The Best Horror Games With Dark Humor

Highlights

Video games like Carrion and Phasmophobia blend horror and comedy for delightful mayhem.
DayZ and Dead by Daylight offer multiplayer laughs amidst terrifying survival scenarios.
Resident Evil 4 Remake finds the perfect balance of camp humor and genuine horror for gamers.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that the intersection of horror and comedy has always been one of my favorite gaming genres. The laughter it brings into otherwise terrifying situations is like a breath of fresh air.

It’s fascinating how well horror and humor blend together, creating increasingly unusual combinations, particularly in video games. Despite their diverse tones and approaches, you might be surprised by the abundance of dark wit hidden within some of the most terrifying gaming experiences.

In either case of battling brainless zombies in the company of friends or navigating through an absurdly over-the-top villain’s camp, there’s always a good time to enjoy, particularly if you have a wicked sense of humor.

Both multiplayer and single-player games will be considered for this list.

8 Carrion

Flesh Made Manifest

Players take on the role of a monster rampaging through an underground facility, with the objective being to cause chaos and harm to unsuspecting humans.)

The amusing aspect of Carrion lies in its exaggerated and riotously entertaining ragdoll physics mechanism. Players, with their primary ability, can lift humans off the ground, spinning them around as if on a rope’s end, leading to humorous violence that makes it straightforward to envision why such chaos brings horror movie monsters so much joy.

7 DayZ

Hell Is Other People

In the world of DayZ, there’s no shortage of things to make you shudder. From the ferocious creatures roaming the land, to the unfriendly players you might encounter, or even the bugs that were rampant when the game first launched, there’s always a reason to feel uneasy. Yet, despite these frightening aspects, the multiplayer focus of the game often adds an extra dose of humor to your survival experience.

Without a doubt, various participants can provide both excitement and amusement. Unconventional partnerships are formed, moments of unexpected survival include nude sprints across open landscapes, and humorous yet ruthless backstabbing of recently made friends ensure that the game remains lively enough to combat the relentless undead swarm.

6 Dead By Daylight

The Best Horror Farce

As a devoted fan, I must admit that the concept of Dead by Daylight – pitting players against some of horror cinema’s scariest villains (with undoubtedly more to join the ranks) in a struggle for survival – is downright terrifying. Yet, it’s the game mechanics that allow for cunning tactics and playful deceptions from both the monster and the survivors that often turn the chilling experience into hearty laughter.

It’s amusingly ironic how a band of survivors find themselves trying to outsmart a terrifying beast, only for them to end up like a stormy toddler, thwarted in their efforts. Meanwhile, when the monster manages to trap the survivors, it can result in unexpectedly violent scenes that shift from horrifying to humorous almost instantly, with these moments often being fueled by lively discussions among friends over voice chat.

5 Phasmophobia

Cosplay Ghostbusting

As a thrill-seeking ghost hunter, I can’t help but be captivated by the chilling world of Phasmophobia. Instead of cowering in fear from its paranormal inhabitants, I find myself drawn into the mystery of identifying each spectral entity that haunts these forsaken dwellings. The dynamic and ever-changing environments ensure that every investigation is a nerve-wracking adventure, keeping me on my toes at all times.

In a fresh category of cooperative horror games, Phasmophobia stands out. It uses slightly rough game mechanics and heavily emphasizes close-range voice chat, resulting in players’ humorous antics as they engage in the absurdity of their actions. These moments often lead to hilarious situations where adults, despite their maturity, find themselves letting out shrieks followed promptly by fits of laughter.

4 Until Dawn

Slasher Camp In Pixel Form

To any connoisseur of horror movies, it’s common knowledge that while they may seem to be solely about creating fear, beneath the surface lies a good deal of humor. In fact, no genre within horror is as fond of campy comedy as the slasher movie.

In “Until Dawn,” the horror genre blended with humor is brought into the gaming realm, where players must make crucial decisions at every turn. One instant, you’re struggling for survival against a dreadful killer, and the next, characters are trading witty remarks that are both campy and hilarious, leaving you grinning. Essentially, it’s an affectionate tribute to the comedy-horror movie genre.

3 Left 4 Dead 2

The Zombie Apocalypse Is A Good Time

While some video games approach the zombie apocalypse with a sense of gravity, “Left 4 Dead 2” discards the somber tone and instead revels in the absurdity of the predicament, particularly through its intricate cooperative gameplay that allows players to annihilate waves of undead alongside their friends.

In the world of Left 4 Dead 2, a multitude of humorous main characters deliver witty remarks, while the game’s frightening zombies are met with slapstick physics, creating an amusing contrast. Moreover, each map is filled with quick-fire visual jokes that make it almost impossible not to enjoy this game’s persistent, entertaining humor.

2 Dead Rising

A Goofball’s Horror Paradise

Among all game series, Dead Rising stands out for its unique blend of horror and humor. As you control character Frank West, you find yourself in a zombie-infested shopping mall that embraces the ridiculousness of the scenario delightfully.

The humor in Dead Rising manifests in various ways. You’ll encounter numerous eccentric characters, witness excessive, humorous violence through the weapons, and enjoy Frank’s comedic methods of zombie-focused aggression. In this apocalyptic setting, there’s no scarcity of chuckles.

1 Resident Evil 4 Remake

The Perfect Horror/Comedy Mashup

Among all well-known horror video game series, none captures the blend of campy humor and authentic terror quite like the Resident Evil franchise. The latest Resident Evil 4 Remake is a brilliant demonstration of this unique understanding brought to life.

In its reimagined form, Resident Evil 4 Remake manages to preserve Leon’s cheesy quips, villains that seem more fitting for a carnival than a horror game, and an over-the-top melee system resulting in humorous scenes of Leon launching groups of enemies into the air, all while maintaining genuine moments of fear. Resident Evil 4 Remake embodies the perfect blend of horror and comedy.

2024-08-14 04:33