The 32 Best Survival Horror Games in 2023
The best survival horror games will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here are the best titles of the genre in 2023.
There is no doubt that the survival horror genre is getting rebirth in 2023. From Dead Space remake to The Callisto Protocol, this old yet powerful gameplay formula has returned with all its glory. That’s why we have listed some of the best survival horror games that you can play in 2023. It is safe to say that these titles will keep you invested in their horrifying atmosphere that just keeps on giving.
Let’s dive in and find out the best horror games with a ton of survival mechanics!
The Best Survival Horror Games to Play Right Now
The world of gaming has a plethora of well-crafted horror titles that can be extremely disturbing. But when it comes to the survival horror genre, things can get even messier. That’s because, in a great example of the genre, you always need to take care of your health, inventory, and tasks. And most importantly, you need to make sure that you are prepared for the horrors behind every corner.
Thankfully, 2023 is a great year to play both the most recent titles of the genre as well as some old-school ones. Even though we do not condone it, the emulation technologies allow us to experience even the oldest titles on our Windows PCs!
32. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
Silicon Knights’ Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is one of the best horror games that has launched on Nintendo GameCube. The game has received a ton of favorable reviews around the world. It has also got a must-play rating on Metacritic.
The 2002 game takes heavy inspiration from history and offers a psychologically exhausting ride. An essential game to play for horror fans!
31. Dead Space Remake
EA Motive’s Dead Space remake is definitely one of the best survival horror games in 2023. The game launched across multiple platforms back in January and received very positive reviews. Its immersive atmosphere and faithful design to the original make it a solid remake project.
Moreover, it also enriches the game’s lore and world with the latest visual technologies. You can play Dead Space remake right now on EA Pro and explore the horrifying scenes in the massive spaceship of USG Ishimura.
30. Signalis
Developed by a small group of indie game developers, Signalis offers a brilliant survival horror experience. The title has generated a lot of buzz in the gaming world with its PlayStation 1-era graphics and solid gameplay. Those who spent hundreds of hours in the other games of the genre will absolutely love Signalis. What’s more, you can get it free on Xbox Game Pass!
The story of Signalis revolves around Elster, a mysterious protagonist whose mission is to search for resources, alien forms and habitable regions. Definitely dive into Signalis and take the role of Elster this year!
29. The Callisto Protocol
Helmed by the original developers of Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol will take you to Jupiter’s dark and mysterious moon. As a smuggler who crashes on the moon, you need to face the brutal monsters and unravel the mysteries of Black Iron Asylum. But infected people who turned into freakish creatures lurk in the dark and wait for a new victim.
Glen Schofield, the head of Striking Distance Studios states that they have done their best to offer an immersive experience. The game has also received generally favorable reviews. With the most recent New Game+ mod, The Callisto Protocol has become one of the best survival horror games in 2023. While some critics believe that it has lackluster gameplay mechanics, The Callisto Protocol still deserves a chance.
28. Resident Evil Village
When it comes to the best survival horror games, it would be impossible not to add at least two Resident Evil titles to the list. Famous for its characters like the mesmerizing Lady Dimitrescu, Resident Evil Village is a wonderful horror game that is also a must-play. This essential Resident Evil title takes players to a harrowing Eastern European village.
Filled with all kinds of beasts and monsters, this survival horror title will require you to master inventory management and survive a ton of boss fights.
27. Darkwood
If we made a list of best indie horror games, Darkwood would have definitely been in the first five. This top-down horror game takes you to extremely disturbing woods. Here, you need to do your best and survive the night. In the process, you will have to gather resources, set up a shelter, and wait until the horrifying creatures of the night go away.
When you play Darkwood, we assure you that this top-down game will keep you on the edge of your seat despite its humble visuals.
26. Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 2 remake is a brilliant re-imagination of the 1998 survival horror title. The title visits the cult classic survival horror title and comes up with an excellent formula of horror and gameplay.
You might have missed this gem or simply exploring the best titles of the genre. If so, definitely add this amazing game to your backlog.
25. Tormented Souls
Tormented Souls is another survival horror gem that takes the Resident Evil franchise as a source of inspiration. The title embraces the old formulas of the genre and unifies them with modern gameplay mechanics.
That’s why it is a solid pick for both veterans and rookies of the genre.
24. The Evil Within
Directed by the Resident Evil veteran Shinji Mikami, The Evil Within offers a hell of a ride throughout a series of horrifying events. As Police Sergeant Sebastian Castellanos, you will have to endure a myriad of terrors and horrors in order to unravel the dark mysteries.
Expect a ton of survival horror mechanics in The Evil Within and also The Evil Within 2. Both games in the series will be a wonderful addition to your survival horror arsenal.
23. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
Of course, there will be another Resident Evil on this list. You might be looking for the best survival horror games to play this year. That’s why it is a great time to put Resident Evil 7 Biohazard at the top of your list.
If this one has been in your backlog, jump into it right now before trying out another game. Because this horrifying title will tell the scary journey of Ethan Winters as he tries to escape a psycho family.
22. Alien: Isolation
The 2014 title Alien: Isolation takes place nearly a decade after the movie of the same name. Alien: Isolation might not be your cup of tea if you want some real survival action. That’s because you will die countless times during your playthrough.
Alien: Isolation is a wonderfully designed game that keeps you on a constant pursuit. As you are chased by the Alien itself, you need to make sure you hide well and navigate around the ship to survive.
21. Dying Light
Techland’s incredibly successful open-world action-adventure is an essential game to play. If this has been in your backlog for a while now, do make sure that you play it. While it might not be possible for us to recommend the sequel with similar enthusiasm, the first title is a must-play for those who like survival horrors.
That’s because Dying Light makes use of the night formula that enriches its gameplay. If you like zombies, crafting, and parkour mechanics, there is no other game that can beat Dying Light.
20. Dead by Daylight
Known for its team gameplay, Behaviour Interactive’s multiplay action survival horror offers an unyielding gameplay formula that just keeps on giving. The title features two groups – killers and survivors.
Both groups have different perks and abilities that they can use in a round. Players who assume the role of the killer must prevent players from escaping. Whereas the survivors have the chance to use the environment in their favor to escape the killer.
19. Outlast
While it lacks the best formulas of the survival horror genre, Outlast puts you in an abandoned asylum where you need to survive the freakish horrors. From constant running to nervous recording, Outlast will have you jump and crawl in the most claustrophobic places as you are chased by maniacs and psychopaths.
18. Siren
Siren is a brilliantly designed survival horror that is also known as Forbidden Siren. First released for PlayStation 2 back in 2003, the title has become a cult classic for fans of the genre. The game has been adored for its tense atmosphere and harrowing scenes.
17. Dino Crisis
Dino Crisis is an incredibly well-made survival horror title directed by Shinji Mikami. Those who consider themselves fans of the Resident Evil franchise will definitely know the celebrated video game director. And his work on Dino Crisis proves that his talent for creating horrifying atmospheres defines the frames of the survival horror genre.
Dino Crisis takes players to Ibis Island, a remote place plagued with a dinosaur outbreak. The players, on the other hand, take the role of an agent in the SORT, which stands for Secret Operation Raid Team.
16. Nightmare Creatures
Developed by Kalisto Entertainment and released in 1997, Nightmare Creatures takes players to 19th century London, where they follow Ignatius and Nadia during their battle against the hordes of the,
15. Prey
There is no doubt that Prey is an incredibly well-crafted game that is developed by Arkane Studios. Before we talk about Prey in-depth, do note that it offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will stay with you for years to come. It is simply one of the best survival horror games that you must play. Its immersive atmosphere will keep reality away and will lock you to the screen.
14. Condemned 2: Bloodshot
Banned by Germany’s Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons, Condemned 2: Bloodshot is an highly disturbing game that will twist your mind. This incredibly disturbing game may have negative impacts on your psychology during your playthrough. That’s why it is a must-play as it does wonders when it comes to psychological terror.
13. The Last of Us
Naughty Dog’s magnum opus is the high-production survival horror you are looking for. Now that the game is out on PC as well, definitely dive into The Last of Us and witness Joel and Ellie’s brutal journey in the post-apocalyptic United States. Before you play the game though, keep in mind that the game’s PC version is unfortunately plagued with crashing issues.
That being said, if you have the game on console, The Last of Us Part 1 yields a sometimes wholesome but mostly heartbreaking experience.
12. Amnesia: The Dark Descent
If you are looking for survival horror hits, Amnesia: The Dark Descent will ensure that you regret this decision. This unapologetically horrifying title has its own spin on the genre with its first-person perspective. Its impact on your psychology will be immense.
11. Resident Evil 3
Follow Jill Valentine as she braves the secrets and hordes of infected in Racoon City. As a shorter installment in the series, Resident Evil 3 is a must-play for everyone who loves the franchise and its approach to the survival horror genre.
10. Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve follows the story of police officer Aya Brea. As a sequel to the novel of the same name, Parasite Eve is a cult classic that unifies the RPG formula with the best survival horror elements.
Those who enjoy old-school games have to get their hands on Parasite Eve. If you already have, maybe it is time to return to it on PS Vita!
9. The Forest
The Forest has encompassed a massive player base since it made its debut on Steam. That’s because it comes with the ultimate Lost-like survival experience. As a stranded person in a mysterious place, The Forest will have you do everything you need to do to survive in the woods. Plus, you need to fight off cannibals, ritualistic maniacs, and freakish monsters.
8. Fatal Frame
Tecmo’s survival horror for PlayStation 2 is the first entry in the long-running Fatal Frame / Project Zero series. Famous for its realistic horror atmosphere, Fatal Frame adopts all of the best sides of the survival horror genre. This unrivalled title will
7. Cry of Fear
Developed by Team Psykskallar, 2012 survival horror offers a horrifying journey from the eyes of Simon.
As a young man who finds himself right in the middle of a nightmare, you need to fend off the game’s creatures and solve its puzzles. As a quite creepy survival horror, Cry of Fear has become a classic of recent history.
6. Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl
Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl depicts an alternate reality where the explosion in Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant has caused an outbreak of mutated creatures and radioactive anomalies. The title’s non-linear storyline makes it an amazing adventure and exploration title for survival horror fans.
Stylized as S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl, the title offers a unique gameplay experience that is also quite realistic.
5. Silent Hill 3
The third installment in the acclaimed survival horror series, Silent Hill 3 successfuly delivers the psychological horror that the series is known for. The celebrated game follows Heather in the godforsaken town of Silent Hill as she explores her inner secrets that are as dark as the town’s sky.
4. Haunting Ground
Haunting Ground is another survival horror title by CAPCOM. Released for PlayStation 2 back in 2005, the story follows Fiona Belli and her newly found friend Hewie, a white shepherd dog.
The game mostly takes place in a castle and offers similar gameplay mechanics to 2002’s Clock Tower 3.
3. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is a genre-defining game by Shinji Mikami that offers an unforgettable experience. As Leon S. Kennedy, your task is to save the president’s daughter Ashley. Her last known location is a rural village in Mexico. But this village is far from being an isolated place of serenity, as dark secrets and freakish locals revolve around the place.
From inventory management to fighting the hordes of hostile village folk, you need to play Resident Evil 4 before talking about the survival horror genre.
2. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 is one of those games that define the limits and the potential of the genre. It is one of acclaimed game designer Shinji Mikami’s masterpieces and it offers a horrifying journey in a rural village in Spain.
The original game made its debut back in 2005. But CAPCOM’s 2023 remake has the best features of the survival horror genre. It is absolutely a must-play and deserves a special place among the best remakes of all time.
1. Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 offers the maximum survival horror experience that takes place in a eerie and foggy town. It follow James Sunderland as he dives into the rabbit hole of madness, horror, and mystery.
Silent Hill 2 is not only the best survival horror game of all time, but it is also among the classics of the gaming industry. The Poland-based video game studio Bloober Team has been building it from scratch for the next-gen gaming.
