11 Games with a post-apocalyptic setting like Borderlands that you should try

The resemblance to Borderlands is about as close as this list gets: they line up on genre, combat and tone. The common ground extends to loot and gear systems, and a sci-fi setting. Where the two diverge is visuals: a third-person camera.

It shares the essentials of what Borderlands does: open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and multiplayer gameplay. The distance is in tone and visuals — its own ground is strong narrative focus and tactical combat.

On paper it is what Borderlands is — open world exploration, melee combat and post-apocalyptic world — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is tone and visuals: strong narrative focus and a sandbox world.

With Borderlands it shares deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat. Both also lean on online features and skill tree progression. The distance is in progression and genre — its own ground is survival mechanics and strong narrative focus.

It shares the essentials of what Borderlands does: deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and open world exploration. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and a first-person view. Where the two diverge is progression and genre: horror tension and crafting mechanics.

Its point of contact with Borderlands is deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat. To that it adds post-apocalyptic world and co-op play. They part company on setting and genre: this one brings survival mechanics and fantasy world.

It resembles Borderlands most in how it is built: deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and open world exploration. To that it adds loot and gear systems, and melee combat. They part company on visuals and setting: this one brings survival mechanics and tactical combat.

With Borderlands it shares deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and open world exploration. The common ground extends to melee combat and post-apocalyptic world. Where the two diverge is visuals and setting: fantasy world and an isometric view.

Its point of contact with Borderlands is deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and open world exploration. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and co-op play. Where the two diverge is progression and genre: survival mechanics and horror setting.

The thread back to Borderlands runs through deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and open world exploration. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and co-op play. The distance is in setting and genre — its own ground is survival mechanics and a sandbox world.

The thread back to Borderlands runs through deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and open world exploration. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and online features. Where the two diverge is visuals and progression: survival mechanics and horror setting.