Revitalized Fear: The 2022 Survival Horror Landscape
Top-tier terrifying titles on personal computers
Survival horror rose from the ashes of its so-called death in the late aughts, like the many zombies in these spine-chilling games. Triple-A titles, such as Resident Evil or Dead Space, lay the groundwork for this resurgence, but the real terror can be found in the indie scene, where minds twisted by creative freedom unleash grotesque masterpieces. Here are some of the most hair-raising horror experiences on PC right now.
The best survival horror games
Silent Hill 2: Reawakened
After years of emulation struggles and display quirks, Bloober Team's remake breathes new life into Silent Hill 2, featuring a refreshed horror experience that's more accessible than ever 1.
Resident Evil 4 Reimagined
Though not the scariest entry in the series, Resident Evil 4's remake captures the fear with its tense gameplay and thrilling set pieces. The updated Garrador enemy is frighteningly inspired 3.
Alan Wake 2: A Tale of Darkness
Part survival horror, part surreal descent into madness, Remedy's latest is a courageous storytelling experiment that offers both chilling battles and existential dread. Players assume the roles of FBI agent Saga Anderson and writer Alan Wake as they navigate a realm twisted by darkness and twisted fiction 3.
Scorn: The Grisly Mystery
Reminiscent of Myst, but swapped out for body horror and relentless combat, Scorn is a nightmarish exploration game that examines a deserted civilization. The gameplay has a tense rhythm akin to the Resident Evil Remake, while the atmosphere and graphics leave a lasting impression 2.
The best multiplayer horror games
Left 4 Dead 2: Cooperative Survival
Four players without hope face a horde of relentless zombies in this co-op survivor shooter. The game's story unfolds through tense cooperative battles and heart-pounding encounters, offering hours of terrifying fun 2.
The Outlast Trials: Co-op Terror
This co-op survival horror offers a unique challenge, seamlessly blending the horror genre with puzzle-solving and stealth gameplay 2. Play with friends as you elude both your pursuers and the insidious enemies lurking in the dark.
The best indie horror games
Faith: The Unholy Trinity
Imagine The Exorcist, but on the Commodore 64. Faith's pixelated graphics are enhanced by rotoscoped cutscenes, offering an 80s aesthetic while managing to mine surprising depths of horror 1.
Iron Lung: Ocean of Blood
A horror gem hidden away, Iron Lung allows players to explore a submerged submarine on an alien moon in its pitch-black ocean of blood. The game's stellar atmosphere and audio design combine for a brief but memorable experience 2.
The best psychological horror games
Signalis: Cosmic Horror
A compelling blend of survival horror and science fiction, Signalis puts you in the shoes of Elster, a replicated human searching for his commanding officer. The story's creepy atmosphere and distressing themes will keep you guessing until the very end 1.
Soma: The Dark Depths
Explore an underwater research facility teeming with secrets that challenge the boundaries of human thought and morality. Frictional Games' gripping narrative and mysterious setting make Soma a must-play for any horror enthusiast 2.
The best RPG horror games
Skald: Against the Black Priory
An homage to 80s CRPGs, Skald offers traditional mechanics with a touch of Lovecraftian terror. Its beautifully crafted art style, dark atmosphere, and compelling story present players with a haunting journey into cosmic horror 1.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
Immerse yourself in the world of vampires and test the limits of your morality in the most unchallenged prince of vampire games. The game lets you play as a vampire with full control over your powers and leaves no shortage of chilling lore to explore 3.
The best stealth horror games
Amnesia: The Bunker
Experience pure terror in this WWI French bunker, where a mysterious presence lurks in the walls. With an emphasis on stealth and avoidance gameplay, Amnesia: The Bunker breaks new ground in survival horror 3.
Alien Isolation: The Xenomorph Strikes
Few games capture the fear of the SRB-Xenomorph like Alien Isolation. This game combines stealth gameplay with powerful horror elements, creating an unforgettable experience where every breath could be your last 1.
Unleash your fears and embrace the unknown in these fresh, inventive horror masterpieces.
(Article enrichment data sources: 1 - IGN, 2 - PC Gamer, 3 - Eurogamer)
- The resurgence of survival horror has been impressive, with games like Silent Hill 2: Reawakened bringing a refreshed horror experience.
- Scorn is a nightmarish exploration game that offers a tense rhythm similar to the Resident Evil Remake, creating a lasting impression.
- Left 4 Dead 2's co-op survivor shooter provides heart-pounding, terrifying fun for four players.
- In Faith, imagine The Exorcist on the Commodore 64, with rotoscoped cutscenes that mine surprising depths of horror.
- The pitch-black ocean of blood in Iron Lung hides a horror gem, allowing players to explore a submerged submarine on an alien moon.
- Signalis is a compelling blend of survival horror and science fiction that will keep you guessing until the very end.
- Alien Isolation combines stealth gameplay with powerful horror elements, crafting an unforgettable experience where every breath could be your last.
