Highlights

  • Doki Doki Literature Club is a visual novel turned psychological horror game, standing out from other horror games with its unexpected genre shift and dialogue options.
  • Darkwood is a survival horror game that tests the player's limits through its distorted world and terrifying nights, creating a truly suspenseful and nerve-wracking experience.
  • Little Nightmares, featuring a small child navigating a horrifying world, offers an extra unsettling experience with its unique gameplay and intriguing story, solidifying its place among the scariest games of all time.

Horror games can be more frightening than horror movies because they stimulate the player's senses in ways that can be hardly described. There have been plenty of iconic horror franchises like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, and although many of their games are fun, they are not always scary. Horror video games can be frightening for a variety of reasons. They can contain jump scares, tense moments, or other elements of horror.

The ones that surprise players the most are often the most terrifying. Facing their fears head-on is something few players have the strength to do. So close the blinds and turn the lights off. These are some of the scariest horror games ever.

Updated November 6, 2023, by Mark Sammut: Halloween might be done and dusted, but horror games are great all year round. 2023 has produced a couple of memorable fright fests, including two fantastic remakes that can stand toe-to-toe with their legendary sources, but are they among the scariest games ever? *A video version of the article has also been added, highlighting the top ten scariest horror video games from this list.

15 Doki Doki Literature Club

Sayuri sits across from the player with a soft expression. A large moon and orange clouds can be seen through the windows behind her.
Doki Doki Literature Club!

Platform(s)
PC , PS Vita
Released
September 22, 2017
Developer
Team Salvato
Genre(s)
Visual Novel , Horror

What starts as a cheery dating simulator escalates into a dark, twisted psychological horror game. 2017's Doki Doki Literature Club is a visual novel that becomes more engrossing as the game progresses.

The lightheartedness of the story's early moments leaves a lot of players confused after it grows into a nightmare. Being able to choose dialogue options to influence the results of the game makes Doki Doki Literature Club stand out from other horror games. Especially for those expecting to play a dating simulator, it can be terrifying.

14 Darkwood

darkwood player entering a house
Darkwood

Platform(s)
Xbox One , PS4 , PC , Switch
Released
August 18, 2017
Developer(s)
Acid Wizard Studio
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

If there's one thing that is more horrifying than a horror game, then it's a horror game that tests the player's limits through survival. In Darkwood, the player must try their very best to endure in an incredibly distorted world. They must scavenge and explore the suffocating forest during the day when it's mostly safe minus a couple of monsters, but the real danger occurs during the night.

Hunkering down in their base, the darkness will surround the shack the player finds themselves hiding in. Barricading the doors to make their last stand as the nightmares of the forest emerge to see the player's end. With no way to see outside the room, the player finds themselves in, it can make every night a hut-wrenching experience.

13 Little Nightmares

Six running past the chef in Little Nightmares
Little Nightmares

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC , Stadia
Released
April 28, 2017
Developer(s)
Tarsier Studios
Genre(s)
Survival Horror , Puzzle , Platformer

There is just something extra unsettling about exploring a horrifying world while in control of a small child like Six in Little Nightmares. Taking place on The Maw, the player will encounter various foes that will attempt to capture Six. As a small girl with nothing but her yellow raincoat, the player can only escape these situations.

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With an even more interesting story, it's of no surprise that this wonderful title has also been deemed one of the scariest games of all time, with Little Nightmares 2 being another contender.

12 Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2 Light
Alan Wake 2

Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
Released
October 27, 2023
Developer(s)
Remedy Entertainment
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

Both Alan Wake games are scary in their own right, but the 2010 original's strong narrative is let down by repetitive gameplay that, eventually, hurts its fear factor. The long-awaited sequel is an improvement in every single way, and that extends to its presentation of horror. Unlike many titles in the genre, Alan Wake 2 does not try to constantly jolt players out of their seats, instead sprinkling in occasional flashes of terror. However, these moments are executed so flawlessly that they linger in the player's mind, causing them to be constantly on edge.

Although not devoid of conventional jumpscares, Alan Wake 2 is arguably at its most terrifying when nothing major is really happening. Stretches when Saga or Alan are trudging through dimly lit environments in search of the next clue, fully knowing that one wrong step into the dark could be their last.

11 Alien: Isolation

Alien: Isolation

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , Switch , PC , Android , iOS
Released
October 7, 2014
Developer(s)
Creative Assembly
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

When Alien: Isolation was released in 2014, it was overlooked by quite a few people. This gem of a horror game provides a cohesive narrative that will keep many entertained throughout it.

Gazing upon the stars gives a player the feeling of isolation that is eerily fitting for a horror game. Although the technology in the game appears futuristic, at the same time, it resembles tech from the '80s. Isolation is on par with the earliest Alien movies, capturing the claustrophobic spirit of the original 1979 masterpiece. In fact, it is arguably the film's best-ever successor.

10 P.T.

PT Logo
P.T.

Platform(s)
PS4
Released
August 12, 2014
Developer(s)
Kojima Productions
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

P.T. was a playable teaser by Kojima Productions that was going to be titled Silent Hills if it were completed. It was planned to be a part of the Silent Hill game series. While not a full game, P.T. accomplishes a lot with very little.

Concerning scariness, P.T. exceeds expectations. This short playable teaser was scarier than most finished horror games. Not only are jump scares frightening, but it had some truly toe-curling moments due to how scary it is. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to play P.T. due to it being removed from the PlayStation Store.

9 Resident Evil Remake

Resident Evil HD Remaster

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , PC
Released
January 20, 2015
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

Time and time again, the first Resident Evil remake is regarded as the scariest Resident Evil game in the series. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard has more horrific elements, but the spine-chilling rustic atmosphere of the first Resident Evil remake is unique in its own way. This remake was initially released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2002.

Since then, it has been ported to a variety of consoles including PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A constant feeling of isolation is what makes the Resident Evil remake one of the most frightening games of all time.

8 The Evil Within 2

The Evil Within 2 preparing for a fight
The Evil Within 2

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
October 13, 2017
Developer(s)
Tango Gameworks
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

The Evil Within 2 is a more enjoyable experience than its predecessor; more importantly, it is also scarier. The sequel is loaded with jumpscares and graphic content that is not for the faint of heart, and its open nature makes encounters feel less telegraphed and more unpredictable.

To top it off, the story is genuinely exciting. All around, The Evil Within 2 was one of the most enjoyable horror games of the 2010s, and it is one survival horror title players shouldn't miss.

7 Dead Space

Isaac Firing The Plasma Cutter At A Necromorph
Dead Space

Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , Xbox 360
Released
October 14, 2008
Developer(s)
Visceral Games
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

EA Redwood's Dead Space takes fairly obvious inspiration from Resident Evil 4, and while an argument could be made that the latter is the better overall game, the former is undoubtedly the scarier package. As Isaac Clarke, players find themselves trapped in a spaceship infested with Necromorphs, alien creatures that not only have horrific (and creative) designs but are also extremely dangerous.

Compared to the sequels, the original Dead Space attempts to emphasize Isaac's vulnerability, all the while still providing enough tools so that players do not feel powerless. The Dead Space remake is also very good and preserves the 2008 classic's tense atmosphere and satisfying gameplay.

6 Outlast

Outlast
Outlast

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Linux , macOS , Switch
Released
November 4, 2013
Developer(s)
Red Barrels
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

Although the second Outlast may have had improved visuals and a more interesting story, the first was much more frightening. Using a camcorder's night vision mode with limited battery life to progress through the game is disheartening, and players have no means to defend themselves.

The remote mental asylum that the reporter progresses through is filled with psychotic patients who are far from ordinary. For a low-budget game, Outlast had remarkable sales figures and spawned a dedicated fanbase.

5 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Released
January 24, 2017
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard marked a new era in Capcom's franchise, one that brought back an emphasis on horror over action. The game took bold risks that paid off, and the campaign's opening hours are as scary as any other project out there. However, the game has its parts where horror takes a backseat, especially during the second half of the story.

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While the focus is on the accessible base game, Resident Evil 7's VR mode is on a whole other level when it comes to scares. That technology has proven to be the perfect match for the genre, something that Capcom has repeatedly proven through their legendary horror IP.

4 Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly

The twin watching the Crimson Butterflies
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterly

Platform(s)
PS2 , PS3 , Wii , Xbox (Original)
Released
December 10, 2003
Developer(s)
Tecmo
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

While the property has lost some steam in recent years, Fatal Frame's horror legacy is set in stone thanks to its PS2 trilogy. It is debatable which entry is the most terrifying; however, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly has the most enjoyable story and gameplay, all the while offering comparable scares to its predecessor and successor.

The series revolves around taking photographs of ghosts and using exorcism to free their spirits. Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly nails the look of its ghosts, most of which are inspired by Japanese myths. Along with delivering arguably some of the creepiest youkai designs in gaming, the game also offers quantity as it has a fairly wide selection of ghosts.

3 Silent Hill 2

Silent Hill 2

Platform(s)
PC , PS2 , PS3 , Xbox (Original) , Xbox 360
Released
September 24, 2001
Developer(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

One of the most enduring PS2 games of all time, Silent Hill 2 is psychological horror at its finest. James Sunderland receives a letter from his deceased wife beckoning him to Silent Hill, an eerie town that acts as a gateway into a visitor's darkest subconscious traumas, fears, and desires.

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Drenched in suffocating fog and dripping with visual storytelling, Silent Hill 2 immerses players in the protagonist's nightmare, and James is far from a noble or idealistic hero. While hardly the only terrifying entity to live within the titular town, the Nurses are comfortably among the horror genre's most iconic (and scary) enemies.

2 Until Dawn

Close-up of the windigo as it screams, revealing a yawning maw full of razor sharp teeth.
Until Dawn

Platform(s)
PS4
Released
August 25, 2015
Developer(s)
Supermassive Games
Genre(s)
Horror

Supermassive Games has become the master of interactive horror experiences. With recent releases like The Quarry or The Dark Pictures Anthology, it's of no surprise to see its games on the list of the scariest available for players to questionably enjoy.

Out of all those available, Until Dawn – one of the developer's original releases – is a game many have tried but have been too afraid to complete. Each character the player controls has an interesting backstory and an important role to play. Intense choices can leave players panicked as they ask themselves if they picked the right option. Only another playthrough of Until Dawn will confirm if that truly was the case.

1 Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Platform(s)
PlayStation 4 , Nintendo Switch , Android , Xbox One , Microsoft Windows , macOS
Released
September 8, 2010
Developer(s)
Frictional Games
Genre(s)
Survival Horror , Indie Games , Adventure , Action , Puzzle

This hair-raising survival horror game has been the inspiration for games like Slender: The Arrival and Outlast. Being left alone in the dark with the omnipresent threat of murderous monsters, Amnesia: The Dark Descent has left some players so frightened they have been unable to finish the horror experience.

Besides the scares, there are also some exciting puzzles to solve, making the game overall an enjoyable experience. Players will want to play Amnesia: The Dark Descent in the dark for the scariest experience of all.

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