What are the best scary games to play right now? For many gamers, the allure of horror games stems from the thrill of suspense and the unpredictable terror that lurks around every corner. Over the years, the gaming industry has consistently outdone itself, producing titles that tap into our primal fears. With that in mind, here's our list of top scary games for those looking to immerse themselves in pure horror.
1. Resident Evil 7
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard revitalized the iconic series with a return to its survival horror essence. Playing as Ethan Winters, you're in search of your missing wife in a crumbling, eerily silent Louisiana mansion. Here, the unnerving Baker family awaits, pushing the boundaries of psychological terror. This first-person perspective adds intimacy to the horror, making every close encounter intensely personal. With the added VR feature, every corridor's darkness and each grotesque enemy become chillingly tangible. Beyond the jump scares, Resident Evil 7 is a masterful blend of atmospheric dread and compelling storytelling.
2. Layers of Fear
Plunge into the mind of a tormented painter in Layers of Fear. The protagonist's deteriorating psyche becomes the game's shifting, ever-evolving environment. As players venture further into his mansion, they're confronted with a distorted reality — rooms that change when you turn your back, and haunting visions that recount a tragic past. The game doesn't rely on traditional horror tropes; instead, it's the unsettling atmosphere and the unraveling narrative that will keep you on edge. The artwork, which ranges from beautiful to grotesque, adds another layer to the game's unique psychological horror.
3. The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners
The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners is a testament to the immersive power of VR in horror gaming. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans post-zombie apocalypse, players must navigate the treacherous waters of both undead threats and unpredictable human survivors. Every decision, from forming alliances to choosing when to fight or flee, molds your journey. Resource management and crafting are essential, adding another layer of intensity. The game isn't just about surviving hordes of walkers; it's also about managing interactions, facing moral dilemmas, and living with the consequences of your choices.
4. Outlast
Outlast offers a raw, intense horror experience that's not for the faint-hearted. Journalist Miles Upshur's journey inside the Mount Massive Asylum is fraught with gruesome discoveries, chilling adversaries, and a story that delves deep into human depravity. With no weapons and limited resources, your only option is to run, hide, or die. The camera, with its night-vision mode, becomes an essential tool for survival. But it also amplifies the terror — illuminating scenes you might wish stayed in the dark. Outlast excels in creating a feeling of vulnerability and relentless tension.
5. SOMA
Deep beneath the ocean's surface lies PATHOS-II, the setting for SOMA. While it offers a rich dose of horror through its abandoned, claustrophobic corridors and grotesque creatures, it's the existential narrative that sets it apart. The game raises unsettling questions about consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human. As you unravel the mystery, the line between man and machine becomes increasingly blurred. In a world where transferring human consciousness to machines is possible, SOMA challenges your perceptions and ethics.
6. Devotion
Devotion stands as a testament to the brilliance of Asian horror. Set in a Taiwanese apartment from the '80s, the game's narrative shifts between years, gradually revealing a tragic tale of a family's descent into despair. Drawing heavily on cultural contexts, the game's horror is rooted in its authentic representation of East Asian beliefs and the all-consuming nature of fanaticism. Devotion crafts its terror not through monsters but through its emotionally charged atmosphere and the ever-present feeling that something is amiss.
7. Bloodborne
Bloodborne transports players to the Gothic city of Yharnam, a place afflicted with a mysterious blood-borne disease. While its fast-paced combat and intricate lore align with action RPGs, the game's horror elements are impossible to ignore. From eldritch monsters to the oppressive atmosphere of its labyrinthine streets, every aspect of Bloodborne is designed to unsettle. Its narrative, steeped in Lovecraftian themes, further amplifies the horror, making players question the nature of the game's world and their role in it.
8. Prey
Prey merges sci-fi elements with psychological horror. Aboard the Talos I space station, the shape-shifting Typhon aliens are not the only threat. The environment itself, with its gravity-defying physics and mind-bending architecture, becomes a puzzle to navigate. The ability of enemies to mimic any object means danger is omnipresent, and trust in your surroundings is eroded. Layered with a compelling narrative that questions reality, identity, and morality, Prey delivers a multidimensional horror experience.
9. Alan Wake
Alan Wake draws players into the eerie town of Bright Falls, where the lines between fiction and reality blur. As a writer, Alan battles against the darkness consuming the town, using light as his primary weapon. But it's not just the shadows and the malevolent forces he must contend with. The game cleverly integrates Wake's own writings into the narrative, revealing a story he doesn't remember penning, yet it eerily predicts and narrates his actions. As players delve deeper, they're drawn into a twisted tale of suspense, drenched in Stephen King and Twin Peaks inspirations. The episodic structure enhances the tension, ending each chapter on cliffhangers that compel you to plunge deeper into the mystery.
10. Resident Evil Village
Building on the success of its predecessor, Resident Evil Village continues Ethan Winters' harrowing journey. Moving from the claustrophobic corridors of the Baker mansion to a sprawling, cursed village and imposing castle, the game is a masterclass in horror world-building. Iconic adversaries like Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters bring a fresh, gothic horror twist to the series. The game's intricate environments, from snow-covered exteriors to dimly-lit, ornate interiors, are rife with details that immerse players in its chilling narrative. Blending classic survival mechanics, atmospheric horror, and compelling storytelling, Resident Evil Village is a modern horror masterpiece.
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