Fear of clowns – also known as coulrophobia – is one of the more widely known phobias. Whether it’s an extreme fear or not, there is no doubt that the majority of people find clowns creepy to some degree. The sensationalism of these masked menaces on screen has been credited to real figures like John Wayne Gacy, and fictional ones like Stephen King’s Pennywise from It (1986).
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Surprisingly, there is not an abundance of games centering around clowns; with their uncanny makeup and maniacal laughing, they seem like the perfect antagonists. That said, there are some clown horror games that provide dark entertainment, pitting the player against unhinged killers in carnivals, circuses, and even their own homes.
The entries listed below will focus on games both centered around clowns, and games that feature memorable clown encounters.
12
Play With Me
Short And Not-So-Sweet
- Platforms: Windows
- Release Date: 2016
- Developer: C6H8O7
- Itch.io Link
With the onslaught of huge AAA horror games, it’s sometimes refreshing to return to basics with a straightforward premise and short playtime. Play With Me is one such game, only taking around 5 minutes to complete (on a smooth run), but it still proves to be a terrifying experience.
The player must find candles in order to gain access to the key to their escape. Although it’s essentially a walking simulator with jumpscares, Play With Me is a great introduction to horror for gamers looking for a less complex or full-on experience.
11
Nemeses
Escape A Nightmare Play Zone
- Platforms: Windows
- Release Date: 2019
- Developer: Matt Reeves
- Itch.io Link
For a game developed single-handedly, Nemeses is a positive edge-of-your-seat experience. Transported into a strange nightmarish realm, the player must find a way out of the not-so-innocent soft play area with nothing but their ability to navigate mazes, all while being stalked by evil clowns.
The horror of Nemeses derives from its narrow, claustrophobic environments, which are also uncannily liminal. A glowing pair of eyes emerging from the darkness with no clear way out is a horrifying feeling that the game captures well.
10
Death Park 2
Survive A City Overrun By Monsters
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, PS4, Xbox One/X/S
- Release Date: December 20, 2020
- Developer: Euphoria Games
Death Park 2 is a survival horror that follows Charlie on his mission to save his sister and kill “The Clown”, who is trying to cross over into reality and take over the world. Navigating the various zones of Farland City, the player must solve puzzles while tackling the disturbing monsters that have been unleashed.
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Although the puzzles aren’t the most complex, Death Park 2 still has compelling mechanics, like the ability to traverse between reality and the Dream World, as well as plenty of gunplay. There are also multiple endings, garnering significant replay value.
9
Emily Wants To Play Too
What If Dolls Really Did Come To Life?
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Release Date: December 13, 2017
- Developer: Shawn Hitchcock
How scary could a sandwich delivery be? According to Emily Wants to Play Too, very. During their evening shift, the player finds themselves at a research facility for criminal evidence, where the dolls that were involved in a murder case are being held. Unfortunately, they appear to have a mind of their own.
Among the toys are the clown, Mr Tatters, and the life-sized jester, Weasl. Each doll has different mechanics in the form of twisted children’s games, from peekaboo to red light and green light to tag, with dire consequences if the player loses.
8
Killer Klowns From Outer Space
The 80s Cult Classic Given New Life
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OpenCritic
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Top Critic Rating:
69/100
- Franchise
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Killer Klowns from Outer Space
- Released
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June 4, 2024
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
Based on the film of the same name, the premise of Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game is indeed just as outlandish as it sounds; clown aliens with popcorn guns and invisible cars have arrived on Earth to trap humans in cotton candy cocoons and harvest them.
As an asymmetrical horror game, players can take on the role of the Klown in a team of three or as a Crescent Cove citizen trying to escape. With iconic stylized maps and gameplay, Killer Klowns makes for some hilarious but hair-raising moments.
7
The Kidnap
A Kidnapping Clown Haunts The Streets
- Released
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November 1, 2023
- Developer(s)
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Chilla’s Art
Chilla’s Art is a Japanese developer known for exploring very real horrors in their titles, from cyberstalkers to serial killers. The Kidnap follows young student Renya, whose mother and sister have gone missing. To make things worse, the school is abuzz with rumors about a clown kidnapper that targets those who are alone.
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The Kidnap, like other Chilla’s Art games, is primarily a walking simulator, but is great at building tension and tackles some heavier themes surrounding child neglect and poverty. There are some dark twists and multiple endings.
6
Dark Deception (Chapter 3: Retribution)
Pacman Meets Horror
- Released
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September 27, 2018
- Developer(s)
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Glowstick Entertainment
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op
Inspired by arcade games like Pacman, Dark Deception throws players into a maze to collect shards needed to rebuild a magical ring. To make matters worse, each chapter presents new horrifying enemies that are intent on finding and killing the player, and there’s nowhere to hide.
Chapter 3: Retribution sees the player hunted down in the “Crazy Carnevil” by Clown Gremlins, which, although small, are relentless. Turning a corner and coming face to face with a big-headed and sharp-toothed clown is a terrifying concept; finding a dead end with them hot on players’ heels is almost certain death.
5
Dead By Daylight (Curtain Call)
One Performance Players Won’t Want To Be A Part Of
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OpenCritic
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Top Critic Rating:
70/100
- Franchise
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Dead by Daylight
- Released
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June 14, 2016
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical horror, known for its ever-expanding variety of maps, survivors, and killers. Whether trying to escape or serve the Entity, there are plenty of different ways to play and customize characters depending on the player’s preference.
The Clown is one of the killers, introduced in the “Curtain Call” chapter DLC. Once part of a traveling circus, he has now taken to amateur alchemy and collecting fingers. The Clown is able to throw tonics to hinder survivors and track their coughing, as well as slow down their healing speed. Having him hot on the player’s heels is truly spine-chilling.
4
Until Dawn: Rush Of Blood
An Interesting Carnival Spin-Off for VR Players
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OpenCritic
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Top Critic Rating:
72/100
- Released
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October 13, 2016
- Publisher(s)
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Sony Interactive Entertainment
Until Dawn: Rush of Blood has the apparent influence of the short-lived 90s arcade game CarnEvil, with a similar premise and design. The game is a rail shooter, set in a carnival horror house across seven levels, with the player having to fend off various enemies (including clowns) with guns.
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As a spin-off from the original Until Dawn, Rush of Blood features some familiar faces, including the Psycho, the twins Hannah and Beth, and (of course) the Wendigos. Beyond the gameplay, it also delves into the psychological horror genre, giving players a glimpse into Josh’s psyche.
3
Dead Island 2
Hollywood Glamour Rots Away to Reveal Zombie Clowns
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OpenCritic
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Top Critic Rating:
75/100
- Franchise
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Dead Island
- Released
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April 21, 2023
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Taking place in the City of Angels, Dead Island 2 is a zombie survival horror. After a failed evacuation, six survivors attempt to reach a safe haven where a cure is allegedly in the works. Gameplay involves a combination of melee and ranged combat and a deck-building system for character progression.
During the Boardwalking Dead quest, the Butcher zombie, Butcho the Clown makes an appearance, ultimately ending up as a boss. Beyond the inherent clown creepiness, Butcho’s razor-sharp arm bones, decaying flesh, and bloody set of teeth make him a disturbing encounter.
2
Left 4 Dead 2
Clown Zombies and their Squeaky Shoes Draw Deadly Attention
- Franchise
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Left 4 Dead
- Released
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November 17, 2009
- Multiplayer
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Local Co-Op, Local Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Left 4 Dead 2 is an FPS horror set during a zombie outbreak in the Deep South. Along with four other survivors, the player must fight their way through the hordes to reach various extraction points across five campaigns (although there are other game modes available).
During the Dark Carnival campaign, players will encounter the Clown Infected – mutated circus performers intent on using their sharp claws and teeth on the survivors. Unfortunately, their comically large squeaky shoes attract other zombies, a feature that is forgiven by the achievement given if players honk their noses ten times.
1
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
Zombies Aren’t The Only Danger in this Infested Mall
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OpenCritic
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Top Critic Rating:
80/100
- Franchise
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Dead Rising
- Released
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September 19, 2024
Dead Rising (2006) was an iconic hack-and-slash comedy horror so enjoyable that Capcom decided it warranted a remaster. Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster once again has the player controlling Frank West as they simultaneously complete missions and try to survive a mall full of undead long enough to be rescued. Perhaps most revered is the gameplay; players can use almost anything to smash zombies, from guns to tin cans.
Juggling chainsaws would usually be in violation of some health and safety codes, but when there’s a zombie apocalypse going on, sticking to the rules goes out of the window, or so Adam MacIntyre believes. Once an entertainer, Adam became unhinged after zombies annihilated his audience, becoming the self-proclaimed operator of the roller coaster in the Wonderland Plaza. Dual-wielding and surprisingly adept at acrobatics, Adam is a terrifyingly volatile clown to cross paths with.
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