Everyone loves a little horror, right? As another spooky season rolls around, Halloween movies aren’t the only things to enjoy. Horror video games are a great way to embrace Halloween, and can be even more visceral than just watching a film on screen. By participating in the game, you dive straight into the horror, leading to jumpscares, screams, and more. Try one of these six horror video games this Halloween and get your heartbeat racing for a few hours.
6. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit
Starting our list of horror video games is Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit. While all of the FNAF games are quite scary in their own right, there is something about this installment that’s particularly frightening. The unique style, combined with tense gameplay, makes it the perfect match for FNAF and horror lovers. Though you might not want to jump into a ball pit after playing this game.
5. The Last of Us
Fifth on our list of horror video games is The Last of Us. Now a popular television series, the storyline began in a video game. While it might not be straight horror, there is something quite terrifying about a virus taking over the planet and clickers wanting to eat your face off. Plus, the storytelling is unmatched. If you want more from the game, you could also play The Last of Us 2.
4. Dead Space
Next on our list of horror video games is Dead Space. Tired of terrestrial horror? Try space instead. During the game, you’re trying to survive waves of nasty creatures that are covered in blood, chasing you endlessly and tearing you apart. Fortunately, you have a gun to blast them with, and can even dismember the creatures when they are down. While you might be tensing up every time one comes around a corner, it’s pretty satisfying to take each creature down.
3. Resident Evil: Biohazard
Rounding out the top three horror video games is Resident Evil: Biohazard. While many of the Resident Evil games could have worked on this list, such as the original or the fourth version, there is something new and exciting about the Biohazard version. Seeming to some players like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, it quickly devolves into a frantic race away from terrifying monsters. Gory, creepy, and great visuals, what more could you want from a horror video game?
2. Inside
Second on our list of horror video games is Inside. Critics and fans alike rave about this game, which won the Best Art Direction and Best Independent Game at the 2016 Game Awards. The surreal world has engaging gameplay and puzzle mechanics, sucking you into the world for hours. Each moment is filled with tension, too, trying to avoid guard dogs and even outswim a strange aquatic child. The further you dive into Inside, the more terrified you will get.
1. Silent Hill 2
Last but not least on our horror video games list is Silent Hill 2. While the original is just as creepy, there is something insanely unsettling about the second installment. Interacting with the Pyramid Head, or any of the other villains, is just a small stepping stone in the constant terror. You may try to race through the game to avoid danger and any horror, but the game keeps you hostage in the horror of Silent Hill, so you must endure until you win, or you need to step away from your computer.