Highlights
Horror games set in medieval worlds offer a unique and terrifying experience, with a variety of creepy castles and disturbing tales to immerse players in.
Games like
Fear And Hunger
and
A Plague Tale: Innocence
combine elements of survival horror, RPG, and intense storytelling to create truly immersive medieval horror experiences.
Blasphemous
,
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
, and
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
The power of medieval aesthetics and mythology is showcased in the creation of eerie and gripping worlds that continue to inspire the horror genre. Nowadays, the horror video game genre is thriving, particularly among indie developers who find unique ways to create fascinating and captivating horror games without requiring significant financial resources. This has significantly broadened the scope of stories that can be explored within the genre.
6 Fear And Hunger
There may not be as many Medieval horror games compared to other genres, but the selection of exceptional ones is commendable. These games transport players to Medieval and Medieval-inspired settings, relying on eerie castles and chilling narratives to instill fear, all without the reliance on modern comforts.Set in the year 1590 and developed with RPG Maker, Fear And Hunger offers a remarkably unique gaming experience. This indie RPG not only qualifies as a survival horror game but also manages to captivate players with its intriguing storyline. Prior to venturing into the caverns of Fear And Hunger, players must first choose one of four character classes and then brace themselves to combat a diverse range of creatures and monsters. Alongside these intense battles, players must also navigate through various puzzles in order to progress.
5 Dark Souls
In contrast to its RPG elements, Fear And Hunger presents a dark medieval-themed terror game where players face the constant challenge of acquiring enough sustenance and maintaining their sanity meter, all while combatting formidable adversaries. The game's setting centers around an ancient fortress that serves as a connecting point between various realms of existence, requiring players to traverse these boundaries in order to unveil hidden mysteries.
Dark Souls
Platform(s): PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: September 22, 2011
Developed by: From Software
The Dark Souls franchise showcases an incredible fusion of medieval architecture and styling with a haunting, nihilistic fantasy realm. It immerses players in a world teeming with merciless characters who possess the ability to ruthlessly eliminate the player at every twist and turn, making it a challenging experience tailored for seasoned gamers or those seeking a hardcore test of endurance.
In the initial installment of the franchise, players assume the role of an undead protagonist afflicted by a curse, embarking on a quest to unveil the fate of their civilization. Set within a realm imbued with enchantment, dragons, and foretellings, the Dark Souls games firmly establish themselves as horror experiences, intertwining with a prevalent medieval aesthetic.
4 A Plague Tale: Innocence
A Plague Tale: Innocence
A Plague Tale: Innocence, developed by Asobo Studio, is a unique game set in Aquitaine during the 12th Century. Unlike typical medieval fantasy worlds, it presents a realistic portrayal of the era. The game follows the story of a fifteen-year-old girl who embarks on a perilous journey with her sick younger brother, aiming to find a cure for him. Along the way, they must evade soldiers, the black plague rats, and other dangers. It is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC, and was released on May 14, 2019.
3 Blasphemous
In a dreary medieval world, where children often find themselves vulnerable, the combination of supernatural elements in A Plague Tale amplifies the fear factor. This eerie yet captivating journey garnered high praise and even earned a Game of the Year nomination, leading to a much-anticipated sequel.
Blasphemous
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Release Date: September 10, 2019
Developer: The Game Kitchen
Drawing heavy influence from Dark Souls, Blasphemous is set in the medieval fantasy realm of Cvstodia. Notably, the game draws inspiration from the medieval Roman Catholicism of Spain, particularly Andalucia. The world of Blasphemous embodies a true sense of medieval atmosphere.
Players assume control of a character known as The Penitent One, embarking on a journey through a Metroidvania-style world. They will confront a menagerie of horrifying creatures and revisit once-inaccessible areas. The world exudes a medieval ambiance intertwined with strong religious undertones, characterized by the presence of the Miracle. This enigmatic force both bestows blessings upon and curses the denizens of Cvstodia, subjecting them to eternal damnation. Consequently, a nightmarish and forbidding realm is shaped, evoking feelings of terror and trepidation.
2 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, PC
Release date: August 16, 2017
Developer(s): Ninja Theory
Drawing inspiration from unique sources, Hellblade creates a haunting fantasy realm infused with mythology. While numerous games draw from Norse Mythology, Hellblade also incorporates elements from Celtic lore. Set in the 8th century, this medieval-style game centers around a Pictish warrior's journey into Helheim to restore her lover's soul.
1 Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
Senua's enigmatic persona is enhanced by the captivating ancient world that draws inspiration from diverse mythologies. Within this realm, the game masterfully delves into a multitude of psychological horrors through the haunting voices resonating in Senua's mind. While Senua fearlessly battles adversaries, the overwhelming sense of vulnerability reminiscent of survival horror persists, compelling her to traverse realms and dimensions far beyond her comprehension.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Platform(s): PS1, PS3, PS4, PSP, PS Vita, Sega Saturn, Xbox 360
Released: October 2, 1997
Developer(s): Konami
With its impressive fantasy world set in a medieval-style environment, the Castlevania franchise, and Symphony of the Night specifically, create a chilling and immersive atmosphere of fear. This game has become a significant influence on numerous horror games, particularly in the Metroidvania genre, making it an excellent entry point for players.
Symphony of the Night, although a classic, still retains its terrifying aspect even in present times. Players are immersed in an adventurous journey alongside Alucard, the son of Dracula, as he endeavors to defeat the enigmatic power manipulating Richter Belmont. While the fighting mechanics and 2D adventuring style may have become less popular in today's gaming industry, revisiting games such as Symphony of the Night continues to provide immense enjoyment.