The Best Horror Games To Get You Ready for Winter

The Best Horror Games To Get You Ready for Winter

Key Takeaways

  • Cozy horror games offer a mix of scares and downtime.
  • Games like
    Kholat
    and
    Penumbra
    use snow to create chilling atmospheres.
  • Winter-themed horror games evoke cozy settings with chilling narratives.

As a seasoned horror gaming enthusiast, I find myself drawn to the chilling allure of winter-themed games that masterfully conjure up a sense of isolation and dread amidst the frozen landscapes they inhabit. The titles listed here are not just games; they are immersive experiences that transport us into the heart of the frozen wilderness, where survival is a struggle against both nature and the unknown.


Even though Halloween has already passed, the thrilling season of horror continues for many fans as we approach the chilly winter months. A spine-tingling yarn set amidst snowfall could be an ideal choice to savor from the warm embrace of a plush sofa. There’s something undeniably captivating about the stark contrast of blood on fresh snow or the comforting glow of a fireplace casting light upon a secluded cabin nestled in the darkness of winter night, which is why such settings are frequently used in horror stories.

Absolutely, these horror video games offer an opportunity to savor stunning landscapes without having to endure frostbite. However, it’s important to remember that safety can be elusive even in the warmest of shelters. While braving the cold might seem more appealing when inside, the door may slam shut, leaving only the ominous quiet of a dark cave to fill your ears. Or, a grotesque figure lurking in the corner of what once seemed like a cozy cabin could suddenly emerge from the shadows. For those seeking a chilling experience this winter season, these horror games should do the job nicely.

9 Kholat

Sean Bean Survival Simulator

The Best Horror Games To Get You Ready for Winter

Drawing inspiration from the real-life Dyatlov Pass incident where a group of Russian students met with an unexplained fate, the game Kholat weaves a chilling supernatural narrative around the events and invites players to retrace the steps of these unfortunate individuals in an attempt to unravel the secrets behind their demise.

Under the captivating and reassuring narration of Sean Bean, you, as the player, are tasked with navigating a treacherous mountain pass. Armed with just a map and a series of coordinates, your journey forward depends on your ability to find the right path. The game’s environment is masterfully crafted, instilling an unending sense of dread through its haunting soundtrack.

8 Penumbra: Overture & Black Plague

A Secret Deep Under The Ice

Penumbra: OverturePenumbra: Black Plague
PlatformsPC, macOS, LinuxPC, macOS, Linux
ReleasedMarch 30, 2007February 12, 2008
DeveloperFrictional GamesFrictional Games
GenreSurvival Horror, First-Person, StealthStealth Horror, First-Person

Before Frictional Games achieved their major success with Amnesia: Dark Descent, they had previously created the Penumbra series. The basic structure of the later Amnesia games is evident in this first-person, story-driven stealth horror game. Yet, there are some significant differences, like a minimal physics-based combat system.

In Penumbra, you embark on a solitary journey predominantly spent navigating dimly lit passages beneath a frosty landscape. The voice of your unhinged companion, Red, serves as your only comfort throughout this chilling adventure. Even though the game itself may not show much snow, it still manages to create an eerily frigid and desolate environment that will make you appreciate the coziness of your own home all the more.

7 Kona

A Small Town Murder Mystery

PlatformsPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X & S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS, Linux, Stadia
ReleasedMarch 10, 2016
DeveloperParabole
GenrePuzzle, Survival Horror, Adventure

In a chilling winter whodunit set in Canada, you’re thrust into the role of a detective after a harrowing car accident leaves you stranded in the remote town of Atamipek Lake. Cut off from the world by heavy snowfall, you must rely on your detective instincts, a cozy Canadian anecdote, and your trusty vehicle to unravel a murder mystery, all while battling against the relentless winter storm.

Kona skillfully transitions between an ambiance that feels cozy in solitude and unexpectedly isolated. Cruising along snow-laden backroads and exploring a cabin bathed in firelight in the wilderness gives a sense of peace, but a sudden noise from downstairs, when it seemed undeniably empty, shatters that tranquility instantly.

6 Until Dawn

An Homage With Heart

In the initial exploration of Supermassive Games into their signature horror genre, the game titled “Until Dawn” unfolds in a snow-covered mountain cabin housing a group of teenagers prone to making ill-advised decisions leading to gruesome demises – a timeless trope.

This game cleverly combines elements and twists familiar storylines, keeping players guessing. The breathtaking backdrop of a snow-capped mountain is particularly captivating, especially in its latest update.

5 Cryostasis: Sleep Of Reason

Nuclear Powered Ghost Ship

Onboard a massive, storm-damaged icebreaker named the North Wind, the player is tasked with uncovering the fate of its crew and the events that led to their demise. This game offers a distinctive narrative experience, as players delve not only into finding the deceased crew members but also exploring their final memories and altering their endings one by one.

scarcely any games manage to convey the intense chilliness that Cryostasis achieves so effectively. Everywhere you look, everything appears frozen solid; surfaces and corpses alike. Ice stalactites hang from ceilings, transforming the ship into an eerie icy mausoleum for exploration. Interestingly, the player’s health gauge functions as a thermometer, with warmth being essential to recovery since it’s the only way to heal.

4 Cursed Mountain

Climb Every Mountain

PlatformsNintendo Wii, PC
ReleasedAugust 25, 3009
DeveloperSproing, Deep Silver
GenreSurvival Horror, Adventure

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d describe my recent adventure with a captivating Wii-exclusive horror game: “Cursed Mountain.” This chilling title transports you to the mystical heights of Chomolonzo, a mountain nestled in the heart of Tibet. My character, Eric Simmons, embarks on a perilous journey, seeking his long-lost brother.

Initially, the lengthy portions describing the secluded mountain villages serve well to depict the harsh, never-ending winter landscape that unfolds later, emphasizing Eric’s remote location from other human settlements.

3 The Thing

A Film Tie In That Wasn’t A Cash Grab

It appears that games derived from movies are seldom seen nowadays, as they often became rushed, low-quality productions to cash in on the film’s popularity. However, this isn’t true for Computer Artworks’ 2002 game “The Thing“, which was based on John Carpenter’s iconic ’80s remake. This game stood out as it wasn’t a mere cash grab.

Although this game isn’t flawless, it’s undeniably one that demonstrates a great deal of dedication and effort. It aims to replicate the suspenseful atmosphere of the movie in a video game setting remarkably well. Featuring numerous characters who can join your team, each with their unique levels of trust, fear, and potential infection, it creates an eerie sense of solitude even amidst companionship. With the upcoming remake set to release soon, it could prove to be an exceptional horror game to add to your collection this winter.

2 Metro 2033

Nuclear Winter Road Trip

In the game “Metro 2033”, it’s no surprise that much of the action takes place within the dimly lit, constricted metro tunnels of Moscow. However, the ventures out onto the snow-covered surface are the scenes that truly stand out. The abrupt shift in scenery from the gloomy, confined tunnels to expansive skies and the haunting remnants of deserted buildings under a blanket of snow produces a breathtaking contrast.

In the world of Metro 2033, inspired by Dimitry Glukhovsky’s Metro novels and the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series (derived from Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky), the snow-blanketed landscape is far from a serene setting. Instead, it’s filled with strange anomalies and mutated creatures, making it a dangerous and hostile environment to traverse.

1 Munduan

A Uniquely Styled Folk Horror

Mundaun is a horror game inspired by folklore, set in a secluded Alpine village. As you assume control of Curdin, who has come home for his grandfather’s funeral, your mission involves unraveling the increasingly bizarre circumstances surrounding his death. Interact with the few locals and explore areas higher up the mountain to gather more clues and piece together the puzzle.

The setting in this game is reminiscent of both a Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale and ‘The Wicker Man’, giving ‘Munduan’ an intriguing, dark atmosphere that’s a joy to delve into. Its hand-drawn textures also contribute to a unique visual style perfectly suited to its mood.

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2024-11-19 03:35