7 Action-Adventure Games That Will Scare You to Death

Summary

Dying Light 2 Stay Human offers intense action and horror in a zombie survival open world.
The Last of Us Part 2 combines exploration and horror in a post-apocalyptic narrative.
Bloodborne is a horror masterpiece with Lovecraftian elements and grotesque bosses.

Due to the subjective fear factors in horror games, you’ll find titles across various gaming genres that cater to distinct, unusual tastes. Among these numerous options is the action-adventure genre, focusing on thrilling action sequences and frequently challenging combat. Although this category usually leans more towards action and grandeur rather than terror, some games within it manage to strike a balance perfectly.

In this write-up, we’ll discuss several action-adventure games that strike a balance between intense action and genuine terror. They also place a strong emphasis on immersive exploration in vast environments. The ranking is based on how effectively they motivate players to explore and offer chilling surprises when they do so. The horror of venturing into the unknown and encountering the unknown lurking around every corner is skillfully employed by these games for maximum impact.

7. Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Open-World Zombie Survival

Players who are acquainted with the “Dying Light” series can easily recognize how seamlessly “Dying Light 2: Stay Human” combines exploration and distinctive world navigation with heart-pounding instances of sheer dread. Situated within a zombie apocalypse, the player is tasked with employing parkour to traverse the open environment, gathering resources for survival amidst the unrelenting hordes of the undead. The gameplay is both swift and smooth, skillfully integrating agile movement and gratifying combat for a highly enjoyable experience overall.

In the game Dying Light 2 Stay Human, the area where it falters is its power fantasy. The player is granted a multitude of weapons and abilities that make it easy to eliminate zombies. However, after the initial few hours, the danger from the horde diminishes due to the simplicity in fighting each undead character the player comes across. Yet, despite this, the gameplay remains enjoyable and definitely worth investing some time into.

6. The Last Of Us Part 2

More Exploration Than The Original

In a somewhat contentious addition to the roster, “The Last of Us Part 2” builds upon its predecessor’s structure and broadens the scope, presenting two intertwined stories that include some degree of free exploration. Although not a full-fledged open-world game, “The Last of Us Part 2” provides opportunities for players to delve into multiple expansive environments reminiscent of “Metro Exodus”. The game’s appeal is heightened by the detailed world-building established in the first installment, which takes place a few years later and invites players to thoroughly investigate an intriguing post-apocalyptic American landscape.

In the sequel of the series, the terror continues to be intense; the fungal zombies are still as chilling as when they first appeared, while humans remain equally determined to endure and go to any lengths necessary for survival. Although the storyline has been met with some controversy, it is skillfully written and seamlessly extends the narrative of its precursor.

5. Bioshock

Explore Rapture, And Burn It Down

The influence of Bioshock on the first-person action-adventure genre is hard to ignore. The initial installment of this series plunges players into a realm where religious fervor, steampunk style, and psychological terror are intertwined. This is Rapture, an underwater paradise created as a haven from the oppressive rulers on land, now ruled by a power-mad tyrant himself, and inhabited by a drug-dependent working class.

As a die-hard fan, I can attest that while the world of Bioshock may not offer as much open-ended exploration as some other games, it certainly doesn’t disappoint in immersion! The player is tasked with chasing down a man you’re determined to bring to justice, all while uncovering the crumbling city of Rapture. Even those who haven’t delved into this game may recognize its name. But let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like navigating Rapture’s decaying corridors, always wondering if the next turn will reveal a towering Big Daddy or a vicious Splicer lurking in the shadows.

4. Elden Ring

The Gold Standard For Action-Adventure Exploration

In the arsenal of games produced by FromSoftware, Elden Ring stands out as the first open-world game from this developer. Unlike their previous games such as the Dark Souls series which encourage exploration and backtracking, Elden Ring requires it, making it impossible to progress without exploring. Unlike past titles from FromSoftware, Elden Ring gives players the freedom to choose their own path through the game and explore the world at their leisure. If a boss proves too challenging in Elden Ring, players can opt to explore elsewhere and return after leveling up and gaining skills.

In the realm of Elden Ring, the standout feature is its exploration, but unlike other games by FromSoftware, it lacks a heavy emphasis on horror. Nevertheless, the game doesn’t shy away from incorporating unsettling creatures and gruesome body horror into its enemy design. Creatures like Godrick the Grafted and Fingercreepers are reminders that chilling horrors lurk in every nook of the Lands Between.

3. Death Stranding

Walk, Walk, And Walk Some More

In the creative brain of Hideo Kojima lies the game, Death Stranding. Unlike many action-adventure games, Death Stranding spends a significant portion of its gameplay on walking rather than fighting. Essentially, you’ll find yourself in the role of a post-apocalyptic delivery person, tasked with transporting packages across a devastated America to reunite its fragmented inhabitants. Despite seeming straightforward, this mission becomes more challenging due to the terrifying creatures lurking around, eager to end Norman Reedus’s journey as soon as they spot him.

In the realm of Death Stranding, I find myself captivated by an unusual twist: combat isn’t the main event, instead, it steps aside to let exploration take center stage. Treading through this barren wasteland feels anything but ordinary, and the world is nothing short of breathtaking, even when it teems with creatures bent on humanity’s annihilation.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Horrors Of Slavic Folklore Meets RPG Exploration

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as an exemplary action-adventure game, offering vast exploration opportunities since its debut in 2015. The player assumes the role of Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter called a Witcher, on a quest to find his adopted daughter in a world on the brink of catastrophe. Although mastering the combat may require some practice, the battle mechanics in The Witcher 3 prove immensely rewarding and empower players to traverse the world fearlessly despite the numerous mythical beasts lurking within.

In a style common to Role-Playing Games (RPG), The Witcher 3 features an engaging world brimming with Non-Player Characters (NPCs) and side quests that lead players to explore even the most overlooked parts of the map, instead of solely focusing on advancing the main storyline. As for its horror aspect, The Witcher 3 offers a variety of terrifying creatures, some resembling animals and others human, drawing inspiration from Slavic folklore. Among these fearsome adversaries are werewolves, griffins, and other gruesome beings that emerge from the depths. Geralt engages in combat with all of them.

1. Bloodborne

FromSoftware’s Horror Masterpiece

At the bottom of this list lies another masterpiece from FromSoftware, often hailed by many as their finest work – Bloodborne. This game is FromSoftware’s most overtly horror-themed production, set in the cursed city of Yharnam, where Lovecraftian terrors lurk that defy human understanding. Although it may not provide the same level of open-world exploration as Elden Ring, players can delve into each of Yharnam’s districts, and once the main boss of an area has been vanquished, they can traverse freely between them.

In a different phrasing: Each leader assumes a terrifying, distinctly chilling shape throughout the storyline, which some players may find perplexing due to the scarcity of context regarding the game’s events beyond being labeled as hunters, whose role is to hunt. The intricate gothic setting and finely tuned combat make Bloodborne an ideal choice for enthusiasts of Soulslike games, horror genres, or those seeking an immersive world to delve into and potentially lose themselves within.

2025-02-03 03:24