Discover the Scariest Indie Horror Games of the 2020s You Can’t Miss!

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Summary

  • Indie horror games continue to innovate and impress with deep storylines and unique gameplay mechanics.
  • This decade has already seen the release of some of the best horror games ever made.
  • Games like My Friendly Neighborhood and Inscryption offer refreshing takes on classic horror genres and tropes.

Year after year, the independent gaming sector consistently pushes boundaries and showcases groundbreaking creativity within the video game industry. Gamers are continually treated to distinctive games that can hold their own against the escalating budgets and visual-focused trends of big-budget titles (AAA games).

In no genre is this more accurate than the thrilling world of horror. It seems like every month, a fresh indie gem emerges in this domain, sending shockwaves through the gaming community with its haunting narratives and innovative twists on traditional gameplay mechanics. As we approach mid-decade, it’s become clear that this decade has already given us games destined to be timeless classics. The list below aims to spotlight some of the best indie horror games from the 2020s thus far.

10. Iron Lung

Deep Sea Horrors

Back in 2018, I unleashed my knack for horror with the launch of my boomer shooter, DUSK. The game’s levels were steeped in an unsettling ambiance and teeming with foes that could fit right in any survival horror title, particularly those dreadful Wendigos.

In Szymanski’s game “Iron Lung,” players find themselves in a chilling adventure. Taking on the character of an unidentified convict, they are confined within a claustrophobic submarine and sent to investigate a sea of blood. With minimal visibility, players navigate this eerie alien ocean, gradually understanding that they’re not the only presence lurking in the depths. The concept is already unsettling, but Szymanski amplifies the fear with intricate world-building, allowing players access to a terminal that provides information about the void of stars and planets they inhabit.

9. Dredge

Lovecraftian Fishing

At first glance, Dredge appears to be a tranquil fishing game in the vein of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. However, while it does create that peaceful atmosphere, it also hides a disturbing truth beneath its surface. As players journey across the ocean, they’ll encounter a progressively eerie game reminiscent of Lovecraftian tales, all while solving supernatural mysteries along the way.

Game developer Black Salt Games skillfully reconciles contrasting elements to create a gaming experience that is both thrilling and enjoyable, making it ideal for seasoned horror enthusiasts or novices entering the genre.

8. My Friendly Neighborhood

Mascot Horror Done Right

As a gamer, I’d say that for those who love mascot horror, my pick, “My Friendly Neighborhood“, might not be as terrifying as some other games out there. However, it certainly deserves its spot on this list with its exceptional survival horror mechanics. John and Evan Szymanski, the brothers behind it, have crafted a modern take on classics like “Resident Evil” that’s both refined and engaging. The narrative might be a tad silly, but it keeps you hooked with its intriguing twists and turns.

In the bustling gaming universe, mascot horror games are sprouting up like mushrooms everywhere, frequently falling short with shallow scares and lack of originality. However, “_My Friendly Neighborhood_” stands out as a breath of fresh air within this sub-genre, offering a compelling twist and significantly enriching the horror genre as a whole.

7. Sorry We’re Closed

Heaven, Hell, and Heartache

In the game “Closed” by In a L mode Games, players assume control over Michelle, who is on a mission to lift a curse inflicted upon her by a potent, lovelorn demon. The game offers an appealing blend of various genre aspects. It merges fixed-camera perspectives with first-person arcade shooting, contrasts industrial backdrops with vibrant neon accents, and mixes survival horror mechanics with role-playing game narrative style.

In addition to its striking visuals, the story in “Sorry We’re Closed” truly stands out. The characters, especially Michelle, portray their love and pain in a way that feels genuine and moving, even set against a backdrop of angels and demons. This emotional narrative effortlessly connects with players.

6. Inscryption

The Deadliest Game of Cards

As a gaming enthusiast, I can honestly say that Daniel Mullins’ masterpiece, Inscryption, is a game best experienced without prior knowledge. It might sound unusual to shun trailers and minimize screenshot peeks, especially for those of us who are budget-conscious when choosing our next game. Yet, it’s a fact. The joy of diving into Inscryption for the first time lies in falling headlong into its rabbit hole and discovering where the game takes you.

Here’s how you could rephrase that sentence: Instead of being left with this, readers will discover they are trapped in a cabin and face-to-face with an enigmatic figure. In this scenario, players must excel at a perilous card game to stay alive. The game is designed around a roguelike system where each playthrough offers new insights into their captivity’s secrets.

5. Mouthwashing

Even Space Isn’t Free From The Worst Of Humanity

Similar to the enigma that is Inscryption, Wrong Organ’s Mouthwashing presents a game where delving into its details is not advisable. After the captain of the Tuplar accidentally wrecks the ship, the surviving crew find themselves adrift in space, with any hopes of rescue merely a distant dream.

At first glance, the psychological horror narrative found in “Mouthwashing” might appear as a satire of corporate culture and capitalism. However, while these themes are indeed present, “Mouthwashing” transcends them to deliver one of the most chilling and masterfully crafted stories among indie horror games.

4. Signalis

Cyberpunk Horror

Signalis by Rose-engine boasts exceptional world-building, not only in the horror genre but across gaming in general. It immerses players into a grimy cyberpunk universe where humanity, despite its cosmic dominance, is oppressed by its own iron fist of fascism. The atmosphere is dense with history and aesthetic appeal, blending vintage graphics with a gritty interpretation of futuristic infrastructure, serving as a stunning backdrop to the storyline that remains secondary.

Despite its intricate setting, Signalis primarily focuses on the individual voyage of Elster, an android or Replica, in search of her missing partner. Her tale is woven with flashbacks, psychological terror, and time-shifts, crafting a nonlinear narrative of sorrow that captivates players from start to finish.

3. Slay The Princess

Visual Novel Horror

In a fashion reminiscent of “The Stanley Parable,” Black Tabby Games’ game “Slay the Princess” leads players on a mission with an unexpected twist: they must carry out the seemingly straightforward objective of eliminating the princess residing in a secluded cabin’s basement. Initially, readers may raise their eyebrows at this description, but it is highly recommended that players approach this game without prior knowledge for maximum enjoyment.

Playing “Slay the Princess” offers a unique adventure. Since the game heavily relies on player decisions and their outcomes, it’s thrilling to explore the numerous story paths that unfold. Upon finishing the game, many players will likely want to replay it if they ever forget the experience.

2. Omori

Psychological Horror JRPG

Similar to numerous games on this compilation, OMOCAT’s “Omori” appears to be misleading at first glance. At face value, it resembles a vibrant JRPG with adorable character designs and lively surroundings. However, as players venture deeper into the game world, it becomes increasingly surreal and uncertain.

In the vibrant setting called Headspace, the troubled mind of the main character gradually fills it with dark thoughts, as the narrative delves into themes of depression and trauma’s effects. Those willing to confront Omori’s tale are advised to steel themselves for the journey ahead.

1. Crow Country

The Ultimate Survival Horror Experience

In simple terms, “SFB Games’ ‘Crow Country’ offers the ultimate survival horror adventure. As you assume control of Mara Forest, your task is to traverse the eerie, deserted theme park known as Crow Country, in search of its mysterious creator, Edward Crow. Although the storyline may seem somewhat predictable compared to other games on this list, it skillfully hooks players with a sense of enigma from the very beginning.

The real power of Crow Country resides in its sophisticated and contemporary take on survival horror, where it cleverly reinvents traditional elements such as fixed camera angles by enabling players to rotate the camera within a room. The game’s ambiance is another key aspect, meticulously recreating PS1 visuals and audio to create an exceptional overall experience throughout its playtime.

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2025-04-12 16:29