The horror genre can be tough to get into, especially in the case of video games, which are way more immersive than any other entertainment medium. For many players, the idea of being stressed out in a game isn’t the best way to relax after a hard day’s work.
Related
9 Horror Games Set Around Christmas
There’s nothing quite like a spooky game during the Christmas season.
This is an understandable sentiment, but players who choose to ignore everything this genre has to offer will miss out on some highly approachable horror video games. The horror genre is vast and varied, and some of its best titles do a great job of letting players enjoy an immersive and chilling experience without completely turning them away because of the one-dimensional nature of these scares.
While all the upcoming games are horror, it might not be their most dominant genre.
8
Dead Space 2
A Sequel That Focuses More On Action Than Horror
- Released
-
January 25, 2011
After Dead Space turned into a phenomenon, it was clear that a sequel was the way to go. Visceral Games did a great job of doing justice to the horror atmosphere of the first game in Dead Space 2, along with introducing an increased focus on action to make things engaging every step of the way.
Players who found the first game to be too much for their liking might appreciate Dead Space 2‘s emphasis on action, while still enjoying the occasional fright. As long as players can stomach some gore and the horrifying appearances of the necromorphs, they could love what this sequel brings to the table.
7
The Walking Dead
A Story-Heavy Adventure Game That’s Easy To Play And Relies More On An Emotional Story Instead Of A Horrifying One
Telltale burst onto the scene and popularized their brand of story-driven adventure games with the release of The Walking Dead. Lee and Clementine’s story was rife with emotion as they struggled to survive in a zombie apocalypse where the walkers were out for their heads every step of the way.
While it has its fair share of stressful moments, The Walking Dead is easily one of the most approachable horror games because of how engaging its story is. The ending will leave players bawling as things draw to a close, with characters pursuing new beginnings in the sequel.
6
Inscryption
A Unique Amalgamation Of Genres That Sports A Sinister Vibe
- Released
-
October 19, 2021
- Developer(s)
-
Daniel Mullins Games
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
Inscryption is an innovative indie horror title that shows players a captivating exterior of a horrific card game, and it eventually devolves into something shocking. The revelations in the plot serve as a reward for a player’s progress, uncovering a meta-narrative that is amazing to behold in every way.
Related
8 Visual Novels With Horror Elements
These visual novels lull players into a false sense of security before revealing the horror elements that inform their stories.
Inscryption is unnerving, but the game never tries to spook players with cheap and unearned jump scares. The captivating atmosphere is enough, and the gameplay changes quite a bit to ensure players remain engaged as they slowly but surely uncover the mystery surrounding Inscryption.
5
System Shock 2
A Genre-Defining Immersive Sim With RPG Elements That’s A Joy To Play Through
System Shock 2 is hailed by many as one of the greatest video games ever made, and for good reason. Over the decades, many people have enjoyed exploring a desolate starship as they slowly piece together the tragedy that unfolded here.
The tense gameplay, oppressive atmosphere, and sublime plot twist ensure that even the most squeamish players would want to stick with System Shock 2 till the very end. The game has aged like a fine wine, with this immersive sim RPG arguably on the same level as Deus Ex in terms of its gameplay excellence.
4
The Last Of Us
Despite The Overbearing Threat Of The Infected, The Story Focuses More On The Human Condition
The Last of Us is one of the most emotional and riveting video games of all time. Joel and Ellie have become two of gaming’s most iconic characters, with the first game exploring how their relationship deepens in a messed-up world where the infected have wreaked havoc.
It’s amazing to see both these characters tackle their demons as they eventually warm up to each other, culminating in a barn burner of an ending. The Last of Us may be pretty scary, but it’s a deeply human story that will compel players to brave their fears and stick with this journey till the very end.
3
Bloodborne
Arguably The Best FromSoftware Video Game Ever Made With An Emphasis On Gothic And Lovecraftian Horror
- Released
-
March 24, 2015
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
Given how Bloodborne utilizes elements of gothic and Lovecraftian horror to enrich its atmosphere, it’s easy to see why FromSoftware’s 2015 project is a must-play for fans of quality action games. Even if the title can be rather unnerving at times, the excellence of the combat coupled with its amazing lore ensures that players will have a great time playing through Bloodborne.
Related
Best Horror Games Set In Europe
Europe isn’t the most common setting for horror games, but these developers used locations around the continent to create a scary backdrop.
Slowly mastering the game’s fast-paced combat and enhancing one’s build will help players boss enemies and bosses that were giving them a tough time early on. This satisfying progression is a huge part of every modern FromSofttware title and will compel players to overcome their fears of the unknown as they try to escape the Hunter’s Nightmare.
2
Omori
An RPG With A Disturbing Story That Culminates In An Emotional Climax
- Released
-
December 25, 2020
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
For a horror game, Omori is surprisingly charming early on. It’s not until the game slowly starts revealing its psychological horror trappings that fans start having second thoughts about progressing in this game if they get easily spooked.
Thankfully, Omori‘s light-hearted moments and excellent story ensure that players will be able to overcome their fears, much like Sunny himself. The game slowly starts revealing crucial plot points that will leave a player’s jaw on the floor, with Sunny eventually accepting the past in a beautiful and emotional moment that shows Omori at its very best.
1
Sunless Skies
Boasts An Incredible Atmosphere In A Game Focused On Exploration And Self-Contained Eerie Stories
- Released
-
January 31, 2019
- Developer(s)
-
Failbetter Games
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
A lot of people don’t like horror games because of what they perceive to be an overreliance on jumpscares and other cheap moments. This is why Sunless Skies is the perfect game for them, with the creepy vibes of this game never getting too overbearing as long as players manage the Terror stat properly.
The Lovecraftian horror of this title takes a while to show its true colors and is riveting every single time. Sunless Skies prides itself on its stellar writing and exploration, ensuring that players will have a great time exploring the many diverse regions in the game as they make a small fortune, uncover horrific secrets, and bond with their crewmates.
More
9 Best Horror Games Only Available On The PS1, Ranked
Players will need to dust off their PlayStation 1 and head to second-hand stores if they want to play these classic horror games.