The Best Horror Games About Cryptids

Key Takeaways

Horror games featuring cryptids offer immersive gameplay experiences.
Games like RAKE and The Wendigo provide unique cryptid-hunting scenarios.
From folklore creatures like Bigfoot to werewolves, cryptids enhance horror game narratives.

As a lifelong fanatic of all things unexplained and mysterious, I’ve had the pleasure (or displeasure) of dabbling in more than my fair share of cryptid-themed video games. From Bigfoot to werewolves, these digital terrors have provided countless hours of heart-pounding entertainment. And let me tell you, dear reader, there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of outrunning a Wendigo or battling it out as the Sasquatch itself!

Cryptids are supposed creatures that some people claim exist, but there’s no solid evidence to confirm this yet. They are different from mythical or fictional beings because they are said to be based on real accounts, which are often shared through folklore and internet stories known as creepypastas. Over time, these creatures have become popular in various forms of media like books, movies, and video games.

Games such as “Red Dead Redemption 2” and “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” subtly include cryptids through easter eggs, but some developers have chosen to make them more significant characters. In these horror games centered around cryptids, the creatures take center stage, with stories ranging from cooperative cryptid hunts to chilling expeditions that are often abruptly ended by aggressive beasts.

9 RAKE

A Basic But Enjoyable Cryptid Hunting Game

Platform: Windows
Release: July 13, 2015
Developer: Konsordo

In the game called RAKE, the protagonist accompanies scientist and explorer Gordon Davis, who is obsessed with probing legends. This time around, he is on a quest to find the mythical creature known as the Rake – a tall, slender, abnormally swift humanoid cryptid that survives by feeding on blood and flesh. The catch is, it also feeds on humans. Throughout the game, the player will have to contend with the Rake’s aggressive encounters using a mix of shooting, trap setting, and camera surveillance.

Despite criticism for its inconsistent AI and seemingly inefficient mechanisms, RAKE delivers an enjoyable, vintage horror adventure. The sudden appearance of a hideous monster from the shadows remains an exciting trope that continues to captivate players.

8 The Goatman

Save A Village Terrorized By The Goatman

Platform: Windows
Release: June 15, 2017
Developer: MC Games

The Goatman is a part-human, part-goat southern American cryptid with a penchant for killing dogs (and occasionally humans), according to alleged sightings. Its game counterpart The Goatman is a co-op cryptid hunting game.

In a group of three, the player, representing one of three unique military research team members, answers a distress signal at Greenfield village. Their mission is to pursue and capture a terrifying, demonic-looking biped, known as The Goatman. With vast landscapes to traverse and an assortment of tools such as traps, drones, and explosives at their disposal, the game offers both captivating engagement and chilling horror.

7 Seeking Evil: The Wendigo

End The Wendigo’s Curse And Free The Forest

Platform: Windows
Release: September 11, 2017
Developer: Copybugpaste

In North America, the chilling tale of the Wendigo stems from ancient beliefs about a colossal, antlered creature that supposedly has the power to take control of people’s minds, inciting them towards cannibalism. Regrettably, this entity is never content and constantly hunts for fresh victims.

In the game titled “Seeking Evil: The Wendigo“, the protagonist finds themselves in a forest littered with the remnants of the cryptid’s recent prey. To free themselves from this haunted land, they must locate and burn specific totems, which will help lift the curse. However, as the player moves closer to victory, the Wendigo becomes increasingly sinister, and hasty actions may not always be the wisest choice.

6 Fear The Moon

A PS1 Style Horror Game Set Under A Full Moon

Platform: Windows
Release: May 7, 2024
Developer: Jonny’s Games

The Moon Fear is a story-driven survival horror game taking place in the Midwest. As a group of old companions opt for camping, it becomes evident that one among them had ulterior motives when selecting the campsite. Once night falls, the trip transforms into a struggle for survival.

As the character Jane, you’ll be tasked with unraveling mysteries and solving puzzles related to the Wolfman. Although it may not present a groundbreaking gameplay style, the compelling narrative and eerie ambiance effectively create an enjoyable horror adventure. The sound design and graphics reminiscent of the PS1 contribute to some genuinely chilling scenes.

5 Folklore Hunter

Make A Career Out Of Hunting Cryptids

Platform: Windows
Release: February 24, 2020
Developer: Liquid Donkey Games

Folklore Hunter is essentially a team-based scary game that transports you into a realm where supernatural creatures aren’t just stories. As a hunter, your task involves accepting missions, gathering resources, and employing them to eliminate terrifying entities like the Wendigo and Strigoi.

In Folklore Hunter, the primary motivation is hunting, but there are also intriguing storylines that help flesh out the game’s world even more. The unsettling quiet of the forest punctuated by chilling shrieks amplifies the terror, and when darkness descends, it becomes even more intense. If you enjoy games like Monster Hunter or The Witcher and are seeking something scarier, Folklore Hunter is an excellent choice to explore.

4 Do You Copy?

One Room, A Radio, Multiple Terrifying Outcomes

Platform: Windows, macOS
Release: 2017
Developer: Space Octopus Studios

Is this a brief, free-to-play interactive tale? In it, the player assumes the role of a park ranger posted in a lookout tower. A mysterious individual calls, claiming to be lost and pursued, and the player must direct them through the forest using maps, searchlights, and radios.

In a game where the action unfolds within a solitary room amidst an expansive, ominous forest, “Do You Copy?” effectively cultivates a feeling of unease. The dread stems primarily from the sense of isolation and the persistent feeling that one is being observed by a pair of glowing eyes. The story offers six different conclusions, not all of which have positive outcomes.

3 BIGFOOT

Have Fun Wreaking Havoc As A Sasquatch

Known by various names like Sasquatch, Bigfoot is arguably the most famous cryptid in existence. This colossal ape-like being, with claims of sightings scattered throughout America, has been surrounded by controversy due to many reported hoaxes. It’s no surprise then that this mysterious creature has sparked interest within the gaming industry.

In the game BIGFOOT, you assume the role of a Bigfoot hunter, striving to provide evidence that this mythical creature is real. The diverse settings modeled after actual US national parks in Unreal Engine offer a captivating environment for tracking and strategic gameplay. To alleviate some pressure, players can collaborate in co-op mode, or switch things up by taking control of the Sasquatch to outsmart your opponents.

2 The Quarry

An Immersive Interpretation Of The Werewolf Curse

The question of whether werewolves are considered cryptids is often a topic of discussion, as many reported sightings and encounters have either been explained away or discredited. However, due to a lack of concrete evidence either way, they are frequently grouped with cryptids.

At Hackett’s Quarry summer camp, one of several games delving into the lore of werewolves, seven counselors soon realize that terrifying beasts dwell within the forest, spreading a curse known as lycanthropy among their victims. The player, switching roles between the characters, must uncover a means to lift the curse and make a hasty exit. However, every choice made can lead to severe repercussions, so caution is advised.

1 Until Dawn

Determine Who Will Make It Off The Mountain Alive

In “Until Dawn,” developed by Supermassive Games, the focus shifts to mythical creatures, specifically the Wendigo. When eight friends gather at a lodge where twin sisters Beth and Hannah disappeared a year ago, they uncover secrets far more ominous than they ever anticipated.

When explorers delved into the hallowed Blackwood Mountain, they unwittingly freed the Wendigo curse. Gamers find themselves confronting both ordinary dangers and supernatural terrors as they strive to leave the mountain unscathed. What sets Until Dawn apart on this list is its extraordinary cryptid concept – their superhuman power, pallor, and immense size render them a formidable adversary. The game’s chilling ambiance and intricate storytelling make it one of the most impressive cryptid horror games currently available.

2024-11-21 09:34