Survival Story garnered a mixed reception from music critics who found it more meandering and preachy with its political leanings than its predecessor Fight with Tools.

Mike Schiller of PopMatters criticized the album for falling into the preachy side of delivering political messages that similar acts like Rage Against the Machine and The Roots tend to avoid, concluding that "Survival Story is Just Another Rap-Rock Record, something you've probably heard if you ever listened to P.O.D., or Linkin Park, or Limp effing Bizkit.

"[5] Nate Adams of No Ripcord also commented on the band's similarities to Rage Against the Machine, criticizing them for delivering unfocused and vague political commentary marketed to rap-rock fans in the teenage demographic.

[4] Eddie Fleisher of Alternative Press praised the group's two MCs for their vocal performances melding well with Mario Caldato, Jr.'s production, saying that "Those looking for another 'Handlebars' may be disappointed–Survival Story is more mature effort, showing that Flobots' best material may be yet to come.

"[6] All tracks are written by Stephen Brackett, Andy Guerrero, James Laurie, Kenneth Ortiz, Mackenzie Roberts and Jesse Walker, except where noted"White Flag Warrior" was the first single from the album, released digitally on 2 February 2010.