Best Horror Games About Fishing, Ranked

Summary

Fishing simulators serve as great inspiration for horror games, blending quiet anticipation with intense horror.
Fishing horror games capitalize on fear of the ocean, isolation, and uncanny aquatic life for a unique gaming experience.
Dredge stands out as the best fishing horror game with easy gameplay, diverse biomes, inventory management, and an engaging horror narrative.

As a seasoned gamer and horror enthusiast with a penchant for the bizarre and the macabre, I must say that my recent foray into the world of fishing horror games has been nothing short of delightfully terrifying! The immersive narratives, eerie soundscapes, and unexpected twists have kept me hooked (pun intended) for hours on end.

My life experience has taught me to appreciate the finer details that make a game truly memorable, and these fishing horror games certainly do not disappoint. From the pixelated Lovecraftian vibes of Normal Fishing to the amnesia-fueled horror of Dredge, each game offers a unique blend of terror and tension that keeps me coming back for more.

Of course, I can’t forget about the fishing mini-games themselves – they are engaging, fast-paced, and offer just the right amount of challenge to keep things interesting. And let’s not forget the dark humor that permeates some of these games, like Normal Fishing with its stilted dialogue and offbeat characters.

All in all, I highly recommend diving into the deep end (another pun!) and giving these fishing horror games a try. Just be prepared to have your sanity tested – and maybe even laugh a little along the way! After all, who said that catching fish had to be boring?

In contrast to traditional fishing games and simulators that cater mainly to a niche audience who value realism and competition, horror games inspired by fishing offer something unique. These serene fishing simulations can provide the perfect setting for terrifying experiences. The tranquil tension of waiting for a catch is starkly contrasted by the sudden, heart-pounding terror of an attack from below.

Fear of the ocean and fear of what lies beneath the surface of the water is only one element of the horror that fishing horror games capitalize on. The isolation of fishing and the strangeness of aquatic lifeforms add to the uncanny dread that fishing can cultivate. Whether players are looking for hours of dedicated fishing and an in-depth story or five minutes for a short sharp shot of aquatic horror, there’s something on this list for everyone.

8. Fish N Chat

Citation Is Needed On These Fish Facts

Release date: 2024
Developer: Insertrave
Platform: PC
Website: https://insertrave.itch.io/fish-n-chat

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that “Fish N Chat” is unlike any fishing game I’ve ever played. With its brief duration and chilling moments, it stands out as a unique and intriguing title. The setting within the multiplayer fishing game, which appears to harbor something sinister beneath its surface, adds an extra layer of suspense that has me hooked.

The thick fog and eerie garbled voices of fellow fishermen create an unsettling atmosphere right from the get-go, making it clear that this isn’t your average fishing trip. As someone who’s played their fair share of horror games, I can appreciate the attention to detail in building tension and creating a sense of unease.

In conclusion, “Fish N Chat” is a must-play for those seeking an engaging gaming experience with a touch of the eerie. It’s not just about reeling in fish; it’s about unraveling the mysteries lurking beneath the waves.

For certain gamers, the unusual silence on the water, unclear navigation, and peculiar movement of the boat across the lake could pose challenges. However, it successfully captures the 90s PC chat game ambiance that the developer intended. A touch of whimsical absurdity is interwoven with the horror, adding to its unique charm.

7. Mourning Tide

Stay In The Circle

Release date: 2024
Developer: Karolína Kuberová et al.
Platforms: Windows
Website: https://kajik.itch.io/mourningtide

As a seasoned adventurer, I have braved many perilous journeys and faced strange phenomena that defy explanation. However, nothing quite prepared me for the chilling experience aboard that rusty old fishing boat. The air was thick with an eerie stillness, the kind that seems to cling to your bones like a shroud. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss, but there was no obvious sign of danger.

The hours drifted by as I cast my line and waited for a bite. The first few catches were routine, just ordinary fish, nothing out of the ordinary. But then, something changed. With each pull, I found myself reeling in a creature that bore an uncanny resemblance to a human face.

The skin was scaly and slick, with eyes that seemed to follow me wherever I moved. The mouths twisted into grotesque grins, revealing rows of jagged teeth. I couldn’t help but feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as I stared into those soulless orbs.

The atmosphere grew heavier and more oppressive with each passing moment. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was being watched, that these creatures were biding their time before making their move. The boat rocked violently, sending a shiver down my spine as I clung to the railing for dear life.

I knew then that this wasn’t just some ordinary fishing trip. This was something far more sinister, something that would haunt my dreams for years to come. And as the sun began to set and the darkness closed in around me, I couldn’t help but wonder what lay ahead in this short horror experience, and whether I would make it out alive.

The sounds emitted by the ‘fish’ are genuinely unnerving, and the embedded human faces in these sounds are chilling. Regrettably, missing multiple chances to spawn can prevent fish from reproducing. Despite its simplicity, the gameplay is incredibly demanding.

6. Generic Fishing Game

Have A Nice, Relaxing Time

Release date: 2022
Developer: Casper Van Dommelen
Platform: In-browser
Website: https://ferociter.itch.io/generic-fishing-game

If you’ve got 10 minutes to spare and are up for an unexpected challenge, players who enjoy reverse bullet-hell-style games like a pacifist run in Undertale might find something intriguing in Generic Fishing Game. Despite its basic graphics and simple mechanics, this game hides a peculiar experience that unfolds beneath the surface.

The Generic Fishing Game cleverly mimics the uncomplicated titles from the Flash games era of the past few years, often seen on itch.io. When done skillfully, it provides witty, self-referential humor. Essentially, it’s a simple, leisurely fishing game with no need for extra worry.

5. Fishing Vacation

You Caught A Shoe!

Release date: 2020
Developer: Teebowah Games
Platforms: Windows
Website: https://teebowah-games.itch.io/fishing-vacation

A brief horror adventure called “Fishing Vacation” features retro 8-bit graphics reminiscent of old Game Boy games. You’re invited for a fishing trip with your buddy, but upon reaching the cabin you’ll be staying in, eerie indications suggest that something sinister might have transpired involving the former residents.

The gameplay for the fishing aspect involves quite a bit of button pressing – fitting for the type of game it aims to be. It boasts several conclusions, and it’s entirely plausible to complete a game without uncovering the mystery surrounding the cabin and the lake. Being one of many fishing-themed horror games born from the 2020 Fishing Horror Jam on itch.io, you can try out a demo for free.

4. Lake Facade

Who Do We Worship?

Release Date: 2021
Developer: Rexoto
Platforms: Windows
Website: https://rexoto.itch.io/lakefacade

In a nod to classic PS1-era horror games, “Lake Façade” tells the tale of an outsider exploring an eerie lake, peeling back its tranquil exterior to reveal eldritch enigmas. When one of the lake’s ‘inhabitants’ starts talking, things take a strange turn—a twist that echoes the chilling tale from H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

The game titled “Lake Facade” is less intimidating compared to numerous games in this collection. Its fishing mechanics are straightforward, the audio design creates an eerie yet fitting atmosphere, and the setting is user-friendly. However, be cautious not to press the ‘close’ key accidentally as it could lead to a sudden shutdown, resulting in loss of all progress. Currently, you can acquire it at your preferred price on itch.io, with a more advanced version scheduled for release on Steam shortly.

3. Wretched Depths

Take A Peak Below The Surface

Release date: 2023
Developer: Wretched Devs LLC
Platform: Windows
Website: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2343240/Wretched_Depths/

In the game titled “Wretched Depths“, the main character, Sam, is lured towards the town of Twin Pines, which bears a striking resemblance to Twin Peaks, primarily for fishing purposes. At first glance, the town appears ordinary. The man at the local fishing supply shop seems amiable and is willing to buy fish from Sam as well as provide him with the necessary gear to catch various types of fish.

As a gamer named Sam, I’ve found that this game’s fishing mechanics are straightforward and more navigable than many others out there. Diving deeper into the game’s underwater landscapes makes my fishing experiences progressively eerie. It’s the sound design that truly sets it apart – it’s a must-play, even if only to immerse yourself in its chilling audio environment alone.

2. Normal Fishing

Pixelated Lovecraftian Vibes

Release Date: Still in development, demo released 2024
Developer: The Bworg
Platform: Windows
Website: https://thebworg.itch.io/normal-fishing

In the style of unconventional horror fishing games, Normal Fishing presents itself as a peaceful angling game, but it’s far from ordinary. The game boasts a unique blend of eerie and unsettling visuals, and the dialogue, particularly from the fisherman’s enigmatic mercenary companion and his peculiar wife, is intentionally awkward — adding to the game’s unsettling atmosphere.

This demo offers an impressively expansive exploration of a captivating universe, shrouded in intrigue. The mini-games centered around fishing are plentiful, incredibly dynamic, and hard to pull away from. The plotline is sprinkled with witty, dark humor that veers off the beaten path. Discussing it further might reveal too much. In short, it’s a game worth experiencing, as it takes an unconventional turn you won’t expect.

1. Dredge

Watch Out For The Angler Fish

Beyond being the top fishing horror game currently available, “Dredge” was also among the standout releases of 2023. Without a doubt. The fishing mini-game is straightforward to grasp, while the inventory management aspect challenges players to strategically choose specific fishing spots based on their resources. The game map features five unique biomes and an assortment of odd and fascinating fish species that players can record in their fisherman’s guidebook.

The storyline revolves around themes of amnesia, solitude, and cosmic terrors. A man, unnamed in this tale, finds himself in Little Marrow with no knowledge of his former life. As the fishing game unfolds, the tragic events of his past begin to surface piece by piece. Ultimately, he must make a choice: how far is he willing to venture to reclaim his lost love.

2025-01-04 09:06