10 Best Horror Games for Cowards

Key Takeaways

Content Warning offers a unique mix of horror and comedy with a gameplay loop of making viral YouTube videos.
Phasmophobia provides top-tier paranormal horror with friends.
F.E.A.R. is an old-school horror shooter with tense atmosphere and a decent story.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt and a penchant for all things spine-tingling, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into some truly terrifying digital realms. Among these chilling experiences, there are three that stand out as the cream of the crop when it comes to horror gaming: Fran Bow, Bioshock, and Dead by Daylight.

The popularity of Horror genres in entertainment is at an all-time high, catering to diverse tastes. Not all horror games rely on startling jump scares; many outstanding titles instead opt for a more subtle approach. Regardless of your fear tolerance level, I am confident I can recommend a few horror games you’ll find enjoyable.

With this in mind, here are our picks for the best Horror Games for scaredy cats.

10 Content Warning

Make A Viral Video

In the game, titled “Content Warning,” you and your companions embark on an exciting journey to create sensational YouTube videos. However, lurking in the distance is a realm inhabited by terrifying monsters, and you’ll need to brave its depths to capture that precious golden footage.

The premise of Content Warning is ridiculous, but there’s never a dull moment, and there’s nothing else quite like it. The game even makes highlight reels from your footage, which you can download as actual videos.

You’ll find an enjoyable cycle in this game where you accumulate funds to upgrade your recording gear, and the frights are spot-on as your team competes to top each other.

To truly appreciate “Content Warning“, you should be part of a discerning group, as it delivers both humor and terror in perfect balance, stemming from its unique concept.

9 Phasmophobia

It’s Less Scary With Friends

This might stir up some criticism, but let me tell you, the game Phasmophobia is exceptional for those who scare easily, especially if you play it with companions.

In Phasmophobia, you’ll assume the role of a ghost hunter, tasked with determining the spectral entity that haunts each location. This game can be downright terrifying at times, but you can find strength in unity with your teammates who encourage and support you. Notably, the game also actively uses your microphone, enhancing the overall immersion.

In the game called Phasmophobia, there are some exceptional instances of paranormal horror. I would suggest playing this game only if you have a solid group of friends to join you. If you do, Phasmophobia provides some truly unforgettable experiences within the genre.

8 F.E.A.R.

An Old-School Horror Shooter

The game titled “F.E.A.R.” is an outstanding first-person shooter that offers a reasonable number of frightening moments, as well as elements of psychological terror.

In this game, you join the First Encounter Assault Recon (FEAR) unit, whose mission is to handle supernatural dangers. While there are some startling moments, FEAR truly excels at creating a tense atmosphere.

Even though F.E.A.R was released back in 2005, it has remarkably maintained its appeal. The gunplay mechanics are smooth and intuitive, the narrative is engaging, and at roughly 8 hours long, the game doesn’t drag on excessively.

As the storyline unfolds, it may deteriorate somewhat, yet if you’re a fan of F.E.A.R., it’s still worth giving the rest of the trilogy a try.

7 Resident Evil 4

One Of The Finest Resident Evil Games

The Resident Evil saga is renowned for its distinctive fear-inducing elements and memorable characters. However, Resident Evil 4 significantly shifted the gameplay focus towards action, marking a daring departure from the norm. Many consider it the finest installment of the series.

In essence, Resident Evil 4 retains some frightening episodes, yet it predominantly functions as an action game with horror elements. The majority of the game is played during daylight hours, reducing the frequency of sudden scares. However, its intense sequences make a strong case for it being one of the most terrifying games available. Despite this, there’s a playful undertone to many interactions, and Leon Kennedy isn’t above delivering some over-the-top quips.

There isn’t a more suitable game I could imagine for kicking off the Resident Evil series, and the 2023 remake offers an outstanding starting point.

6 Left 4 Dead 2

Fear The Witch

Left 4 Dead 2 is a renowned first-person shooter game developed by Valve, boasting an unforgettable assortment of monstrous characters, such as the legendary Witch.

In Left 4 Dead 2, you and your fellow survivors are tasked with accomplishing various goals spread across the game’s map. Your ultimate objective is to make it to a safe extraction point. Along the way, you will encounter massive groups of the undead, forcing you to act quickly to avoid being overrun.

Here’s another title that sparkles even brighter with companions, for the experience becomes infinitely more enjoyable when shared. Monsters may be terrifying, yet in a collective environment, anxious moments often transform into laughter-inducing situations.

“The Witch is the sole exception; she weeps softly in the shadows, but approach her at your peril. Fear grips even the bravest as they hear her lamentations. The thrilling encounters in ‘Left 4 Dead 2’ are so immersive that you might forget you’re playing a horror game.

5 Doki Doki Literature Club

You’ve Never Played A Horror Game Quite Like This

The game titled Doki Doki Literature Club skillfully merges elements of storytelling in visual format and psychological terror. Remarkably, even though the narrative unfolds via static pictures, this unique amalgamation proves to be captivatingly effective.

The game commences in a seemingly ordinary manner, with the majority of it taking place within a classroom setting. However, an undercurrent of apprehension permeates throughout as you sense that something ominous is impending, though the specifics – what, when, and how – remain elusive. To preserve suspense for potential readers, I purposely withhold details. For those new to horror genres, the gradual build-up and absence of cheap frights make Doki Doki Literature Club an ideal choice.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises for the captivating game, “Doki Doki Literature Club,” which has consistently maintained an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam for years. However, if you find visual novels to be less than appealing, it’s unlikely that this gem will convert you into a fan of the genre.

4 Until Dawn

High Budget Horror

In the thrilling, big-budget horror game “Until Dawn,” your decisions matter greatly, with the power to completely alter the course of events.

As a gamer, I find myself leading a band of teenagers on an adventurous retreat, lost amidst a towering, snow-covered mountain range. The isolation is eerie, yet the beauty around me is breathtaking. But as fate would have it, everything starts to go awry, and it’s up to me to make the right calls – my choices determining who makes it out alive from this harrowing ordeal.

In Until Dawn, the plot is certainly terrifying, yet it often fails to deliver on its horror game promise since you predominantly take on the role of an overseer or director. Although there are intense and gory moments, you seldom experience them firsthand as they primarily occur to the characters in the game.

Until Dawn” is such a fantastic game that it’s enjoyable even for those who typically dislike horror titles, and what’s more, it’s currently available for free with your PlayStation Plus membership.

3 Fran Bow

A Trip Into Insanity

Fran Bow is an unusual, point-and-click style game that offers a chilling blend of unsettling imagery and a generous helping of psychological terror.

In this game, you control the character of Fran who is attempting to flee from a grim juvenile psychiatric facility. The narrative takes a somber turn as you delve into vivid depictions of Fran’s inner mindscape. These mental landscapes span from serene enchanted forests to terrifying hellish landscapes.

Although the visuals can be truly unsettling on occasions, “Fran Bow” essentially remains a puzzle-based adventure game that lacks a significant sense of urgency. You won’t find yourself running from anything, and there are no sudden shock moments to startle you.

Puzzle solving is the name of the game, and it takes the reins over cheap horror thrills.

2 Bioshock

Would You Kindly?

In a more relaxed phrasing, Bioshock stands out as an outstanding first-person shooter, though it doesn’t primarily dwell on horror, it certainly offers numerous suspenseful and frightening scenes.

In Bioshock, the picturesque underwater metropolis serves as a backdrop that’s both stunning and tumultuous. Its residents have become mad drug users, making each encounter unpredictable and uncertain.

It’s impossible to discuss Bioshock without bringing up the imposing figures known as Big Daddies. These towering, mechanical beasts can be heard lumbering about before they’re even spotted.

While Bioshock isn’t strictly categorized as a horror game, it does contain numerous frightening segments. This is particularly true if one allows themselves to fully explore and become engrossed in its intricate universe.>

Big Daddies may be monstrous, but you can even play as one in Bioshock 2!

1 Dead by Daylight

A Multiplayer Horror Masterpiece

Dead by Daylight” stands out as an exceptional game that breaks the mold of traditional genres, providing a multiplayer experience that many other games have attempted but often fallen short in replicating.

In the game “Dead by Daylight“, you can choose to assume the roles of either a survivor or a relentless pursuer, known as the killer. The fundamental goal is straightforward: survivors aim for an escape, while the killer aims to thwart their attempts. However, it’s not as straightforward as that; each Killer has unique abilities, and characters like the iconic Ghost Face from “Scream” are part of the game’s roster.

In Dead by Daylight, the game is designed for a 4 versus 1 setup, providing an exhilarating experience when played with friends or individuals of comparable skill. The Killer character in this survival horror game is terrifying because it’s controlled by another player, adding an unpredictable element to the gameplay. Mastering the role of the Killer can be a thrilling challenge.

If you’re venturing into Player vs Player (PVP) online, especially with strangers, you might find the learning process quite challenging due to its steep learning curve, yet it becomes an experience to remember when you’re with the right crowd.

2024-10-20 17:09