If you’re a fan of the macabre, you’ll likely have played most of the best horror games of all time. There’s something special about a truly memorable horror game – particularly one that makes you jump out of your skin, sweat, and walk around every corner with your heart pounding in your chest. Forget scary movies or creepy books – the best horror games of all time impact the faint of heart more than any other entertainment medium.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 horror video games of all time. If you’re feeling brave, then feel free to scroll down and check out the list and perhaps give these games a try. Be warned, though – they’re riddled with frightening scenes, gore, and more jumpscares than the average gamer can handle.
Resident Evil 7
Resident Evil 7 was a bizarre switch-up for the series that had, up until that point, been a third-person-focused franchise. In Resident Evil 7, the formula pivoted considerably, plunging players into a psychological, puzzling horror game that was experienced entirely from the first-person perspective. It relied more on jumpscares and heart-pounding boss fights than it did hordes of zombies to deliver that horror element, and it easily is one of the best horror games of all time.
Outlast
Outlast was released way back in 2013, and by today, it has achieved cult classic status. It’s a ‘found footage’ kind of horror game that relies on running and hiding to build tension. There’s no combat in Outlast – you can’t even defend yourself – and that’s why it’s so intense. There are frightening jumpscares hidden around every corner, some of the characters will leave you with goosebumps, and at all times, you’re painfully aware of the constant threat lurking in the shadows.
Related: Top Tip For The Outlast Trials
Until Dawn
Until Dawn was one of the best choice-and-consequence-style games to come out of that trend. It was popularised by the likes of Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls, but when the genre started getting fused with horror games, something special unfolded. It started with Until Dawn and then dozens more titles were spooled off in the same niche, but Until Dawn has always remained one of the best horror games of all time in that subgenre. If you don’t like jumpscares, then don’t play this game.
The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure title that doesn’t immediately jump to mind when you think ‘horror’, but it’s one of the most intense games you’ll ever play. There are sequences populated by infected, mutated creatures called ‘Clickers’ that we won’t spoil, but we’ll say that they’re some of the most terrifying enemies you’ll ever face in games. It’s a beautiful, harrowing experience that should be appreciated by every gamer, but it’s not for the soft-hearted player.
Related: Top Games With the Best Stories
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Amnesia: The Dark Descent makes it into our list of the top 10 horror video games of all time with ease. It’s a jumpscare-ridden title that never stops being eerie, and even today, almost fifteen years after it was released, it remains one of the most chilling games you could ever hope to experience. It has since spawned a few follow-up titles, but none of them have managed to be quite as scary as The Dark Descent.
Silent Hill 2
Released in 2001, Silent Hill 2 remains one of the most memorable, horrifying games ever made. It’s often considered the pinnacle of the franchise, taking players through a psychological nightmare fused with terrifying physical elements that are truly recognisable as being ‘Silent Hill-eqsue’. It’s that aesthetic that has perfectly lent itself to other games, movies, and television shows since it was created more than two decades ago.
The Mortuary Assistant
The Mortuary Assistant is a simple game at heart but it has massive potential when it comes to scaring the pants off of players. It sees gamers assume the role of a fresh employee at a mortuary, and throughout the game, they’re tasked with preparing those who have passed away for whatever comes next, but everything is not what it seems. There are jumpscares galore and plenty of perfectly executed chilling sequences that’ll have players reaching for the pause button every few seconds.
Maid of Sker
Maid of Sker is one of the best horror games of all time, and it’s also one of the newest games to make this list. In Maid of Sker, players must explore a remote hotel that has been taken over by terrifying, faceless enemies with a thirst for murder. It has a unique twist, though – these enemies are driven by sound, and even breathing can attract them to the player’s position. It’s a beautiful game on the surface but it will leave your heart pounding in your chest – you’ve been warned.
Related: Best Post-Apocalyptic Games
Prey
Prey was released in 2017, but bizarrely, despite some similar themes, it has no connection to 2006’s game of the same name. In Prey, players find themselves trapped on a besieged space station, with aliens, mimics, and other threatening lifeforms challenging their very existence. In a game where any object imaginable can be an enemy in disguise, there are plenty of jumpscares to be had, and some huge enemies are lurking in the shadows, just waiting for the opportunity to strike.
P.T.
P.T. stood for ‘Playable Teaser’, and it was released as a snippet to promote the upcoming Silent Hills game that was ultimately cancelled. It was released in 2014 and served as a short introduction to the horror contained in the Silent Hill universe, forcing players to contend with a horrific spirit and solve puzzles to unlock what was revealed to be a trailer for the full game. It has since been removed from digital storefronts the world over, but it’s easily one of the best horror games of all time.
Related: Best Fortnite Horror Map Codes
Do you agree with our list? Let us know below!
