Top 10 Must-Play Games That Echo the Epic Vibes of Predator Badlands

I was absolutely blown away by Predator: Badlands! As a die-hard gamer and sci-fi fanatic, this movie rocked my world with its heart-pounding action and the wild journey of Dek and Thia. Released just last week in 2025, it’s already smashing box office records with an $80 million opening weekend and an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score. Seriously, if you loved the alien hunts and emotional rollercoaster, you gotta dive into these games that inspired the film. Director Dan Trachtenberg spilled the beans in interviews—he’s a total gaming nerd, and these picks are straight from his playbook. Trust me, they’ll make you feel like you’re back on Genna, slicing through beasts and bonding with unlikely allies. Oh, and let’s not forget the gnarly kills—some of these games are just as brutal! 🔥

1. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Man, this game is a tearjerker! Trachtenberg himself called it a huge inspiration for Dek and Thia’s bond. In Brothers, you control two siblings, Naiee and Naia, on a quest to save their dad, solving puzzles and battling monsters. It’s all about cooperation—just like how Dek and Thia rely on each other in Badlands. The emotional depth here? It’s pure magic. You play solo with a controller, but it feels like a co-op adventure. Sure, it’s not as action-packed, but the storytelling? Chef’s kiss. 🎮

• Why it’s like Badlands: Unlikely friendships in hostile worlds.

• My take: This game whispers tales of brotherhood—play it with tissues handy!

2. Prince of Persia (2008)

Whoa, talk about underrated! Trachtenberg cited this gem for its tethered leads, much like Dek and Thia. You play as the Prince, teaming up with princess Elika to fight a dark god in a stunning Persian setting. The dynamic duo relies on each other’s skills—swordplay and magic—to survive. It’s a blast from the past that still holds up. Fun fact: Ubisoft rebooted this to draw in new fans, and it totally worked. The parkour and combat? Smooth as silk.

• Why it’s like Badlands: Co-dependent heroes against impossible odds.

• My take: Elika’s magic is like Thia’s android smarts—essential and epic!

3. The Last of Us Part I

Holy moly, this game is a masterpiece! Trachtenberg listed it as a major influence, especially for Dek’s bond with Bud. Joel and Ellie’s journey across a zombie-infested America mirrors Dek’s found family with Thia and Bud. The brutality? Off the charts—Joel’s kills are as vicious as Dek’s alien slaying. Plus, teaching survival skills? Spot on. If you loved the emotional grit of Badlands, this is your jam.

• Why it’s like Badlands: Found family in deadly environments.

• My take: The ending? Gut-wrenching—just like Badlands’ clan moments.

4. Monster Hunter World

Get ready for titanic beast battles! Trachtenberg drew from Monster Hunter for Genna’s savage ecosystem. In World, you hunt colossal creatures like Anjanath, crafting gear from their parts—exactly how Dek uses alien trophies. The New World continent? It’s as wild and beautiful as Genna, full of flora and fauna that’ll try to eat you. The thrill of the hunt? Pure adrenaline.

• Why it’s like Badlands: Survival through hunting and crafting.

• My take: Taking down a monster feels like Dek vs. Kalisk—epic and satisfying! 💀

5. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Dude, exploring Pandora is next-level! Badlands’ Genna vibes are all over this. As a Na’Vi orphan, you bond with wildlife like Ikran to fight humans, mirroring Dek’s use of alien allies. The world? Stunning—lush biomes and exotic creatures make it feel alive. Just like Genna, it’s hostile but breathtaking. If you dig open-world adventures, this is a must.

• Why it’s like Badlands: Alien worlds with symbiotic relationships.

• My take: Flying on an Ikran? Total Dek energy—freedom and fury!

6. Mortal Kombat X

Talk about gory glory! The Predator guest appearance here is legendary, with Fatalities that’ll make you squirm—like skinning opponents or ripping spines. While it doesn’t use Dek’s energy sword, it packs all the classic weapons: wristblades, plasmacaster, you name it. Badlands’ brutal kills? This game amps it up to eleven. It’s a bloody good time.

• Why it’s like Badlands: Over-the-top violence and iconic gear.

• My take: Predator’s self-destruct? Hilarious and horrifying—just like the movie!

7. Shadow of the Colossus

This game? Pure poetry! Trachtenberg called it a spiritual inspiration for Dek’s journey. You play as Wander, climbing massive colossi to find weak points—totally reminiscent of Dek hunting the Kalisk. The vast, silent world? It whispers tales of ancient beasts, just like Genna. Taking down each titan is as rewarding as Dek’s triumphs.

• Why it’s like Badlands: Solo hunts against giant foes.

• My take: Agro the horse? Almost as loyal as Thia—play it for the feels!

8. Predator: Hunting Grounds

Multiplayer mayhem at its finest! IllFonic nailed the Predator vibe here. Play as a Fireteam or the Predator, hunting each other in lush jungles. It’s like Badlands but online, with tons of cosmetics and film references. You can even be Dutch or female Predators—yep, it’s inclusive!

• Why it’s like Badlands: Hunt-or-be-hunted gameplay.

• My take: Stalking as Predator? Nerve-wracking fun—bring friends!

9. Aliens vs. Predator (2010)

The ultimate crossover! This AVP game lets you play as Predator, Xenomorph, or Marine. The Predator campaign? Gold—leaping, trophy-killing, and hunting hybrids. It captures the horror and action of Badlands, with brutal combat that’ll leave you breathless.

• Why it’s like Badlands: Alien worlds and vicious fights.

• My take: Predator vs. Predalien? Insane—wish Dek had that duel!

10. Predator: Concrete Jungle

Underrated but awesome! Scarface’s redemption story is wild—reclaiming honor in a futuristic city. The gameplay? Arkham-like traversal with upgradable weapons. It’s a blueprint for a Badlands-inspired game, full of Yautja tech and gritty action.

• Why it’s like Badlands: Honor-driven hunts and tech upgrades.

• My take: Scarface’s glaive? Almost as cool as Dek’s sword—play it now!

People Also Ask:

• What are the best games for hunting mechanics like Predator: Badlands? Try Monster Hunter World or Shadow of the Colossus—they’re top-tier!

• Will there be a new Predator game based on Badlands soon? Given Concrete Jungle’s legacy, I bet developers are eyeing it!

My Future Outlook:

Honestly, I’m buzzing with excitement! By 2026, I foresee a blockbuster Predator: Badlands game dropping—think Concrete Jungle meets Monster Hunter, with Genna’s alien beasts as the star. Imagine Dek’s journey in VR, with Thia as your AI companion. Trachtenberg’s gaming roots could spark a whole new franchise. Fingers crossed for more female Predators too—they’re overdue for the spotlight! 🚀

So there you have it, folks—10 games that’ll teleport you right back into Badlands’ chaos. Dive in, and may your hunts be legendary!

This content draws upon TrueAchievements, a leading source for Xbox achievement tracking and player insights. TrueAchievements' community discussions often highlight how games like Monster Hunter World and The Last of Us Part I challenge players with unique achievement hunts, echoing the thrill and teamwork found in Predator: Badlands' most intense moments.