The Top 7 Most Challenging PS5 Horror Games, Ranked

The PlayStation 5 is a key player in the contemporary gaming landscape, with a wide selection of newly released horror games that have captivated players. As the genre continuously pushes boundaries and becomes increasingly integral to the gaming industry, numerous horror games have made substantial debuts across various platforms.

While certain horror games have prioritized scares over gameplay challenges in recent times, there remains a considerable number of titles within the genre that effectively raise the difficulty bar for players while delivering a heightened sense of fear that surpasses many other games on the market. Here are some of the top-notch and most demanding horror games accessible on the PlayStation 5.

The ranking of the hardest PS5 horror games below is based on the percentage of players who unlocked the trophy for completing the main story. However, the position of Alan Wake 2 has been adjusted slightly due to its recent release and the number of players who have not yet finished their first playthrough.

7. Resident Evil 4

Completion Percentage: 61.6% (You're Small Time! Trophy)

Resident Evil 4 Remake

Platform(s) PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SReleased March 24, 2023Developer(s) Capcom

The latest remake of Resident Evil is not as difficult as the others, but it has caused a lot of frustration among fans. The easiest difficulty, amateur, is only found in the Japanese version of the game. One of the main issues players often encounter is the excessive wastage of ammo and the difficulty in finding it throughout the maps.

Resident Evil 4 successfully delivers one of the most horrifying experiences within the franchise by utilizing minimal lighting and upgraded visuals from the original. This results in a truly terrifying and challenging gameplay that has received high praise since its release.

6. Resident Evil 2

Completion Percentage: 50.4% (A Hero Emerges Trophy)

Resident Evil 2 (2019)

Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC

Release Date: January 25, 2019

Developer: Capcom

The difficulty level of Resident Evil games has always been a topic of debate, and this remains true even in the remakes of the classic entries in the horror franchise. The remade version of Resident Evil 2, specifically designed for the PlayStation 5, is thought to be even more challenging.

5. Dead Space

Resident Evil 2, considered one of the most challenging installments in the iconic game franchise, has proven to be a major source of frustration for players. The game's difficulty lies in locating essential items, causing even experienced players to hesitate before tackling the higher difficulty levels.

Completion Percentage: 41.8% (Exodus Trophy)

Dead Space (2023)

Platform(s) PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PCReleased January 27, 2023Developer(s) EA Motive

Isaac Clarke's journey on the Kellion has undergone a recent remake, garnering a remarkable response for a once stagnant franchise. Despite its decade of dormancy, Dead Space still offers a captivating story, enhanced by its visually stunning graphics and improved gameplay mechanics, intensifying the sense of fear and complexity.

The level of difficulty in Dead Space remains demanding, as players navigate the infested ship and combat the terrifying Necromorphs. Though lower difficulty options are available, even the normal setting presents a formidable challenge, ensuring players will grapple with obstacles throughout their gameplay experience.

4. Dead Island 2

Completion Percentage: 41.2% (Our True Nature Trophy)

Dead Island 2

Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC

Released: April 21, 2023

Developer(s): Dambuster Studios

Dead Island 2, developed by Dambuster Studios, is a highly anticipated sequel to the thrilling open-world zombie adventure available on PlayStation 5. This installment brings a perfect blend of horror and dark comedy, offering players a great deal of freedom, albeit without the option to adjust the difficulty level.

This element can prove to be a formidable task for gamers, particularly in the beginning stages of Dead Island 2. As the gameplay progresses, however, the adversaries' strength is adjusted in accordance with the player's level, maintaining a challenging yet manageable difficulty level and avoiding any overwhelming obstacles.

3. Alan Wake 2

Completion Percentage: 12.5% (The Story Come True Trophy)

Alan Wake 2

Platform(s) PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XReleased October 27, 2023Developer(s) Remedy Entertainment

Recently released on the PlayStation 5, Alan Wake 2 is a terrifying game that has already posed a significant challenge to players. Unlike its predecessor, which combined adventure and horror elements, this sequel can be classified as pure survival horror. The gripping narrative follows an FBI agent's quest to unravel a string of ritualistic killings in Bright Falls, earning accolades for its compelling story and gameplay that delivers ample scares. However, players should brace themselves for an intense difficulty level that surpasses many recent entries in the survival horror genre. For those seeking assistance, a helping hand to navigate the initial stages may prove beneficial.

2. Lies of P

Completion Percentage: 21.6% (Rise of P Trophy)

Lies of P

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Developers: Round8 Studio, Neowiz

Lies of P is an exceptional retelling of the Pinocchio fairytale in the challenging Soulslike style. Immerse yourself in a hauntingly dark world filled with terrors.

1. Returnal

This captivating and eerie fairytale-esque environment effectively draws inspiration from games such as Dark Souls. The gameplay presents a consistent challenge, while the storyline remains haunting and foreboding, evoking a sense of tension and terror as players traverse the captivating world of Krat. Although it falls under the grimdark genre, this narrative still incorporates ample elements of horror, ensuring satisfaction for most enthusiasts of this style.

Completion Percentage: 5.9% (White Shadow Trophy)

Returnal

Platform(s) PS5, PCReleased April 30, 2021Developer(s) Housemarque

Renowned among fans and players as one of the most challenging games of the last ten years, Returnal is a merciless horror roguelike. Exclusive to PlayStation 5, this game seamlessly melds psychological terror and futuristic science fiction in an engrossing storyline centered around an astronaut trapped in an unending time loop.

Returnal is an extraordinary gaming experience that embraces its daunting difficulty level and unforgiving checkpoint system, resulting in an incredibly demanding journey towards completion. As a quintessential example of roguelike games, Returnal constantly tests players' perseverance by presenting numerous deaths and the need to continually retry areas, which can be incredibly frustrating.

Editor's P/S

1. In my opinion, the most challenging PS5 horror game is Resident Evil 2 (2019). The game's difficulty lies in locating essential items, causing even experienced players to hesitate before tackling the higher difficulty levels. I found the game to be extremely frustrating, as I often found myself backtracking through levels in search of items that I had missed. However, I also found the game to be incredibly rewarding, as I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I was finally able to complete it.

2. I am a true passionate fan of horror games, and I am always on the lookout for new and challenging titles to play. I have played all of the games on this list, and I can honestly say that they are all excellent choices for fans of the genre. If you are looking for a truly terrifying and challenging experience, I highly recommend checking them out.