Puzzle Games With Horror Elements

Summary

• Puzzle games often integrate horror elements for a memorable experience.
• Games like Catherine, Outer Wilds, and Limbo showcase this fusion effectively.
• Horror elements can add tension and excitement, enhancing puzzle gameplay.

Most players assume that puzzle games are laid-back experiences that don’t pressure the player as they take their sweet time to solve certain brain teasers. This may be true in the majority of cases, but most puzzle game developers know that their experiences won’t be memorable without an “It” factor.

This is accomplished in many ambitious puzzle games with the integration of horror elements. This can either be in the form of chilling surprises or a growing sense of dread as players make progress in these titles, solving puzzles that slowly reveal their terrifying nature by the time the credits roll.

8

Catherine

A Unique Puzzle Game With A Creepy Aesthetic When Vincent Is Trapped In His Dreams

Catherine is one of the most experimental games ever made by Atlus, forsaking their JRPG expertise to try out something different with a new engine. A game that involves scary nightmares, the charms of a succubus, and the exploration of relationships, Catherine is a blast to play through once players get over the difficulty curve.

The game’s block-stacking puzzles remain fresh and challenging throughout the experience, especially when Vincent is chased down by massive apparitions of his real-life problems that will horrify the player. It’s easy to make mistakes when these monstrosities make their appearance known, which is why players need to keep a cool head no matter what this game throws their way.

7

Outer Wilds

An Atmospheric Sci-Fi Puzzle Game That Can Scare Players, Especially In The Echoes Of The Eye DLC

One of the most immersive and rewarding video games ever made, Outer Wilds keeps its cards close to its chest as players slowly figure out the mystery of this small universe and how its events are connected. Players will find hints in some locations to help them make progress in other places, uncovering a brilliant mystery in the process.

A huge part of what makes Outer Wilds so immersive is its downplayed horror elements that come out of nowhere to shock the player. This is especially true in the Echoes of the Eye DLC, which can be so scary that the game gives players an option to reduce the frights so that they can focus on the puzzles without needing to change their pants with every scare.

6

Limbo

A Side-Scrolling Puzzle Game That Can Be Pretty Unnerving

It’s a shame that Playdead’s internal strife will prevent players from enjoying more immersive side-scrolling puzzle games like Limbo. This title loves to lull players into a false sense of security before shocking them with horrifying sights and surprisingly brutal deaths.

From invasive mind worms to massive spiders, Limbo is full of imposing threats that can cause players to make mistakes because of their horrifying nature. The fact that the game’s atmosphere is so sinister despite the colors being so muted is a testament to the brilliance behind this game’s development.

5

Bendy And The Ink Machine

A First-Person Adventure With A Unique Aesthetic That Can Send Chills Down The Spine

It’s easy to label Bendy and the Ink Machine as a cheap game with numerous jumpscares, but there’s more to this title than meets the eye. Puzzles are a huge part of this game, as players strive to make progress as Henry Stein, an animator.

Henry explores his old workplace only to discover that the Ink Machine is causing havoc with supernatural phenomena. The game’s amazing esthetics were inspired by the BioShock franchise, making it clear why the simple act of moving from one area to another was so unnerving for players.

4

Return Of The Obra Dinn

Some Of The Visions Players Explore Can Be Very Shocking

Players who expected Return of the Obra Dinn to be a creative detective game that let them solve cases at their own pace will be left shocked after a vision in the early game that shows a terrifying Kraken attack on the titular ship. It’s only a matter of time before the game’s Lovecraftian themes come to the foreground as the investigator pieces together the nature of the tragedies on the Obra Dinn.

Lucas Pope strikes again with a game that boasts retro visuals and an amazing atmosphere that helps every death feel unique. Reliving the last moments of the crew before their demise paints a harrowing picture and hammers home the madness that struck the ship on this ill-fated journey.

3

The Room 4: Old Sins

An Escape-The-Room Style Puzzle Game With A Dark And Brooding Ambiance

• Platforms: PC, Mobile
• Release Date: January 25, 2018
• Developer: Fireproof Games

The Room is a series of fun puzzle games made specifically for mobile phones as players interact with numerous puzzles that involve them figuring out how to open certain contraptions. The puzzles are perfectly balanced and elevated by the game’s creepy vibes.

Every game in this series takes place in dark, abandoned structures with a ton of backstory, and The Room 4: Old Sins is no exception here. The title features a refreshing take on the escape-the-room style puzzles as players explore Waldegrave Manor and interact with a dollhouse to slowly uncover the tragedy that befell here.

2

Inside

A Puzzle Side-Scroller With A Tantalizing Atmosphere That Can Often Be Oppressive

Inside is one of the greatest video games ever made, improving on every element of Playdead’s previous game to make for an unforgettable experience. Despite being rather short, Inside makes more of an impact on players than most AAA titles that last for hours upon hours.

The puzzles are simple yet tense as players try to circumvent dangers that can brutally kill their character. The cherry on top of this game’s immaculate experience is an ending sequence that will shock players and recontextualize their actions up to that point.

1

Little Nightmares 2

Full Of Puzzles And Very Creepy Without Being Overbearing

Little Nightmares 2 builds upon the atmosphere and puzzle-solving of the first game, letting players control a brand-new protagonist as they explore chilling environments and are chased by horrifying monstrosities.

The plot has some striking revelations that will shock players. The amazing visual design and engaging puzzles ensure that players are on the edge of their seats throughout the game. Mono is a precious protagonist, and players will feel a connection to this young boy as they help him navigate the horrors of the Pale City.