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This list contains spoilers!

Summary

Horror games explore taboo topics, like mental health, while providing incredible stories and scares.
Games like Dead Space 2 and The Evil Within 2 centralize mental health themes for more impactful experiences.
Titles like Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Outlast address mental health through gameplay mechanics and storytelling.

Horror video games stand out in numerous ways, and one notable aspect is their tendency to delve into subjects generally avoided by other games, such as mental health issues. Given that horror is primarily focused on portraying psychological trauma, it’s fitting that it excels at tackling this topic.

Here are some horror games that delve into the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or make sanity a key aspect, offering a wealth of excellent choices when it comes to exploring mental health themes. This list is organized based on the game’s quality and how deeply it focuses on mental health as its subject matter.

8. Dead Space 2

Ghosts of the Ishimura

Stepping into the boots of a gamer here, I’ve got to admit, taking up the mantle after the original Dead Space was no easy feat. The first game was a surprise horror sensation that caught everyone off guard, and it went on to create an entire universe with spin-offs, novels, comics, and even a remake down the line. But crafting its sequel? Now, that was one heck of a puzzle to unravel.

Fortunately, Dead Space 2 managed to deliver effectively through its narrative strategy. By granting Isaac a voice and emphasizing the profound impact of the events from the first game on him, Dead Space 2 becomes as much about coping with traumatic experiences as it is about surviving a monster-infested space station, with some gamers calling for an immediate remake in the style of the original game.

7. The Evil Within 2

The STEM Of All Problems

Initially released as “The Evil Within”, this game sparked quite a debate among players. On one side, it showcased innovative concepts and offered a fresh perspective in the horror genre, thanks to its creator Shinji Mikami. However, on the flip side, it was criticized for being overly complex, and some found its narrative and characters lacking.

It’s impressive how The Evil Within 2 managed to flip things around, producing a sequel that not only outshone the first but also made its characters and storyline more intriguing in hindsight. The protagonist, Sebastian, once again finds himself within the STEM machine, this time grappling with the realization that his tough-guy persona is largely an act. Instead of running from fear, the game invites us to confront it head-on through its array of terrifying creatures.

6. Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Insane In The Dark

In the mid-2010s, a period known as a ‘golden age’, independent game developers stood out by creating some of the most original and rebellious horror games in years. Among these, “Amnesia: The Dark Descent” is one of the key titles from this era that inspired many imitators. However, unlike other horror games, it didn’t rely on action-packed sequences to be successful, making it a great choice for newcomers to the genre.

Even though games like “Eternal Darkness” or the tabletop role-playing game “Call of Cthulhu” might have introduced the sanity meter before it, “Amnesia: The Dark Descent” made this mechanic central to the player’s experience. It demonstrated that horror protagonists aren’t invincible and skillfully connected the fear experienced by the character with the player’s own fear in a way that was mechanically integrated within the gameplay.

5. Outlast

A Trip To Mount Massive

This entry contains late-game spoilers!

The term “Outlast” might seem to focus heavily on mental health concerns at first glance, but in reality, it’s a bit more intricate than that. Initially, it appears to be about enduring an insane asylum inhabited by terrifying individuals engaged in grotesque acts. However, as the game unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s a much deeper, subtler narrative at play.

As a gamer, I find myself playing a character trapped in Mount Massive Asylum, where I’m unwillingly subjected to an experimental treatment by a ruthless corporation. It’s chilling how the forgotten and mentally ill are treated like disposable pawns. This game sheds light on the dark history of asylums worldwide, revealing the grim reality that has persisted across nations.

4. The Cat Lady

Lurking Under The Surface

Among numerous games from the 2010s, “The Cat Lady” stands out as perhaps the finest. In this game, players guide Susan Ashworth, a middle-aged woman grappling with clinical depression, who initially intends to take her own life. However, the story unfolds into a bizarre, terrifying journey that delves deep into the impact of mental health on ordinary individuals’ lives.

Despite containing plenty of frightening moments and over-the-top elements, this game uniquely explores the nuanced feelings associated with depression, setting it apart from other horror games that may use broader brushstrokes.

3. Doki Doki Literature Club

Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

It’s best not to reveal too much about “Doki Doki Literature Club” as it might diminish its charm. Therefore, any gamer yet to experience it should jump in without delay. For those who have already played it, the game is undeniably brilliant, offering a deep introspection into dating simulators, visual novels, and the human experiences they can provide.

Most notably, this game was known for being cryptic about its underlying message, and it deliberately challenged many stereotypes found in anime-style visual novels to reveal complex psychological aspects in characters typically depicted as flat. This game ignited a trend of thoughtful genre games that aim to surprise the player, but even today, Doki Doki Literature Club stands out as one of the finest examples and a great starting point for exploring the world of visual novels.

2. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

The Norse Dreams

As the 2010s progressed towards its latter years, the Xbox brand faced challenges due to a limited number of exclusive games compared to PlayStation. However, Microsoft adapted by focusing on financing unique games aimed at distinguishing themselves from the competition. This shift led to innovative endeavors such as “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice”.

This game is renowned for its portrayal of psychosis and schizophrenia, with the creators even consulting neuroscientists to ensure an authentic representation. Set in a historical context, Senua perceives her psychosis as a curse, offering a captivating examination of mental illness from the viewpoint of someone unaware of their condition.

1. Silent Hill 2

Restless Dreams

Despite mental health not gaining significant attention until the 2010s, some games were developed earlier that skillfully blended horror and mental health. The seminal game, Silent Hill 2 (including its 2024 remake), stands out as the quintessential demonstration of how these elements can be masterfully combined into an enduring classic filled with frightening creatures.

Speaking further would risk ruining one of the most impactful psychological stories in video games, a fact that remains undeniable. It’s safe to say that Silent Hill 2 established a blueprint for exploring and emotionally resonating with mental health issues through horror gaming, a format it continues to heavily influence even today.

2025-05-23 05:12