Horror games come in all shapes and sizes, but the very best are those that make you truly feel fear—whether through chilling atmospheres, relentless monsters, or psychological mind-bending twists. Drawing on standout titles from recent years, here’s our ranking of the 10 best horror games.
1. Still Wakes the Deep (2024)
Still Wakes the Deep places you on an oil rig in the North Sea during the 1970s. As Caz, an electrician, you’re surrounded by darkness and the unknown after an accident unleashes a terrifying entity. Beyond its atmospheric narrative, players must navigate the rig’s claustrophobic corridors, restore damaged systems, and search for missing crew members, all while avoiding the monstrous threat lurking in the shadows.
The excellent acting and immersive horror make this a must-play for fans of narrative-driven scares. It’s best experienced going in fresh.
Available on: PS5, XSX|S, PC
2. Alien: Isolation (2014)
Alien: Isolation puts players into the boots of Amanda Ripley, hunted across the Sevastopol space station by a relentless Xenomorph. Players rely on stealth, motion detectors, and limited resources to survive, as the alien’s unpredictable AI ensures no two encounters feel the same, creating constant tension and fear.
The game captures the chilling vibe of the original 1979 film perfectly, offering a deeply immersive sci-fi horror experience that remains one of the genre’s gold standards.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4, PC
3. Amnesia: The Bunker (2023)
Set during World War I, Amnesia: The Bunker traps players inside a bunker with dwindling light. The game features environmental puzzles and the constant threat of The Beast. Players must manage scarce resources like fuel for their flashlight. They solve intricate puzzles and navigate narrow tunnels to secure dynamite and blast their way to freedom.
The Beast reacts dynamically to movement and noise. This adds unpredictability and keeps tension sky-high throughout the game.
Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PC
4. Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)
The 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4 elevates a classic with modern visuals, reworked combat, and fresh narrative twists. Beyond intense action, the game integrates complex puzzles and refined physics-driven combat, creating a balanced blend of horror and adrenaline-fueled encounters. Battling through eerie villages, engaging in tense gunfights, and navigating elaborate traps ensure that even returning players will find plenty of new thrills.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4, PC
5. Dead Space (2023)
A terrifying reimagining of the 2008 original, Dead Space remains a masterclass in sci-fi horror. Players step into the shoes of Isaac Clarke aboard the USG Ishimura, navigating blood-smeared corridors and facing off against Necromorphs.
A core mechanic involves precise dismemberment of enemy limbs to neutralize threats, adding a tactical layer to the already harrowing encounters. Adaptive difficulty, stellar sound design, and stunning visuals ensure this remake stands as one of the best horror games in recent years.
Available on: PS5, XSX|S, PC
6. Mouthwashing (2024)
Mouthwashing is a standout indie horror experience set aboard a cargo hauling spaceship, drenched in violent body horror and haunting silence. Players follow a crew teetering on the brink of madness, with the stark silence between moments of explosive violence heightening the sense of dread.
The deeply unsettling narrative, coupled with chilling dialogue and a uniquely gristly art style, ensures this game lingers long after the credits roll. Not for the faint of heart.
Platform: PC
7. Little Nightmares (2017)
Little Nightmares traps players in a grotesquely oversized world, transforming mundane spaces into arenas of terror. As Six, a small child, you must sneak past monstrous beings, combining stealth and precision platforming to survive. Familiar domestic areas are twisted into sinister landscapes, and the tension comes from navigating tight platforming sections while being pursued by creatures that tower over you. It’s eerie, visually stunning, and an unforgettable nightmare you can’t look away from.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PS4
8. The Outlast Trials (2024)
Moving from solo scares to multiplayer madness, The Outlast Trials delivers co-op horror where you and your friends navigate brutal trials filled with jumpscares, grotesque villains, and deeply unsettling scenarios. Players endure harrowing trials packed with puzzles, stealth mechanics, and intense chase sequences while unlocking cosmetic and gameplay rewards. Whether playing alone or in co-op, the game keeps your heart racing and your nerves frayed, offering endless replayability.
Available on: PC
9. Fear the Spotlight (2025)
Fear the Spotlight trades overt jumpscares for moody tension and retro visuals reminiscent of VHS-era horror. Set in an abandoned school where a séance has gone horribly wrong, players explore eerie environments and solve puzzles while uncovering a chilling narrative. The game leans heavily on atmospheric exploration and puzzle-solving, delivering a quick yet impactful horror experience perfect for both newcomers and seasoned horror fans alike.
Platform: PC
10. Visage (2015)
Visage delivers raw psychological terror through realistic environments and an oppressive atmosphere. Set in a sprawling house haunted by memories of its past occupants, players navigate shifting rooms, solve cryptic puzzles, and endure psychological scares triggered by lingering too long in darkness. The game excels at transforming silence and stillness into sheer dread, making it one of the most unnerving horror experiences available. Best played with the lights on—or off, if you dare.
Platform: PC
Whether you’re looking for the cinematic tension of Alien: Isolation, the brutal body horror of Mouthwashing, or the psychological chills of Visage, these ten games guarantee nights of adrenaline, dread, and unforgettable scares.
Which of these games kept you up at night? Share your favorites—or the scariest moments you’ve faced—in the comments below
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