Horror games are a specific pleasure, not for relaxation, but few things compare to the adrenaline rush they give. After all, fear, as we know, is also a powerful source of energy!
Over the past couple of years, the horror genre has been replenished with several powerful titles. Let's at least the excellent remakes of Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space or the latest part of Amnesia - all of them can scare you for several nights in advance. Some rely on atmosphere and suspense, others - on action and screamers, but each game from our list will definitely give unforgettable impressions to lovers of dark locations and tense chases.
Of course, we are still waiting for news about the next numbered part of Resident Evil (rumors about the protagonist of which have been circulating since the DLC for Village!), and in June we will meet with death stranding 2. It's unlikely to be a pure horror, but Hideo Kojima knows how to scare you, especially if you play at night with headphones on. However, if your soul is asking for thrills right now, here is a selection of time-tested and fresh hits that will make your heart beat faster.
Until Dawn
- Rating: 79% (1.844 reviews), mostly positive
- Online: 140 players in 24 hours, 2.607 peaks all time
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $59.99 on Steam, from 1305₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
- Developer: Supermassive Games, Ballistic Moon
- Genres: survival horror, interactive film, adventure action
What's so appealing: Until Dawn is an interactive slasher film with a star-studded cast. A group of teenagers gather in a secluded mountain cabin, where they must face not only their inner demons, but also a very real threat. The recent remaster for PC and PS5 has improved the graphics and added new content, making this version the best way to get acquainted with the game.
Why you should play: Until Dawn's main feature is the system of choices and consequences. You control different characters, and any decision you make can lead to the death of one of them. This creates incredible tension and high replayability - it's always interesting to find out "what would have happened if ...". An excellent option for playing together with friends, where everyone can play for their character and decide their fate.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human
- Rating: 79% (144.336 reviews), mostly positive
- Online: 8.450 players in 24 hours, 274.983 peaks all time
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $59.99 on Steam, from 610₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
- Developer: Techland
- Genres: first person shooter, adventure game, survival horror, platformer, Action/RPG
What's so appealing: 20 years after the outbreak of the virus, the world has changed beyond recognition. Nature has swallowed up the remains of civilization, turning cities into overgrown ruins. Firearms are rare, there are almost no bullets, the main tools for survival are modified bladed weapons and dexterity. You are a Pilgrim, a wanderer risking his life behind the walls of safe zones. The infected have evolved: the usual "slow-movers" roam during the day, but at night much more dangerous creatures come out to hunt.
Why you should play: Dying Light 2 — is a large-scale open-world Action RPG with an emphasis on first-person parkour and close combat. The cities are huge, full of secrets, tasks and, of course, dangers. The parkour system has become even more diverse, and tense forays for resources at night or exploration of dark buildings will make even seasoned players nervous. This is one of the most ambitious zombie games, skillfully combining a plot, exploration and adrenaline-pumping gameplay.
The Last of Us Part 2
- Rating: 89% (10.593 reviews), very positive
- Online: 11.255 players in 24 hours, 30.690 peaks all time
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $49.99 on Steam, from 1080₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
- Developer: Naughty Dog LLC, Nixxes Software, Iron Galaxy Studios
- Genres: adventure action, shooter, survival horror
What's so appealing: A dark, brutal, and emotionally charged sequel to Ellie's story, the game explores themes of revenge, loss, and moral ambiguity in a post-apocalyptic world. With its recent release on PC, even more players have been able to experience Naughty Dog's masterpiece.
Why you should play: Although TLOU is first and foremost story, the horror elements here are executed at the highest level. Fights with infected, especially with their new types ( the Rat King or the Sharkoons!), are pure tension, enhanced by excellent graphics, location design and sound. Episodes in dark, confined spaces like the subway or hospital are truly concentrated horror. An improved combat system and stealth make every encounter exciting. A must-play for all connoisseurs of strong plots and quality horror.
Dead Space (2023)
- Rating: 91% (43.833 reviews), very positive
- Online: 531 players in 24 hours, 30.925 picks for all time
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $49.99 on Steam, from 549 ₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
- Developer: Motivs
- Genres: survival horror, shooter, adventure
What's so appealing: Even though the core of the remake is already more than 15 years old, DeadSpace Remake reminded us why the original is considered a classic of the genre. The dark, oppressive atmosphere of the abandoned spaceship USG Ishimura is recreated with incredible attention to detail. Modern technology, especially lighting and sound, make Isaac Clarke's journey even more eerie.
Why you should play: Dead Space is an exemplary survival horror. The controls have become more convenient, but the famous system of dismembering necromorphs remains in place - shooting off the limbs of enemies is still necessary for survival. The battles are intense and require a tactical approach. If you like Resident Evil, but miss space fiction and the oppressive atmosphere of hopelessness - the Dead Space remake will be an excellent choice. This is a modern classic that feels fresh and scares no worse than new products.
Amnesia: The Bunker
- Rating: 93% (7.561 reviews), very positive
- Online: 147 players in 24 hours, 2.423 peaks all time
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $24.99 on Steam, from 233₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series
- Developer: Frictional Games
- Genres: survival horror, indie, adventure, puzzle
What's so appealing: Amnesia returns to the roots of psychological horror with elements of an immersive sim. You are a French soldier during the First World War, locked in a gloomy bunker with the Beast constantly pursuing you. The oppressive atmosphere is created by limited resources, a semi-open world to explore, and the need to constantly use your wits to survive.
Why you should play: The Bunker keeps you on edge at all times. A dynamo flashlight is your only source of light, but its noise attracts a monster, and the generator that powers the bunker requires fuel, which you must constantly search for. Every step, every sound can be fatal, which only adds to the horror. This is a game about resource management, exploration, and the constant fear of an invulnerable enemy. Hardcore, scary, and very atmospheric.
The Outlast Trials
- Rating: 93% (54.203 reviews), very positive
- Online: 7.221 players in 24 hours, 36.689 picks for all time
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $39.99 on Steam, from 485₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
- Developer: Red Barrels
- Genres: survival horror, indie, adventure
What's so appealing: An unexpected move for the Outlast series is a cooperative horror. Having retained the signature atmosphere of horror and helplessness from the previous parts, the developers added the ability to go through terrible trials together with friends (or alone, if you are a real masochist). The game skillfully balances between pure fear, dark humor and the need for teamwork.
Why you should play: Hide and seek in the dark, flee in panic from pursuers, solve puzzles under pressure - all this is here, but now multiplied by interaction with other players. You will have to not only survive, but also coordinate actions to complete tasks of mad scientists of the Murkoff corporation. A great choice for a group of friends who want to scream in horror together.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Rating: 95% (65.113 reviews), extremely positive
- Online: 1.469 players in 24 hours, 20.449 peaks all time
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $19.99 on Steam, from 411₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC, PS4 (and PSVR), PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Capcom
- Genres: survival horror, adventure action, first person shooter
What's so appealing: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a game that returned the series to its roots as a survival horror game while simultaneously breathing new life into it. The switch to a first-person perspective was a key decision, bringing the player as close as possible to the horror unfolding in the Baker family home. The dark, claustrophobic atmosphere of the Louisiana swamps and the madness of the antagonists create an unforgettable experience.
Why you should play: RE7 is a master at playing on the nerves. The feeling of vulnerability, the lack of resources, the need to hide and explore a creepy mansion - it all works perfectly, and the first-person perspective (especially in VR) provides complete immersion. It's a tense, scary and story-driven adventure that will appeal to both long-time fans of the series and newcomers looking for a quality horror experience.
Silent Hill 2 Remake
- Rating: 95% (27.752 reviews), extremely positive
- Online: 682 players in 24 hours, 23.676 picks for all time
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $69.99 on Steam, from 2160₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC, PS5
- Developer: Bloober Team
- Genres: survival horror, indie, adventure
What's so appealing: Silent Hill 2 Remake — a reimagining of one of the greatest horror games in history from Polish studio Bloober Team, known for its psychological horrors. The remake retains the unique atmosphere of the original, but offers modern graphics, updated gameplay and an expanded look at the familiar story of James Sunderland.
Why you should play: The developers approached the original source with respect, but were not afraid to make changes. The combat system became more dynamic, the world more detailed, new angles and even plot additions for secondary characters appeared. For beginners, this is a chance to touch the classics in a modern wrapper, and for fans of the original, an opportunity to look at their favorite story from a new angle and once again immerse themselves in the foggy town of Silent Hill with its oppressive, intoxicating atmosphere. If you somehow managed to avoid spoilers over the years, play now!
Alan wake 2
- Rating: 96% (4.8/5 in Epic Games)
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $49.99 at Epic Games, from 986₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC (Epic Games), PS5, Xbox Series
- Developer: Remedy Entertainment
- Genres: survival horror, puzzle, adventure, third person shooter
What's so appealing: A unique combination of psychological horror, David Lynch-style surrealism and detective investigation. The development team has created a true masterpiece, skillfully intertwining the stories of two main characters - writer Alan Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson - in a frightening and fascinating world. The visual style, work with light and shadow, meta-narrative - everything is at the highest level.
Why you should play: Alan wake 2 — it's not just scary, it's also incredibly interesting. The gameplay skillfully alternates between exploration, puzzle solving (including in the "mind chambers" of the Saga) and intense battles with the possessed. The atmosphere is oppressive, and the plot intrigues until the very end. The stunning soundtrack and musical numbers deserve a special mention (fans of Poets of the Fall will be delighted). This is definitely one of the best and most original horror games of recent years.
Resident Evil 4 (2023)
- Rating: 97% (114.155 reviews), extremely positive
- Online: 7.176 players in 24 hours, 168.191 peaks all time
- Reviews / Trailer
- Price: $59.99 on Steam, from 1083₽ in KFG
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
- Developer: Capcom
- Genres: survival horror, shooter, adventure action, puzzle
What's so appealing: Many fans thought the 2005 original was perfect and didn't need to be remade. But Capcom, who had already proven their skills with the RE2 remake, have once again exceeded expectations. The updated RE4 doesn't just copy the classics, but carefully transfers them to modern rails, paying tribute to the original source and offering its own take on a familiar story.
Why you should play: Even if you've played the original through and through, the remake will have something to surprise you with. The combat system has become deeper and more dynamic, the plot has received new details and twists that better fit into the overall outline of the series. Add to this detailed 4K graphics, advanced physics (enemy pieces fly apart very realistically!) and competently reworked puzzles - and you get one of the best action horrors of recent years.
Conclusion
We hope our list helped you choose your next "victim" for a sleepless night! The world of horror is huge, and the main thing is to find what scares you. And when you make your choice, don't forget to check out KeysforgamersThere you will find keys for all the games mentioned (and many others) at very reasonable prices.
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Now it's your turn! Tell us, which horror games do you consider mandatory to play? Which of our top have you already played, and which have you added to your wish list? Share your opinion, favorite games and the scariest moments in the comments below!
