10 Scary Horror Games: Don’t Play These in the Dark!

While some gamers love sprawling open-world RPGs or exciting sports simulations, horror video games carve out a special niche for thrill-seekers. In a fast-paced world, purposely scaring yourself with a game might seem counterintuitive. However, for the brave souls who enjoy a good fright, there are some truly fantastic horror games designed to keep you awake all night.

Even if Halloween has passed, the craving for a good scare can linger. If you’re looking to test your courage, we’ve compiled a list of 10 horror video games that are best played with the lights on – especially if you’re easily spooked. From unsettling psychological dread to heart-pounding jump scares, these games are an adventure into fear.

10 Outlast 2

Outlast 2 picks up the terrifying mantle from its 2013 predecessor, plunging players into a first-person nightmare. Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, and PC, this sequel follows journalist Blake Langermann. After a helicopter crash in rural Arizona, Blake and his wife, Lynn, must investigate a sinister cult led by Sullivan Knoth.

This game offers no combat. Your only options are to run and hide as you try to uncover a dark conspiracy. The Arizona desert is shrouded in an oppressive darkness, and the corruption runs deep. Outlast 2 starts deceptively slow, but it quickly escalates into a harrowing experience that tests both your nerve and your stomach. Be warned: it’s a truly unsettling journey.

9 The Madness of Death

Though relatively short, The Madness of Death packs an intense punch of psychological horror. This game, lasting about 30 minutes to an hour, delivers superb gameplay and an immersive, terrifying experience. It follows a man grieving the tragic loss of his wife. He becomes withdrawn and obsessed with ancient lore about resurrecting the dead.

Concerned, his sister visits him but finds him missing. Instead, she discovers an old box with cryptic symbols. Meanwhile, the grieving man finds a strange stone that plunges him into an inescapable nightmare. The game comes with a clear player discretion warning, and it’s wise to heed it, particularly if you’re sensitive to disturbing themes.

8 Until Dawn

Until Dawn masterfully blends survival horror with action-adventure elements in an RPG format. The story centers on eight teenagers trapped on a remote mountain, with only a secluded cabin offering shelter. As fear mounts and tension escalates, they must fight to survive the night.

You take control of each of the eight characters, making critical decisions that dramatically impact the narrative. This “butterfly effect” system means every choice can lead to life or death, creating branching storylines that separate the strong-willed from the easily rattled. Featuring performances from TV stars like Hayden Panettiere, its dynamic and unpredictable nature makes it a must-play for horror fans – but perhaps not in total darkness. Initially a PS3 title, it’s now available on PS4 and has been remade for PC.

7 The Last of Us

Ironically, despite winning over 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Last of Us is a profoundly disturbing experience. This game will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve put the controller down, making you reflect on its characters’ harrowing journey. Set in a post-pandemic America, Joel and Ellie must band together to survive in a brutal, hostile world.

The Last of Us is intensely violent. Players must fight off infected humans and desperate survivors, often resorting to brutal measures. Some scenes depict torture, and animal deaths are also present. While not overtly reliant on jump scares, its grim atmosphere and morally challenging situations make it a game to avoid if you have strong sensitivities, and certainly one not to play with the lights off. It’s available for PCs and consoles, with a remake optimized for the PS5.

6 Murder House

If haunted house tales send shivers down your spine, then Murder House is a video game you’ll want to steer clear of, or at least play cautiously. This title is a classic 5th-generation survival horror game, complete with tank controls reminiscent of early PlayStation titles. The story begins when a news crew breaks into an old, abandoned house to film a segment.

To their horror, they discover the house isn’t just abandoned—it’s haunted, and they are now trapped inside. The building was once home to Antony Smith, an executed serial killer whose malevolent spirit lingers. As a retro-style game, Murder House features no autosaves. Players must rely on limited pencils to save their progress. If you dare to find out who survives, prepare for a night filled with suspense and dread. Keeping the lights on is highly recommended.

5 Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight delivers a potent mix of gore, violence, blood, and mature themes. This asymmetrical multiplayer game (4 versus 1) pits one player as a savage killer against four others trying to escape. The survivors play from a third-person perspective, offering better situational awareness, while the killer hunts in first-person.

Survivors can choose to collaborate to escape or act selfishly, potentially leading to their demise. The constant threat of deadly killers, coupled with the fear of the unknown, makes Dead by Daylight incredibly tense. Its chilling environments, eerie ambiance, and carefully crafted music elevate this already brilliant horror game. Even though it’s a multiplayer experience, playing it in the dark can be a truly terrifying idea. Proceed with caution!

4 Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Developed by Frictional Games in the late 2000s, Amnesia: The Dark Descent quickly gained notoriety for being almost unplayably scary for many. Its unique focus on psychological horror and puzzle-solving, rather than combat, sets it apart. Characters have no way to fight back and must rely on stealth and wit to survive.

While many horror games rely on jump scares, The Dark Descent masterfully creates terror through a different approach. It unsettles players by making them feel completely powerless in a tragically horrifying environment. The story follows Daniel, a man battling his own demons and the monstrous creatures invading his world. Suffering from amnesia, he navigates a pitch-dark mansion with only a lamp for guidance. Joining Daniel in his shadowy predicament is certainly not advisable if your own surroundings are unlit.

3 The Evil Within

Created by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks, The Evil Within is a survival horror game that few can play without feeling a deep sense of dread. Thanks to its grotesque and imaginative creature design, it’s as terrifying as they come.

Drawing inspiration from classics like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, The Evil Within thrives on its shocking characters and intense encounters. Players must scavenge for resources to survive through various chapters. As you progress, you’ll find opportunities to reach “safe havens” and upgrade your weapons, but the journey is fraught with peril. Available for both PC and console gamers, the game’s escalating horror and messy confrontations require a strong heart and a steady stomach. This is definitely not one for playing in the dark!

2 Remothered: Tormented Fathers

The sheer realism of Remothered: Tormented Fathers contributes significantly to its terrifying nature. This survival horror game leans heavily into psychological tension. Filled with complex villains and heroes, it blurs the line between good and evil, while its plot is laden with unnerving twists designed to create constant anxiety.

The storyline centers on Rosemary Reed, a middle-aged woman investigating a crime at the residence of Richard Felton. Initially welcomed by Gloria, Richard’s caretaker, the situation sours when Rosemary’s true intentions are revealed. The game then shifts into a desperate struggle for survival rather than a simple investigation. Players must use various means to stay alive, demanding psychological preparedness. Its film-like cutscenes, high-quality audio, and haunting soundtrack make it an exceptionally scary experience, best enjoyed with the lights on by PC and console players.

1 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil is practically synonymous with horror video games; no discussion of the genre is complete without mentioning it. While previous installments were certainly impactful, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard took the fear factor to a new level. Released in 2017, this game has remained a benchmark for horror for years. Make no mistake, this installment is horrifying.

This single-player game unfolds in modern rural America, capturing everything fans loved about earlier releases while introducing fresh terror. It’s a pure survival experience where only the wittiest and bravest can endure. Players consistently praise the game for its incredibly strong and immersive atmosphere. The bottom line is: play Resident Evil 7 at your own risk, and absolutely do not attempt it in the dark!

These games offer unique and chilling experiences, each with its own brand of terror. Whether it’s the psychological dread, the visceral gore, or the constant threat of the unknown, they promise to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Which of these horror games have you dared to play? Or is there another one that you think deserves a spot on this list? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!