Essential Tips for Beginners in Survival Games

16 November 2025

Starting out in the world of survival games is like being dropped into a jungle with nothing but a toothpick and a lot of hope. It’s exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and sometimes downright confusing! These are the games that challenge your instincts, creativity, and, occasionally, your patience. But hey, don’t sweat it! If you're new to the genre, I’ve got your back. Grab your imaginary compass, and let’s navigate the uncharted territories of survival games together.

Whether you're fending off zombies, crafting tools, or trying to keep your character fed without eating something poisonous (we’ve all been there), these essential tips will set you on the right track.

1. Start Small, Not Savage

Let’s face it, diving headfirst into hardcore survival can be like signing up for a marathon without stretching first—you’ll burn out fast. Instead, pick a beginner-friendly game to ease into the genre. Games like Minecraft (Survival Mode), Don’t Starve, or Valheim are excellent starting points.

Why? Because these titles give you some breathing room. You’ll learn the basics—like gathering resources, crafting tools, and staying alive—without an angry horde chasing you 24/7. Think of it like dipping your toes into the water instead of cannonballing into shark-infested depths.

2. Gather First, Worry Later

When you spawn into your game, don’t immediately go running toward the cool mountain in the distance or that suspiciously shiny object. Stop. Breathe. Take stock of your surroundings. The first thing you should do? Gather EVERYTHING. Wood, stones, berries, sticks—you name it.

Why? Because these mundane-sounding items are the foundation of survival. Twigs and stones might not seem flashy, but they’re the bread and butter of crafting your first tools. It’s like building a house; you need the bricks before worrying about the fancy doorknob.

3. Crafting Is King

Survival games are, essentially, just glorified crafting simulators. You’ll spend a good chunk of time breaking stuff apart to make newer, cooler stuff. Don’t be overwhelmed. Start with the basics:
- A weapon (to defend yourself—duh).
- A tool (like an axe or pickaxe for gathering resources faster).
- A shelter (because no one likes being eaten alive at night).

Also, don’t forget to craft a fire or a torch early on. You don’t know terror until you’ve wandered into complete darkness and heard something growling behind you. Spoiler alert: It’s never your friendly neighborhood puppy.

4. Food Isn’t Optional, Buddy

In survival games, hunger isn't just a minor annoyance—it can be your biggest downfall. Keep an eye on your hunger bar (or whatever system your game uses to track food). Don’t let it dip too low, or you’ll be moving slower than a sloth stuck in quicksand.

Find food sources early on. Fruits, berries, and fish are good options when you’re just starting. Stay away from suspicious-looking mushrooms unless you like hallucinating or poisoning yourself (pro tip: you don’t). And, for the love of all that’s pixelated, cook your raw meat. Eating it raw might save your life in a pinch, but nine times out of ten, it’ll come with a side of food poisoning. Gross.

5. Don’t Ignore Shelter

Ah, shelter—the difference between surviving the night and becoming monster chow. In most survival games, a temporary base of operations is crucial. Start with something simple: a nice little hut made of wood or dirt.

Sure, it won’t win any architectural awards, but it’ll keep you safe from the creepy critters that come out at night. Once you’ve secured your spot, start thinking about upgrades. Traps? Reinforced walls? Maybe even a comfy bed? Yep, your survival mansion is only a few dozen logs away.

6. The Rule of Threes

Here’s a golden rule to keep in mind: You can survive roughly 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. Most survival games stick pretty close to this principle.

Water is your first big concern. If your game features a thirst meter, prioritize finding clean, drinkable water. No fresh springs nearby? Look for ways to purify whatever water you can find (boiling it is usually a safe bet). Trust me, your kidneys will thank you later.

7. Watch Your Environment

Ever been casually chopping wood and then BAM—a bear mauls you? Yeah, same. Survival games are all about paying attention to your surroundings.

Listen for sounds (footsteps, growls, or ominous music cues). Watch for movement in your peripheral vision. If something seems off, it probably is. The environment is both your best friend and your worst enemy. Use it wisely—hide in tall grass, climb trees, or use natural barriers to your advantage.

8. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

If your game has multiplayer, don’t be a lone wolf. Sure, going solo sounds cool in theory, but having a buddy to watch your back (or carry half the loot) makes survival infinitely easier. Plus, it’s far more fun to face disasters with a friend.

Got that one friend who hoards all the resources? Yep, every group’s got one. But hey, even they have their uses—like distracting wild animals while you make a daring escape. Remember, teamwork is crucial… even if it’s chaotic at times.

9. Embrace the Chaos

Let’s get real: You’re going to mess up. A lot. You’ll eat the wrong mushroom, accidentally light your house on fire (don’t ask), or die because you thought you could “totally take that giant spider.” It’s okay. Failing is part of the fun!

Think of survival games as a series of trial-and-error experiments. Every mistake is a lesson. Laugh it off, grab your gear (if you can), and jump back into the chaos. You’ll improve—you just might have to die a few dozen times first.

10. Keep Calm Under Pressure

Panicking in a survival game is like throwing gasoline on a campfire—it only makes things worse. Got a zombie horde closing in? Take a deep breath and think before you act. Is running the best option? Could you lure them into a trap? Maybe climbing to higher ground gives you an edge?

Keeping a cool head is your secret weapon. It’s just a game, after all—though it might feel like life or death when you’re in the thick of it. Trust yourself. You’ve got this.

11. Learn to Let Go

One of the harsh truths about survival games: Sometimes, you can’t save everything. Lost all your resources because you died miles away from your base? It happens. Don’t waste time sulking. Start over and rebuild.

Pro tip: Keep a stash of backup resources at your base. This way, even if you lose your precious loot, you’ll have the basics waiting for you when you respawn. Think of it as your emergency fund, but instead of cash, it’s wood and rocks.

12. Level Up Your Skills

Many survival games feature skill trees or leveling systems. Pay attention to these because they can make your life MUCH easier. Whether it’s faster crafting, better stamina, or improved combat skills, investing in the right upgrades can be a game-changer.

Focus on the skills that complement your playstyle. Love building? Upgrade your crafting abilities. Hate dying in combat? Put those points into better defense or weapon skills. It’s like creating your own survival superhero.

13. Be Curious, Be Brave

Survival games thrive on exploration. That cave you’re too scared to enter? It might have rare resources or hidden loot. That NPC in the sketchy hut? They could sell you something valuable. Survival games reward those who take risks—within reason, of course.

But remember, curiosity killed the cat (or, in this case, the player). Always be prepared when venturing into new territory. Bring plenty of supplies, weapons, and maybe even an escape plan if things go south.

14. Have Fun!

At the end of the day, survival games are meant to be enjoyable. Sure, they can be stressful as heck, but that’s part of the charm. The moments where everything clicks—when you fend off an attack, build an epic base, or finally cook a meal without poisoning yourself—make it all worth it.

So kick back, immerse yourself in the adventure, and embrace the chaos. After all, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving (eventually).