The Best Horror Games Where Surviving Is Exhausting

Summary

The exhaustion in horror games comes from surviving against monsters & psychological terrors, not just physical combat.
Games like The Forest & Soma can leave players physically & mentally tired after intense survival challenges.
Horror games like Resident Evil 7 & Outlast make players feel drained by constantly facing life-threatening situations.

Playing horror games can often prove to be extremely nerve-wracking, particularly those that immerse players in intense survival scenarios. Although such games are highly engaging for many gamers, even top-notch horror titles can leave one feeling drained after an intense gaming session. This exhaustion isn’t always negative; in fact, it can make the player feel as though they’re living the protagonist’s struggle for survival.

These horror games stand out due to their ability to drain players’ energy levels. This could occur when players must constantly fend off numerous monsters or enemies, or even in situations where they are forced to survive without any means of defense. The exhaustion level varies among these top-tier horror games, depending on the intensity of the terrors encountered.

The Forest

Being Stuck In The Wilderness Is Tiring

Kicking things off, it’s hardly a shock that survival horrors often prove to be the most challenging yet rewarding horror games to play. Newcomers might find themselves drained of energy right from the get-go when they dive into titles like The Forest, as they are forced to build their own shelter after crashing on an island.

Players in The Forest aren’t just tasked with scavenging for resources to survive and build shelters, but they must also ensure their defenses are robust enough to fend off adversaries lurking beyond their wooden fortifications. In this game, players will face persistent threats from cannibals who attack nightly, as well as mutants that will challenge the player’s resilience before it’s time for a much-needed break.

Soma

Psychological Terrors That Tire The Mind

This game, called “Soma,” is another horrifying experience that might leave players feeling drained after playing. While it shares some similarities with “The Forest,” the fatigue isn’t due to battling numerous enemies. Instead, it stems from the profound psychological impact it has on the player.

Players who have experience with Amnesia may find a degree of readiness for the chilling experiences in Soma, a game conceived by the same creators. As adventurers plunge into the depths of this sci-fi horror scenario, they will gradually uncover horrifying realities, keeping them on constant alert throughout each interaction, thereby taxing their mental faculties.

Barotrauma

Spend Countless Hours In A Submarine

In most single-player games, individuals may tire out after extended play. However, games such as Barotrauma are unique in that they can leave not just one player drained but also their entire team. This survival horror game is set aboard a submarine in a futuristic universe, where players collaborate to prevent the ship from detonating. They must also navigate treacherous underwater tunnels teeming with terrifying creatures.

In Barotrauma, even when a team believes they’ve got everything under control, the thrill of the game doesn’t exclude the stresses that accompany this exciting title. Regardless, every aspect of the operation needs constant attention and management. When trouble strikes, there’s a high chance the team will react with panic, which often leaves players feeling drained in its wake. A player’s role within Barotrauma amplifies the pressure they feel, making the long hours of exploration even more exhausting due to the increased responsibility they carry.

Darkwood

Both Day And Night Are A Horror To Explore

In Darkwood, tranquility is hard to come by since players are consistently kept on tenterhooks during gameplay. At nightfall in Darkwood, it’s crucial for the player to ensure their home remains illuminated indoors and windows fortified to ward off the monstrous creatures lurking within the nearby woods. The safest bet is to hide in a corner with a weapon at the ready, poised to protect oneself from any potential attacks that might lead to the player’s demise.

In the wake of such a draining night, the player finds no respite during the mornings in Darkwood, as they’re compelled to delve into the ominous, overgrown forest and the dilapidated structures within, scavenging for the necessities to endure. Prolonged play of Darkwood can leave a player drained, both mentally and physically, rendering this gripping horror game an experience that demands frequent pauses. Therefore, it’s advisable to take regular breaks while playing Darkwood, despite its immersive nature.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Plenty Of Intense Moments Around The House

The Resident Evil series has consistently ranked among the top horror game franchises, with most titles earning the love of many players. One such title is Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, where Capcom aimed to make the world of Resident Evil more immersive by presenting it from a first-person perspective. In this new vantage point, players found themselves deeply engrossed in the environment of Resident Evil 7 as they struggled against the Baker family and various other terrors lurking within the house.

In previous iterations, Resident Evil was known for inducing fear. However, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard elevated the terror to a whole new level. At any moment, the father of the house could burst through a wall, seemingly invincible despite countless bullets fired, making every encounter tense and unpredictable. Additionally, there were other eerie occurrences throughout the house that added to the suspense. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, this game is also available in VR, intensifying the fatigue.

Silent Hill 2

Feel Only Despair As The Player Digs Deeper

Even though some terrifying horror games with demanding survival elements often wear down players because of their high-intensity moments, games like “Silent Hill 2” leave players feeling drained as they become increasingly immersed in the heartbreaking and chilling themes it presents.

2024 saw the reemergence of the classic game Silent Hill 2, now refurbished for modern players. The fresh visual overhaul invites gamers to relive the haunting ordeals faced by the trapped souls in Silent Hill. This chilling title retains its combative aspects, yet it’s the suspenseful exploration of the eerily quiet, decaying town of Silent Hill that truly drains players emotionally.

Alien: Isolation

Avoid Being Hunted By Aliens And More

One effective strategy horror games like Alien: Isolation use to make survival challenging is by maintaining a constant sense of peril. In this game, players find themselves persistently pursued by a Xenomorph that exhibits impressive senses, capable of locating players even when they’re hiding. This alien doesn’t act recklessly; instead, it takes note of the player’s attempts to evade it and favored hideouts, making it more likely to catch an unsuspecting player off guard.

In the thrilling world of Alien: Isolation, I find myself treading with utmost caution, mindful of every footstep and glance, as each could be a matter of life or death. Though there are means to fight back, some encounters are best dodged, preserving my vitality for the battles that truly matter.

Outlast

Players Only Have A Camera To Record Horrors

Among all the mind-blowing horror games I’ve encountered throughout the years, there’s one that never fails to leave me drained – it’s none other than Outlast. Immersed within an Asylum unfolding a chilling tale, Outlast spares no effort in terrorizing its players. Kicking off a well-received and prosperous series, Outlast, despite wearing me down with endless stress, still manages to draw me back into its heart-pounding nightmares.

In “Outlast,” players find themselves in a chilling survival horror scenario, where self-defense is not an option. Instead, the protagonist relies solely on their camera for documentation as they frantically flee from the terrifying inhabitants within, like the formidable Chris Walker who possesses the strength to snap a player in two effortlessly.

2025-08-24 13:37