The nights are getting long and you never know what lurks in the dark. What a perfect time to play some horror games! And if you don’t know where to begin, we’ve got a list containing some of the most acclaimed and scariest horror games ever. Turn off the light (we won’t judge if you leave it on), and venture into a world where no one can hear you scream.
Resident Evil series
It would be unfair to pick just one game from the series that gave a second life to the entire zombie genre. Back in the day, there was zombie fatigue, and these undead creatures have become a cheap gimmick favored by the film industry. And then came Resident Evil – a PS1 game that broke the stigma and brought zombies back to their former glory. Also, RE1 was one of the first games in the survival-horror genre and is responsible for drawing the blueprint for the entire genre.
Today, there are countless RE games to choose from. RE2 and RE3 remakes rebuilt from the ground up, classic RE4 with a remake also set to release in 2023, and the new, first-person RE7 and RE8 Village. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but one thing is certain – they are a must-plays. You must experience the franchise that kickstarted the genre and left its mark on the entire gaming industry.
Outlast
Titled the scariest game ever made, Outlast is the personification of fear itself. Nothing will prepare you for what lurks behind every corner and the monstrous creature breathing down your neck. While other games arm you with some weapons, in Outlast, you’re only equipped with a portable camera. It serves as your only light source, and once you look through its eye – there’s a completely different world surrounded by darkness. Will you dare to play it?
BioShock
What makes BioShock such a masterful entry in the horror genre, even almost 15 years after its release? Is it the 1920s art deco aesthetic with jazz music echoing through the empty corridors? Maybe it’s genetically modified humans lurking in the dark, asking questions they’ll never hear the answers to? All these elements combined make BioShock – a game where the uneasy feeling of helplessness, loneliness, and lingering paranoia stick to your skin and haunt your every step.
There’s much more to Bioshock, but we don’t want to spill all the secrets. After all, the game is considered one of the best for a reason. Will you dare to uncover the secrets of Utopia gone to waste?
The Evil Within
Directed by Shinji Mikami of RE fame, The Evil Within has tried to fill the void left by more action-oriented RE5 and 6. The Evil Within is a spiritual successor to RE4 and Silent Hill games, taking heavy inspiration from both franchises. The game traps you in an insane asylum throwing at you all of the survival horror tropes wrapped in a surreal story and accompanied by freakish creatures.
If you’ve played through all the REs and now you want a similar experience, look no further than The Evil Within. The game will scratch that itch of true, old-school survival horror and send shivers down your spine every step of the way. For Silent Hill and RE fans – this game is a must!
Little Nightmares
Run, run and never look back! Little Nightmares perfectly captures the hopelessness of being stuck in a never-ending nightmare. The deformed creatures, haunting sound design, gorgeous environments, and shadows dancing from a flickering light source create a terrifying yet beautiful atmosphere.
Little Nightmares may not be a long or hard game to complete, nonetheless – it’s one you must experience. The chase scenes make your heart race, and sneaking unnoticed by wicked creatures will make the hair on your neck stand up.
We got thrills, chills, and plenty of more top-notch horror games in case these didn’t pique your interest. Explore the isolated space stations in Dead Space and Alien: Isolation, parkour through zombie-infested cities in Dying Light, or try narrative-driven The Quarry. Horror is a fascinating genre!
