Best Horror Games Set In Mountain Regions, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Until Dawn crafts a thrilling story with branching storylines for players to control outcomes.
Mundaun offers a unique art style and a compelling story set in the Swiss Alps.
Darkwood delivers a top-down, stressful horror experience in a Soviet forest setting.

As a seasoned gamer and horror enthusiast with years of spine-tingling experiences under my belt, I must say that these three games – Darkwood, Alan Wake, and Resident Evil Village – are absolute masterpieces when it comes to delivering chilling atmospheres and nail-biting gameplay.

In a skillfully crafted horror game, the specific setting often takes a backseat. The key aspects are the eerie elements within the narrative and an abundance of chilling creatures that send shivers down players’ spines. It’s the overall experience that holds significance rather than the location itself. But when developers successfully combine a compelling storyline with an appropriate atmosphere, they hit the jackpot.

As a gamer, I’ve found that haunting mental institutions, eerie cemeteries, and other deserted locations often serve as the backdrop for many modern horror tales, whether on the big screen or in video games. However, some titles have shown that remote mountainous areas can be just as chilling to explore. Here are some of the top-notch horror games nestled amidst towering peaks.

5 Until Dawn

A Horror Story With Branching Storylines

Eight different playable characters
Players’ decisions determine who lives and who dies

In a remarkable fashion, the game Until Dawn didn’t pioneer the concept of multi-character games, but it undeniably excelled in providing an engrossing narrative experience for players. A seemingly peaceful gathering of friends at the Washington Lodge on Blackwood Mountain soon spirals out of control when two of them mysteriously disappear. Fast forward a year, and the game transports us back to the same chilly, mountainous setting, where we follow the harrowing journey of eight friends – Josh, Sam, Jessica, Emily, Beth, Mike, Matt, and Ashley – as they battle the ferocious beasts lurking in the forest.

The game features various interwoven plotlines and significant consequences based on player choices that shape future events, granting players the power to decide who lives or dies. While it’s possible for all eight characters to make it through the game unscathed, beware as a single mistake may lead to the demise of one or more characters.

4 Mundaun

An Intriguing Story Set In The Swiss Alps

Curdin travels to the Alps to attend his grandfather’s funeral
The game features a unique art style with a Sepia tone reminiscent of early 1900s photographs

Mundaun is a game that’s been overlooked, boasting an original art style and a narrative that, while it could use some refinement, offers an enjoyable playthrough in the end. The game revolves around Curdin, a man who returns to his native town for his grandfather’s funeral. Initially, everything appears routine; however, as Curdin delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s death, he encounters numerous discrepancies. Placed within the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, this game follows Curdin on his quest to uncover the truth and discover things he never anticipated.

For those seeking vibrant adventures or ultra-realistic graphics, they won’t find that here. Instead, the game offers a Sepia-toned aesthetic, similar to early 20th century photographs, creating an eerie atmosphere perfect for delivering chilling experiences and a hint of enigma. Gameplay-wise, Mundaun strikes a balanced blend of exploration and narrative interactions, ensuring it feels comprehensive and engaging.

3 Darkwood

This Game Proves Why Dark Forests Are Scary

Stressful, yet thrilling experience that horror fans will love
The game has a fair share of vicious creatures

In the 1980s, nestled deep within a Soviet forest, the game Darkwood offers an engaging blend of terror, viewed from above, making it an excellent choice for horror game enthusiasts. Your character, The Stranger, embarks on a journey to uncover secrets hidden in the foreboding woods, encountering various points of interest along the way. Contrary to popular belief that top-down perspective games might not be suitable for horror, Darkwood successfully challenges this notion, providing a tense but exhilarating gaming experience.

Although the game doesn’t explicitly state that it takes place in a mountainous forest, the rugged terrain suggests this is a reasonable assumption. As players advance, they’ll come across various creatures like Banshees, Centipedes, Human Spiders, Shadows, which they must fight or flee from to stay alive.

2 Alan Wake

A Writer’s Block That Leads To A Thrilling Story

Psychological Thriller and Horror elements mix well with the story
Bright Falls presents the perfect mountainous setting for a game such as this

“Alan Wake”, a game from the past two decades, is widely recognized as one of the best. The consensus among many players is that its title is truly fitting. This game revolves around Alan Wake, a successful author, and his wife Alice, who embark on an impromptu trip to a secluded town named Bright Falls in Washington state. Their intention was to help Alan overcome his writer’s block, an issue he has been grappling with for several years; unfortunately, their arrival at Bright Falls signals the start of a series of unsettling events.

Though some might contend that Alan Wake primarily qualifies as a psychological thriller with horror elements secondarily, it undeniably possesses enough chilling aspects to warrant its inclusion on this list. The remote, mountainous town of Bright Falls offers the ideal backdrop for Alan’s quest to uncover the area’s mysteries and rescue his wife.

1 Resident Evil Village

Eastern European Mountains Hold Some Very Dark Secrets

The mountainous location works incredibly well with the game’s horror theme
Amazing character and creature designs that will have players fighting for their lives

Even those unfamiliar with the Resident Evil series might recognize Resident Evil Village, largely due to the widespread fame of Lady Dimitrescu and the legions of cosplayers who embody her at conventions. Yet, it’s important to note that this villainous character is just one piece of what makes this game exceptional. In truth, there are numerous horror elements at play within Resident Evil Village that have collectively elevated its standing to the level it currently enjoys. The setting for this title is the picturesque, yet eerie mountain ranges of Eastern Europe, drawing inspiration from the local folklore and architectural wonders, particularly castles.

The story unfolds approximately three years following the incidents of Resident Evil 7, as Ethan and Mia decide to establish a fresh life in Europe. Regrettably, their new beginning is disrupted, leaving Ethan alone to navigate through the perils that lie ahead in this game. Resident Evil Village showcases impressive combat systems, terrifying enemy designs, and an environment that effectively reinforces its horror atmosphere. Although there are distinct differences, certain parts of the game bear a resemblance to those seen in Resident Evil 4, but with a strong Slavic influence.

2024-10-11 02:16