Do you enjoy horror movies? The thrill of fear can be pure entertainment. The horror genre in gaming is advancing with new horror games and modern remakes of classics that push the limits of fear. Players now have more scary games to play as modern advancements raise the bar. There are intense survival horror experiences and action-packed horror shooters. This list highlights the top 10 horror games (PC and console) that deliver the most terrifying and unforgettable experiences. These best horror games range from claustrophobic first-person horror games to story-driven nightmares. Each title promises heart-pounding tension and plenty of screams in the dark.
1. Alan Wake 2 – A Mind-Bending Nightmare Sequel
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Why It’s Scary: Alan Wake 2 is a masterclass in psychological horror and storytelling. It puts you in a twin narrative of two characters trapped in sinister mysteries. The horror game is filled with haunting moments in dark woods, shocking twists, and surreal scenes.
Critics praise its narrative ambition. It even won multiple awards at The Game Awards 2023, including Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction. This horror game proves that scary video games can also tell deep, compelling stories. Short bursts of action, eerie atmosphere, and clever use of light make it one of the top horror video games in recent years.
Tip: Play the first Alan Wake beforehand to fully enjoy this sequel.
2. Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake) – Survival Horror Perfection
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Why It’s Scary: Capcom’s remake of Resident Evil 4 modernized one of the most beloved horror games of all time. This action-packed horror shooter game throws you into a village of deranged cultists and mutants. The remake balances intense combat with edge-of-your-seat suspense as you fend off hordes of enemies.
It has garnered wide critical acclaim and huge fan support. In fact, the Resident Evil 4 remake surpassed 10 million units sold within two years of release which makes it the fastest-selling title in the series.
The remake’s polished graphics and refined gameplay make it one of the best horror games on Steam and consoles alike. It is a must-play classic reborn.
3. Dead Space (2023) – Terror in the Stars
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Why It’s Scary: Dead Space (2023) resurrects the iconic sci-fi survival horror with stunning results. Set aboard a derelict space ship overrun by grotesque necromorphs, the game creates unrelenting dread in the cold vacuum of space.
This remake doesn’t just upscale the original’s graphics – it rebuilds everything from the ground up for modern audiences. The result is a nerve-wracking experience filled with flickering lights, eerie silence, and sudden creature ambushes.
Dynamic difficulty keeps even veteran players on edge, and the dismemberment-focused combat is as brutal as ever. Dead Space (2023) was a hit in a crowded year, even becoming a Game of the Year contender. If you are someone who loves scary video games with atmospheric storytelling and shooter gameplay, then Dead Space is an essential journey into darkness.
4. Silent Hill 2 (Remake) – A Haunting Return to a Classic
Platforms: PS5, PC
Why It’s Scary: Silent Hill 2 is often cited among the scariest horror games ever, and its modern remake lets a new generation experience that psychological terror. You play as James Sunderland, drawn to a fog-shrouded town by a mysterious letter from his deceased wife. The remake stays true to the 2001 original’s disturbing story while enhancing visuals and controls for today’s standards.
Expect oppressive atmosphere, chilling sound design, and creatures born from guilt and grief. Early impressions of the remake have been positive. It is described as “haunting and memorable”, taking “calculated risks” to expand on the original while preserving its core horror.
Silent Hill 2 (Remake) delivers slow-burning dread rather than cheap jump scares. It is a must-play for fans of survival horror and it also offers one of the genre’s most emotionally devastating stories alongside its frights.
5. The Outlast Trials – Co-op Survival Terror
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Why It’s Scary: The Outlast Trials proves that new survival horror games can innovate by scaring you with friends. This is a first-person co-op horror experience set in a twisted Cold War-era experiment facility. You and up to 3 friends are test subjects forced to complete nightmarish trials while evading sadistic killers. The game originally launched in Early Access and quickly became one of the best co-op horror games available.
Playing with a team can take the edge off the terror, but don’t be fooled – it’s still horrifying, especially if you dare to play solo. Familiar Outlast series elements return: pitch-black areas where you rely on night vision, gruesome scenes, and relentless pursuers.
The Outlast Trials stands out among new horror games for its infinitely replayable missions and a progression system that keeps you coming back. It is a perfect pick for horror gaming nights with friends, and it offers screams and strategy in equal measure.
6. Amnesia: The Bunker – Unscripted Survival Horror
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Why It’s Scary: Amnesia: The Bunker takes the well-known Amnesia franchise into new territory with a semi-open world and unpredictable enemy AI. Set in a dimly lit World War I bunker, you are stalked by a terrifying creature that hunts by sound. The monster’s behavior is somewhat unscripted, meaning each playthrough unfolds differently.
This design keeps you constantly on edge, since you can never predict exactly when or where the beast will strike. Managing limited resources like fuel for your generator becomes a life-or-death puzzle. The immersive first-person perspective of the game and claustrophobic setting amplify the fear. Every rusty door you open or dim hallway you step into might hide danger.
Many fans call The Bunker the scariest entry in the series yet. If you are seeking new scary video games that truly test your nerves, this one’s combination of survival gameplay and dynamic horror makes it a top choice.
7. Alien: Isolation – The Ultimate Cat-and-Mouse Horror
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, Switch
Why It’s Scary: Few scary video games are as relentlessly tense as Alien: Isolation. This modern classic (2014) still stands among the scariest horror games you can play. Set 15 years after the original Alien film, you play as Amanda Ripley trying to survive aboard a decaying space station with a perfect predator on the loose.
The Xenomorph’s AI is brutally clever it stalks you dynamically and learns your hiding patterns and reacts to your every noise. The result is a first-person horror experience of almost unbearable suspense. Alien: Isolation brilliantly captures the feel of the 1979 film with retro-futuristic tech and a constant sense of dread.
Despite being released years ago, it remains a staple of horror gaming due to its atmosphere and intelligent design. If you want scary games to play in the dark, this game’s hide-and-seek with a xenomorph will have you sweating bullets and holding your breath.
8. Phasmophobia – Ghost Hunting with Friends
Platforms: PC (VR supported)
Why It’s Scary: Phasmophobia turned ghost-hunting into a cooperative nightmare and became one of the top horror games on Steam in recent years. You and your friends play as paranormal investigators, using EMF readers, spirit boxes, and other gadgets to identify evil spirits in haunted locations. The twist? The game’s voice recognition means the ghosts listen to and react to your real voices.
Taunt a ghost by name, and it might respond (often by trying to kill you). This creates unforgettable moments of terror, especially in VR, where the immersion is intens. Phasmophobia is terrifying alone, but it truly shines as a multiplayer experience – a rare horror game where co-op doesn’t erase the fear.
Its popularity on Twitch proved that scary games to play with friends can still make you scream. With frequent updates and new ghosts, Phasmophobia remains one of the best horror games on Steam for those who enjoy a good haunted house.
9. The Mortuary Assistant – Most Unnerving Job Simulator
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, Switch
Why It’s Scary: The Mortuary Assistant dares you to spend the night alone in a funeral home, performing embalmings while demons lurk over your shoulder. You play as a mortician’s apprentice tasked with preparing bodies – a job that is morbid and unsettling on its own. As you cut open corpses and drain blood, you start witnessing horrific supernatural events. Lights flicker, body bags twitch, and ghastly figures peek at you from dark corners.
The game’s realistic mortuary tasks force you to interact closely with the dead, which heightens every scare. It also features multiple endings and secrets, rewarding repeat playthroughs for those brave enough. Many consider this indie gem one of the most original new horror games of the last few years due to its blend of simulation and terror. The Mortuary Assistant will make you question every creak and shadow, even after you’ve stepped away from your screen, and I would say good luck sleeping after this one.
10. Signalis – Retro Survival Horror with Modern Twists
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, Switch
Why It’s Scary: Signalis is an indie love letter to classic survival horror, executed in a unique top-down pixel art style. Don’t be fooled by the retro look, this game delivers an oppressive, creepy atmosphere that burrows under your skin.
You control a lone android searching a derelict facility for her lost partner, uncovering unspeakable cosmic horrors along the way. Limited ammo, puzzles, and cryptic notes will remind veterans of early Resident Evil and Silent Hill titles. However, Signalis isn’t just copying and pasting hits. It creates an “atmosphere of constant dread” where you never feel completely safe.
The sense of vulnerability is more effective than any jump scare. Critics praised how the game pays homage to its PS1-era inspirations but still feels fresh and original. Signalis might not have the flashiest graphics, but for fans of survival horror games it’s a must-play experience. It proves that some of the top horror games PC players love come in small, terrifying packages.
What are the Scariest Horror Games?
“Scary” is subjective, but some horror titles are notorious for frightening most players. Alien: Isolation often tops the list of scariest horror games for its relentless Xenomorph AI and tension. Outlast (and its sequel) are also frequently named for their jump scares and disturbing imagery. Psychological horror like Silent Hill 2 delivers a deeper, lingering fear that many find haunting.
If you’re seeking the absolute scariest horror games, start with those – though be warned, each of the top 10 games above has its own way of terrifying you. For truly scary games to play at night, make sure to pick one that matches your preferred style of horror (whether jump-scare intensity or slow-burn dread).
Which New Horror Games Should You Play in 2025?
The past couple of years have blessed horror fans with fantastic new releases. Alan Wake 2 is a standout new title, which blends an engrossing story with survival horror gameplay in a way that feels fresh. The Outlast Trials (full release in 2024) is another new horror game that has quickly gained a following, especially if you enjoy co-op.
Fans of classic survival horror should not miss Silent Hill 2 Remake in 2024, which revives a legend for modern platforms. Additionally, indie hits like Amnesia: The Bunker and Signalis are relatively new scary video games that earned critical praise.
In short, 2025 is a great time to catch up on these new survival horror games – they represent the latest evolution of the genre while delivering plenty of frights.
What Are the Best Horror Games on Steam and PC?
Most of the games in our top 10 list are available on PC, and thus on Steam (except a few console exclusives). Resident Evil 4 (Remake), Dead Space, Signalis, Phasmophobia, and The Mortuary Assistant are all on Steam and have “Overwhelmingly Positive” or strong user ratings.
Phasmophobia, in particular, started as a PC exclusive and became one of the top horror games on Steam through word of mouth and streaming. Lethal Company and REPO are some other trending horror titles on PC in 2025, showing the variety of indie horror on Steam.
Generally, the best horror games on Steam include a mix of big-budget titles (like Resident Evil series) and indie gems (Signalis, Amnesia, etc.). PC players also benefit from mods and VR support for games like Phasmophobia, enhancing the horror experience.
No matter your preference, the PC platform has virtually all of the top horror video games available to play – just dim the lights, put on headphones, and enjoy the fear.
Conclusion
These top 10 horror games represent the pinnacle of what the genre offers as of 2025. The list includes heart-pounding action and slow, psychological terror, each game provides a different flavor of fear.
The horror gaming scene is rich with both new scary adventures and polished classics that still hold up. You might battle cosmic monsters in space or creep through a haunted house with friends yet the most important part is to immerse yourself in the dark.
Turn off the lights, steel your nerves, and dive into the best horror games – just don’t be surprised if you end up sleeping with a nightlight on afterwards!
FAQs
1. What are the top 10 horror games?
Top horror games include Alan Wake 2, Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake), Dead Space (2023), Silent Hill 2 (Remake), The Outlast Trials, Amnesia: The Bunker, Alien: Isolation, Phasmophobia, The Mortuary Assistant, and Signalis.
2. What is the best game right now in 2025?
The best game in 2025 is Silent Hill 2 (remake), widely praised for its atmosphere and terrifying gameplay.
3. What is the #1 scariest horror game?
The scariest horror game is Alien: Isolation, known for its relentless Xenomorph AI and constant tension that keeps players on edge.
4. What horror movie is based on a video game in 2025?
In 2025, there were horror films based on games like Until Dawn and Home Sweet Home: Rebirth.
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