Scary video games are in a whole other league. It certainly shines in the world of gaming, creating a genre for horror enthusiasts in it’s own right. With its jump scares, spooky visuals, and downright thrilling chases; these games do more than just putting players in a constant state of shock and dread.
With these games a dime a dozen these days, it can be difficult to find which ones are worth their buck. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of game titles designed to put you in a frenzy even long after you’ve finished it.
The success of the horror genre has given birth to numerous scary video games that definitely are not for the faint of heart. We’ve rounded up some of these games. Read on to learn more.
Alan Wake
A psychological thriller, Alan Wake is one of the scary video games that was ahead of it’s time, making it one of the more underrated titles on this list. First released in 2010, this title delves into unraveling the strange mysteries surrounding Alan Wake and the disappearance of his wife, Alice.
Seemingly inspired by Twin Peaks, this video game’s sense of eeriness goes beyond the looming sense of dread in the atmosphere. Navigating the sleepy little town of Bright Falls, Alan Wake sees players facing against humans and citizens possessed by evil forces.
Fighting these creatures to survive can only be done via guns and various light sources. This game is not suited for teenagers and young adults as there is profanity within the game. The relatively user-friendly experience and gameplay, however, is a lot of fun.
Layers of Fear
The name alone already implies that you’re in for different stages of terror. Set in the 1900s, Layers of Fear places players in the mind of a painter working on his magnum opus, all while dealing with the loss of his wife.
The ever-changing environments of the game, as well as the continuous hallucinations experienced by the character, make this title one of the scariest titles on the list. Time is of the essence, especially when completing chapters, as this is key to preserving the man’s psychological state.
What makes this title different is that there are no direct opponents; instead, this game focuses on the mental state of the artist and his spiraling journey to madness and it’s manifestation in his gory and bloody artwork.
With the game requiring a series of chapters and puzzles to be solved to move from one place to another, this game is suited for more mature audiences aged 17 and up. There are also jump scares that go along with the visually disconcerting images.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Set in 1839 in the Brennenburg Castle, Amnesia: The Dark Descent starts by allowing the character of Daniel to awaken without prior knowledge of how he arrived at the Prussian location or who he is (except his name).
With a sense of dread and the knowledge that he is being tracked and hunted – players must control Daniel and lead him to safety against the darkness and the creatures lurking within the castle.
What makes this title more menacing is that there are only two options to survive: running or hiding. Every time players reach what they think is a safe hiding place, they are constantly followed by the thought that they might die any second.
More than just outrunning and outwitting the creatures within the castle, Amnesia: The Descent of Darkness is centered on helping provide Daniel with his peace of mind and help regain his sanity. This is best for players 16 and up, especially with it’s disturbing series of events.
The Bottom Line
These scary video games definitely deserve a spot on your list, especially if you’re fond of thrilling twists and turns along the way. With their classic takes on the horror genre, you’re sure to be immersed in a series of heart-pounding adventures that are bound to stay with you for a while.
