The Indie Games With The Scariest Encounters

Many people love indie gaming for how ingenious and entertaining these titles are, letting players enjoy unique gameplay loops that AAA titles wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole. From RPGs with imaginative gameplay to horror games that enrapture players with their uniqueness, it’s easy to see why indie games are held in high regard by many.

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Some indie games can be positively horrifying, forcing players into nightmarish encounters that will send shivers down their spine. Sometimes, these titles don’t necessarily need to fall in the horror genre to surprise players with the eerie nature of their encounters, which is pretty impressive in its own right.

8

Undertale

The Genocide Route Is Particularly Harrowing, But The Game Has Some Scary Encounters Regardless

Released

September 15, 2015

ESRB

E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Tobacco

Undertale is an indie darling that shot Toby Fox’s name to the stratosphere of indie developer popularity. This role-playing title messes with the player’s perception of how RPGs work, rewarding those who talk monsters down while sending them down a brutal Genocide Route if they’re hell-bent on killing everything in sight.

From tough-as-nails fights with Undyne and Sans to the chilling encounter with Chara, the Genocide Route turns Undertale into a challenging nightmare that only the most dedicated gamers around can stand a chance of defeating. Of course, a regular run through Undertale also has its fair share of scary moments, with the final fight against Flowey being a great example of the same.

7

Sunless Skies

Every Zone Is Full Of Harrowing Encounters And Surreal Monstrosities

Systems

Released

January 31, 2019

ESRB

T For Teen Blood, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence

Sunless Skies is an exploration-focused horror game where players take to the skies and use their airship to trade goods, head to different ports, and take out enemies that stand in their way. As one would expect, some of the fights in this game can be harrowing if players have a basic airship and must take on some ridiculously challenging—and equally frightening—foes.

On top of this, most of the zones in Sunless Skies have sinister elements in the background that can be daunting to witness. It adds to the crew’s Terror, as they are unable to comprehend the unearthly nature of these horrors after a point, which can send an expedition quickly spiraling into disaster.

6

Inside

Players Will Do Everything To Save The Boy As He Faces Threats Both Human And Abnormal

Released

June 29, 2016

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Violence

After Limbo, Playdead decided to push things further with a new atmospheric side-scroller that would become a phenomenon. Inside is an amazing title where the control scheme is limited but used in brilliant ways to let players enjoy a stunning and terrifying gameplay experience.

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Players must avoid underwater threats, run away from ravenous dogs, and hide from adults trying to find the kid they’re playing as. All of these encounters are as harrowing as players would assume, leading to a bombastic ending that cements just how subversive and engaging Inside is.

5

Omori

A Psychological Horror Game That Scares Players When They Least Expect It

Released

December 25, 2020

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Strong Language, Violence

While most people are aware that Omori is a psychological horror game, the title holds its cards close to its chest early on. It’s hard to imagine how this cheery-looking RPG can be scary in any way, but that’s when the plot starts slowly revealing itself.

Throughout the game, Omori and Sunny will be beset by the vestiges of a certain Something, which haunts them every step of the way. It’s an eerie encounter every single time, although it eventually leads to the player accessing other areas without getting scared.

4

World Of Horror

A Horror Roguelike Inspired By The Works Of Junji Ito

Systems

Released

December 8, 2023

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Blood, Use of Alchohol and Tobacco, Violence

World of Horror is one of the scariest-looking roguelikes players can get their hands on. The game is inspired by the works of Junji Ito and all of its art is created in MS Paint, giving it an unnerving vibe as players control one of several playable characters and solve a myriad of eldritch mysteries.

Battles in this game can be harrowing to deal with, especially since death will reset a player’s progress and force them to go through the grueling steps involved in unlocking the lighthouse once again. It’s recommended that players try a run on an easier difficulty first before moving on to tougher options, as the defeats can start to pile up otherwise.

3

Darkwood

The Sound Design And Impeccable Visuals Make For Harrowing Encounters

Released

August 18, 2017

ESRB

m

The immersive audio design and chilling visuals of Darkwood make the very act of exploration an unnerving experience. The limited vision cone means that players must rely on sound and keep their wits about them at all times to avoid being jumped by the terrifying enemies that stalk the game’s world.

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As the true horrors of the game slowly come to light, players will inevitably feel a sinking sense of dread as the struggle to survive every night becomes more and more grueling. Darkwood‘s claustrophobic horror makes it a perfect title for fans of the genre to check out, as long as they can bear some of the game’s scariest encounters.

2

Amnesia: The Dark Descent

A Legendary Game Renowned For Its Terrifying Monster Chases

Survival Horror

Indie Games

Adventure

Action

Puzzle

Released

September 8, 2010

ESRB

t

Amnesia: The Dark Descent has attained an unfair reputation as a jumpscare machine and walking sim that players can check out for some cheap scares. The truth is that the game’s excellent puzzles and immersive sound design ensure that players will have a unnerving time uncovering the mysteries within this title.

During their journey, players will encounter terrifying experiments that chase them down at regular intervals. It’s an unnerving experience, but players who keep their wits about them should be able to handle the game’s toughest stages and understand why the protagonist is where he is, why he lost his memories, and what is really hiding inside (and beneath) Brennenberg Castle.

1

Phasmophobia

Even With Friends, The Ghosts In This Game Are A Nightmare

Systems

Released

October 29, 2024

ESRB

T For Teen // Blood, Use of Drugs, Violence

It’s a massive achievement that a co-op horror game can scare the wits out of players even if they’re ghost-hunting with their friends. Phasmophobia compels players to discover the spirit haunting a house and figure out the proper ritual that must be enacted to exorcise it. This is easier said than done.

Naturally, no ghost wants to be exorcised, and they will make completing the ritual difficult, especially if this vengeful spirit starts picking off players one by one. Time is of the essence, especially since these ghosts can sport unpredictable behavior that can catch players unawares.

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