The Most Iconic Weapons In Horror Games

Highlights

Some horror games feature unconventional weapons, like flamethrowers and foam hands, that offer unique gameplay experiences.
These overpowered weapons can shift the game’s vibe but may not always guarantee victory against unstoppable foes like Xenomorphs.
Weapons like the Camera Obscura in
Fatal Frame
and the IrisPhone in
DreadOut
serve dual purposes, combining combat and puzzle-solving elements.

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for all things horror, I must admit that these unique weapons have left quite an impression on me. From the absurdly powerful Hand Cannon in Dead Space 2 to the eerily effective Camera Obscura in Fatal Frame, and even the humble cell phone turned supernatural tool in DreadOut, these games have demonstrated that sometimes, the most unexpected objects can become our greatest weapons against the unknown.

On the internet, there has been an ongoing discussion regarding the role of weapons in horror video games. Some users argue that including weapons in these games isn’t always the best approach because it reduces the ‘susceptibility’ often associated with high-risk scenarios — such as death in horror games. Weapons can provide players with a false sense of safety, leading them to believe they can effortlessly fend off whatever is pursuing them in the dark using enough firepower.

Although it might appear that these games often include traditional firearms, this isn’t always the case. In fact, what sets many horror games apart are their extraordinary and distinctive weapons, which deviate significantly from standard guns firing regular ammunition. These arsenals showcase some of the strangest and humorous interpretations of weapons you could imagine. Furthermore, certain weapons in these games are so excessively powerful that they make other tools seem almost trivial by comparison.

7 Flamethrower

Alien: Isolation

In many horror games, a standout example of an exceptionally powerful weapon that significantly changes the game’s atmosphere is the flamethrower from Alien: Isolation. While it doesn’t deal much damage to the Xenomorph, it certainly reduces the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness that characterizes the initial stages of the game.

In the game, players acquire the flamethrower towards its midpoint following a conversation with Marshal Waits at his base camp. From then on, the game becomes either pleasantly or perilously easy. The Xenomorph is an unyielding creature without any apparent vulnerabilities, so the flamethrower doesn’t quite finish it off. However, it offers a smart escape option for players who wish to tread cautiously and safeguard their game advancement.

6 Steel Pipe

Silent Hill

In my gaming experience, many gamers view the humble wooden plank from Silent Hill 2 as a pivotal and iconic early weapon. Yet, as the game intensifies, this tool can struggle against the tougher creatures. That’s why I often opt for the steel pipe instead. This bad boy is a consistent feature across most Silent Hill releases, making it ideal for dishing out some serious damage during the initial stages of the game.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve noticed an intriguing pattern: the pipe, often acquired after a blade weapon, consistently proves to be more useful and effective in most games. While a knife may seem like it should cause greater damage to enemies, in practice, it’s usually the weaker weapon compared to the pipe.

5 Rocket Launcher

Resident Evil

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the infamous allure of the Rocket Launcher in the Resident Evil series. This weapon, a staple in nearly every early RE game and remake, is as destructive as it is sought after. Its explosive power unleashes massive area-of-effect damage, but beware, for even the player character might find themselves in danger due to its intense impact radius.

The unique appeal of this weapon lies not solely in its strength, but additionally because select games such as RE3 and RE4 equip it with an endless supply of ammunition. While traditional Rocket Launchers might be less potent due to their scarcity and limited ammo, these infinite ammo versions offer unending firepower and are generally more manageable compared to numerous weapons within the series.

4 Plasma Cutter

Dead Space

Since Dead Space is set in a highly advanced future environment, it’s logical that the game features some remarkably inventive items and weapons. One such weapon is the Plasma Cutters, which are encountered early on in the series and serve as versatile tools for handling less formidable challenges. Despite being relatively weak weapons, they pack quite a punch for their capabilities, and dedicated players can continue using them until the end of the games.

In its early days, what’s now commonly used as a game cutter was originally a mining tool that evolved into a primary defensive weapon. This device can fire a bolt of plasma at exceptionally fast speeds with great accuracy, making it ideal for both long-range and swift battles. However, it demands a steady grip and precise control from the players to function optimally.

3 Hand Cannon

Dead Space 2 And Dead Space 2023 Remake

In the Dead Space games, while the Plasma Cutter isn’t the most powerful weapon, it serves its purpose well as a standard tool. Yet, there’s another weapon introduced prominently in Dead Space 2 and its 2023 remake that fundamentally alters the definition of weapons in this straightforward, action-packed series.

In the game Dead Space, the Hand Cannon is humorously referred to as a meme weapon. Players can only find it after they’ve completed the game on challenging mode. This weapon resembles a large red foam hand, and instead of traditional bullets, it fires projectiles from its oversized index finger. I use the term ‘bullets’ loosely here. The Hand Cannon has primary fire called ‘BANG BANG’, and secondary fire named ‘pew pew pew’. Despite its comical appearance, it is the most powerful weapon in the series, instantly destroying any enemy it hits.

2 Camera Obscura

Fatal Frame

It’s interesting how in many horror games where you’re meant to avoid conflict, everyday items like cameras and camcorders can surprisingly become powerful tools for combat. For instance, in the Fatal Frame series, your primary tool is a camera called Camera Obscura. Although it looks ordinary, this device has unique abilities – it can capture invisible spirits and even harm hostile ones.

As a gamer, I’ve found a versatile tool in the Camera Obscura – not just for battling hostile mobs, but also for interacting with benevolent spirits and uncovering hidden clues on the map. These elusive hints, usually invisible to the naked eye, become visible through the lens of this device. When I align the camera with a ghostly figure, I can seize the opportunity to either harm it or accrue Spirit Points for my efforts.

1 Cell Phone

DreadOut

“DreadOut” is a chilling survival horror game from Indonesia that emulates a B-movie style horror experience, yet manages to make this feel refreshing rather than inferior. The gameplay resembles “Fatal Frame,” but instead of an actual camera, you use a device called the IrisPhone – essentially a cell phone camera – to combat malevolent Indonesian folklore entities and solve various mysteries.

The protagonist, Linda, is a high school student who, accompanied by some friends, finds themselves wandering in a spooky ghost town. As they delve deeper, Linda senses an unusual vibe and must find her way through several buildings within the town, surviving with only her cell phone as guidance.

2024-08-06 07:03