Although there are enough video games out there to last more than one lifetime, it can still be heartbreaking when an excellent-sounding upcoming game is canceled. Sadly, Silent Hills joined the long list of highly anticipated titles that are unlikely ever to release, following the public breakup between Kojima Productions and Konami. Silent Hills is a gutting cancellation in particular, as the game's playable teaser, P.T., was extremely well received.
Thankfully, there are numerous fantastic indie horror games available, that can scratch players' itch for frightening adventures. Some of the indie games on this list are vastly different in playstyle than P.T., but they all provide thoroughly enjoyable horror experiences that will hopefully fill the void left by Silent Hills' cancellation.
Updated on January 11th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: There are a lot of great indie releases out there but Indie Horror games feel like their own special sub-genre. A lot of love, hard work, and truly great ideas go into the many Indie Horror games that players see on a yearly basis. After the release of PT (and its sad and unfortunate cancellation), many players took up the mantle in the hopes of creating an experience that paid homage to the feelings that the playable teaser captured. The end result was some of the best Indie Horror games the world has seen so far. To shine a better light on some of these amazing titles, the following list has been updated to include more entries.
19 Layers Of Fear
- Initial Release Date: February 16th, 2016
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
- Main Story Completion Time: 3.5 hours
- Best Feature: Changing rooms and hallways provide an alarming and mind-bending experience.
One of the things that made PT so alarming was the feeling of dread as players walked through a normal area that seemingly changed and morphed as time went on. The long and foreboding hallways in PT grew darker and stranger with every pass, making players question if the things they were seeing and hearing had been there all along or if the area around them was actually changing.
Layers of Fear takes this concept and cranks it up to 11 by placing players into a seemingly innocent space and then morphing it abruptly and wildly as they progress through each room. It feels like psychological warfare and it really ramps the horror elements up quickly as players soon find themselves exploring seemingly impossible areas that sprout up like a labyrinth through each new doorway.
18 The Park
- Initial Release Date: October 27th, 2015
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
- Main Story Completion Time: 1.5 hours
- Best Feature: First-person atmospheric story-driven gameplay builds tons of tension.
Anyone who played the promising MMO Secret World will immediately recognize developer Funcom. Unfortunately, the MMO didn't quite grip the masses as the company had hoped but it still managed to develop a small cult following thanks to its impressive environments and Lovecraftian-like visuals. The Park continues this spooky trend with its beautiful yet macabre adventure into an Amusement Park, a place that many consider light-hearted and fun.
Funcom's first-person foray into madness turns an innocent entertainment space into a one-to-two-hour-long nightmare with an underlying story and plenty of dread to be discovered. Players that aren't interested in combat mechanics and are simply looking for an explorative and terrifying experience should check out this Indie title.
17 Infliction
- Initial Release Date: October 18th, 2018
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
- Main Story Completion Time: 3 hours
- Best Feature: Feels claustrophobic, disorienting, and will have players panicking as they run from danger.
When PT first dropped, gamers were fascinated by how visceral and terrifying it really felt. This reverberation throughout the industry was also felt by developers, who took the ideas presented in the "playable teaser" and began to adopt them into their own horrifying adventures. One of the best, and most underrated of these tributes, is Infliction, a masterfully crafted indie horror title that is every bit as scary as the titles that inspired it.
Infliction is panic-inducing and disorienting, putting players in situations where they feel as if they're being hunted by a mysterious entity, all while trying to escape the confines of a maze-like home. It's all packaged together with a story that, while confusing at times, should keep players enthralled enough to keep pushing forward.
16 Mundaun
- Initial Release Date: March 16, 2021
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
- Main Story Completion Time: 7 hours
- Best Feature: The fantastic, eerie art design that gives the game a unique feel
Mundaun was developed by Hidden Fields and immediately turned heads with its unique art style. The game begins with the protagonist visiting his grandfather's barn, which he was told had burned down, killing his elderly relative. However, it soon becomes clear that something far more sinister has taken place, and players must investigate what has happened, leading to some shocking discoveries.
The game is often tagged as a first-person shooter, though much of the 7-hour runtime is spent solving puzzles and exploring the unsettling town that, surprisingly, is based on a real town in Switzerland of the same name. Mundaun was fairly well-received by critics, exemplified by its solid PlayStation 4 Metascore of 75. Praise for the game was directed at its art design and story, though the gameplay mechanics, particularly the combat, drew criticism for being too bland and clunky.
15 Visage
- Initial Release Date: October 30, 2020
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Main Story Completion Time: 6 hours
- Best Feature: Offers the closest experience to P.T. on this list
Visage is a great choice for those disappointed about P.T.'s cancellation, as Konami's teaser was a direct influence on the 2020 release.
SadSquare Studio's Visage is one of many indie horror games that had crowd-funding from Kickstarter. The game received an impressive 3,000+ pledges on the site, with similarities to P.T. likely being one of the driving forces behind its strong backing. Thankfully, Visage didn't disappoint, releasing to a warm reception from fans and critics exemplified by the game's 80 critic score and 7.6 user score on Metacritic.
14 Lone Survivor
- Initial Release Date: 27 March 2012
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
- Main Story Completion Time: 4 hours
- Best Feature: Multiple endings and story directions offer replayability and make decisions impactful
Most horror games today provide a first-person perspective and aim for visuals that are as realistic as possible in an attempt to frighten players through an unsettlingly high degree of immersion. Superflat Games' Lone Survivor, however, takes a different approach with its retro 2D graphics that are reminiscent of classic arcade and NES games.
The post-apocalyptic survival horror game will only take around 4 hours to beat but has a handful of different endings encouraging multiple playthroughs.
13 Detention
- Initial Release Date: January 13, 2017
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Android
- Main Story Completion Time: 3 hours
- Best Feature: Unique and unsettling visuals that set the tone for the creepy atmosphere
Red Candle Games' Detention takes players to Taiwan in 1960, during a period known as White Terror that lasted 38 years from 1949 to 1987. The game is set in a High School, where two students become trapped and are haunted by creatures known as "Lingered." The game was very well received and currently has an Overwhelmingly Positive All Reviews score on Steam.
Red Candle Games are best known today for their 2019 game Devotion, which has been surrounded by controversy after it was removed from multiple platforms, including Steam, following an easter egg being found that insulted Xi Jinping.
12 Pacify
- Initial Release Date: February 22, 2019
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems, Classic Mac OS
- Main Story Completion Time: 1.5 hours
- Best Feature: Has three separate game modes: single-player, co-op, and PVP
Pacify was developed by Shawn Hitchock, the same person who created 2015's Emily Wants To Play. The game differentiates itself from most horror titles by offering a co-op mode, as well as a PVP mode where players compete against one another to do the most work to earn a job with PAH Inc. (Paranormal Activity Helpers Incorporated).
Like many horror games, Pacify can be terrifying to play alone but is often hilarious when playing with friends.
11 Little Nightmares
- Initial Release Date: April 28, 2017
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia
- Main Story Completion Time: 3.5 hours
- Best Feature: The unique take on the puzzle-platforming genre makes the game distinctive
The puzzle-platforming genre is generally known for its light-hearted, wholesome games led by marketable characters, with examples being Fez, Unravel, and Captain Toad. Tarsier Studios' Little Nightmares, however, provides a puzzle-platformer experience with some of the most disturbing visuals of any game released in the last five years.
When the game's initial trailers were released, there were fears that the polarizing combination of platforming and horror would be little more than a gimmick. However, Tarsier Studios put any such fears to bed with an unsettling but enjoyable game that won the 2016 Indie Award at Gamescom.
10 The Medium
- Initial Release Date: January 28, 2021
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
- Main Story Completion Time: 8 hours
- Best Feature: The dual-screen mechanic boasts the next-generation capabilities of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5
The Medium is one of the few games that has been released on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, but not on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. This is due to the game's dual world feature, which the last-gen consoles simply aren't powerful enough to run smoothly. Bloober Team's The Medium is set in post-Communism Poland and puts players in the shoes of a medium named Marianne.
After getting a mysterious phone call, Marianne travels to a resort named Niwa, where she uncovers its tragic history. The psychological horror game is very linear and story-driven, with the gameplay predominantly consisting of puzzle-solving.
9 The Forest
- Initial Release Date: April 30, 2018
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4
- Main Story Completion Time: 14.5 hours
- Best Feature: The unexpected source of hilarity when playing with friends
Playing The Forest is similar to watching a 60s horror film, in the sense that it can be scary alone but hilarious with friends. Although The Forest does have a narrative centered around the protagonist losing their son in a plane crash, its popularity was predominantly due to the excellent multiplayer.
Endnight Games' survival horror title was well received by critics, with the PC iteration receiving an 83 Metascore on PC. The game's success has unsurprisingly meant that a sequel is in development; Sons of the Forest is expected to release within the next couple of years.
8 Five Nights at Freddy's
- Initial Release Date: August 8, 2014
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Main Story Completion Time: 2.5 hours
- Best Feature: The intense atmosphere and sense of dread that engrosses players as the impeding jumpscares grow closer
Surprise hit Five Nights At Freddy's was initially released in 2014 on PC before coming to iOS, Android, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4 in the years that followed. The game was developed by Scott Cawthon, who has also worked on its many sequels.
Five Nights at Freddy's is certainly not the most complicated game in the world, though its simplicity makes it all the more engaging. The game puts players in control of a security guard at a Chuck E Cheese-inspired restaurant, who needs to fend off a group of deadly Animatronics who sporadically start approaching.
7 Soma
- Initial Release Date: September 22, 2015
- Available Platforms: Linux, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Main Story Completion Time: 9 hours
- Best Feature: One of the best horror stories in gaming history
When judging Soma purely on its gameplay, it's certainly not a bad game, but it doesn't stand out from the large crowd of average horror games that have been released over the last few decades. However, Soma became one of 2015's most interesting and talked about horror games thanks to its fascinating, haunting, and well-crafted story.
It's difficult to discuss the story without running into spoiler territory, though it can be said that fans of the tv series Black Mirror should certainly consider giving the game a try, as they have similar themes of the danger of technological advancements.
6 Subnautica
- Initial Release Date: January 23, 2018
- Available Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Main Story Completion Time: 29 hours
- Best Feature: The huge ocean is one of the most impressive indie open worlds of all time
When coming across Subnautica's box in a store or perhaps flicking past it on Game Pass, most people would likely believe the game to be a relaxing, meditative venture into an alien planet's sea. However, it soon becomes clear that this isn't the case when booting up the game, as players will find themselves stranded in the middle of the ocean and having to delve into the deep blue sea to scavenge materials while evading the deadly creatures that lie below.
Subnautica was extremely well-received by the gaming community, and it was awarded the accolade of Fan Favorite Indie Game at the Gamers' Choice Awards in 2018.
5 Darkwood
- Initial Release Date: August 17, 2017
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, SteamOS, Ubuntu, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Main Story Completion Time: 18 hours
- Best Feature: The atmospheric, horrifying art design
Darkwood was initially released on Mac and PC in 2017, before coming to Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4 nearly two years later. The game features a top-down perspective which is uncommon for the horror genre, as the perspective is inherently less immersive than first or third person.
However, the game's development team, Acid Wizard Studio, did a fantastic job creating an atmospheric and truly unsettling experience. Darkwood is also notable for its semi-open world, which has a well-integrated day/night cycle.
4 Outlast
- Initial Release Date: September 4, 2013
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, OS X, Nintendo Switch
- Main Story Completion Time: 5 hours
- Best Feature: Very well-paced campaign that does a great job of building the tension
Outlast is a rare case of an indie horror game that is known to many people who aren't particularly interested in gaming. This is because the survival horror game has been played by many influencers of YouTube and Twitch, thanks to the game's easy-to-learn controls and numerous jumpscares that make for great viewing.
Outlast takes a leaf out of Amnesia's book by giving players no weaponry, forcing them to hide and stealth past enemies if they want to survive. The game is notable for its level design, which is well-crafted to give players numerous places to hide without making them ever feel too safe.
3 Cry of Fear
- Initial Release Date: February 22, 2012
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows
- Main Story Completion Time: 7.5 hours
- Best Feature: The great range of gameplay mechanics
Cry of Fear was released by Team Psykskallar in 2012. The game was initially a mod for Half-Life but released as a standalone product shortly after.
Similar to Outlast, Cry of Fear is well-known by the YouTube community thanks to influencer reactions to the game. Unlike Outlast, which most people watch others play an entire walkthrough of, many people only watch the reactions of one specific part of Cry of Fear. This is because the game has one of the most infamous jumpscares in gaming history. Not only does it feel as though "the face" is jumping out of the screen, but it's also terrifying because it comes completely out of nowhere.
2 Observer: System Redux
- Initial Release Date: August 15, 2017
- Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
- Main Story Completion Time: 6 hours
- Best Feature: Features one of the best cyberpunk stories and settings in gaming history
Observer: System Redux is the second game on this list that was developed by Bloober Team. System Redux is an enhanced re-release of Observer, featuring new story content and improved visuals to the game's cyberpunk world.
The cyberpunk world is one of Observer: System Redux's many fantastic features, exemplified by it winning the Best Setting accolade from Game Informer in 2017. The game also received solid reviews from critics, especially the Xbox One iteration, which has an impressive Metascore of 86.
1 Amnesia: The Dark Descent
- Initial Release Date: September 8, 2010
- Available Platforms: Linux, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Main Story Completion Time: 8 hours
- Best Feature: Hugely influential gameplay and atmosphere that made the horror genre about horror again
Frictional Games' Amnesia: The Dark Descent is today recognized as being one of the best and most influential horror games of all time. The horror genre was in a bit of an odd place around 2010, as many of the games released that year or the year prior had predominantly been action-centric, with horror themes; Resident Evil 5 and Dead Rising 2 being two prominent examples.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent went against this trend, providing a pure horror experience with one of the most unsettling atmospheres in the genre's history.