The Names of Some Notable Horror Games

Horror video games have carved a distinct place in the gaming world, creating immersive and terrifying experiences that captivate players. From psychological horror to survival terror, these games often take advantage of the interactive nature of gaming, forcing players to confront fear head-on. Here are some of the most notable horror games, each known for its unique approach to horror and its impact on the genre.

1. Resident Evil Series

Perhaps the most iconic name in survival horror, Resident Evil redefined the genre when it debuted in 1996. Created by Capcom, the series combines zombies, terrifying creatures, and tense resource management, putting players in scenarios where they must solve puzzles and fight off undead foes with limited ammo. Resident Evil 2 (1998) and Resident Evil 4 (2005) are often hailed as two of the greatest horror games ever, thanks to their mix of horror, action, and unforgettable characters. The series’ remakes, particularly the 2019 reimagining of Resident Evil 2, breathe new life into these classics, providing high-definition visuals and refined gameplay that enhance the horror experience.

2. Silent Hill Series

Konami’s Silent Hill series is a landmark in psychological horror gaming. Known for its fog-filled town, disturbing creatures, and complex narratives, the series emphasizes atmosphere and emotional horror over jump scares. Silent Hill 2 (2001) is often regarded as one of the best horror games for its story, which explores themes of guilt, grief, and human psyche. The oppressive ambiance, chilling soundtrack, and disturbing monsters like Pyramid Head make Silent Hill a haunting experience. Although the series has been dormant, it continues to influence modern horror games.

3. Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Developed by Frictional Games and released in 2010, Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a pioneer of first-person horror and set the standard for indie horror games. Players control Daniel, a man with no memory of his past, who must navigate a dark castle filled with terrifying creatures. With no combat options, players must hide or run, which creates a helpless feeling that heightens the fear factor. The game’s innovative use of light and sanity mechanics, along with its eerie atmosphere, makes it an unsettling experience. Amnesia inspired a new generation of horror games, particularly in the indie gaming scene.

4. Outlast Series

Outlast, developed by Red Barrels, is a first-person survival horror game that gained popularity due to its terrifying setting—a run-down asylum filled with twisted, violent inmates. Released in 2013, Outlast places players in the role of investigative journalist Miles Upshur, armed with nothing but a night-vision camera to navigate the dark. The game’s use of darkness, claustrophobic environments, and relentless enemies creates an intense experience. Outlast 2 (2017) takes a different approach with an outdoor rural setting, but it retains the series’ trademark tension and chilling themes.

5. Fatal Frame Series

The Fatal Frame series, also known as Project Zero in some regions, is a unique horror game franchise from Japan that uses photography as its primary gameplay mechanic. Players are armed with a camera that can exorcise spirits, turning taking pictures into a terrifying endeavor. Set in haunted, rural Japanese locations, each game in the series builds tension through atmosphere, sound design, and ghostly encounters. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (2003) is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the genre, delivering an eerie story and unforgettable scares.

6. Dead Space Series

Dead Space, developed by Visceral Games and released in 2008, is often referred to as the Resident Evil of space. The game follows Isaac Clarke, an engineer on a spaceship infested with necromorphs, grotesque aliens that are reanimated corpses. The game’s isolated setting, combined with its claustrophobic design, unsettling sound effects, and body horror, creates a sense of dread. Dead Space 2 (2011) built upon the success of the original, and in 2023, a highly anticipated remake of the first game brought the horror back to life with updated visuals and gameplay.

7. PT (Playable Teaser)

Although it was never released as a full game, PT—a teaser for a potential Silent Hills project helmed by Hideo Kojima and Guillermo del Toro—is one of the most infamous horror experiences in gaming. Released in 2014 as a free demo on PlayStation 4, PT traps players in a looping hallway that becomes progressively more disturbing and mysterious. The game’s photorealistic visuals, haunting sounds, and unpredictable scares left a significant impact on the gaming community. Despite being a demo, it’s often hailed as one of the scariest experiences ever, and its removal from the PlayStation Store added to its mythos.

8. Alien: Isolation

Released in 2014, Alien: Isolation, developed by Creative Assembly, is based on the Alien film series. Unlike many other horror games, Alien: Isolation pits players against a single, near-invincible xenomorph that learns and adapts, making every encounter terrifying. The game’s retro-futuristic design, faithful to the 1979 film, and the constant threat of being hunted create an atmosphere of tension and paranoia. The unpredictable AI and limited resources make it a standout in survival horror, appealing to fans of the franchise and horror enthusiasts alike.

9. Layers of Fear Series

Developed by Bloober Team, Layers of Fear (2016) and its sequel are psychological horror games that focus on narrative and atmospheric horror. The first game follows a painter descending into madness as he attempts to complete his magnum opus, with his house shifting and warping around him. The series utilizes surreal visuals, an unreliable narrative, and deeply personal themes to create a haunting experience. These games explore the horror of the mind, making them popular among fans of psychological horror.

10. Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia, developed by Kinetic Games and released in 2020, is a cooperative horror game where players take on the role of paranormal investigators. The game requires teamwork to identify different types of ghosts in haunted locations using various tools. What makes Phasmophobia unique is its use of voice recognition, meaning players can communicate with ghosts, which heightens immersion and fear. The unpredictability of ghost encounters and the cooperative gameplay make it a thrilling experience, especially when played with friends.