Most Complex Horror Games, Ranked

Horror games can be a hard sell for players who don’t like seeking out experiences that aim to make them uncomfortable. However, the best games in the genre know how to use tension to keep players hooked without betraying them with cheap jumpscares and unearned screams.

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Some games in the genre can get complex, letting players interact with several metrics or witnessing something impressive unfold in front of them that can be hard to wrap one’s head around. This eventually contributes to the overall level of immersion players can enjoy in these titles if they are invested for the long haul.

8

Alien: Isolation

The Xenomorph’s AI Is Pretty Complex And Adjusts To The Player’s Actions

From the very moment players check out Alien: Isolation, they can’t wait for their first encounter with a Xenomorph. However, they’ll sing a different tune after this bloodthirsty alien starts stalking Amanda in the halls of the Sevastopol space station.

Not only is the Xenomorph relentless, but it also adjusts to the player’s behavior after each encounter. The same tactics won’t work anymore as the alien’s complex AI learns from a player’s behavior, punishing them for resorting to the same escape tactics over and over again.

7

Inscryption

An Unnerving Deckbuilding Roguelike That Shows Its True Colors In No Time

Systems

Released

October 19, 2021

Developer(s)

Daniel Mullins Games

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Players have no idea what they’re signing up for when they check out Inscryption. While the promise of an atmospheric deckbuilding roguelike is present in the first act, Inscryption uses a unique storytelling structure to surprise fans with wild twists that they’ll never expect.

The game has many tantalizing layers that are a joy to interact with as players uncover the dark history of this video game. It’s a deceptively complex indie horror game that fans will have a great time with if they give it a chance.

6

System Shock 2

The Gameplay Can Be A Bit Too Challenging At Times, But Players Will Be Able To Weather The Storm

System Shock 2‘s retro gameplay systems seem more complex than they are for players. The game emphasizes role-playing, ensuring that every build feels different as players either use direct combat, technical hacking, or unique PSI powers to take out their enemies in style.

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Players need to commit to a build instead of changing their mind midway, since doing so will cause their character to struggle as they go through the game’s many levels. As long as players don’t try to create a jack-of-all-trades character, they should be able to role-play the character they want and take out the enemies standing in their way.

5

Bloodborne

The Scariest FromSoftware Game With Its Fair Share Of Complex Combat Mechanics

Systems

Released

March 24, 2015

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Bloodborne is the scariest FromSoftware game that shows off its gothic and Lovecraftian inspirations with pride. Players love the idea of exploring a decaying world that is fraught with horrors, with almost every enemy in Bloodborne being terrifying to behold in their way.

The beauty of Bloodborne stems from how it uses its horror inspirations to get players immersed in the lore and worldbuilding of yet another complex FromSoftware action RPG. Players must be meticulous while forming their builds and use weapons that scale with their stats to maximize their damage against opponents. If they decide to add arcane abilities and gems to the mix, then things get even more complicated.

4

P.T.

The Obtuse Puzzles And A Looping Hallway Makes For An Intriguing Gem Of A Game

Systems

Despite being a playable teaser, P.T.‘s incredible storytelling, unique puzzles, and ingenious concepts help it stand out as one of the greatest horror games ever made. The looping hallway is a simple and great way to add to the game’s unease as players are tailed by the ghost of a vengeful spirit who was killed by her disturbed husband.

As disturbing as P.T. is, it’s also a sad tale for players who manage to solve the game’s extremely obtuse puzzles. Something as simple as looking at something or hearing an audio cue is used to solve the game’s puzzles, which would’ve been frustrating had the game not formed a community that helped each other solve puzzles and uncover its secrets.

3

Don’t Starve Together

Players Must Coordinate And Work Against The Clock To Survive Every Night

Don’t Starve Together is an excellent survival game that manages to weave an uncanny atmosphere that will terrify players. Even with the addition of co-op, players must ensure that they understand how the title works before thinking about surviving multiple nights in a row.

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The dangers become more prevalent as resources dwindle, forcing players to either shift their base or figure out ways to reinforce it with what they have. Cooperating between two individuals becomes a tense affair as players try to avoid making mistakes and fend off the monsters of the night, which can be scary to behold.

2

World Of Horror

The Title’s Gameplay Can Take A While To Understand

Systems

Released

December 8, 2023

Developer(s)

panstasz

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

A horror roguelike game inspired by the works of Junji Ito, World of Horror is a game that should be experienced at easier difficulties before players try to test themselves. A run on normal difficulty can end in no time if players mess up a ritual or battle a foe who is way harder than they expected.

These deaths can be frustrating, preventing players from unlocking the lighthouse to uncover the dark secret that plagues it. It’s important to master the intricacies of combat, optimize a playthrough with the proper equipment, and understand the best way to solve cases if players want the best solution in every given scenario, which is easier said than done. It doesn’t help that World of Horror‘s UI can be needlessly complicated and make things harder than they should be.

1

Project Zomboid

Players Must Keep Track Of Several Things To Survive In The Zombie Apocalypse

The meticulous survival gameplay of Project Zomboid is something that fans won’t fully understand until they try to survive for a few nights. Trying to siphon gas and grab supplies from an abandoned car can lead to a domino effect where the car alarm attracts a horde of zombies if players aren’t careful.

Even something as simple as going through a window after breaking it can cause cuts on a player’s hand if they don’t remove the remaining shards of glass with an obtuse tool. Small things like these add up and make Project Zomboid a captivating yet complex game that players can enjoy only if they accept that every death is yet another learning opportunity.

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