Best Horror Games With RPG Elements, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• RPG elements in horror games ensure player progression & engagement, making titles more immersive.
• Games like Dredge, World of Horror, & Darkwood blend horror & RPG-lite elements for an eerie experience.
• System Shock 2 & STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl are acclaimed horror RPG titles that offer meaningful progression.

The RPG genre has become so mainstream that most other titles integrate role-playing elements to help players enjoy a palpable sense of progression. Horror games are no exception. Most developers try their hardest to entice more players to check out their game with guarantees that their progress will be rewarded.

Some of the best horror games use RPG-lite elements to keep players engaged. The horror elements are augmented with role-playing elements that help these games feel familiar despite their creepy atmosphere.

RPG Maker horror games are covered in a separate list and won’t be mentioned here.

8 Dredge

Fishing, RPG Elements, & A Generous Sprinkling Of Lovecraftian Horror

Dredge is one of the biggest indie successes that players can’t get enough of, combining Lovecraftian elements with fishing gameplay to make for a tantalizing combination. Players catch numerous fish and sell them to acquire the funds they need to upgrade their boats.

This RPG element ensures that players will feel like they have an impact on the game’s world, allowing them to brave the night for longer and traverse greater distances. The overarching story of this game slowly uncovers as players make progress, allowing Dredge to leave a lasting impression on players.

7 World Of Horror

A Roguelike Horror Game Inspired By Junji Ito’s Works

Fans of Junji Ito’s work will love what World of Horror brings to the table. This roguelite horror game lets players control certain protagonists and help them lead investigations in a small town as they acquire keys to open the door to a mysterious lighthouse.

The game is tough and takes no prisoners, so players should come to grips with the RPG elements of this title if they want to excel in combat. Managing Stamina and Reason across numerous adventures is easier said than done. Some players would prefer to try an easier difficulty before playing the game as intended.

6 Pathologic 2

Surreal Horror With An Open World & RPG Elements

An open-world horror game that serves as both a remake and sequel, Pathologic 2 is a surreal title that takes players for a wild ride. The game feels like a theatrical play at times, with its bizarre elements contributing to the creepy atmosphere.

The title can be rather tough to get into, but custom difficulty sliders ensure that players shouldn’t have too many problems as they begin this unique experience. It takes a while to grow on some, but this open-world horror RPG will wow players when everything clicks.

5 Sunless Skies

Explore The Skies In An Excellent Survival Horror Game

Sunless Sea is a great introduction to the world of Fallen London, but it had its issues that prevented players from enjoying the complete experience. The sequel shifted the setting to the skies and was a dramatically improved title in every department.

The strong combat and exploration help this gameplay loop stand out, encouraging players to clock in numerous hours as they improve their ship and their stats as much as possible. It may seem challenging at first glance, but Sunless Skies is forgiving enough for players to enjoy its unnerving atmosphere and sublime writing.

4 Darkwood

An Oppressive Horror Game With Some RPG Elements

A top-down horror game with incredible ambiance, Darkwood employs a semi-open world with a fun gameplay loop. Players must explore numerous zones and acquire precious loot that they can use to bolster their chances of surviving the night.

The horrors of this game become more prominent each day, and the RPG elements ensure that the protagonist gets strong enough to fight against the many horrors that want to tear them apart. This package is tied together in a neat little bow with a story that will keep players guessing till the very end.

3 Prey

Uses The Isolation Of Space To Unnerve Players

It’s a shame that Prey didn’t enjoy the sales it deserved. This sci-fi immersive sim throws players into the desolate halls of the Talos I space station as they try to unravel an alien mystery. During their journey, players will encounter several alien hostiles who either pretend to be regular objects, or hunt down the player with their otherwordly abilities.

These Typhon can be a tough challenge for newcomers, but Prey‘s RPG elements ensure that players will enjoy a steady progression and eventually become confident enough to take down the Nightmare that is hunting them. It’s a huge part of what makes Prey one of the best games developed by Arkane.

2 STALKER: Shadow Of Chernobyl

A Survival Horror RPG With Mutants & Anomalies Aplenty

Shadow of Chernobyl is the first game in the STALKER series, and does a great job of introducing players to the oddities of the Zone and the many anomalies that plague it. This hardcore survival horror game uses hallmarks of the RPG genre for its gear system as players slowly but surely acquire better equipment.

With high-level armor and weapons, players can brave the toughest areas in the Zone and try to get their hands on powerful artifacts. It may be a tough game to get into, but Shadow of Chernobyl‘s incredible atmosphere and hardcore gameplay make it great for horror fans who want progression to feel meaningful.

1 System Shock 2

One Of The Greatest Survival Horror RPGs Of All Time

System Shock 2 is one of the greatest action horror games ever made, helping SHODAN make a mark as an iconic video game villain. The Von Braun is a haunting spaceship, with its oppressive isolation making players question every step they take.

The unique play styles and skill progression hammer in the game’s RPG elements. Many players love the idea of making decisions before the game begins to decide the protagonist’s skills. It may feel a bit old school at times, but horror fans will love the immaculate vibes of System Shock 2 if they give this game a shot.