16 Essential Open-World Video Games Coming In 2017 & 2018

8. State Of Decay 2

Easily one of the most beloved games of the current generation, State of Decay's sequel is taking the "If it ain't broke..." pathway to victory.

Time will tell if just more of the same is enough, but at least it gives us a rock-solid idea of what to expect. Essentially open-world zombie survival with light real-time strategy elements, you'll need to amass a small posse of followers and learn how to best use their skills, before venturing out into the world and claiming new areas as safe zones.

Along the way you'll come across formidable zombie foes, stranded civilians, day/night cycles, home base attacks and campfire raids (the game's clock doesn't stop when you turn off), drawing you into a never-ending, dynamic sense of storytelling.

For all its mechanical accomplishments, State of Decay occasionally fell down where animation and general presentation were concerned, and as they're the two main areas this sequel is addressing, it's an essential buy for survival and zombie fans alike.