We’ve Got You Covered: Horror Games for Newbies
We all start as noobs in the gaming world, and diving into horror games can be overwhelming. Whether it’s the steep learning curve or the terrifying atmosphere, it can be hard to find the right game to enjoy. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of spooktacular games perfect for horror game newbies. These titles cover a range of game types, from psych horror to interactive horror stories to survival adventures. Whatever your preferences, we have a great game to help you begin your horror journey. Get ready, here are our top 10 best horror games for newcomers!
The Dark Pictures Anthology
The Dark Pictures Anthology is a collection of interactive survival horror games, offering a total of eight games in one recommendation! Each title draws inspiration from a different horror genre, including ghosts, witches, vampires, aliens, and serial killers. What sets these games apart is the ability to play with friends in multiplayer mode, which can make the experience less intimidating for newcomers. You can start with any title that appeals to your favorite horror genre. These interactive horror stories provide a more relaxed gameplay experience compared to intense survival or RPG games, but your decisions still impact the characters’ fate, requiring quick reactions. With jump-scares, claustrophobic environments, and puzzles to solve, these titles are an excellent starting point for those looking to enter the world of horror gaming.
Limbo
Limbo is a morbid yet adorable puzzle-platform indie game where you guide a little boy through a dangerous world in search of his sister. Each death scene teaches you where you went wrong, presenting a “trial and death” playstyle. With its haunting grayscale aesthetic, lethal traps, and creepy hazards, Limbo offers a taste of the horror genre without being too scary. It includes a few jump-scares and creepy protagonists but maintains a “creepy cartoon” vibe rather than inducing nightmares. If you enjoy movies like Coraline and Corpse Bride, you’re likely to appreciate the atmosphere of Limbo.
Dead Space
Dead Space is a sci-fi survival horror game set in a 26th-century universe plagued by mutated undead creatures. Combat in this game combines kinetic powers and gunplay, requiring a different approach to traditional zombie games. Instead of going for headshots, you need to shoot off the creatures’ rotting limbs. If you’re already familiar with shooters and action-adventures, transitioning into Dead Space will be seamless. While there are jump-scares and disturbing moments, the game focuses more on building tension and battling grotesque enemies. With its blend of sci-fi and horror, Dead Space is an excellent choice for starting your horror game journey if you enjoy films like Alien or Prometheus.
Alan Wake
Alan Wake, with a sequel on the horizon, is the perfect opportunity to dive into this psychological thriller/action game. You play as Alan, a novelist battling writer’s block, who ends up fighting dark and mysterious forces to save his wife during their vacation in the small town of Bright Falls. The episodic nature of the game provides breaks for players, preventing them from feeling overwhelmed by the scary atmosphere or intense battles. Alan Wake balances dark and spooky environments with brighter daytime scenes, offering relief to the horror aspect. With manageable puzzles and a captivating storyline, Alan Wake is a solid choice for horror newbies.
Little Nightmares I & II
Little Nightmares and its sequel are suspenseful and imaginative puzzle horror games where you assume the role of Six, a little girl navigating a world filled with evil adults and deadly monsters. These games offer a blend of 2D stealth puzzles and a grim game of hide and seek. Despite being 2D, the games’ animation draws you into Six’s world, creating a grotesque yet beautiful atmosphere. With a balance of puzzles and tension-filled battles, Little Nightmares gives you a taste of the horror genre without being overwhelming. While it may be dark and grim, this game serves as a springboard to more mature and terrifying titles.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4, a classic survival horror game, received a stunning remake due to its continued popularity since its release in 2005. In this game, you assume the role of agent Leon S. Kennedy, who embarks on a mission to rescue the president’s daughter from a cult in a Spanish village, uncovering a dark and larger conspiracy. Resident Evil 4 Remake delivers drama, action, and frightening foes. It’s an exhilarating rollercoaster of horror that provides mutants to battle in an action-adventure setting. While it is undeniably a horror game, it feels more thrilling than terrifying, making it an excellent starting point for newcomers.