Some might say that horror video games deliver more fright than horror films. In movies, if the tension becomes overwhelming, you can simply shut your eyes. However, playing an unpredictable horror game means you have to engage fully. These games come in various horrifying styles, from adrenaline-pumping shooters to immersive psychological VR experiences that make gamers scream. Having reviewed games for over two decades, we’ve compiled a list of our top horror game recommendations below for those who dare to be scared.
Our Editors’ Recommendations
<section class="roundup-product-card border-t my-16 border-gray-200 pt-4" id="alan-wake-ii-night-springs" data-parent-group="roundup-product-card" aria-label="Alan Wake II: Night Springs">
<p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AecN7ViqFQQ[/embed>
</p>
<div class="my-4 flex w-full flex-col flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-y-2 md:flex-nowrap">
<h2 class="font-stretch-ultra-condensed w-full text-2xl font-semibold leading-compact">Alan Wake II: Night Springs</h2>
</div>
<div class="rich-text clear-both -mb-4">
<p><u>Alan Wake II</u> is a true survival horror gem. If you’ve already ventured out of the Dark Place, the Night Springs DLC provides new eerie experiences for Alan Wake II players to delve into. This expansion consists of three episodic tales featuring unique spins on chilling third-person combat, reminiscent of a <em>Twilight Zone</em> anthology. Beyond being just entertaining, Night Springs hints at an exciting future for Remedy’s Connected Universe.</p>
</div>
Alan Wake II: Night Springs Review
</section>
<section class="roundup-product-card border-t my-16 border-gray-200 pt-4" id="dead-island-pc" data-parent-group="roundup-product-card" aria-label="Dead Island (PC)">
<p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcqIuP2E4pk[/embed>
</p>
<div class="rich-text clear-both -mb-4">
<p>When Techland released the trailer for Dead Island, it featured one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in gaming: a child and her family being attacked by zombies, all set to a haunting musical score by Giles Lamb. While the gameplay doesn’t fully live up to the trailer's emotional impact, this open-world action-RPG offers a solid experience of zombie-slaying fun as you innovate weapons and fight to survive in a paradise turned nightmarish.</p>
</div>
Dead Island (PC) Review
</section>
<section class="roundup-product-card border-t my-16 border-gray-200 pt-4" id="dead-rising-2-off-the-record-pc" data-parent-group="roundup-product-card" aria-label="Dead Rising 2: Off the Record (PC)">
<p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZyuQ7V4g4A[/embed>
</p>
<div class="my-4 flex w-full flex-col flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-y-2 md:flex-nowrap">
<h2 class="font-stretch-ultra-condensed w-full text-2xl font-semibold leading-compact">Dead Rising 2: Off The Record</h2>
</div>
<div class="rich-text clear-both -mb-4">
<p>Frank West returns for more zombie action in Dead Rising 2: Off The Record. This reimagined version by Capcom sees our gruff hero pitted against a wider variety of foes, crafting new weapons, capturing photos, and enjoying a new open-world sandbox experience. Battling the undead is entertaining, but bugs and repetitive mechanics prevent Dead Rising 2 from reaching its full potential.</p>
</div>
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record (PC) Review
</section>
<section class="roundup-product-card border-t my-16 border-gray-200 pt-4" id="dead-rising-deluxe-remaster" data-parent-group="roundup-product-card" aria-label="Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster">
<div class="relative aspect-video overflow-hidden">
<img class="absolute inset-1/2 h-auto max-h-full w-auto translate-center" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03v64keKJwNsX0z1XyGI5EB-2.fit_lim.size_768x432.v1723171634.jpg" data-lazy-sized="" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http:" viewbox="0 0 768 432" fill="%23f7f7f7" alt="Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster"/>
</div>
<div class="my-4 flex w-full flex-col flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-y-2 md:flex-nowrap">
<h2 class="font-stretch-ultra-condensed w-full text-2xl font-semibold leading-compact">Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster</h2>
</div>
<div class="rich-text clear-both -mb-4">
<p>Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is not just a clever title; it’s a wonderful reimagining of Capcom's zombie-slaying classic. You still take on the role of Frank West as he battles the undead in a shopping mall. However, this updated version boasts modern graphics and conveniences to elevate the original 2006 game to current standards.</p>
</div>
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster Review
</section>
<section class="roundup-product-card border-t my-16 border-gray-200 pt-4" id="dead-space-remake" data-parent-group="roundup-product-card" aria-label="Dead Space (Remake)">
<p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT882yrfSEc[/embed>
</p>
<div class="rich-text clear-both -mb-4">
<p>Drawing inspiration from Resident Evil and the film <em>Event Horizon</em>, the original Dead Space was a compelling blend of grim settings and spine-chilling sci-fi horror. Now, over a decade since its initial launch, Electronic Arts has resurrected this title for modern PCs. This version of Dead Space features remarkable lighting effects, superior graphics improvements, and surprising gameplay enhancements that solidify it as the ultimate survival-horror experience set in space.</p>
</div>
Dead Space (Remake) Review
</section>
</div>
<section class="roundup-product-card border-t my-16 border-gray-200 pt-4" id="narcosis-for-oculus-rift" data-parent-group="roundup-product-card" aria-label="Narcosis (for Oculus Rift)">
<p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw6wnivYHO8[/embed>
</p>
<div class="rich-text clear-both -mb-4">
<p>Many of the scariest moments in video games come from tapping into our basic fears. These can include the psychological effects of isolation and the dread of running out of air while facing danger. In the eerie deep-sea setting of Narcosis for Oculus Rift, players are thrust into such fears. While the game is thrilling, some may find it overly straightforward.</p>
</div>
Narcosis (for Oculus Rift) Review
</section>
<div class="my-16">
<div class="ziff-component relative m-auto my-12 rounded-md border border-black bg-white p-4 md:my-16" role="region" aria-label="Newsletter Sign-Up" x-data="window.newsletters()" x-init="initNewsletter({…})" x-show="showEmailSignUp()" x-intersect.once="window.trackGAImpressionEvents('pcmag-on-site-newsletter-block', 'Lab Report', $el)">
<p>
<span class="font-stretch-condensed font-sans font-bold text-black">Discover Our Hottest Stories!</span>
</p>
<div x-show="!isSuccess">
<div class="flex flex-col md:flex-row md:items-center md:gap-6">
<div class="relative md:w-1/3">
<img class="absolute right-2 top-2 md:hidden" src="https://www.pcmag.com/images/newsletter-envelope.svg" alt="Newsletter Icon"/>
<img class="opacity-20 absolute right-0 z-0 hidden md:block" src="https://www.pcmag.com/images/newsletter-envelope.svg" alt="Newsletter Icon"/>
<h3 class="relative z-10 my-1 ml-1 font-barlow-condensed text-3xl font-medium leading-none text-red-400 md:ml-1 md:text-4xl md:leading-compact">
Stay Updated with the Latest Tech Insights
</h3>
</div>
<div class="mt-3 md:mr-2 md:mt-0 md:w-2/3" x-ref="emailForm" x-on:form-onsuccess.window="isSuccess = $event.detail.value" tracking-source="roundup-page">
<p class="mb-4 ml-1 font-barlow-semi-condensed text-base font-medium leading-compact">
Sign up for the Lab Report newsletter to receive the latest product reviews, buying guidance, and insights from PCMag.
</p>
<p class="font-['Inter'] text-[10px] text-xs font-normal leading-[14px] text-black">
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="py-4 text-center" x-show="isSuccess" x-cloak="">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="w-12 h-12 text-green-400 mx-auto" aria-hidden="true" data-prefix="far" data-icon="check-circle" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
<path fill="currentColor" d="M256 8C119.033 8 8 119.033 8 256s111.033 248 248 248 248-111.033 248-248S392.967 8 256 8zm0 48c110.532 0 200 89.451 200 200 0 110.532-89.451 200-200 200-110.532 0-200-89.451-200-200 0-110.532 89.451-200 200-200m140.204 130.267-22.536-22.718c-4.667-4.705-12.265-4.736-16.97-.068L215.346 303.697l-59.792-60.277c-4.667-4.705-12.265-4.736-16.97-.069l-22.719 22.536c-4.705 4.667-4.736 12.265-.068 16.971l90.781 91.516c4.667 4.705 12.265 4.736 16.97.068l172.589-171.204c4.704-4.668 4.734-12.266.067-16.971z"/>
</svg>
<p class="text-green-500 mt-2 text-xl font-bold">Thank you for subscribing!</p>
<p class="mt-2">Your subscription is confirmed. Look for our emails!</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<section class="roundup-product-card my-16 border-gray-200 pt-4" id="resident-evil-hd-remaster-for-pc" data-parent-group="roundup-product-card" aria-label="Resident Evil HD Remaster (for PC)">
<p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiYJdXS8EKM[/embed>
</p>
<div class="my-4 flex w-full flex-col flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-y-2 md:flex-nowrap">
<h2 class="font-stretch-ultra-condensed w-full text-2xl font-semibold leading-compact">Resident Evil HD Remaster</h2>
</div>
<div class="rich-text clear-both -mb-4">
<p>Almost two decades after its launch, Resident Evil makes a comeback in a remastered edition. Retaining the same thrills and campiness of the original, the game does exhibit some inconsistencies in graphic quality. Don't let that dissuade you; Resident Evil HD Remaster remains an excellent choice for zombie game enthusiasts, especially those familiar with earlier versions.</p>
</div>
Resident Evil HD Remaster (for PC) Review
</section>
<section class="roundup-product-card border-t my-16 border-gray-200 pt-4" id="resident-evil-2-for-pc" data-parent-group="roundup-product-card" aria-label="Resident Evil 2 (for PC)">
<p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CenaMdSVRA[/embed>
</p>
<div class="rich-text clear-both -mb-4">
<p>Resident Evil 2 is back in an exciting new iteration! While the classic PlayStation game has seen many updates and remakes, this version, simply called Resident Evil 2, has been completely rebuilt from scratch. You return as Leon Kennedy, a rookie officer, alongside Claire Redfield, who is on a mission to find her brother following the first game's events. This remake offers familiar zombie-hunting experiences but introduces new enemies and puzzles for added variety.</p>
</div>
Resident Evil 2 (for PC) Review
</section>
<section class="roundup-product-card border-t my-16 border-gray-200 pt-4" id="resident-evil-3-for-pc" data-parent-group="roundup-product-card" aria-label="Resident Evil 3 (for PC)">
<p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NhYyik3GyA
Much like the outstanding Resident Evil 2 from 2019, Resident Evil 3 is an exceptional remake of a beloved classic. With updated graphics and gameplay, it retains the core aspects that made the original a favorite: terrifying settings, fearsome foes, intense boss encounters, and a strong focus on action. Even without its original context, Resident Evil 3 is a remarkable game that appeals widely to both action and horror game enthusiasts.
Resident Evil 3 (for PC) Review
How can a studio remake what many view as a flawless game? Capcom succeeded by enhancing the visuals, refreshing the control format (now Leon can block attacks with his knife!), and refining the overall experience. While this iteration of Resident Evil may not revolutionize shooters as the original did in 2005, it is equally enjoyable, if not more so.
Resident Evil 4 (Remake) Review
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
If you believe the Resident Evil series veered off course when it became focused on gunplay, you absolutely need to try Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. By slowing the action down and altering the viewpoint, developer Capcom has crafted a game that encapsulates the terror of the original. With its superb pacing, strategic action, and haunting atmosphere—you navigate a disturbed family’s house in the Louisiana swamp—it stands out as one of the best horror games in recent years.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (for PC) Review
Resident Evil Village continues Ethan Winters’s journey after Resident Evil 7, placing him in a new environment: the titular village in a fictional Eastern European nation. While it maintains the first-person perspective of Resident Evil 7, Capcom incorporates elements from earlier titles. The gameplay feels like a blend of Resident Evil 4, along with a nod to RE2 or Code Veronica. It’s larger and more eccentric than its predecessor, yet it avoids becoming overly action-oriented like Resident Evil 5 or 6. Village is a must-play survival horror experience.
Resident Evil Village Review
Why You Should Game on a PC
