The Ultimate Guide to the Most Terrifying FPS Horror Games Ever Made

Highlights

Horror games often provide players with weapons to defend themselves, but they offer little reprieve from the terror that awaits around every corner.

Many FPS horror titles, such as

Get Even

and

Left 4 Dead 2

, offer thrilling gameplay experiences that test players' courage while armed with guns.

From the unsettling puppets of

My Friendly Neighborhood

to the mutants in

Metro 2033

, these horror games bring unique and terrifying elements to the genre.

Horror games and combat have always been closely linked, providing players with the tools to protect themselves while they navigate through the eerie landscapes and encounter hostile beings. Whether it's wielding a sturdy pipe or a powerful firearm, these weapons offer little solace against the relentless waves of fear.

While popular titles like F.E.A.R. and Doom come to mind for most when thinking of first-person shooter horror games, there are numerous others that equally deserve recognition. Even armed with a firearm, venturing around every corner and stepping into each new room becomes a true testament of bravery.

11 Get Even

10

Players embark on a journey through recollections, assuming the role of Cole Black who ventures into a desolate asylum. This forsaken institution still houses a selection of hostile inmates and is under the guidance of an enigmatic individual known as Red. Following Red's instructions, Black will penetrate and reconstruct memories, gradually unraveling a gripping narrative that uncovers the enigma enshrouding the game and Red's true identity.

Equipped with the necessary tools to retrace these memory fragments and assemble them seamlessly, players are also provided with a firearm. However, a cautionary note advises against utilizing these weapons during the memory sequences, as doing so could potentially disrupt their stability. Nevertheless, the option remains available for those who wish to traverse the game by employing a shoot-first approach, if only to satisfy their curiosity about the ultimate outcome.

9 Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2

Platform(s) PC, Xbox 360, Linux, macOSReleased November 17, 2009Developer(s) ValveGenre(s) Shooter

Left 4 Dead returns with an enhanced experience in its sequel, Left 4 Dead 2. In this thrilling multiplayer horror game, players will assume the roles of four survivors caught in the midst of a deadly zombie outbreak. To secure their survival, the group must join forces, arm themselves to the teeth, and navigate the relentless waves of undead, striving to escape with their lives intact.

What sets this franchise apart is its exhilarating and unpredictable gameplay, which is made even more enjoyable when played with friends. Additionally, the game introduces a variety of zombie variations, each possessing terrifying powers. From the monstrous tank, to the ominous witch, nimble hunter, and menacing jockey, these unique zombie types instill a sense of terror in this explosive shooter game.

8 My Friendly Neighborhood

In a peculiar fusion of Bioshock and Sesame Street, My Friendly Neighborhood presents an intriguing blend of adorable yet unexpectedly petrifying puppets. These puppets reside within an abandoned television station that has inexplicably resumed broadcasting after years of being silent. Tasked with the investigation, handyman Gordon visits the station to uncover the reasons behind its reactivation and put an end to it.

What initially appears to be a straightforward assignment soon evolves into something much more intense when the puppets launch attacks. Gordon is compelled to defend himself by wielding a weapon that fires letters and employing tape to counter their disruptive behavior. This whimsical and endearing game defies expectations by offering a thrilling and frightening experience.

7 Cry of Fear

Starting out as a mod for Half-Life, Cry of Fear eventually evolved into a standalone game, delivering a gripping first-person horror experience and gaining recognition from indie horror game enthusiasts. The narrative revolves around Simon, a man who regains consciousness in an alley after a car accident, only to find himself trapped in a nightmarish realm where menacing creatures lurk in the shadows, ready to strike. While initially resembling a psychological horror game reminiscent of Silent Hill, Simon has the option to equip weapons for self-defense against the monsters that cross his path. Alternatively, players can also choose to strategically evade and outmaneuver the creatures.

6 Clive Barker's Undying

Undying, a hidden gem in the gaming industry, is the brainchild of the mastermind behind the iconic horror film franchise Hellraiser - Clive Barker. With his name attached to the title, horror enthusiasts are instantly drawn to this spine-chilling first-person shooter. Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience, as Barker's signature style of terror seeps into every aspect of this game.

In Clive Barker's Undying, players embark on a journey alongside occult specialist Patrick Galloway. Summoned by his friend Jeremiah Covenant, Galloway is tasked with using his specialized skills to break a curse that has plagued the Covenant family. Madness and death have befallen the family, and it is now up to the players to uncover the truth behind the curse and find a way to save the remaining survivors.

5 Metro 2033

Metro 2033

Platform(s) PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS4, SwitchReleased March 16, 2010Developer(s) 4A GamesPublisher(s) THQ, Deep Silver

The Metro game series delves into a grim scenario where the world has become uninhabitable, forcing humanity to seek refuge in underground metro tunnels. Alongside this eerie premise, the game also introduces the terrifying concept of radiation-induced mutations, as some individuals transform into dangerous mutants, posing a threat to the remaining survivors.

In Metro 2033, players follow the story of Artyom, a survivor who is the adopted son of a station commander. He is approached by a skilled ranger named Hunter, who seeks his assistance in defending their home station from the enigmatic Dark Ones. These mysterious beings possess psychic abilities capable of inflicting severe harm on their victims. To survive the treacherous tunnels and eventually venture above ground, players must possess unwavering courage and fortitude.

4 F.E.A.R.

F.E.A.R.

Platform(s) PC, PS3, Xbox 360Released October 18, 2005Developer(s) Monolith ProductionsGenre(s) FPS, Horror

The F.E.A.R. series is widely regarded as one of the best FPS horror games. It started with the original game that introduced the FEAR group, officially known as First Encounter Assault Recon, assigned to handle a rogue psychic operative. As the recon team infiltrates the group with the aim of eliminating their target, Point Man discovers the existence of Alma, making the mission much more complex.

Featuring exciting shooter gameplay and numerous challenging enemies, F.E.A.R. stands as one of the earliest and greatest FPS shooters. It has also created one of the most iconic horror villains in Alma, known to even those who haven't played the game themselves. Alma's terrifying presence is renowned and unforgettable.

3 Bioshock

BioShock

Platform(s) PC, PS3, Xbox 360Released August 21, 2007Developer(s) Irrational GamesGenre(s) FPS

Located deep underwater in the once serene city of Rapture, Bioshock tells the story of our protagonist as he navigates through the now dilapidated and forsaken submerged city. Overrun by the malicious Splicers and fearsome Big Daddies, he forms an alliance with the enigmatic Atlas, who becomes his guide through the labyrinthine tunnels of this underwater metropolis. Following Atlas's instructions, our protagonist eventually confronts Andrew Ryan, leading to the revelation of Jack's true purpose.

In the realm of first-person shooters, Bioshock stands out as a remarkable achievement, showcasing seamless gameplay, a consistently magnificent aesthetic, and just the right dose of horror. The spine-chilling and unpredictable Splicers, along with the colossal and destructive forces of the Big Daddies, add a sense of dread and awe to this exceptional gaming experience.

2 Resident Evil 7

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Platform(s) PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PCReleased January 24, 2017Developer(s) CapcomGenre(s) Survival Horror See at Amazon

Resident Evil 7 is widely praised as Capcom's return to survival horror, bringing back the intense atmosphere of claustrophobic environments and dark hallways. It introduces the compelling Winters' plotline, where Ethan embarks on a journey to the secluded swamps of Louisiana to find his missing wife, who mysteriously reappears after three years. Along the way, he must confront the twisted Baker family and uncover the unsettling truth about them.

Despite the conclusion of the Winters' story, RE 7 continues to be admired by fans for its gritty grindhouse horror style and unforgettable villains that instilled sheer terror. The game's decision to switch to a first-person perspective, departing from the traditional over-the-shoulder view, divided fans but ultimately proved to be a refreshing change that heightened the sense of dread.

1 Doom (2016)

DOOM (2016)

Platform(s) PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox OneReleased May 13, 2016Developer(s) id SoftwareGenre(s) FPS

Doom is a highly acclaimed first-person shooter (FPS) game series that has stood the test of time, making it a strong contender for the greatest FPS series ever. The beloved protagonist, Doom Guy, embarks on a relentless journey, obliterating hordes of demons with an extravagant display of gory violence and an incredible arsenal of creatively designed weapons. Accompanied by a pounding heavy metal soundtrack, the game engulfs players in a powerful and immersive experience.

While the capacity of Doom to truly scare players may be debatable, its overall aesthetic, formidable adversaries, and captivating storyline, involving the extermination of demon hordes menacing humanity, undeniably incorporate elements of horror. However, it is the exhilarating and action-packed gameplay that truly captivates players, serving as the primary attraction for this blood-soaked and thrilling festival of carnage.