources to upgrade weapons and construct a home base. The lack of modern technology doesn’t feel limiting; instead, it forces creativity, like using fire arrows to clear paths or calling on a bear to crush enemies.
1 Ark: Survival Evolved
Taming Dinosaurs Never Gets Old
ARK: Survival Evolved
- Released
- August 29, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Ark: Survival Evolved takes the survival genre and cranks it up to prehistoric chaos. It’s not just about avoiding danger; it’s about taming it. From giant T-Rexes to tiny Dodos, almost every creature can be turned into an ally or lunch. Set on a mysterious island full of ancient beasts and futuristic tech, it’s one part Jurassic Park, one part Lost, and completely addictive.
Building a fortress out of wood and stone is just the beginning. Players can eventually craft entire metal bases, breed genetically superior dinos, and even venture into high-tech areas with futuristic weapons. The community aspect is huge too. Players form tribes, wage wars, and build elaborate defenses to keep their precious creatures safe. It’s chaotic and sometimes overwhelming, but nothing compares to riding a raptor into battle while clanmates storm the enemy’s base with an army of triceratops.
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