Best Horror Games To Play in 2025

Horror game are best played in the dark. In 2025, the genre continues to evolve, offering players an expansive range of experiences that go beyond simple jump scares. Whether you are looking for a narrative-driven thriller, a survival gauntlet where every decision could mean life or death, or a cooperative scare-fest with friends, there is no shortage of options. The list of horror games available today spans remakes of iconic titles, indie experiments that push creative boundaries, and brand-new entries that are already shaping the genre’s future.

This article brings together some of the most notable horror games to play right now. Each title approaches the idea of fear differently, whether through psychological tension, grotesque visuals, or unpredictable enemies. None of the games here are ranked, because horror is personal - what terrifies one player may feel tame to another. Instead, the goal is to highlight a variety of horror experiences worth turning the lights off for.

Alan Wake 2

When Remedy Entertainment released Alan Wake 2 in 2023, it quickly earned recognition for pushing the boundaries of storytelling in video games. This sequel builds on the cult classic original with a dual-campaign structure that weaves together two perspectives, creating a narrative that constantly keeps players on edge. The blend of supernatural mystery and psychological tension makes the game distinct within the modern horror space. Remedy’s trademark mix of cinematic presentation and clever writing means that the game never simply relies on cheap scares. Instead, it builds a slow burn of dread punctuated by surprising moments of intensity. For those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences, Alan Wake 2 delivers a uniquely haunting journey.

Alien: Isolation

Despite being released more than a decade ago, Alien: Isolation remains a standout example of survival-horror done right. Set fifteen years after the original Alien film, the game follows Amanda Ripley as she searches for answers about her mother. The Sevastopol space station setting is both expansive and claustrophobic, filled with dangers that go far beyond the alien itself. Human survivors and malfunctioning androids add layers of tension, but it is the presence of the Xenomorph that defines the experience. The creature cannot be killed, only avoided, and its AI ensures that no two encounters feel the same. Even today, few games capture the feeling of helplessness and dread as effectively as Alien: Isolation.

Indie Horror on Itch.io

For players who want something more experimental, Itch.io offers a constantly growing library of indie horror games. These projects often come from solo developers or small teams, allowing for bold and unusual ideas. Dan McGrath, also known as Tooth and Claw, has built a reputation on the platform for creating unsettling short games that leave a lasting impact. Titles such as Incident at Grove Lake combine minimalist visuals with strong atmosphere to deliver scares that linger. The appeal of indie horror lies in its unpredictability - these games often defy conventions and focus on raw creativity rather than polish, which makes them worth exploring for anyone looking for something beyond mainstream horror.

Amnesia: The Bunker

The Amnesia franchise has always been associated with first-person horror, and 2023’s Amnesia: The Bunker is one of its strongest entries to date. Set in World War I, players find themselves trapped in a bunker where a monstrous enemy roams freely. Unlike many horror games that script enemy encounters, the creature in The Bunker adapts dynamically, ensuring that no two playthroughs feel the same. Players must manage resources carefully while making split-second decisions about whether to hide, run, or fight back. The game’s semi-randomized structure and replayability make it an evolution of the series’ formula, while still delivering the kind of suffocating atmosphere that longtime fans expect.

The Mortuary Assistant

Few games blend realism and horror as effectively as The Mortuary Assistant. Released in 2022, it asks players to take on the unsettling work of embalming corpses, preparing them for funerals, and carrying out other mortuary duties. These tasks already feel uncomfortable in their clinical detail, but the game gradually introduces supernatural elements that escalate the tension. The Definitive Edition expands on the original with more content, secrets, and multiple endings, ensuring there is always something new to uncover. What makes the game stand out is its balance between routine tasks and terrifying events, making the ordinary feel as disturbing as the paranormal.

Dead Space (2023 Remake)

When EA Motive remade Dead Space in 2023, they did far more than give the game a graphical update. The remake rebuilt the original from the ground up, modernizing mechanics, redesigning certain areas, and adding layers of tension through adaptive difficulty. The result is a survival-horror game that feels both faithful to the original and fresh for newcomers. The combination of claustrophobic environments, grotesque enemy design, and limited resources keeps players constantly on edge. The success of the remake reaffirms Dead Space as one of the pillars of sci-fi horror.

Hunt: Showdown

Crytek’s Hunt: Showdown offers a different take on horror by blending it with competitive multiplayer. Set in the Louisiana Bayou in the late 1800s, players become bounty hunters tracking supernatural monsters. The game’s mix of player-versus-environment and player-versus-player combat creates constant tension, as players must contend with both monsters and rival hunters. The 1896 update added new content, including maps and characters, further refining the experience. Unlike traditional horror games that emphasize scripted scares, Hunt: Showdown thrives on unpredictability, where every match feels like a high-stakes horror story.

Little Nightmares

The original Little Nightmares, released in 2017, remains one of the most unique horror platformers. Its unsettling art style, distorted enemies, and dreamlike world capture the feeling of being trapped inside a nightmare. The game’s strength lies in its atmosphere - every shadow, sound, and visual detail contributes to a sense of unease. Although a third entry is on the horizon, the first game continues to resonate as a modern classic. It demonstrates how horror can exist beyond traditional survival mechanics, focusing instead on imagery and tone to create fear.

The Outlast Trials

After a year in early access, The Outlast Trials launched in 2024 as the latest entry in Red Barrels’ disturbing franchise. Unlike previous games, it introduces cooperative play for up to four players. Groups must complete objectives across a variety of maps while avoiding grotesque enemies. Playing with friends reduces the intensity somewhat, but the game remains deeply unsettling, especially in solo play. A strong progression system and replayable design ensure that players have reasons to return, whether for scares or to unlock new content.

Phasmophobia

Since its debut in 2020, Phasmophobia has become one of the most recognized multiplayer horror games. Players act as paranormal investigators, using tools to identify ghosts while avoiding being caught themselves. The voice recognition system allows entities to react to what players say, creating unpredictable and immersive moments. For those with virtual reality headsets, the experience becomes even more intense, offering some of the most convincing scares in gaming. With console releases on the way, Phasmophobia is set to reach an even wider audience in the coming years.

Puppet Combo’s Retro Horror

Puppet Combo has carved out a niche by embracing the aesthetics of retro horror. Inspired by VHS-era slashers and early survival-horror games, these titles use low-poly graphics and grainy presentation to recreate the feel of older media. The result is a catalog of games that feel nostalgic yet unsettling, combining familiar tropes with raw tension. Puppet Combo’s approach proves that horror does not require cutting-edge visuals to be effective. Instead, atmosphere, pacing, and clever design can make even the simplest presentation terrifying.

The Complex: Expedition

Liminal space horror has grown in popularity thanks to online platforms, and The Complex: Expedition stands out as one of the most notable examples. Released in 2023, the game places players in surreal, shifting environments that evoke the sense of wandering through unsettling dreamscapes. Rather than focusing on direct threats, it builds fear through disorientation and atmosphere. The constant changes in setting keep players uneasy, while the underlying mystery invites exploration. For anyone curious about the Backrooms-inspired subgenre, this game is an excellent starting point.

Resident Evil 2 Remake

The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 is widely regarded as one of the best modern survival-horror games. Capcom reimagined the 1998 classic with updated visuals, expanded environments, and refined gameplay. The addition of Mr. X, a relentless pursuer who stalks players through the police station, adds a constant layer of tension. Resource management, puzzle-solving, and exploration all contribute to the experience, making it both challenging and rewarding. The remake balances respect for the original with modern design, ensuring its place as one of the most essential horror titles available.

Signalis

Signalis, developed by Rose-engine and released in 2022, is a love letter to classic survival-horror while also carving out its own identity. With a pixel-art style and top-down perspective, the game recalls titles like Silent Hill and early Resident Evil. However, its story and presentation are unique, emphasizing atmosphere over shock value. The game maintains a steady level of tension rather than relying on frequent jump scares, making players feel uneasy throughout. This approach has earned it a reputation as one of the most compelling indie horror releases in recent memory.

SOMA

Developed by Frictional Games in 2015, SOMA combines horror with philosophical storytelling. Set in an underwater facility, the game challenges players with questions of consciousness, identity, and humanity, all while placing them in constant danger. The enemies are unsettling, but it is the narrative that leaves the deepest impact. SOMA demonstrates how horror can extend beyond fear of death or monsters, instead provoking thought about existence itself. It is a slower, more reflective game, but one that lingers long after completion.

Final Thoughts

The best horror games to play in the dark in 2025 showcase the genre’s versatility, from story-driven psychological thrillers to unpredictable survival-horror and innovative indie projects. Some titles thrive on atmosphere and slow-building dread, while others rely on relentless enemies or disturbing imagery. Together, they demonstrate that horror remains one of the most creative and impactful spaces in gaming. Whether you are playing alone in the dark or teaming up with friends, these games deliver experiences that remind players why horror continues to be one of the most enduring genres. Here’s the full list of all the games mentioned:

Alan Wake 2
Alien: Isolation
Tooth and Claw’s Library / Indie Horror on Itch.io
Amnesia: The Bunker
The Mortuary Assistant
Dead Space (2023 Remake)
Hunt: Showdown
Little Nightmares
The Outlast Trials
Phasmophobia
Puppet Combo’s Retro Horror
The Complex: Expedition
Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)
Signalis
SOMA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the No. 1 horror game in 2025?

There isn't a single "No. 1" horror game, as what makes a game scary is subjective and varies greatly by individual.However, some consistently praised horror titles include Alien: Isolation for its intense sound design and atmosphere, Resident Evil 4 for its compelling blend of action and horror, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly for its unique camera-based gameplay, and Dead Space for its masterful survival horror experience.

Which horror games are top in 2025?

There is no definitive "top" horror games in 2025 as rankings are subjective and vary by publication. However, highly anticipated and acclaimed horror games expected or released in 2025 include Tormented Souls II, No, I'm Not a Human, Silent Hill f, Dread Flats, and the upcoming sequel Resident Evil Requiem.

What are the best horror games in 2025?

Some of the most anticipated horror games of 2025 include Dying Light: The Beast, Little Nightmares 3, The Sinking City 2, and Silent Hill f. Other notable titles are the upcoming Cronos: The New Dawn and the next installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology, Directive 8020. A variety of games are also in development, such as the psychological horror experience KARMA: The Dark World and the narrative horror game Mouthwashing.

What will be the most popular horror games in 2025?

The most popular horror games in 2025 will likely include established franchises and new entries from well-known developers, such as Little Nightmares 3, Directive 8020, Dying Light: The Beast, Silent Hill f, and Doom: The Dark Ages. Other anticipated titles include The Sinking City 2, Cronos: The New Dawn, and Killing Floor 3.