The Best Horror Games on PC In 2023
Over the years, numerous top-quality horror games have made their way onto our preferred platform, and it’s no surprise given that the PC has a rich horror history. The very first survival horror game, AX-2: Uchū Yusōsen Nostromo, was a Japanese tribute to Alien, released in 1981 for the PC-6001 and Commodore PET. The ZX Spectrum facilitated the early first-person graphics in 3D Monster Maze, and later technological advancements made it possible to create games such as Alone in the Dark and The 7th Guest The Best Horror Games on PC In 2023.
It’s important to note that not all horror games on PC are focused solely on delivering the latest graphics. Similar to the best horror movies, the finest horror games understand that what they don’t reveal can be just as terrifying as what they do. Indie game developers with limited budgets have been able to scare us just as much as the ones with abundant funding.
Whether you prefer body horror, cosmic horror, folk horror, or enjoy being chased by large men wielding chainsaws, the PC gaming world offers a vast array of horror games that will undoubtedly give you the shivers.
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Resident Evil 2
The Resident Evil 2 remake from Capcom achieved something that seemed impossible after many years of survival horror games: it reignited fear for zombies. The slow-moving undead feel genuinely threatening, as they break down doors, burst through windows, and relentlessly pursue their prey. The remake brings back the survival horror style that established Resident Evil, while also giving a fresh spin to one of its most iconic locations. It’s a delight for fans of the original, but it also stands out as a brilliant and inventive horror game on its own merits.
If you prefer your scares in the first-person view, Resident Evil 7 remains a gruesome delight, especially in the unsettling first half, and Resident Evil Village pays tribute to the series’ high points with a gothic flair. Don’t overlook the underrated Resident Evil Revelations 2, particularly if you enjoy the earlier games’ silliness and the fan-favorite character of Barry Burton.
READ MORE: Resident Evil 2 Free Download (v2022.10.06 & ALL DLC)
Dead Space Remake
In the year 2008, the initial Dead Space game was an emblematic precursor for the future of survival horror. It demonstrated that modifying gameplay to an over-the-shoulder action format does not invalidate old-school trepidation. Despite declarations of survival horror’s extinction, the Xbox 360 era demonstrated the genre’s vitality. Fast forward to 2023, and we are gifted with a perfectly remastered edition of the game, with the protagonist, Isaac Clarke, now more communicative and possessing ginger hair. One may even argue that he is now “yassified.”
This modern reimagining has amplified its rendering and conveniences by introducing new story content and a New Game Plus mode with an alternate conclusion. For the first time in a decade, the future of Dead Space seems promising. But is it still bright if it is intentionally horrific?
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Scorn
Scorn can be likened to a revolting version of Myst, equipped with both firearms and body horror. This first-person adventure takes you on a journey through the bowels of a crumbled civilization that was abandoned a long time ago, leaving behind remnants for you to decipher. Are you an unlucky individual who was left behind while everyone else fled? More plausibly, you may be the sacrificial lamb for their biological experimentation, somehow escaping your terrible fate, and are now greeted by an even worse destiny.
The combat mechanics in Scorn pose a formidable challenge, reminiscent of a classic PS1 survival horror game with tank-like controls. While it could be argued that Scorn would have been stronger if it focused solely on exploration and puzzle-solving, the combat adds a thrilling layer of tension that requires the same level of expertise as evading the Crimson Heads in the Resident Evil Remake. Ebb expeditiously resolved the game’s initial checkpoint system problems post-launch, transforming Scorn into a horrifyingly successful masterpiece.
READ MORE: Scorn Free Download (v1.1.8.0)
Left 4 Dead 2
Numerous four-player cooperative shooter games have surfaced in the aftermath of Left 4 Dead, much like the hordes of undead chasing the main characters. Although some of these co-op shooters are remarkable and can be found on the best FPS games list, Left 4 Dead 2 still retains its value as a game worth keeping installed for when you and up to three companions wish to work together to clear a portion of zombie-ridden America.
The pacing of Left 4 Dead guarantees a story will unfold. Moments of quietness and frenzied assaults are interspersed by unique enemies whose attacks compel you to cooperate with your allies. The four survivors in Left 4 Dead 2—Coach, Rochelle, Nick, and Ellis—alongside returning characters from the original game, converse with each other in a manner that suggests they are a unified squad, thereby encouraging you to do the same.
It is possible that you might engage in gameplay with mods that feature Hatsune Miku, Deadpool, Master Chief, and Juliet Starling from Lollipop Chainsaw, battling their way through Silent Hill or Helm’s Deep. This only adds to the reasons why Left 4 Dead 2 remains a game that keeps enticing us back for more.
READ MORE: Left 4 Dead 2 Free Download
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is a game that allows up to four players to become paranormal investigators, using a combination of technical and supernatural tools to explore a haunted location and gather clues about the type of ghost they are dealing with. The game draws inspiration from popular TV shows like Ghost Hunters that have contributed to the rise of pseudoscientific paranormal investigation.
Each player is limited to carrying only a few tools, making teamwork essential for success. The game includes technical tools like EMF readers, flashlights, and cameras, as well as supernatural tools such as crucifixes. As players explore the haunted location, the ghost will start to interact with them through poltergeist tricks, creating a sense of tension and fear.
Phasmophobia uses Windows voice recognition to detect player conversations, allowing the ghost to listen in and react accordingly. Despite its horror elements, the game also has a humorous side, with some slapstick jankiness that adds to the fun. As players become more familiar with the game’s locations and tricks, it can become a casual and enjoyable experience with friends. However, the ghosts may have their own plans for the players, so they should always be on their guard.
READ MORE: Phasmophobia Download
Man of Medan
Man of Medan is a horror game that is best played with friends. You control a group of friends who find themselves trapped on a haunted ship, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death. The game is designed to be unpredictable, so you never know what’s going to happen next, and you can’t always trust your co-op partner, who might be seeing something completely different. While the game is definitely B-movie material, the jump scares are top-notch, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time.
Developer Supermassive Games, known for their singleplayer PlayStation-exclusive Until Dawn, has since specialized in creating these types of eight-player interactive horror movies. They’ve released other games in this vein, such as The Quarry, a summer camp slasher, House of Ashes, which traps soldiers in an ancient Sumerian temple, and Little Hope, set in a small town with a history of witchcraft. If you enjoy horror movies and games, these titles are definitely worth checking out.
Sons of the Forest
Sons of the Forest is an upcoming first-person survival horror game, developed and published by Endnight Games. It is a sequel to their 2014 game, The Forest. The game is set in a remote, mysterious peninsula that is covered by a dense forest. The player takes on the role of a lone survivor, who is trying to uncover the secrets of the forest and the mysterious cult that inhabits it.
Sons of the Forest promises to be an intense and terrifying experience, featuring a new and improved AI system that will make the enemies more realistic and unpredictable. The game also boasts improved graphics and environmental effects, including dynamic weather and a day-night cycle.
Players will be tasked with gathering resources, crafting weapons, and building shelter as they explore the forest and try to survive. The game will also feature a multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with friends to take on the horrors of the forest together.
Overall, Sons of the Forest looks to be a promising addition to the survival horror genre, with its immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and eerie atmosphere.
READ MORE: Sons Of The Forest Guide
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a survival horror game developed by Tecmo for the Nintendo Wii. It is the fourth installment in the Fatal Frame series, and it follows the story of three young women who are drawn to a cursed island by a mysterious force.
The game features the signature gameplay mechanics of the series, which revolves around using a Camera Obscura to defeat malevolent spirits. The Camera Obscura is a special camera that can capture images of ghosts, weakening them and allowing the player to deal damage.
Mask of the Lunar Eclipse introduces new gameplay features, such as the ability to move while taking photos and a new “spirit photo” mode that allows players to see hidden ghosts in the environment.
The game’s story is dark and atmospheric, featuring supernatural elements and Japanese folklore. The visuals are impressive, with detailed character designs and eerie environments that perfectly set the tone for the game.
Overall, Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a must-play for fans of the survival horror genre, offering a unique and immersive experience that will keep players on edge from start to finish.
Alien Isolation
Alien Isolation is widely regarded as the best game in the Alien franchise, featuring one of the most terrifying enemies in any video game. The xenomorph in the game is both smart and deadly, with a curious nature that makes it an even greater threat. As you play through the game’s 12-hour campaign, the xenomorph becomes increasingly adept at hunting you down, learning more about the space station Sevastopol’s layout and using that knowledge to track you.
The motion tracker is a valuable tool for avoiding the xenomorph, but it can also give away your position if the creature hears the sound or sees the green light on the device’s screen. However, the real terror sets in when you are forced into the vents and can hear the xenomorph moving through them with you.
Overall, Alien Isolation is a masterclass in horror game design, with an atmosphere of tension and dread that is unmatched. The game’s AI-driven xenomorph is a perfect example of how to create a truly terrifying enemy that is both intelligent and unpredictable.
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Outlast 2
Outlast 2 is a trial-and-error stealth game that may not appeal to everyone, but thematically it stands out as one of the most intriguing games on this list. As a journalist searching for a missing woman in Arizona, your wife is abducted by a deranged cult early on in the game. The origins of the cult are revealed through fragments of letters throughout the game. You must navigate through dark environments using the night vision mode of your camera, and the game is truly terrifying, with an entire village out to get you and some of the most intense imagery ever seen in a game.
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- March 11, 2023