My Top 10 Horror Games

I don’t play a lot of horror games, but when I do, they’re often the ones that leave a lasting impression on me (usually in my nightmares). The horror genre has been very popular to play with friends, alone, or watch someone else play. So, if you’re sick of scary movies and you don’t want to go out trick-or-treating, why not stay inside and check out some of my top 10 games to play this Halloween? These are in no particular order, just what I love to play when I feel like screaming at the top of my lungs.

Dead Space (2023)

CUT OFF THEIR LIMBS

I remember when I first saw Dead Space, watching a cousin play it at a party along with all the other kids, with everyone collectively screaming with every scare. I hold this game close to my heart because of that memory, and playing the remake reaffirmed my nightmares from that night.

You play as a lowly engineer, trapped on a mining ship filled to the brim with the disfigured and reanimated corpses of the crew, and the only way to stop them (not kill, just stop) is to cut off their limbs. It’s really intense, and the remake improved so much. Really, if you haven’t played Dead Space (2023) before, I highly recommend it.

POOLS

Please exit the pool.

There is no monster in POOLS, there is no risk of dying, and yet I’m afraid to play it any more than I needed to when I reviewed the game.

The atmosphere alone put me on edge and I was jumping at every unnatural noise throughout the seemingly infinite swimming centre. Play it once, then never again, I say.

Lethal Company

Meet your quota or else...

Horror and comedy are two sides of the same coin, and that’s why I love Lethal Company.

One moment you can be laughing and joking with friends, the next you’ll shut up because you’re too scared to speak, listening to distant screams and death cries as you hope you aren’t next. In a similar vein, why not check out Content Warning too and play as one of those horror streamers, filming your friends as they die (and encourage you to film it).

Darkest Dungeon II

Confidence is a slow and insidious killer

What’s more terrifying than knowing that all hope is lost and it’s all your fault? Well, Darkest Dungeon II definitely sells these feelings well. In this roguelike, you’ll be battling eldritch horrors to delay the end of the world, but no hero is ever invincible as they will suffer with each battle they endure.

Sometimes, you can only watch as your party tears itself apart from the stress and death around them. How wonderful! And remember, overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer.

The Evil Within 2

That may be... but there's EVIL WITHIN, TOO...

You know what, with Tango Gameworks having been saved, why don’t I express my love for The Evil Within? Everyone talks about Hi-Fi RUSH, but dammit, I like pumping Sebastian with brain juice to let him carry more bottles.

The first game and its sequel are very fun horror games, but I do prefer The Evil Within 2 for its expanded scope, better exploration of the characters, and having a really good story that makes me eager for the next entry. I need to know what happened to Joseph!

Left 4 Dead 2

I did not come this far to die now.

Hey, it’s technically horror even though you’re running and gunning, popping pills, and getting thrown out the window by Chargers.

If you don’t have Left 4 Dead 2 in your Steam library, you’re seriously missing out on one of the best zombie games to play and there are tons of mods and community maps still being made to this day.

Lakeview Cabin Collection

In theaters now.

A tribute to the ‘70s and ‘80s era of horror movies, in the Lakeview Cabin Collection, you’ll go through several “movies” where your goal is to get someone out alive and solve the mysteries of the Lakeview Cabin.

The game is hard and you will definitely see several of your characters killed before you’ll figure out a solution, but it’s well worth it.

LIMBO

Arachnophobe warning.

A classic minimalist game that does nothing to hide how scary the world of LIMBO can be.

Playing as a kid just trying to find his sister, and being faced with a giant spider in the first level will tell you all you need to know.

Killer Frequency

You're listening to 189.16 - The Scream with me, Forrest Nash

Killer Frequency is such a unique take on the horror game genre. You’re essentially in a slasher movie, but you’re in the perspective of a radio host who must guide the would-be victims of a serial killer to safety.

The voice acting is great and every time you step out of the studio, it makes you feel like something will come out from around the corner. Check out the review we did if you aren’t sold on playing it yourself.

Bugsnax

Kinda bug and kinda snack

If you know, you know. If you don’t, um… look at those little Bungers! They’re walking burgers! Gosh, they’re so cute! Bugsnax is a lovely game about collecting food-themed creatures on a remote island.

Befriend the residents, solve their problems, and transform their limbs into various foods until they’re unrecognisable monsters! Okay, maybe it is a little horrifying on the surface…

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And that’s just some of my favourite horror games. Well, some of those were horror-themed games, now that I think about it, but the real world is already scary enough. So if you’re celebrating Halloween alone, with friends and family, or you don’t want to celebrate and just want recommendations on what to do this 31st of October, I just remember: bravery isn’t the lack of fear, it’s acting in spite of it. That being said, at least bring plenty of ammo.