For as long as there have been video games, there have been dinosaur games. From classics like Jurassic Park on SNES to modern hits like Ark: Survival Evolved, we just can’t get enough of these prehistoric beasts. Their strength, size, and mystery capture our imaginations, making them the perfect subject matter for compelling gameplay.
In this article, we’ll countdown the 20 best dinosaur games that let you live out your fantasies of interacting with these magnificent creatures. Whether you prefer management sims, survival challenges, shooters, or exploration, there’s a dinosaur experience here for every gamer. Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to trek through dense jungles, vast plains, and tropical islands as we explore the most fun, innovative and downright awesome dino titles you can play right now.
Gigantosaurus
Suppose you’re in the mood for a dinosaur game that isn’t all about lifelike intensity, where the gameplay is focused more on a fun and imaginative experience rather than running from imminent extinction. In that case, Gigantosaurus should be your game of choice. This delightful game portrays the player as one of several animated dinosaurs whose mission is to save the world from an impending volcanic eruption.
In Gigantosaurus, exploration is as integral to the experience as the primary mission. Roam freely and discover the vivid landscapes, interact with the environment, and engage with elements that pique your curiosity. Simultaneously, the racing aspect of the game puts you in competition with other players, guaranteeing that everyone has a shot at being adept at some aspect of the game. This blend of exploration and competition ensures a varied pace, helping to maintain a high level of engagement throughout the game.
Gigantosaurus is, without a doubt, a top pick for the “best dinosaur games.” With its colorful graphics and playful storyline, it serves as an excellent game for dino-enthusiasts of all ages. It’s an opportunity for the entire family to band together for a unique and enjoyable gaming experience.
Path of Titans
Alternatively, if you’re seeking an intense survival game that encapsulates the reality of prehistoric life, you might find Path of Titans compelling. This massively multiplayer online game (MMO) boasts realistic graphics and offers players the reins of a dinosaur fighting for survival in a prehistoric world.
In the vast landscape of Path of Titans, it’s survival of the fittest. The game can support up to 200 active players, transforming it into a bustling world where anything could happen. But if you prefer to fly solo, don’t fret. A single-player mode allows you to fight against artificial intelligence (AI), providing you with ample challenges and excitement.
Path of Titans ensures players are continuously engaged by providing numerous tasks to accomplish as you navigate through the intricate ecosystem. It’s an adrenaline-charged environment, reminiscent of games like Among Us, but with a prehistoric twist. As a massive prehistoric beast, you’ll need to hunt for food to sustain yourself while simultaneously avoiding becoming someone else’s dinner.
Path of Titans is more than just a dinosaur game—it’s a simulation of prehistoric life that could be just the thrilling challenge you’re searching for. Offering a dynamic gaming experience, it unquestionably deserves a spot on the “best dinosaur games” list.
Jurassic World: Evolution 2
The thrill of managing your very own dinosaur park comes to life with Jurassic World: Evolution 2, an upgrade to the hugely popular first installment. The original game certainly set the bar high as a riveting tycoon-style game, but some found it a tad too simplistic. The sequel, however, significantly ups the ante, creating an even more immersive and complex dinosaur park management experience, easily making it one of the best dinosaur games out there.
Jurassic World: Evolution 2 brings more than just a host of new dinosaurs into the mix. The game boasts a range of new elements that make running your dinosaur park an adventure in itself. From new mechanics to diverse biomes, to an array of challenges, the game broadens your managerial responsibilities and keeps you engaged at all times.
What’s more, Jurassic World: Evolution 2 also includes downloadable content expansions inspired by Jurassic World: Dominion, adding another layer of excitement to the game. It beautifully exemplifies what a sequel should accomplish—retaining the elements that made the first game successful while improving and enlarging the gameplay. It’s not just bigger; it’s better.
Lego Jurassic World
When it comes to the world of gaming, the Lego franchise has undoubtedly made a name for itself. Known for their clever adaptations of popular film franchises, the games offer a unique, light-hearted gaming experience. Lego Jurassic World continues this tradition, bringing the fun and excitement of the Jurassic World universe to the whimsical world of Lego.
However, what sets Lego Jurassic World apart from other entries in the franchise, making it one of the best dinosaur games around, is its encompassing approach to content. This Lego game isn’t just inspired by the Jurassic World film; it also includes the adventures from the three previous Jurassic Park Lego games.
The game offers players ample opportunities for dinosaur fun, from relishing humorous moments translated into Lego brick format to showcasing their creativity by crafting their unique, outlandish Lego dinosaur creations. These creations can then be proudly displayed in the paddocks across the game’s locations— the iconic Isla Nublar and Isla Sorna. In summary, Lego Jurassic World offers a perfect blend of humor, creativity, and dinosaur-themed excitement, promising hours of fun for players of all ages.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
If you’re on the hunt for the best dinosaur games that offer fun without the fear of becoming an appetizing morsel for a predatory dinosaur, look no further than Yoshi’s Crafted World. Here, everyone’s beloved green dinosaur hero, Yoshi, steps into the spotlight in his irresistibly charming, fuzzy form. This game is a delightful burst of creativity and charm, reminiscent of a craft-inspired joyride, perfect for players who appreciate an imaginative gaming experience.
In Yoshi’s Crafted World, the adorable Yoshis are snatched away from Craft World by the wicked Magikoopa, and it’s your mission to save them. The game effortlessly combines playful adventure and heartwarming storytelling, resulting in an enchanting experience for players of all ages.
As you leap and bound through the game’s levels, each intricately designed with paper and pipe cleaners, you’ll be serenaded by a cheerful soundtrack that enhances the game’s charm. You can undertake this gentle platforming adventure alone or with a friend, making it a fantastic option for cooperative play.
Fans of Yoshi’s Woolly World will find familiar elements, including the delightful quest for collectibles and hidden Poochy Pups within each level. You’ll undoubtedly spend countless enjoyable hours ensuring you’ve found each one of these endearing pups. After all, how could you possibly leave any behind?
Beasts of Bermuda
If survival games with a prehistoric twist pique your interest, Beasts of Bermuda should be on your list of the best dinosaur games. In this game, you step into the scaly skin of a dinosaur, choosing from one of four categories – airborne, aquatic, herbivore, or carnivore. Each dinosaur type comes with its unique abilities and survival needs, adding a strategic element to the game as you weigh the pros and cons of each.
But survival is just the tip of the iceberg in Beasts of Bermuda. This game is also an online multiplayer game, encouraging interaction with an active community of fellow dinosaur enthusiasts. This aspect ensures a dynamic gameplay experience, where you’ll constantly adapt and strategize as you interact with other players in the game.
Furthermore, Beasts of Bermuda features a range of environmental variations, from changing weather conditions to diverse ecosystems, which significantly influence your survival strategies. This high degree of customization means you can tailor your gaming experience to fit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of survival games, dinosaur games, or multiplayer games, Beasts of Bermuda delivers on all fronts, making it an exceptional pick for any gamer.
Dino D-Day
When it comes to the best dinosaur games, Dino D-Day offers a refreshing change of pace from typical multiplayer games with shooter elements. Many of these games lean towards realism and can feel a bit rigid and solemn, particularly those set in historical periods. Dino D-Day bucks this trend by infusing elements of World War II gameplay with an audacious dose of dinosaur-themed action.
The gameplay of Dino D-Day is an invigorating blend of tactical gunfighting reminiscent of Day of Defeat and the thrilling, unpredictable combat only dinosaurs can offer. It may initially sound like a humorous concept in the vein of games like Blood and Bacon, but beneath the surface, Dino D-Day is a sophisticated class-based shooter teeming with creative ideas.
Expect to encounter tiny dinosaurs that enhance their explosive capabilities with quick ankle bites, or raptors that can isolate and eliminate single targets in a few swift strikes, reminiscent of the Hunter character in Left 4 Dead. While Dino D-Day is an older title and its player base has seen a decline, it still offers a unique experience. Especially if you can rally a group of friends to join, it serves as an excellent break from the norm.
Saurian
If you’re seeking an immersive simulation amongst the best dinosaur games, Saurian is a title you can’t afford to miss. This game offers a unique twist to the genre—you begin your journey as a hatchling dinosaur, striving to survive to adulthood in a world brimming with predators and the daily struggle for sustenance.
Saurian is characterized by an impressive attention to detail. The developers have made commendable efforts to portray the game’s environment and creatures as scientifically accurate as possible. This means, yes, you’ll encounter dinosaurs adorned with feathers!
In the current version, you can step into the shoes (or rather, claws) of a feather-tailed Dakotaraptor or the recently released Triceratops. Both these creatures are represented with an extraordinary level of realism. As you explore the dangerous yet mesmerizing landscapes of Hell Creek, you’ll get a sense of what it was like to survive as a dinosaur back in the day.
Parkasaurus
If you’re yearning for a change of pace and prefer to avoid hunting, wrestling, or shooting dinosaurs, Parkasaurus is amongst the best dinosaur games for a cheerful, less-intense experience. Rather than engaging in epic battles, you’ll find yourself managing a vividly colored theme park, complete with adorably styled dinosaurs sporting propeller caps and trendy shutter shades.
Sure, occasionally a purple T-Rex in a fluffy hat may decide to entertain a visitor in his mouth, or perhaps someone accidentally catches on fire, but those are minor hiccups in the grand scheme of things. After all, the heart of Parkasaurus lies in managing your dino park, ensuring both your guests and your dinos are content, and generally avoiding any unpleasant puncture wounds.
While its concept may echo Jurassic Park Evolution, Parkasaurus is a world apart in execution. Its shiny, low-poly style, coupled with a user-friendly interface and a seemingly endless array of silly hats, make it a delightful contrast to more serious dinosaur games. With over 24 different dinos to discover, nurture, and care for, Parkasaurus is an absolute must for dinosaur enthusiasts seeking a tranquil game to unwind with after a long day of Mesozoic era adventures.
Jurassic World: Aftermath
If the infamous kitchen raptor scene from Jurassic Park has a special, albeit terrifying, place in your memory, then Jurassic World: Aftermath will undoubtedly satisfy your craving for a good fright. This VR game, which is a standout among the best dinosaur games, plunges you into a world filled with dread as you find yourself relentlessly hunted by ferocious raptors.
Set between the events of Jurassic World and Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom, Aftermath invites you to navigate a perilous path of stealth as you strive to escape a raptor-infested research facility. Equipped with nothing more than your quick thinking and a few distraction techniques, you’ll experience a level of immersion that’s both thrilling and terrifying.
We can assure you, trying to calm the raptors in a Chris Pratt-like fashion won’t work out in your favor, unless you’re keen on becoming finger food for the predators. So, if you’re a fan of palpable tension and heart-stopping suspense, Jurassic World: Aftermath is a must-play experience.
Prehistoric Kingdom
It seems dinosaur-themed park management simulations are becoming as ubiquitous as buses. You might feel like you’ve waited 65 million years, and then suddenly, there are three on the same list! Nonetheless, the 2022 Prehistoric Kingdom stands out from the crowd due to its diverse range of extinct creatures.
Sure, there’s the famed T-Rex—unquestionably a must-have in any prehistoric adventure—but the game also introduces other extinct giants like the Woolly Mammoth, Woolly Rhino, and the iconic Saber Tooth Tiger. These beasts are all available for display in your beautifully crafted dinosaur zoo.
One of the most remarkable features of this game is the meticulous work that’s been put into animation. It also features mini-exhibits, delightful spaces where you can design lush vegetation and home to lesser-known but fascinating living fossils, like the four-winged Microraptor. Currently in Early Access, developers Blue Meridian are transparent about the game’s work-in-progress nature, yet Prehistoric Kingdom’s already impressive features don’t give us any reason to scramble for the helicopters yet.
Jurassic World Evolution
When considering the best dinosaur games in the building simulator genre, Jurassic World Evolution indisputably claims the crown. Not only does it offer fans of the Jurassic Park franchise a vivid simulation of managing a dinosaur park, but it also provides ample room for players to exercise their creativity—while ensuring dinosaurs remain contained, of course.
Jurassic World Evolution offers players the freedom to shape the park’s direction according to their preferences, whether that means prioritizing security measures, focusing on scientific research, or putting entertainment at the forefront. Its diverse modes present varying levels of challenge, complemented by a free-build alternative for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.
This game guarantees that dinosaur enthusiasts will find something to love as they construct their own Jurassic World. Whether you’re strategizing park management or simply soaking in the thrill of having dinosaurs roam your creation, Jurassic World Evolution is a satisfying adventure you won’t want to miss.
Minecraft – Jurassic World
Imagine combining the creative possibilities of Minecraft with the thrill of managing a dinosaur-themed park. Sounds exciting, right? Well, the official Universal game, Minecraft’s Jurassic World DLC, does precisely that. This gem, available on the Minecraft Marketplace for the Bedrock Edition, goes beyond your typical movie tie-in experience.
Embark on your journey on Isla Nublar, where a vast, pixelated Jurassic World awaits you. As the park’s new manager, you’ll have your hands full. Not only will you have to welcome eager visitors through your gates, but also ensure the smooth operation of your park. Prepare to deal with unexpected disasters, repair acts of sabotage, and even fly to dig sites to acquire DNA for a range of 60 different dinosaurs.
Characters like Clare Dearing and Dr Wu from the original movie franchise are there to guide you with missions, and you can explore the sprawling sights in your very own gyrosphere. Mojang’s deep appreciation for the Jurassic series shines through every aspect of this game, making it one of the best dinosaur games for fans seeking an immersive, lovingly crafted experience.
The Isle
Just when you started to think that life from a dinosaur’s perspective might be all sunshine and an abundant buffet of prey, The Isle emerges to topple your expectations. This open-world survival horror game provides a stark and relentless depiction of prehistoric life, regardless of whether you choose to play as a carnivorous dinosaur or a vulnerable human.
Survival is the sole focus in this perilous world where every creature with teeth could spell your end. You’ll need to navigate your way carefully, avoiding conflicts and focusing on survival as you fend off other players eager to make you their next meal.
Currently, The Isle is in Early Access, and the developers are consistently working on improving the game. Even now, the game offers a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled experience that drives home the harsh realities of life in the dinosaur era. It quickly becomes apparent that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side—it’s, well, decidedly bloodier. This game’s ruthless take on survival in a dinosaur-dominated world makes it one of the best dinosaur games for those seeking a heart-pounding challenge.
Dino Crisis 2
The PlayStation era was graced with the inception of Dino Crisis, a game that many proclaimed as “Resident Evil, but with dinosaurs.” Released in 1999, this survival horror video game swiftly gathered acclaim, blending the thrill of the Resident Evil gameplay with the magnificence of dinosaurs. The result? A title that became one of PlayStation’s top-selling games.
The sequel, Dino Crisis 2, too, was met with overwhelming approval from both critics and gamers alike. Diverging from the horror-centric theme, this installment embraced more of an adventurous spirit. It introduced a variety of intricate and immersive environments that players couldn’t get enough of.
To this day, Dino Crisis 2 holds a cherished spot in PlayStation’s hall of fame, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that the game has never been remastered or re-released. When looking for the best dinosaur games, this gem from the past stands as a must-play for any dinosaur and survival horror enthusiasts.
Monster Hunter: World
While it may not feature traditional dinosaurs, it’s hard to ignore the clear prehistoric inspiration behind many creatures in Monster Hunter: World. Look at the likes of Apceros or Anjanath, and you’ll quickly see resemblances to real dinosaurs, even if the larger monsters in the game take on a more fantastical form.
As the title suggests, in Monster Hunter: World, you step into the boots of a monster hunter in a vibrant world teeming with a wide range of creatures. Each monster requires identification, tracking, and strategic planning to take down in exhilarating boss battles. Victories are rewarded by scavenging resources from your fallen foes, which can be used to create stronger weapons and armor—essential for tackling even more formidable creatures.
Apart from the game’s alluring progression system, it boasts some of the finest action-RPG combat in the gaming world. The vast array of weaponry—ranging from traditional sword-shield combos to quirky tools like the gunlance—offers a steep learning curve that promises satisfying mastery over time. It’s safe to say that, if you’re willing to put in the hours, Monster Hunter: World offers one of the best dinosaur hunting experiences, even if some of its beasts have fire-breathing abilities and wings. The Monster Hunter series is also expanding its PC presence, allowing more players to experience the thrill of these dinosaur-inspired hunts.
Far Cry: Primal
Before you brace yourself to correct us, let us clarify: we’re well aware that Far Cry: Primal unfolds during the Mesolithic era, a time long after dinosaurs were extinguished from the Earth. However, if you’re on the hunt for the best dinosaur games and have a passion for prehistoric creatures, then Far Cry: Primal should undoubtedly be on your list. Instead of dinosaurs, the game offers you mammoths, woolly rhinos, and imposing cave bears – creatures that are as enthralling and fearsome.
Far Cry: Primal doesn’t just present these creatures as mere aesthetic elements, but allows you to hunt them and even tame some. Imagine sending a mammoth or a cave bear into a battle on your side! Beyond the thrill of engaging with these ancient beasts, the game serves up an immersive open world, filled with countless diversions, hidden quests, and intriguing narratives. While it might not top the list of the best Far Cry games, it certainly provides a captivating journey back in time.
Ark: Survival Evolved
Among all the dinosaur games out there, Ark: Survival Evolved secures the crown as the finest. This open-world survival game plunges you into an island teeming with challenges, where survival is the primary goal. You’ll face threats from various quarters – be it the island’s dinosaur inhabitants or the treacherous climatic conditions.
As you make progress through the game, you’ll gain abilities, like crafting tools, which eventually empower you to ride many of the wandering dinosaurs. This journey of coexisting with these majestic, ancient beasts is nothing short of a thrill ride. And to add another layer of excitement, Ark also offers multiplayer options, allowing you to team up with friends and tackle the prehistoric challenges together. It’s safe to say that Ark: Survival Evolved, with its immersive gameplay and robust multiplayer experience, rightfully earns its place among the best dinosaur games.
Horizon: Forbidden West
One of the best dinosaur games out there that improves upon its predecessor is the highly acclaimed Horizon: Forbidden West. This sequel elevates the success of the original, crafting an expansive and deeply immersive RPG that leaves players hooked for hours on end. With an array of intriguing side quests, a cast of unforgettable characters, and an enhanced combat system, Horizon: Forbidden West is undoubtedly deserving of its widespread praise.
The game takes the concept of robotic dinosaurs to new heights, introducing a diverse range of new adversaries that are visual masterpieces in their own right. It’s rare for a sequel to outshine its forerunner so dramatically, but Forbidden West has accomplished this feat, solidifying its status as a pair of modern classics in the realm of dinosaur games.
Second Extinction
Stepping into the world of online FPS games, Second Extinction, available on Steam, offers players an intense fight against mutated dinosaurs, including the electrifying Electro Raptor, aiming to reclaim the Earth. This game blurs the line between love and hate for dinosaurs, offering massive maps to traverse, hefty weaponry to wield, and grand beasts to hunt. If these elements align with your gaming preferences, then Second Extinction should be your next pick.
That wraps up our rundown of the finest dinosaur games available on PC. If you have a hankering for more nostalgia-infused gaming experiences, don’t forget to check out our compilation of the best retro games. Meanwhile, we’ll be hoping for more triple-A game studios to recognize the potential thrill and allure of adding a dash of dinosaur action to their creations.
