Welcome The Next 5 Big Action Horror Games

Action horror used to be everywhere, and frankly, it got a bit tiring. Recently, game developers have found a good middle ground between classic, scary survival horror and more action-packed games, so you can now find great options for either experience – or even a mix of both. Because of this, the term “action horror” doesn’t have the negative connotation it once did, and we can now anticipate some exciting new horror games that combine scares with satisfying combat and maybe even teamwork.

New horror games are constantly being developed, particularly for PC and Steam. While many are smaller, independent projects – which is great for creativity – we also see larger, more ambitious releases from time to time. If you’re looking for a frightening experience with some action, here are some upcoming action horror games to watch out for.

A few criteria and notes:

We are primarily focusing on games with release dates between December 2025 and February 2026. That said, one title that is tentatively targeting an early 2026 debut will be highlighted.
For the most part, the picks seem to at least emphasize the horror element, so they should not be just action games with zombies.
Trailers are included for each game.

Routine

A Single-Player Sci-Fi Horror FPS Game Dripping In Atmosphere

While there’s been a lot of discussion, the title Routine perfectly captures the essence of the game. Good science fiction horror games are uncommon, so projects with strong production values often attract attention, whether positive or negative. Based on what we’ve seen, Routine appears to be a suspenseful, first-person experience focused on exploration rather than constant action, though you won’t be completely without ways to defend yourself. The story centers around a character stranded in a deserted lunar base, who must venture into the eerie silence to find answers and assistance. Of course, they quickly discover they aren’t alone, and are in considerable danger.

Your primary defense will be the C.A.T., or Cosmonaut Assistance Tool. It’s mainly used for accessing computer terminals and scanning your surroundings, but can also be used as a weapon if you’re in a desperate situation – though you should try other options first. Of all the games we’ve talked about, Routine seems to be the most focused on horror, with action elements appearing only occasionally.

Code Violet

An Upcoming PS5 Action Horror Game With Dinosaurs

Honestly, very little is known about Code Violet, and it’s hard to say whether it will be a hit or fall flat. The game was announced unexpectedly, and being exclusive to PlayStation 5 doesn’t guarantee its quality. Developer TeamKill Media is a small studio that mainly creates PlayStation games. They previously made Quantum Error, an action horror game from 2020. While Quantum Error had some good points, it wasn’t polished, but the developers likely learned a lot from that experience for their new game.

Let’s start with the basics: Code Violet is an action-horror game featuring dinosaurs. That’s probably enough to pique your interest, but here’s more detail. The game is set in the future where the last of humanity has settled on a new planet, but they can’t have children. Their solution? A time machine to bring women from the past, which is a pretty unsettling idea. You play as one of these women, and you’ll need to use a variety of weapons to survive against dinosaurs – and a few other dangers, though dinosaurs are the main threat.

The Midnight Walkers (Early Access)

Kill Zombies, Loot Gear, & Escape – The PvPvE Extraction Horror Game

Horror fans are excited about multiplayer games, and The Midnight Walkers looks like a promising start to 2026. It’s gained a lot of attention since Steam Next Fest, and for good reason. This game combines the tension of horror with intense, close-quarters combat in a unique extraction-based format. It’s aiming to be truly challenging and scary, and if it succeeds, it could be a standout title – there aren’t many multiplayer horror games that deliver both genuine frights and satisfying action.

The game The Midnight Walkers will be available on Steam Early Access starting January 29, 2026. Keep in mind that Early Access versions often have bugs and aren’t fully finished, so it might be best to see how it’s running at launch before jumping in, though it’s still worth keeping an eye on!

In The Midnight Walkers, you’ll venture into a large, dangerous complex overrun with zombies, other players, and valuable loot. You can play alone or team up with two other players. The goal is to grab what you can and escape, because if you die, you lose everything. The game offers four distinct classes to choose from, and a crafting system to help you maximize your collected resources.

Resident Evil Requiem

The Biggest Horror Game Of 2026 Should Support Action-Oriented Playthrough

The Resident Evil series and action gameplay haven’t always mixed well, often causing concern among fans. While older games sometimes prioritized over-the-top action over horror – think Chris Redfield punching rocks or Leon Kennedy doing karate on zombies – the recent mainline Resident Evil titles have been excellent. Now, Resident Evil Requiem looks set to deliver a fresh take on the series. A particularly exciting feature is the ability to switch between first-person, which will likely emphasize the horror elements, and third-person perspectives, offering a more action-focused experience.

Set in Raccoon City decades after its destruction by a nuclear explosion, Resident Evil Requiem follows Grace Ashcroft, a solitary FBI analyst investigating a potentially terrifying case. Capcom has been consistently delivering strong Resident Evil games recently, and this new installment appears to be continuing that trend.

The Bornless

Become The Demon Or Die Trying To Escape From It

The upcoming game The Bornless is a PvPvE extraction horror title aiming for a release in early 2026. A recent playtest in November suggests it could launch within the next few months. While similar to The Midnight Walkers, The Bornless focuses on building and improving your base – you’ll start with a simple cabin and expand it using resources you find. Players can work together, compete against each other, and also join different factions.

While that sounds interesting, the core idea of The Bornless is that you play to complete a ritual and become the demon. Once you’ve transformed, your goal is to eliminate the other players before they can escape. This combines the tension of horror with the gameplay of extraction shooters, aiming to create a unique and exciting experience that blends the best of both genres.

2025-11-13 02:38