Top 15 Horror Games to Play in 2023
Finding the best horror games can be a challenge, with many promising scares but few delivering. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 horror games to play in 2023, making it easier for you to find your next scare. From psychological horror to survival horror, these games offer a variety of terrifying experiences.
15 – Dredge (2023)
Screenshot by PC Invasion
Dredge is a psychological horror game inspired by the works of HP Lovecraft. It delves into deep-seated fears and explores the unknown parts of the human psyche. With a thought-provoking story and a unique approach to fear, Dredge is definitely worth a try. Plus, being an indie game, it won’t break the bank.
14 – Sons of the Forest (2023)
Screenshot via Endnight Games
Sons of the Forest is a survival horror game set in a mysterious supernatural forest. It features cannibals, a four-armed mystery woman, and a companion who seems determined to sabotage your progress. While the storyline may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Sons of the Forest offers an eerie atmosphere, horrifying creatures, and the constant need for resource management. It’s a great game to play with friends and definitely worth a try.
13 – Little Nightmares (2017)
Image: Tarsier Studios
If you haven’t played Little Nightmares yet, you’re missing out. This 2.5D side-scrolling survival horror game follows Six, a young girl trapped in the Maw, a mysterious ship filled with grotesque creatures. The game’s dark and menacing environments, coupled with truly horrifying enemies, create an intense and thrilling experience. The added challenge of solving puzzles while navigating this creepy world adds to the overall thrill of the game.
12 – Dead by Daylight (2016)
Image: Behaviour Interactive Inc.
Dead by Daylight is a multiplayer horror game with a unique twist. Four players take on the role of survivors, attempting to escape an area by powering generators, while a fifth player controls a killer. It’s a heart-pounding experience when done right, but some players exploit the mechanics, making it unfair. Nevertheless, playing with a group of friends can still be a lot of fun and provide countless hours of entertainment.
11 – Until Dawn (2015)
Image: Supermassive Games
Until Dawn is a cinematic survival horror game that puts you in control of a group of teenagers trapped in a cabin in the woods. Choices matter in this game, and your decisions can lead to the survival or demise of the characters. It’s a constantly intense and thrilling experience, with a well-crafted story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
10 – The Quarry (2022)
Image: Supermassive Games
The Quarry is a spiritual successor to Until Dawn, featuring similar gameplay elements and a group of teenagers being hunted by a mysterious killer in a remote location. Like its predecessor, The Quarry offers gore and difficult decisions that impact the outcome of the game. While it may not rely heavily on jump scares, the game’s atmospheric tension will keep you engaged and on edge.
9 – Phasmophobia (2020)
Image: Kinetic Games
Phasmophobia is a cooperative horror game where you and your friends take on the role of paranormal investigators. With each game, the haunted locations and scare tactics change, providing a fresh and terrifying experience every time. The ghosts in Phasmophobia are genuinely horrifying, and playing with friends adds a whole new level of enjoyment and fear.
8 – Alan Wake Remastered (2021)
Image: Remedy Entertainment
Alan Wake is a psychological horror game that follows the struggles of a writer trying to find his missing wife in a small town. The game offers a gripping narrative and atmospheric tension that keeps players on their toes. While not everyone’s cup of tea, Alan Wake has a dedicated fanbase and is worth checking out if you enjoy horror games with a lot of depth.
7 – Evil Within (2014)
Image: Bethesda
Evil Within is a third-person survival horror game that follows detective Sebastian Castellanos as he investigates the eerie Beacon Mental Hospital. The game’s nightmarish version of the hospital, coupled with challenging puzzles and traps, creates a truly terrifying experience. It’s a game that will make you question turning off the TV before bed.
6 – Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)
Image: Frictional Games
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a first-person survival horror game that gained popularity in part thanks to PewDiePie. As the protagonist, you wake up with amnesia and must explore a castle and dungeons to recover your memories while evading deadly monsters. With its immersive gameplay, spine-chilling atmosphere, and memorable storytelling, Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a must-play for horror game enthusiasts.
5 – Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
Image: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard marked a return to form for the Resident Evil series. As Ethan Winters, you embark on a search for your missing wife in a terrifying plantation house. This first-person survival horror game captures the essence of classic Resident Evil, offering an atmospheric and claustrophobic experience. Its use of perspective and constant vulnerability keep players on edge throughout the game.
4 – Resident Evil Village (2021)
Image: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Resident Evil Village continues the story of Ethan Winters as he faces new horrors in a mysterious village. This first-person survival horror game builds upon the success of Resident Evil 7, delivering a chilling and immersive experience. With its intense atmosphere and constant subversion of safety, Resident Evil Village will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
These 15 horror games offer a range of terrifying experiences, from psychological horror to survival horror. Whether you enjoy solving puzzles, navigating dark environments, or enduring jump scares, these games have something for everyone. So, prepare to be scared and dive into the world of horror gaming.