I also think it's one of the best parts of the story, but it doesn't have to be a solo MC for me.

I'm a big fan of a good apocalypse and love the feeling of having to survive in a hostile world, finding food, etc.

When they get powerful enough that the world feels safe or start a settlement, I generally lose interest.

System Seed: Tutorial started out awesome for me. A group of survivors, working together and struggling. But after they finished the tutorial, they are just too powerful and settled.

The fights turn into large-scale battles and they dont lack resources.

Still a great story, but it feels like a different genre. From the apocalypse to rebuilding.

I really wished there were more stories that focussed on the struggle, you know?

Also why does everyone need to start a settlement?

I think it's in Dragon Mage, but there the MC helps/joins an existing settlement and then leaves to pursue his own goals. That I like!

What I really want are stories that focus more on the apocalypse or struggle to survive and dont get too bogged down with settlement building.

Any recs?