The 9 Best Horror Games to Play in the Dark

Horror games have a remarkable ability to evoke fear, suspense, and adrenaline, making them a thrilling experience for seasoned horror fans and newcomers alike. No matter your experience level, there is a wide selection of games available that will send shivers down your spine and keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re in the mood for a scare, here are nine horror games you should play in the dark.

9. Layers of Fear

A Layers of Fear image of a photo dripping with blood. — Delve into the mind of a painter driven to madness in *Layers of Fear*Photo credit: Bloober Team

Layers of Fear delves into the psyche of a painter descending into madness. Playing as the painter, players will explore his eerie mansion, face his distorted memories, and uncover a chilling story.

The game’s bizarre atmosphere, disturbing graphics and psychological manipulations provide a genuinely unsettling encounter.

8. Face

An image of a creature from one of the horror games called Visage. — Explore a haunted house and uncover its dark secrets in *Face*Photo credit: SadSquare Studios

Face is a psychological horror game set in a haunted house. As an anonymous character, you will discover the terrifying inhabitants and dark secrets of the house.

The game’s immersive and chilling experience is created through its atmospheric design, eerie visuals, and haunting soundtrack.

7. PT

Image of a creature approaching the player character in PT — Experience the psychological terror of PT Photo credit: Konami

PT is a short but intense horror game that initially served as a playable teaser for the canceled game The Silent Hills project. Despite its limited length, PT demonstrates exceptional horror game design.

Its repetitive hallway setting, creepy auditory elements, and psychological manipulation combine to create a deeply unsettling and memorable experience.

6. Survive

An image from Outlast, showing "Follow the blood" written in blood. — Discover the horrible truth in *Survive*Photo credit: Red Barrels

In SurvivePlayers take on the role of a journalist investigating the secrets of an abandoned psychiatric hospital. As they progress through the game, they encounter horrific creatures and uncover disturbing revelations.

The game skillfully uses darkness, sound effects, and sudden surprising moments to deliver extremely creepy and captivating gameplay.

5. Amnesia: The Descent into Hell

Image of a creature with a loose jaw in Amnesia: The Dark Descent. — Survive the horrors of Brennenburg Castle in *Amnesia: The Descent into Darkness*Image credit: Frictional Games

Amnesia: The Descent into Darkness is a psychological horror game that focuses on survival and exploration. Playing as Daniel, your goal is to navigate the haunted Brennenburg Castle while avoiding terrifying creatures.

The game’s emphasis on darkness, sound design, and player vulnerability contributes to an intense and creepy atmosphere that keeps players on the edge of their seats.

4. Dead space

Dead Space image of the main character. — Fight for survival against the Necromorphs in *Dead space*Image credit: Electronic Arts

Dead space is a captivating combination of intense action and survival horror set in a sci-fi environment. Players take on the role of Isaac Clarke as they explore the deserted interiors of the USG Ishimura spaceship and face terrifying necromorphs.

The game’s dismemberment system and immersive combat mechanics contribute to the overall intense and gruesome gameplay experience.

3. Silent Hill 2

Image from Silent Hill 2 of the main character looking at a reflection of himself. — Face your inner demons by *Silent Hill 2*Image credit: Konami

Silent Hill 2 constitutes a remarkable achievement in the field of psychological horror. Its frightening atmosphere, its disconcerting characters, and deeply disturbing visuals imprint themselves on your psyche, lingering in your thoughts long beyond the conclusion of your playthrough.

Taking on the role of James Sunderland, you embark on a harrowing journey through the buried streets of silent Hillto come face to face with his demons and dive into a deeply disconcerting enigma.

2. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

An image of Jack Baker from Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. — Face the horrors of the Baker family in *Resident Evil 7: Biohazard*Image credit: Capcom

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard brought new life to the CONCERNING franchise embracing its survival horror roots. The game takes place in the creepy confines of a decrepit plantation house, offering a chilling first-person view that completely immerses players in a world of isolation and unease.

The intimidating Baker family, driven by their evil motives and unwavering determination, delivers a thrilling experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

1. Isolation of aliens

A xenomorph from Alien: Isolation. — Survive the ultimate nightmare in *Alien: Isolation*Photo credit: Creative Assembly

Alien: Isolation skillfully captures the terrifying atmosphere from Ridley Scott’s iconic film by putting players in the shoes of Ellen Ripley’s daughter Amanda. As you navigate the desolate space station of Sevastopol, you must evade a relentless Xenomorph.

The game’s attention to immersive detail, atmospheric environments, nerve-wracking stealth mechanics, and chilling sound design all work in harmony to deliver an incredibly poignant and suspenseful gameplay experience.

These nine games offer a wide variety of horror experiences, from psychological scares to intense action. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or new to the genre, these games might just give you sleepless nights.

Do you have a favorite horror game? Have you played any of the games on this list? Let us know in the comments below!