Best Horror Games Set In Europe

Summary

European countries provide rich backdrops for horror games due to dark histories, folklore, and landscapes.
Games like Saturnalia, Mundaun, and Pathologic 2 set in Europe offer unique horror experiences.
From France to Spain to Sweden, European horror games showcase diverse settings and themes.

As a seasoned horror gaming enthusiast with over two decades of spine-tingling experiences under my belt, I must say that this list is nothing short of a chilling symphony of fear. Each game offers a unique blend of suspense, mystery, and outright terror that will have even the bravest souls cowering in their seats.

Historically, the gaming industry has been predominantly shaped by The Americas and Asia, with them creating some of the most renowned video games and consoles globally. Notably, many of these games are often set in their native lands. However, it’s worth mentioning that even though they have a significant impact on the field, other continents have demonstrated equal popularity as game settings and produced equally talented developers.

As a dedicated movie reviewer, I can’t help but share my enthusiasm for the chilling allure that European settings bring to horror games. With their haunting pasts, enchanting folklore, and diverse landscapes, these continents serve as the ideal canvas for fear-inducing experiences.

11. Saturnalia

A Stylized Exploration Horror With Dark Themes

Setting: Sardinia, Italy

In the game called Saturnalia, players assume control over four characters who are attempting to navigate their way through an Italian town known as Sardinia in order to flee. However, there’s a twist: this seemingly ordinary town has a haunting past that pursues the characters. The narrative unfolds depending on how deeply the player explores and uncovers the story themselves.

Pursued relentlessly by masked individuals and a terrifying creature, navigating the intricately designed, ever-changing town in each gaming session keeps the experience as tense as before. With its distinctive visual aesthetic and ominous unfolding storyline, Saturnalia leaves a lasting impression on players, making it an unforgettable horror game.

10. Mundaun

A Beautiful Hand-Drawn Folk Horror Game

Developer: Hidden Fields
Setting: The Alps, Swizerland

In Mundaun, the character Curdin journeys up a towering Alpine peak to discover the fate of his late grandfather, disregarding the church’s cautionary advice. As the game progresses and Curdin advances on the mountain, increasingly disturbing mysteries come to light.

Regardless of its leisurely speed, the hand-drawn aesthetics effectively capture the unsettling atmosphere reminiscent of folk horror. Combined with its puzzle aspects and enigmatic nature, Mundaun is an engaging choice for enthusiasts of the occult.

9. Pathologic 2

Survive An Open World Where The Plague Is Your Enemy

Setting: Gorkhon River, Russia

In contrast to the prevalence of zombie-themed narratives in horror, Pathologic 2 distinguishes itself by offering a more authentic depiction of a contagious disease. The main character, Artemy, is a surgeon who is assigned the mission of saving the town from the “Sand Pest.” This intriguing blend of contemporary science and ancient tradition creates an engaging setting for the story.

Beyond taking care of their health, players’ decisions on how to approach objectives can significantly affect the various districts within the town, deciding which areas might (or might not) become infected and influencing their personal reputation as well. Although there is fighting involved, the primary struggle lies in survival, making the terrifying aspects of Pathologic 2 feel even more authentic.

8. Cry Of Fear

A Disturbing Psychological First-Person Shooter

Setting: Sweden

Experienced gamers may immediately identify “Cry of Fear” as having a similar style to the 1998 game “Half-Life.” Originally a mod, it was eventually released independently following four years of development. Since then, it has earned its place among the greats in the category of psychological first-person shooter horror games.

Cry of Fear

7. Year Walk

A Haunting Rendition Of A Swedish Tradition

Setting: Sweden

The “Year Walk” is an ancient Swedish custom where individuals embark on a lengthy journey without provisions, aiming to steer clear of supernatural interactions in order to glimpse the future year ahead. Originally introduced as a mobile game, it can now also be played on Windows and Wii U systems.

In this game, the protagonist aims to embark on the Year Walk towards a church, disregarding warnings of numerous hazards from their companion. As you progress, what initially appears as a charming journey transforms into an ominous, chilling narrative.

6. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chornobyl

Discover Dangerous Anomalies Inspired By Real Events

Setting: Ukraine

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series started with Shadow of Chornobyl, taking cues from the actual 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine. In this game, events unfold within “the Zone,” a place where nuclear fallout has caused unusual and hazardous natural occurrences.

In Shadow of Chernobyl, the player assumes command over a character afflicted by memory loss, known as the “Marked One.” This individual’s sole objective is to eliminate Strelok. Unlike its sequels, this game offers a much more ominous and atmospheric setting, immersing players in a radioactive landscape teeming with bizarre mutants and mysterious anomalies for an intense and frightening adventure.

5. Metro 2033: Redux

Engage With Topical Plots In A Post-Apocalyptic Survival-Horror

Top Critic Rating: 85
Setting: Moscow, Russia

Metro 2033 is a first-person shooter horror game set in Moscow’s subway system, two decades after a catastrophic nuclear war. The surface world is lethally radioactive and teeming with mutated beasts, while the few survivors are divided between Nazi and Stalinist factions. Your character, Artyom, must confront both external and internal threats to save humanity by venturing out into the dangerous wasteland.

In the game “Metro 2033“, terror is conveyed through battles, sneaking, and exploration, where the player faces dreadful perils amidst a bleak yet captivating post-apocalyptic setting.

4. Amnesia: The Bunker

Escape A WW1 Bunker Stalked By Stange, Nightmarish Creatures

Setting: France

“Amnesia: The Bunker” is the fifth installment of the “Amnesia” series, taking place during World War 1. Following an unconscious spell in No Man’s Land, our protagonist Henri – a French soldier – finds himself trapped within a sealed-off bunker. As he ventures deeper into this mysterious location, his mission becomes clear: to find a means of escape.

In this game, the player progressively reveals the authentic past of the bunker as a sequence of unsettling occurrences unfolds. It’s not just about supernatural terror, but it also delves into the terrors of real-life conflict. The game offers two possible conclusions for the players to discover.

3. Resident Evil 4 (2023)

Embark On A Rescue Mission And Take Down A Zombie Cult

Setting: Spain

Resident Evil is among the most triumphant horror video game series globally, frequently acknowledged as the pioneer of the survival horror genre. The much-loved installment, Resident Evil 4, has been reimagined, set in a rural region of Spain.

In this latest installment of the Resident Evil series, you’ll be commanding Leon Kennedy in a quest to save the US President’s daughter from a cult tainted by parasites. While there’s a slightly fresh spin on the tone compared to earlier games, it still delivers thrilling scares, brain-teasing puzzles, and captivating new environments. Yet, it maintains the engaging combat and survival mechanics that fans have grown fond of and anticipate.

2. Bramble: The Mountain King

Experience The Darker Side Of Nordic Folklore

Setting: Sweden

While Bramble: The Mountain King may not hold the title of scariest horror game ever made, it certainly delivers numerous spine-tingling scenes. Drawn from Nordic folklore, this game is teeming with towering, grotesque beasts that could send shivers down the spines of even the most fearless megalophobes.

In the game “Bramble: The Mountain King,” players take on the role of a young boy named Olle, embarking on a quest to locate his lost sister. This game is incredibly cinematic, boasting visually breathtaking landscapes and an epic soundtrack that appeals to horror enthusiasts who favor aesthetically pleasing games similar to “Little Nightmares.

1. Darkwood

Fight, Scavenge, and Craft In A Sinister Forest

Setting: Poland

Occasionally in horror games, it’s not just the monsters that are feared, but rather the environment itself which can prove to be the most terrifying adversary. In the game Darkwood, the player is confronted by a forest that seems to grow more mysterious and impenetrable with each passing moment, making escape seem unattainable. Moreover, the player must also deal with a pervasive plague that affects its victims on both a mental and physical level, as they strive to find an exit from this haunting landscape.

Darkwood skillfully blends various elements in its gameplay, such as crafting, stealth, combat, strategy, and engaging with intriguing non-player characters who have their own compelling narratives filled with troubling backstories. The game excels at creating a moody aesthetic and a deep, somber narrative, making it a uniquely complex survival horror experience.

2024-12-16 06:10