10 horror video games may have fewer enthusiasts than sprawling RPGs or fast‑paced sports titles, and that’s easy to understand. When everything around you moves at breakneck speed, the last thing you want is to scare yourself silly with a video game. Still, if you’re a brave soul who loves to explore, there are fantastic horror experiences that will keep you up all night.
10 Outlast 2
Outlast 2 continues the legacy of its 2013 predecessor, arriving on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Like the original, it thrusts you into a first‑person nightmare, but this sequel cranks up the difficulty and dread. You follow journalist Sullivan Knoth and his unsettling followers as the story unfolds.
The game drops you into the shoes of a reporter whose helicopter crashes in the desolate Arizona desert. Together with his wife Lynn, you’re forced to investigate a series of grisly events no other journalist dares to touch. There’s no combat—only sprinting, hiding, and piecing together a horrific puzzle. The desert’s darkness is suffocating, the corruption sky‑high, and the truth buried deep.
Although the opening may feel a bit slow, don’t be fooled—this title is relentlessly terrifying and demands a sturdy heart and a solid stomach.
9 The Madness of Death
The Madness of Death is a brief yet intensely horrifying experience, designed for the select few who can endure its psychological torment. Clocking in at roughly 30‑60 minutes, the game delivers immersive gameplay, a gripping narrative, and a barrage of unsettling horror.
The plot follows a grieving man whose wife perished in a tragic accident. Consumed by sorrow, he withdraws from society and becomes obsessed with ancient legends about resurrecting the dead. When his sister receives a mysterious letter urging her to visit, she discovers an enigmatic box of symbols instead of her brother, while he, elsewhere, clutches a stone that drags him into an inescapable nightmare.
The game carries a strong discretion warning—players who are easily triggered should heed it before diving into this unsettling journey.
8 Until Dawn
Blending survival, action, and adventure, Until Dawn offers a little something for every horror fan. The story centers on eight teenagers trapped on a remote mountain cabin, forced to confront a terrifying presence that threatens to kill them all.
You can assume control of any of the eight characters, making choices that ripple through the narrative. Each decision carries weight—your team may survive together or fall apart. The branching storylines create a butterfly‑effect dynamic, while cameo appearances by stars like Hayden Panettiere add an extra layer of intrigue. Originally a PS3 exclusive, the game now shines on PS4 and has been remastered for PC.
While the game is a thrilling ride, it’s best enjoyed with the lights on.
7 The Last of Us
Despite racking up more than 200 Game of the Year awards, The Last of Us remains a brutally disturbing experience. Players follow Joel and Ellie as they navigate a post‑pandemic world, fighting for survival against hostile factions and infected creatures.
The title is unapologetically violent—combat, shootings, torture scenes, and graphic animal deaths abound. Though not a traditional horror game, its grim atmosphere and moral dilemmas make it a chilling journey best avoided in total darkness.
Available on PC and all major consoles, the latest remake leverages the power of the PS5 for an even more immersive experience.
6 Murder House
If haunted‑house tales make you shiver, Murder House is a retro survival‑horror gem you’ll want to keep the lights on for. This fifth‑generation classic relies on tank controls and a chilling narrative.
The plot follows a news crew that breaks into an abandoned mansion to cover a story—only to discover the house belongs to the executed serial killer Antony Smith, whose restless spirit still haunts its corridors. The game lacks autosave, forcing players to rely on limited pencil saves, a hallmark of its PS1 origins.
Curiosity may drive you to uncover who survives, but be prepared for a night drenched in terror.
5 Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight delivers gore, blood, and mature horror in a multiplayer 4‑vs‑1 format. One player assumes the role of a savage killer, while four survivors scramble to evade capture and escape.
Survivors benefit from a third‑person perspective, making navigation intuitive, whereas the killer operates in first‑person, hunting with relentless precision. Teamwork can turn the tide, but selfish choices may seal a grim fate. The game’s chilling environments, atmospheric music, and expertly crafted tension elevate the horror experience.
Available on PC and consoles, this multiplayer nightmare is best played with the lights on.
4 Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Developed by Frictional Games in the late 2000s, Amnesia: The Dark Descent earned a reputation for its relentless psychological horror and intricate puzzles. The game forgoes combat entirely, forcing players to rely on wit and stealth.
Rather than cheap jump‑scares, the title builds dread by stripping away agency—players feel powerless in a bleak, tragic setting. You follow Daniel, a man plagued by amnesia, as he navigates a pitch‑black mansion armed only with a trembling lantern.
The oppressive darkness and haunting ambience make you question whether you’d dare join Daniel in such a bleak environment.
3 The Evil Within
From Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks, The Evil Within stands as a visceral survival‑horror experience with striking creature design. Inspired by classics like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, it leans heavily on jump‑scares and grotesque monstrosities.
Players must scavenge for resources across multiple chapters, uncovering safe havens and upgrading weapons to survive the nightmarish onslaught.
Available on both PC and consoles, the game’s graphic intensity and stomach‑turning moments demand a sturdy heart and a well‑conditioned stomach.
2 Remothered: Tormented Fathers
Remothered: Tormented Fathers delivers a hyper‑realistic, psychology‑driven horror adventure. The narrative blurs the line between hero and villain, weaving relentless twists that ratchet up tension.
The story follows Rosemary Reed, a middle‑aged woman investigating a crime at Richard Felton’s estate. Initially welcomed by Gloria, the housekeeper, Rosemary soon discovers sinister motives, turning her quest into a desperate fight for survival.
Film‑style cutscenes, top‑tier audio, and a haunting soundtrack amplify the dread. The game is playable on PC and consoles, best enjoyed with the lights on.
1 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Resident Evil earned the title of horror video game royalty, and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard stands as its most terrifying incarnation. Released in 2017, the game dominated charts for years, cementing its status as a modern classic.
Set in a contemporary rural American backdrop, the single‑player experience blends classic survival mechanics with a fresh, terrifying atmosphere. Only the clever and brave can outlast the nightmarish challenges.
Players consistently rave about the game’s oppressive ambience, declaring it the most intense Resident Evil entry to date. Approach it at your own risk—and never, ever play it in the dark.