Giveaway Best – You could argue that horror video games are scarier than horror movies. At least with movies, you can close your eyes to stop watching if things get too intense. But when you play a horror game, you must participate. Throw in extra immersion (like Resident Evil 7 in VR) and you’ll understand why this genre has many YouTubers shrieking in delight for their audiences.
Best Horror games come in all gruesome shapes and sizes. Some are shooters that let you blast away spooky monsters. Others are survival games where escape is the only option. Some even go psychological, hoping your imagination comes up with something more terrifying than the pixels. Unpredictability is a cornerstone of fear, and our favorite horror games below prove it.
Alan Wake II: Night Springs
Alan Wake II is a survival horror masterpiece. But if you’ve already exited the Dark Place, the Night Springs DLC gives Alan Wake II owners a new set of paranormal rabbit holes to explore. This expansion includes three episodic adventures with their own twists on spooky third-person shooting, presented as a Twilight Zone-esque anthology show. More than just goofy fun, Night Springs teases a mind-blowing future for Remedy’s Connected Universe.
Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation may be the best Alien-based game ever made. Instead of using James Cameron’s action-focused Aliens as its foundation, as so many video game developers have done in the past, Creative Assembly looked at Sir Ridley Scott’s original 1979 film for inspiration. And it pays off. Rather than focusing on running and gunning, Alien: Isolation is all about evasion and subterfuge. Though you gain some assistance via radio, you, as the daughter of Ellen Ripley, must navigate a world of survival horror on your own, dodging the alien stalker using your wits, the environment, and the tools you craft. Alien: Isolation is smart, dark, and oppressive in all the right ways.
Dead Island
When Techland’s Dead Island trailer debuted, it featured one of the most moving video game sequences ever produced: a small child and her family being slaughtered by zombies against the backdrop of a soft, haunting Giles Lamb musical score. Dead Island’s gameplay doesn’t quite match the trailer’s promise, but the open-world action-RPG offers a very solid zombie-slaying good time as you craft weapons and try to stay alive in an island paradise gone wrong.
Dead Rising 2: Off The Record
Frank West returns to zombie-slaying action in Dead Rising 2: Off The Record. Capcom’s reimagining of Dead Rising 2 sees the gruff photojournalist facing off against a wider array of monsters, building new weapons, snapping photos, and best of all, mixing it up in a new open-world sandbox mode. Stomping the undead is fun, though bugs and repetitive gameplay keep Dead Rising 2 from achieving true greatness.
Dead Space (2023)
Inspired by the Resident Evil games and the film Event Horizon, the original Dead Space was a potent mix of dreary locations and tense, sci-fi frights. Now, more than a decade after its original release, publisher Electronic Arts has resurrected the game for contemporary PCs. This Dead Space features impressive lighting effects, excellent graphics enhancements, and surprising gameplay improvements that make it the definitive survival-horror game set in space.
Narcosis
Some of the scariest video game moments are derived from developers preying on your simplest fears. Sometimes it’s what loneliness does to the human psyche as you struggle to retain your sanity. And sometimes it’s helplessly running from danger while watching your last drops of breathable air trickle away. This is the terror that Narcosis for Oculus Rift forces you to deal with in a dread-filled undersea environment. It’s a frightening game, if a bit too linear.
Resident Evil HD Remaster
Nearly 20 years after its debut, Resident Evil returns in remastered form. The game has the same frights and camp as the original, even if the backgrounds suffer from uneven graphics quality. Don’t let that deter you, though. Resident Evil HD Remaster is still a great zombie-blasting game, especially if you enjoyed its previous releases.
Resident Evil 2 (2019)
Resident Evil 2 is back! Sure, the classic PlayStation game has received numerous ports and rereleases over the years, but this new version, simply titled Resident Evil 2, rebuilds the survivor-horror game from the ground up. You once again play as Leon Kennedy, a rookie cop, and Claire Redfield, a woman searching for her brother after the events of the first Resident Evil. Though this remake treads familiar zombie-shooting ground, it tosses in new enemies and puzzles to freshen things up.
Resident Evil 3 (2020)
Like 2019’s impressive Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3 is a phenomenal remake of a classic game. Despite its modernized graphics and gameplay, Resident Evil 3 contains the elements that made the original a classic: nightmarish environments, horrifying enemies, tense boss battles, and an overall emphasis on action. Even divorced from its first incarnation, Resident Evil 3 stands as a stellar title that has mass appeal to action and horror gaming fans alike.
Resident Evil 4 (2023)
How does a company remake what many people consider a perfect game? Capcom found a way by updating the graphics, modernizing the control scheme (Leon’s can parry attacks with his knife!), and streamlining the overall experience. Although this new Resident Evil doesn’t redefine shooters as the original did way back in 2005, it’s just as fun to play, if not more.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
If you thought the Resident Evil series lost its way when it shifted to gunplay, you must pick up Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. By slowing down the action and changing the perspective, developer Capcom has created a Resident Evil game that captures the dread that filled the original game. The excellent pacing, thoughtful action, and amazing atmosphere—you explore a depraved family’s home in the Louisiana bayou—result in the best horror game to come along in some time.
Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village is a direct Resident Evil 7 follow-up that continues Ethan Winters’s story by dropping him in a new locale, the eponymous village in a fictional Eastern European country. Although Resident Evil 7’s first-person camera remains, Capcom mixes older flavors into the pot. Village walks like a remix of Resident Evil 4, with gameplay that hews closer to RE2 or Code Veronica. It’s bigger and weirder than its grounded predecessor, but it doesn’t go into full action hero mode like Resident Evil 5 or 6. Village is an excellent survival-horror game that shouldn’t be missed.
Silent Hill 2 Remake
The Silent Hill series has always been a cornerstone of psychological horror in gaming, and the Silent Hill 2 remake is poised to bring this classic to a new generation. With updated graphics, reimagined gameplay, and the same haunting story that made the original a masterpiece, this game promises to deliver the same spine-chilling experience. You play as James Sunderland, a man searching for his deceased wife in the eerie town of Silent Hill. The remake stays true to its roots, ensuring fans old and new can appreciate its atmospheric horror and deep, unsettling narrative.
The Outlast Trials
Outlast has been a staple in horror gaming for its first-person perspective and sheer terror. The Outlast Trials takes a different approach by introducing multiplayer elements. Set during the Cold War, you and other players must survive twisted experiments in a deranged facility. The game keeps the series’ signature tension and jump scares but adds the layer of cooperative play. Whether you’re braving it alone or with friends, The Outlast Trials will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Scorn
Scorn is a first-person horror adventure game that throws you into a nightmarish, bio-mechanical world inspired by the works of H.R. Giger. With its grotesque environments and disturbing art style, Scorn immerses you in a world that’s as fascinating as it is horrifying. The game focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving, with a narrative told through the environment rather than dialogue. Scorn’s eerie atmosphere and unique visuals make it a standout in the horror genre.
Little Nightmares III
Little Nightmares III continues the series’ tradition of blending platforming with horror in a dark, whimsical world. This time, players control new characters navigating twisted, fairy-tale-like environments filled with grotesque creatures and psychological scares. The game’s eerie art style, combined with its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, creates an unsettling atmosphere that draws players into its nightmarish world. Little Nightmares III promises to deliver more of the creepy, atmospheric storytelling that fans love.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020
The Dark Pictures Anthology series has been delivering episodic horror experiences that delve into different themes and narratives. Directive 8020 is the latest installment, taking players into a science fiction horror scenario. As part of a space exploration team, you encounter terrifying cosmic horrors and must make life-or-death decisions that affect the story’s outcome. The game’s branching narrative and immersive storytelling ensure that no two playthroughs are the same, offering a fresh experience with each attempt.
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia has taken the horror gaming world by storm with its unique approach to ghost hunting. In this co-op game, you and your friends investigate haunted locations to gather evidence of paranormal activity. The game’s use of voice recognition and immersive sound design creates an intense, chilling atmosphere. As you communicate with ghosts and try to stay alive, the game’s unpredictable nature keeps every investigation fresh and terrifying. Phasmophobia continues to be a favorite for horror enthusiasts looking for a cooperative scare.
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water revives the beloved series known for its unique mechanic of using a camera to capture and combat spirits. Set on the mysterious Mt. Hikami, you play as multiple protagonists uncovering the dark secrets of the mountain and its haunted history. The game’s use of the camera obscura to fight ghosts creates a tense, immersive experience. With its atmospheric visuals and chilling story, Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is a must-play for fans of supernatural horror.
Amnesia: The Bunker
Amnesia: The Bunker takes the acclaimed series back to its roots of psychological horror and intense atmosphere. Set in a claustrophobic World War I bunker, you must navigate the dark, cramped corridors while avoiding terrifying creatures. The game’s dynamic sound design and clever use of lighting create a palpable sense of dread. Amnesia: The Bunker’s focus on survival and exploration makes it a gripping horror experience that will keep you on edge from start to finish.
Tormented Souls 2
Tormented Souls 2 brings back the classic survival horror experience with modern twists. Following the story of Caroline Walker, you explore an abandoned mansion filled with sinister secrets and deadly traps. The game combines fixed camera angles, intricate puzzles, and limited resources to create a challenging and atmospheric horror experience. With its nods to the genre’s roots and a fresh take on survival horror, Tormented Souls 2 is a thrilling addition to any horror game collection.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Ghostwire: Tokyo takes a unique approach to the horror genre with its blend of action and supernatural elements. Set in a beautifully rendered Tokyo, you must combat otherworldly spirits using a combination of traditional martial arts and mystical powers. The game’s stunning visuals and eerie atmosphere make exploring the city a captivating experience. Ghostwire: Tokyo’s innovative gameplay and intriguing story set it apart as a fresh and exciting horror game.
In conclusion, 2024 is shaping up to be a stellar year for best horror games, offering a wide range of terrifying experiences for every kind of player. Whether you’re into psychological horror, survival, or action-packed scares, there’s something on this list to keep you up at night. So, dim the lights, put on your headphones, and get ready to dive into the best horror games of 2024.