The Ultimate Collection of Top 13 Ranked Survival Horror Games Ever!

A successful survival horror game is a combination of compelling storytelling and heart-stopping moments. It goes beyond relying on cheap jump scares and instead creates engaging and terrifying monsters that relentlessly pursue the protagonist. Despite the popularity of horror games, it is rare to come across a truly exceptional title in the market.

However, for avid fans of survival horror who are seeking something fresh, there are a number of standout candidates that more than meet the criteria. These games have made a lasting impact on the genre in recent years and will continue to shape the future of survival horror for years to come.

The survival horror genre has seen tremendous advancements, pushing players to search for scarce supplies while facing terrifying creatures that can swiftly eliminate them if they let their guard down. These intense games are not meant for the weak-willed.

The truly exceptional survival horror games are the ones that captivate players to the point where they cannot put them down, even when they have endured sleepless nights confronting the numerous frightening obstacles found within these games.

13 Until Dawn

Until Dawn is a captivating survival horror game for those who enjoy crafting their own narrative. Reminiscent of a classic slasher film, players will guide multiple characters through terrifying encounters as they strive to outlast the malevolent forces that plague them. Throughout the game, players will assume control of different characters in various scenes, requiring them to gather crucial clues that propel the story forward.

As players progress, they will make decisions and uncover items that possess the power to shape the future outcomes of the game. These pivotal moments grant players fleeting glimpses into what lies ahead, equipping them with the knowledge needed to navigate the treacherous path ahead. Every choice made and every item found must align flawlessly if hopes of saving all characters from their dark fate are to be realized.

12 The Evil Within

The Evil Within presents a refreshing departure from the trend of first-person perspective in modern horror games, harking back to the days when iconic titles such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill captivated gamers with their classic third-person viewpoint. Stepping into the role of a determined detective, players are thrust into a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind a gruesome mass murder. As the protagonist delves deeper into his investigation, he finds himself transported to an eerie alternate dimension, teeming with nightmarish creatures. Helmed by the original creator of the Resident Evil series, The Evil Within promises an unnerving survival experience, brimming with horrifying encounters and spine-chilling suspense.

11 Haunting Ground

Haunting Ground stands out as one of the most underrated survival horror games ever made. Drawing inspiration from Clock Tower, it brings a fresh and unnerving experience that grips players from beginning to end. While Fiona serves as a captivating protagonist, it's important to note that the game's use of fanservice can be unsettling, given its gruesome subject matter.

Thankfully, players don't have to face the terror alone. Fiona is accompanied by Hewie, her loyal canine companion, who provides invaluable support throughout the game. Hewie assists Fiona in securing essential items and fends off her pursuers by biting them, offering a much-needed layer of protection.

10 Outlast

Upon its initial release, Outlast quickly established itself as one of the most terrifying games of its era. As an inquisitive journalist embarks on a quest for a groundbreaking story, their journey leads them to an abandoned mental hospital, where they unknowingly become ensnared within its walls, contending with its unhinged denizens.

Outlast possesses a unique ability to immerse players within its chilling atmosphere through its first-person perspective. By incorporating a camera feature that aids visibility in the darkness, the game seamlessly combines elements of found footage horror films with the survival horror genre, resulting in a spine-tingling and gruesomely thrilling encounter.

9 Condemned: Criminal Origins

Condemned: Criminal Origins, a hidden gem in the realm of survival horror games, seamlessly blends the terror of combatting deranged individuals with immersive first-person melee combat. This game's brilliance is often overlooked, but its spine-chilling visuals are undeniably hard to forget.

As players take on the role of an FBI agent in the haunting city of Metro, they are compelled to uncover the enigmatic source behind a series of gruesome murders. With each step, the game gradually reveals a nightmarish conspiracy that leaves players enthralled. Complicating matters further, the protagonist, Ethan Thomas, finds himself wrongly accused of these heinous crimes, propelling him into a fierce battle against both allies and enemies alike. His ultimate goal is to unearth the truth and restore his tarnished reputation.

8 Alien: Isolation

The original Alien movie is unparalleled in the horror genre, making Alien: Isolation a highly popular and remarkable title. Drawing inspiration from the aesthetics of the first movie, the game takes us back to a time just after the Nostromo's demise, where Amanda Ripley embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance.

Trapped in a space station overrun by hostile synthetics and the terrifying Xenomorphs, Amanda must fight for her life against the relentless perfect organism. The game is enhanced by its stunning sound design, immersive gameplay, and an incredibly challenging and intelligent alien AI, creating countless thrilling and heart-pounding moments that will keep players engaged for hours on end.

7 SOMA

When Simon undergoes a brain scan following a car accident, he unexpectedly finds himself transported to PATHOS-II, an underwater research base located deep beneath the ocean's surface. The facility has been overtaken by eerie robotic creatures that appear to possess their own consciousness, leaving Simon with the task of escaping the decrepit facility before it reaches its breaking point.

SOMA offers a quintessential survival horror experience by depriving players of any weapons to aid their progress. Instead, stealth and clever thinking become invaluable assets, capable of outsmarting even the fiercest and most agile adversaries. The game's visual design is remarkably imaginative, while its narrative has the power to elicit profound emotions and admiration for the exceptionally brilliant writing.

6 Amnesia: The Dark Descent

In a departure from the usual futuristic setting of survival horror games, Amnesia: The Dark Descent takes players back to the 1830s. The protagonist, Daniel, awakens in a mysterious castle with no memory of how he got there. As he is pursued by terrifying creatures, he must find a way to unlock his forgotten past.

Upon its release, this game enjoyed tremendous success, thanks to its innovative stealth and sanity mechanics. Players were encouraged to carefully manage their lantern oil, adding an element of resource management to the gameplay. Additionally, Amnesia: The Dark Descent wove together a captivating and intricate storyline that blended historical elements with science fiction themes, ensuring an unforgettable gaming experience.

5 Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem

Despite introducing numerous fresh ideas to the survival horror genre, Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem unfortunately suffered from poor commercial performance. The game's innovative approach of breaking the fourth wall when the player's sanity depleted was ahead of its time, although it may not have aged gracefully.

While the combat sections of the game were notably flawed and tedious, those who were able to overlook these minor shortcomings discovered an exceptionally innovative survival horror experience. Successfully maintaining a high sanity meter proved to be essential in overcoming the game's various challenges, leading to a highly enjoyable gameplay experience.

4 Dead Space

No list of sci-fi survival horror titles would be lacking the predecessor to many modern ones: Dead Space. The protagonist, Isaac Clarke, embarks on a mission to investigate a mining vessel that has fallen under the control of gruesome creatures called Necromorphs. As he uncovers clues, Isaac gradually unravels the horrifying truth behind the ship's ultimate demise.

Despite numerous attempts by other games, none have managed to replicate the successful blend of sci-fi and horror that Dead Space achieved. While it leans towards an action-oriented approach with a vast range of weapons, its exceptional design and widespread acclaim are unquestionable.

3 Silent Hill 2

James Sunderland receives a message summoning him to Silent Hill where his missing wife awaits. Without hesitation, he embarks on a journey to the enigmatic town. However, his arrival unveils a haunting sight – an onslaught of grotesque, zombie-like creatures and horrifying apparitions from the depths of his darkest fears.

The Silent Hill franchise is renowned for its mastery of survival horror, and this particular installment exemplifies its prowess. Within James' narrative lies an extraordinary amalgamation of profound emotions, coupled with unforgettable, suffocating atmospheres and unsettling encounters. His relentless efforts to reunite with his beloved spouse amidst the labyrinthine horrors of Silent Hill weave a tale that will linger in the deepest recesses of the reader's mind.

2 Resident Evil 2

The remake of Resident Evil 2 is a shining example of a successful remake. Players have the choice to play as either Claire or Leon, both of whom must survive a night in the infected Raccoon City, courtesy of the Umbrella Corporation's powerful virus.

As players make their way through the police station, evading dangerous creatures like Lickers and the menacing Tyrant, they will encounter classic Resident Evil-style puzzles that must be solved in order to access new areas and progress through the story. While the remake deviates from the original game's cinematic fixed camera angles, it still pays homage to its atmospheric roots.

1 The Last Of Us

Undoubtedly, The Last Of Us is undeniably one of the finest games in recent history. Explaining its brilliance would be a never-ending task, as it is best experienced firsthand. For those who have not yet embarked on the adventure of facing the zombie apocalypse with Joel and Ellie, it is highly recommended that they do so without delay!

The Last Of Us seamlessly combines incredibly smooth gameplay with a compelling blend of combat and stealth options. The looming presence of enemies feels eerily authentic, and with Ellie by their side, the stakes are raised to new heights. Even years later, the graphics remain breathtaking and the story has the power to bring even the most hardened individuals to tears.