Survival horror games have been popular for decades, offering players a thrilling and often terrifying experience. From the classic Silent Hill series to more recent titles like Resident Evil Village, survival horror games have captured the attention of gamers worldwide. With advancements in technology and storytelling, these games have only become more immersive and engaging.

10 Best Survival Horror Games

This article looks at the top 10 survival horror games of all time and some of the most highly anticipated releases in 2023. These games have captured the hearts and minds of players around the globe, offering unique and terrifying experiences that will stay with you long after the game is over. Whether you’re a genre fan or simply looking for a good scare, these games will satisfy your cravings for horror and suspense.

So grab your controller, turn down the lights, and prepare to enter a world of terror and survival. Whether navigating the streets of Raccoon City or exploring the haunted halls of Mount Massive Asylum, these survival horror games will keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. Resident Evil Village

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia.

Resident Evil Village is the eighth main installment in the Resident Evil series. Set a few years after the events of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, the game follows Ethan Winters as he travels to a mysterious village in search of his daughter. The game features a mix of first-person and third-person perspectives, with players exploring the village and its surrounding areas while battling various enemies. With stunning graphics and a chilling atmosphere, Resident Evil Village is a must-play for fans of the survival horror genre.

Attracting features:

• A mix of first-person and third-person perspectives.
• An engaging storyline that ties into the larger Resident Evil universe.
• Stunning graphics and detailed environments.
• A variety of enemies to battle, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
• New gameplay mechanics, such as crafting and a merchant system.

2. The Evil Within 2

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

The Evil Within 2 is a third-person survival horror game that follows Detective Sebastian Castellanos as he searches for his daughter within a twisted, alternate dimension called STEM. Players must navigate through various environments while fighting off monsters and solving puzzles. The game also features an open-world structure, allowing players to explore independently. With a gripping storyline and intense gameplay, The Evil Within 2 is a must-play for horror fans.

Attracting features:

• An intriguing and suspenseful storyline.
• An open-world structure that allows for exploration and discovery.
• A variety of weapons and upgrades to customize gameplay.
• Challenging boss battles and enemy encounters.
• Engaging puzzle-solving elements.

3. Soma

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One

Soma is a first-person survival horror game developed by Frictional Games, the creators of the acclaimed Amnesia series. The game is set in an underwater research facility called PATHOS-II, where the protagonist, Simon Jarrett, wakes up after a mysterious accident. As Simon explores the dark and atmospheric environment, he discovers that the facility is infested with rogue robots and strange creatures and that his journey will lead him to question the nature of consciousness and what it means to be human.

Attracting Features:

• A unique and thought-provoking storyline
• A tense and immersive atmosphere
• Intense and terrifying encounters with hostile creatures
• Challenging puzzles that require critical thinking and exploration
• A variety of gameplay mechanics, including stealth, hacking, and exploration

4. Outlast 2

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Outlast 2 is a first-person survival horror game set in the Arizona desert. Players take on the role of Blake Langermann, a cameraman investigating the murder of a pregnant woman. The game features intense chase sequences, brutal combat, and a story that will leave you questioning everything you know. With a focus on stealth and survival, Outlast 2 will test your nerves and keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Attracting features:

• Intense chase sequences.
• Brutal combat.
• A focus on stealth and survival.
• An intriguing and thought-provoking storyline.
• Eerie and atmospheric environment.

5. Dead Space

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.

Dead Space is a sci-fi survival horror game on the USG Ishimura, a mining ship that has been taken over by hostile aliens known as Necromorphs. The game follows engineer Isaac Clarke as he fights to survive and uncover the truth behind the disaster. Dead Space features a unique combat system that requires players to dismember their enemies to defeat them and a deep and engaging storyline told through audio logs and environmental storytelling.

Attracting Features:

• A unique combat system that focuses on dismemberment.
• A deep and engaging story told through audio logs and environmental storytelling.
• The atmospheric and immersive sci-fi setting.
• A challenging difficulty that keeps players on their toes.

6. The Forest

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4.

The Forest is a survival horror game set on a remote island where the player is the lone survivor of a plane crash. The game features an open-world environment where players must scavenge for resources and build a shelter to survive against hostile cannibalistic mutants. The game also features a day-night cycle and a dynamic weather system that adds to the game’s immersion.

Attracting Features:

• An open-world environment with crafting and survival elements.
• Day-night cycle and dynamic weather system.
• Terrifying cannibalistic mutants roam the island.
• Atmospheric and immersive setting.

7. Alien: Isolation

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.

Alien: Isolation is a survival horror game set fifteen years after the events of the 1979 film Alien. Players take on the role of Amanda Ripley, daughter of the film’s protagonist Ellen Ripley, as she investigates her mother’s disappearance. The game features a tense and atmospheric setting aboard the Sevastopol space station and a relentless and intelligent alien that stalks the player throughout the game.

Attracting Features:

• Tense and atmospheric setting based on the Alien franchise.
• An intelligent and relentless alien that stalks the player.
• An engaging storyline that expands on the Alien universe.
• A challenging difficulty that requires stealth and resource management.

8. Amnesia: Rebirth

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4.

Amnesia: Rebirth is a first-person survival horror game developed by Frictional Games. Players take on the role of Tasi Trianon, who wakes up in the Algerian desert without remembering her past. As she explores the ruins of an ancient civilization, Tasi must unravel the mystery of her past while avoiding supernatural creatures that lurk in the shadows. Amnesia: Rebirth is a horror game design masterclass focusing on exploration, puzzle-solving, and atmosphere.

Attracting features:

• Immersive and terrifying atmosphere.
• Challenging puzzles that are integrated into the story.
• Intense encounters with supernatural creatures.
• An emotional and thought-provoking storyline.
• Detailed graphics and sound design enhance the horror experience.

9. Days Gone

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Days Gone is an open-world survival horror game developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It follows the story of Deacon St. John, a drifter and former outlaw biker who survives in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombie-like creatures known as Freakers. Players must scavenge for resources, craft weapons, and make alliances with other survivors to survive in this dangerous world.

Attracting features:

• An extensive and detailed open world set in the Pacific Northwest.
• Dynamic weather and day/night cycle affect gameplay.
• Intense and action-packed combat against human enemies and Freakers alike.
• A deep and emotional storyline that explores themes of loss, love, and survival.
• A customizable motorcycle that serves as the player’s primary mode of transportation can be upgraded with various mods and attachments.
• Hordes of Freakers that can number in the hundreds, providing a unique and challenging gameplay experience.

10. Hunt Showdown

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Hunt Showdown Hunt Showdown is a first-person shooter and survival horror game set in the late 1800s in the Louisiana swamps. Players take on the role of bounty hunters who must track down and kill supernatural creatures while avoiding other players who are also after the bounty. The game features a unique blend of PvP and PvE gameplay, where players must fight off the monsters and the other hunters.

Attracting features:

• A unique blend of PvP and PvE gameplay.
• High-stakes gameplay with permadeath and limited ammo.
• Creepy and atmospheric setting in the Louisiana swamps.
• A wide variety of supernatural creatures to fight, including zombies and monsters.
• Intense and tactical gameplay that rewards teamwork and careful planning.

Conclusion

Survival horror games continue to be famous for gamers who enjoy heart-pumping, suspenseful gameplay. With technological advancements, game developers can create more immersive and realistic environments, making the experience even more thrilling for players.

From the zombie-infested streets of Resident Evil Village to the psychological horror of The Evil Within 2, these top 10 survival horror games offer a range of terrifying experiences that will keep players on the edge of their seats. Whether you prefer intense combat, stealth gameplay, or an eerie and atmospheric setting, there is a survival horror game on this list that will suit your tastes.

As we look forward to 2023 and beyond, it’s exciting to think about what new and terrifying experiences await us in survival horror games. With advancements in virtual reality and other emerging technologies, the future of survival horror gaming is looking brighter and more terrifying than ever before. So buckle up and prepare yourself for a thrilling and unforgettable ride. Happy gaming!

FAQ

What are survival horror games?

Survival games are a subgenre of horror video games that emphasize survival, resource management, and exploration. These games often feature scary atmospheres, puzzles, and limited ammunition and supplies.

What are some of the best survival horror games?

Some of PC’s best survival horror games include Resident Evil 2, Silent Hill 2, Dead Space, Outlast, Alien: Isolation, The Evil Within, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Soma, Until Dawn, and Layers of Fear.

Are horror survival games only for hardcore gamers?

No, survival horror games are not exclusively for hardcore gamers. While these games can be challenging, they are accessible to players of all skill levels. Many survival horror games offer difficulty options and tutorials to help players progress through the game.

Are survival horror games only for horror fans?

While survival horror games are undoubtedly popular among horror fans, they are not exclusively for this audience. These games offer a unique blend of horror, suspense, and survival elements that can appeal to various gamers.

Can survival horror games be played on consoles?

Many survival horror games are available on consoles, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. However, the selection may vary depending on the console and the game’s availability.