Summary
Video games in the horror genre aren’t for every player, but they have a loyal audience — and a variety of quality titles available. Somehorror games lean into jumpscares, while others prefer something more cerebral that messes with the player’s psyche.
However, many other games, despite not being part of the horror genre, still manage to deliver an equally terrifying experience. Whether it’s the story’s darker atmosphere, or elements that trigger players' phobias, these titles can ensure good scares and tension without outright horror dominating the entire gaming experience.
Minecraftmay seem like an innocuous game with its blocky aesthetic and building/crafting gameplay, but nighttime explorations in dark caves can be surprisingly scary —especially in older versions of the game. The oppressive silence and sudden sounds of hostile mobs, like zombies and spiders, create a constant atmosphere of tension.
Exploring deep caves and encountering unexpected enemies, especially when players are poorly equipped, can turn a quiet gaming session into anerve-wracking experience. Additionally, the vulnerability of being blown up by a Creeper and losing all progress, particularly in hardcore mode, can make the game’s experience even more intense.
With aninteresting yet brief narrative,What Remains of Edith Finchtakes players on an exploration of the Finch family home and the mysterious causes of each person’s death. Some occur more subjectively, while other scenes are more graphic and disturbing.
For fans of classic thrillers, one particular character’s story is told to the players like a horror comic book, with classic clichés that still heighten the tension. Additionally, the narrator’s voice and the music, which seems inspired byFriday the 13th, further contribute to the unnerving atmosphere.
Inspired byHoney, I Shrunk the Kids,Groundedfeatures cartoony graphics and a colorful base-building style, which might make it seem like a simple and cozy game for many players. However, for those with entomophobia or the unprepared, the game reserves moments of pure horror.
The main characters have been shrunk, making the small insects that inhabit the game gigantic in comparison, which is already concerning. Spiders, for example, which are already scary for many in real life, become even worse, surprising players with jump scares — or guarding small caves. Even with the option to reduce the level of arachnophobia, facing these creatures is still a terrifying experience.
The Zelda franchise games vary with each release, from mechanics to artistic direction, with some titles leaning towards horror. Despite the first half of the game with young Link presenting a more fun and colorful Hyrule, the protagonist’s trip to the future completely changes the tone ofOcarina of Time.
Even while Link is still young, there can be moments of pure terror, especially for players experiencing it for the first time. After all, if Link stays outside Hyrule Castle Town at night, skeletons will climb from the ground to attack him. Moreover, the Shadow Temple,with its eerie atmosphere and disturbing enemies, stands out as one of the creepiest locations in the game.
Control,developed by Remedy Entertainment, offers an experience that mixes high-flying action and psychological suspense. The setting in the Oldest House, headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control, is full of paranormal phenomena and inexplicable events that keep players constantly on edge.
Players take on the role of Jesse Faden, exploring the shifting corridors of the building while facing chanting, supernatural enemies and unraveling disturbing mysteries. The surreal atmosphere and bizarre visual elements create a constant sense of discomfort, makingControla surprisingly scary game.
Fallout: New Vegashas an incredible narrative and is one of thebest games in theFalloutfranchise. Throughout players' journey through the Mojave Wasteland, they encounter different challenges, one of which isunderstanding what happened to Vault 22. The location, designed to combat global hunger before the Great War, has a sign at the entrance reading: “Stay Out! The Plants Kill.”
This warning is no joke, and as players explore the location, they should prepare for an exotic experience. As they advance through the dark and narrow corridors, frightening sounds echo off the walls, with enemies emerging from the ground’s plants to attack the Courier. The cramped spaces further enhance the feeling of claustrophobia.
The journey inHalf-Life 2takes players through various scenarios, but few are as terrifying as Ravenholm. Originally a thriving mining town, the region wastaken over by headcrabs, transforming its inhabitants into zombies. The place is a true nightmare, with dark corridors and sinister sounds echoing off the walls, terrifying players to this day.
In addition to the scary setting, the city is full of deadly traps and contraptions created by its sole survivor, Father Grigori. Encounters with zombies and the creatures' screams increase the tension at every corner, while the precarious lighting and thick fog keep players constantly on edge.Ravenholmis undoubtedly one of the scariest moments in the game.
BioShock, while not exclusively classified as a horror game, offers a genuinely scary experience in several moments. Set in theunderwater city of Rapture, players face Splicers, genetically modified and psychotic humans, who roam the decaying, dimly lit corridors of the city.
One of the scariest moments of the game occurs in the Medical Pavilion, where players explore a dark hospital full of unpredictable enemies. The combination of unsettling music, decaying settings, and a constant sense of impending danger makesBioShocka truly terrifying experience.
Set in a universeheavily inspired by Norse and Celtic mythology,Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrificehas an atmosphere filled with dark fantasy elements, which already contribute to some thematic scares. However, the work done by the developers on the game’s sound design greatly enhances this effect.
Senua, the main character, has psychosis, so players who opt for spatial sound headphones will spend much of their time hearing the same voices that the protagonist herself hears. Throughout the game, this creates an immersive and unnerving atmosphere, with the voices constantly scolding, encouraging, and fearing for Senua. Though fair warning —Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrificedoes include multiple segments that deliberately delve fully into the horror genre.
Subnauticais a scifi survival game that leaves players crashlanded and stranded on an alien ocean planet, where the main focus is the character’s own survival. However, as the story progresses, it’s possible to learn more about the location — specifically, the countless dangers that inhabit the region.
After a few hours, players are invited to explore the deeper parts of the ocean, and like Earth’s own oceans, this alien world hides many secrets and hidden dangers. Some creatures,such as the Leviathan, can emerge unexpectedly from the darkness, causing unforgettable and terrifying moments for players.
