The Ultimate Ranking of the Most Terrifying Horror Video Games Ever Created

Highlights

Horror games stimulate the senses in unique ways, making them more frightening than movies. Jump scares and tense moments add to the terrifying experience.

Doki Doki Literature Club and Little Nightmares are games that take lighthearted themes and transform them into terrifying nightmares, providing unexpected twists. The inclusion of choice in gameplay intensifies the fear element.

Resident Evil and Silent Hill, being classics, are still widely regarded as some of the most frightful games ever created. The chilling atmospheres and constant sense of solitude significantly enhance the overall horrifying experience.

Horror games surpass horror movies in terms of fear factor as they engage the player's senses in ways that are difficult to express. Recognizable horror franchises like Silent Hill and Resident Evil have produced numerous enjoyable games, yet not all of them induce fear. Horror video games can be chilling due to various elements such as jump scares, tense moments, and other scary components. The ones that catch players off guard tend to evoke the most terror. Confronting their fears directly requires exceptional courage, making it a feat few players can accomplish. So, shut the blinds and switch off the lights as we unveil the fifteen most spine-chilling horror video games ever created.

Updated July 29, 2023, by Megan Smith:

Ever since this article was originally published many years ago, the horror genre has undergone significant improvements, thanks to remarkable remakes and the emergence of thrilling newer horror experiences. Undoubtedly, the classics such as Outlast, which has given rise to The Outlast Trials, still reign as some of the most terrifying games ever made. However, the roster of spine-chilling horror games continues to expand, with numerous indie titles carving their own space on the list of the scariest.

15 Doki Doki Literature Club

Transforming from a cheerful dating simulator, Doki Doki Literature Club is an enthralling visual novel that gradually evolves into a hauntingly intense psychological horror game. Released in 2017, its captivating storyline becomes more captivating with each passing moment.

14 Darkwood

The initial light-heartedness of Doki Doki Literature Club often leaves players feeling bewildered as it gradually transforms into a nightmarish experience. What sets this game apart from other horror titles is the ability to choose dialogue options that directly impact the outcome, adding an extra layer of suspense and unpredictability. Particularly for those who were expecting a typical dating simulator, the sudden shift in tone can be nothing short of terrifying.

If there's anything more terrifying than a horror game, it's one that pushes the player to their limits by testing their survival skills. Darkwood immerses players in a nightmarishly warped world where their main objective is to stay alive. In this intense game, players must scavenge and explore the oppressive forest during the safer daytime, avoiding a few menacing creatures. However, the true danger lurks in the treacherous darkness of the night.

13 Little Nightmares

Taking shelter in their makeshift base, the shack becomes enveloped in darkness, creating an eerie ambiance. Determined to survive, the player hastily secures the doors, preparing for a final showdown with the horrifying creatures lurking in the eerie forest. With no way to peer outside the confines of their refuge, each passing night becomes a heart-wrenching ordeal for the player.

Navigating through a spine-chilling game becomes a real nerve-wracking experience when the player, like in Little Nightmares, is compelled to take control of the helpless character, Six – a small child. Within the eerie confines of The Maw, a haunting setting, the player must face multiple adversaries who relentlessly pursue Six, seeking to capture her. Armed with nothing but her trusty yellow raincoat, the player's sole objective is to cunningly outmaneuver these perilous encounters and secure Six's escape.

With another intriguing narrative, it comes as no astonishment that this remarkable title has also gained recognition as one of the most spine-chilling games ever created, joining Little Nightmares 2 as another formidable contender.

12 Alien: Isolation

Released in 2014, Alien: Isolation was often overlooked by many, but this hidden horror gem offers an engrossing and well-crafted narrative that is sure to captivate players. Adding to the thrill, the game takes place in the depths of outer space.

11 P.T.

The sight of the twinkling stars instills in the player a sense of eerie seclusion, perfectly suited for a horror game. While the game's technology exudes a futuristic vibe, it also bears a striking resemblance to '80s era technology. This similarity aligns with the early Alien movies, which captivated audiences in the late '70s and '80s.

P.T., developed by Kojima Productions, was originally intended to be titled Silent Hills until its cancellation. Intended to become a prominent addition to the beloved Silent Hill game series, it must be noted that P.T. is not a complete game in itself. However, had it reached completion, its position on this list would have been considerably higher.

10 Resident Evil Remake

When it comes to scariness, P.T. goes above and beyond expectations. This brief teaser that can be played is even more terrifying than most fully developed horror games. Not only do the jump scares send shivers down your spine, but there are also moments so frightening that they will make your toes curl. Obtaining this unreleased game can be challenging, as it has been taken down from many console stores. Nevertheless, the effort to download it is unquestionably rewarding.

Often considered the most terrifying installment in the Resident Evil series, the original Resident Evil remake captivates with its spine-tingling rural setting. While Resident Evil 7: Biohazard introduces even more nightmarish elements, the eerie ambiance of the first remake remains unparalleled. Originally launched on the Nintendo GameCube in 2002.

9 The Evil Within 2

: Resident Evil remake has successfully been ported to multiple consoles, including PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, ensuring a wide availability for players. However, it is the pervasive sense of isolation in this game that truly sets it apart, cementing its status as one of the most terrifying gaming experiences ever created.

The second installment of The Evil Within promises players a more captivating and chilling gaming experience compared to its predecessor. Brace yourselves for heightened terror as The Evil Within 2 embraces an abundance of heart-stopping jump scares and graphically intense content that is not suitable for the easily frightened.

8 Dead Space

To add to that, the narrative behind this game is truly gripping. Overall, it stands out as one of the most thrilling horror encounters ever created. The graphics in the game are jaw-dropping. The Evil Within 2 is an essential survival horror experience that players simply cannot overlook.

Before the highly anticipated release of the Alien-inspired horror game, Alien: Isolation, there existed another spine-chilling title that explored the horrors of outer space - Dead Space. Originally debuting in 2008, the first installment of this terrifying franchise recently received a remarkable remake in 2023, captivating a whole new audience with the captivating tale of Isaac Clarke.

Dead Space is renowned as

7 Outlast

, captivating players with its horrifying depiction of being stranded in space and its gruesome portrayal of the encounters with extraterrestrial beings.

While Outlast 2 boasted enhanced visuals and a captivating narrative, it was the original that truly sent chills down players' spines. The daunting reliance on a camcorder's night vision, coupled with its draining battery life, added an extra layer of fear and helplessness to the gaming experience.

6 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

The reporter's journey through the remote mental asylum reveals an unsettling population of deranged patients that surpasses the realm of normality. Surprisingly, considering its limited resources, the game Outlast achieved remarkable sales figures, solidifying its position as one of the most terrifying games ever created.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard proves to be a compelling addition to the renowned Resident Evil franchise. Embracing a fresh approach, the game boldly ventures into uncharted territory, reaping the rewards of its audacious choices. Undoubtedly, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard manages to elicit genuine fear on numerous occasions. However, the game does have its moments where the horror factor takes a backseat, preventing it from achieving the title of the most bone-chilling game of all time.

Had the consistency been maintained throughout the narrative,

5 Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly

would surely have ranked higher on this list. Undeniably eerie, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is not suited for the faint-hearted. Engaging in puzzle-solving amid the constant looming presence of supernatural entities will undoubtedly keep players perpetually on the edge of their seat.

This second installment of the popular Japanese horror series, Fatal Frame, has the potential to be twice as chilling as the first. While there is debate over which Fatal Frame game is the most terrifying, many fans agree that Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly offers the most captivating story and immersive gameplay experience.

The first installment of the game proved to be a frightful experience, yet its storyline lacked the necessary intrigue to captivate a significant number of players until the end.

4 Alan Wake

revolves around the concept of capturing specters through photography and utilizing exorcism techniques to liberate their trapped souls. This spine-chilling adventure, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, was made available for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and Xbox platforms.

In Alan Wake, players navigate the scenic town of Bight Falls, assuming the role of the eponymous author in search of his vanished spouse. The game's structure deviates from the cinematic style often found in other titles, adopting a more literary format. As Alan explores the gloomy surroundings, he stumbles upon enigmatic pages from an unpublished manuscript he had authored, initiating a sequence of events that plunge him into a sinister narrative.

With Alan Wake 2releasing soon, many players believe that the original Alan Wake will be replaced as one of the scariest games of all time.

3 Silent Hill 2

Silent Hill, a fictional town inspired by a Pennsylvania town, immerses players in a terrifying experience that surpasses even Resident Evil in horror. What sets Silent Hill 2 apart is its remarkable assortment of adversaries.

The most optimal approach to experience the Silent Hill 2 game is by indulging in its authentic, original version. While Silent Hill 2 HD offers a satisfactory gaming experience, it inadvertently dilutes the atmospheric essence of the original due to the inclusion of high-definition effects that diminish the chilling fog, among other factors. It is worth mentioning that a few spine-chilling Silent Hill movies have also been produced, inspired by the terrifying world of the video game franchise.

2 Until Dawn

Supermassive Games has established itself as the reigning champion of immersive horror encounters. From their latest titles such as The Quarry or The Dark Pictures Anthology, it's no wonder that their games have earned a well-deserved spot on the list of the most spine-chilling options for players to dare to venture into.

1 Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Among the range of available games, Until Dawn stands out as one of the original releases from the developer. It has gained a reputation for being a game that many people have attempted but have often been too scared to finish. Each character the player takes control of possesses a captivating backstory and plays a crucial role in the game. The intense decisions that players must make can leave them in a state of panic as they question whether they have made the right choice. Only by playing Until Dawn again can they find out if their initial decision was indeed correct.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent, a spine-chilling survival horror game, has served as a source of inspiration for renowned titles like Slender: The Arrival and Outlast. Plunged into darkness and confronted with the lurking presence of ruthless monsters, players of Amnesia: The Dark Descent have often found themselves too terrified to complete the horrifying ordeal.

In addition to the terrifying encounters, players can also look forward to engaging puzzles that add to the overall enjoyment of the game. For the ultimate spine-chilling experience, it is highly recommended to play Amnesia: The Dark Descent in a dimly lit room.