Horror is somewhat of a niche genre across all mediums. Though fans of spooks and scares may disagree, horror titles are all too often simply inaccessible by the wider public because of their terrifying themes and imagery.
Put a lid on the fright, however, and players will find tons of awesome experiences in horror titles. Sometimes, these experiences transcend the genre to create a must-play game (even if doing so means getting a bit scared). For those who are curious, here are some of the best horror games for non-horror fans.
10 Alan Wake
Before there was the world of control Control and Jesse Faden, there was Alan Wake and its titular author. One of Remedy’s earlier titles, this surreal Twin Peaks-inspired tale follows writer Alan Wake searching for his wife in a quiet mountain town. Dripping with atmosphere and having a surprisingly compelling narrative, Alan Wake was an impressive game at the time of its release. Though it hasn’t aged particularly well, the world created in Alan Wake is fantastic (and one that fans of Control will really want to explore).
9 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
When Resident Evil 6 came out, its focus on action and spectacle was met with a mixed reaction. With Biohazard, the Resident Evil franchise received a soft reboot. Gone were the complicated narrative threads and gigantic mutant creatures. Instead, gamers are thrown into a small story about a man trapped on a rural property owned by a mysterious and sadistic family. Though this game is certainly scary, even the most timid of players will be drawn in by the well-written dialogue and impressive art design. Just make sure to play this one with the lights on.
8 BioShock
Though not as scary as some of the other games on this list, BioShock is most definitely a horror game. The city of Rapture is incredibly eerie, filled with dimly lit hallways and crazed killers around every corner. The gameplay is tight, with a unique approach to the first-person shooter genre. The story is deep (pun intended), and features a twist so surprising fans are still talking about it. Anyone and everyone should experience the masterpiece that is BioShock.
7 Bloodborne
Cosmic horror, the mind-bending subgenre popularized by writers like H.P. Lovecraft, has always been difficult to master. Previously known for the immensely popular dark fantasy series Dark Souls, developer FromSoftware took a decidedly more cerebral tone with 2015’s Bloodborne. The city of Yharnam is at once both awe-inspiring and terrifying, full of beings that are difficult to describe in words. Add in the fact that there are really no jump scares and it makes even the spookiest parts manageable. Be warned, though: Bloodborne (like all From Software games) is notorious for its high level of difficulty. Get ready to die many times!
6 Carrion
Perhaps the most overtly referential game on this list, Carrion is essentially “what if it was The Thing, but you were The Thing?” Putting players in the role of a grotesque alien creature, the goal is simple: escape and kill. Smartly portrayed through the use of incredibly detailed pixel art, the gore is at once both artful and gruesome. Some may find the gameplay of Carrion shallow, but the premise is so strong that even jaded horror fans should find some level of enjoyment in it. Of all the games that cast the player as the villain, this one is worth checking out.
5 The Last Of Us
Long before the controversies surrounding The Last of Us Part 2, the original masterpiece was almost universally lauded. Naughty Dog’s swan song for the PS3 was a gripping thrill ride through a post-apocalyptic United States. The enemies in the game are essentially just zombies controlled by a parasitic fungus, and make for some tense moments with their signature stomach-turning clicking sound. This is another title that only dips its toes in the water of the horror genre, but it’s a great entry point for newcomers to the dark side.
4 Inside
The long-awaited follow-up to Limbo, Playdead’s most recent title is a masterclass in atmosphere. Featuring no dialogue or jump scares, the game primarily uses its visuals to create a sense of overwhelming dread.
Following the journey of a little boy through a strange world, Inside is a true artistic achievement. For this reason, it is a must-play for any gamer (even the ones who get a little more afraid).
3 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Microsoft made a smart decision when they decided to purchase Ninja Theory, the developer behind Hellblade: Senua’s Saga. Making the bold narrative choice to portray the experience of having schizophrenia through its use of disorienting audio and visuals, Hellblade must be played to be fully understood. As gamers lead Senua through her journey, they will experience some grotesquely beautiful imagery and imaginative design. Just make sure to play with headphones!
2 Resident Evil 2 Remake
Yes, there is another Resident Evil game on this list. But with the fantastic pedigree the series has, it’s difficult not to sing its praises. A remake of the original PlayStation game, Resident Evil 2 is one of the best-looking games of the last generation. With two separate campaigns and heart-pounding action, this is a great entry point for fans looking for something just scary enough. There is some debate about whether or not the original game is scarier, but there’s no doubt that this is the best way to experience a gaming classic.
1 Until Dawn
Until Dawn is one of the few single-player games that is maybe even more fun with a huge group. The story unfold as an enjoyable homage to slasher movies, but there’s a twist: the player’s choices will directly affect who lives or dies. Having a group of friends all make decisions together (and jump at the games plentiful scares) is a fun and unique experience not often found in video games. Furthermore, the all-star voice cast elevates the otherwise standard writing to new heights.
