Join us as we explore the best Horror Games with a good story!
Horror games do more than just scare us—they immerse us in dark, twisted narratives that linger long after we put down the controller. The best horror games aren’t just about grotesque monsters or eerie environments; they weave gripping stories that challenge our emotions, morality, and sense of reality.
Over the years, we’ve seen incredible horror games that redefine storytelling in the genre. From the psychological torment of Silent Hill 2 to the haunting depths of SOMA, these games don’t just terrify—they leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s survival horror, psychological terror, or cosmic dread, every game on this list is a must-play for anyone who loves a great story alongside their scares.
1. Silent Hill 2
Metacritic Score: 89
Platforms: PS2, PC, Xbox, PS3, Xbox 360, PS5 (Remake coming)
Release Date: September 24, 2001
Developer: Team Silent
Silent Hill 2 isn’t just a game—it’s a psychological horror experience that lingers with you long after the credits roll. You play as James Sunderland, a man drawn to the eerie, fog-covered town of Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his dead wife. As he searches for answers, he encounters grotesque monsters, disturbing environments, and a narrative that delves into guilt, trauma, and the fragility of the human mind.
This game’s symbolism, multiple endings, and emotional depth make it one of the greatest horror stories ever told in gaming.
2. Resident Evil 2 (Remake)
Metacritic Score: 91
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: January 25, 2019
Developer: Capcom
A perfect example of how to remake a classic, Resident Evil 2 throws you into Raccoon City, where zombies have overrun the police department. You play as Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, each with their own harrowing journey through the chaos.
This remake amplifies the terror with realistic graphics, intense atmosphere, and an emotionally charged story, making it one of the best survival horror experiences ever.
3. The Last of Us (Part 1 & 2)
Metacritic Score: Part 1: 95 | Part 2: 93
Platforms: PS3, PS4, PS5, PC (Part 1 Remake)
Release Date: June 14, 2013 (Part 1) | June 19, 2020 (Part 2)
Developer: Naughty Dog
Few games have stories as emotionally impactful as The Last of Us. The game follows Joel and Ellie on a journey through a post-apocalyptic America overrun by fungal-infected creatures and dangerous humans.
With incredible storytelling, deep character development, and gut-wrenching moments, it’s a horror game that makes you care deeply about its protagonists.
4. SOMA
Metacritic Score: 84
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Developer: Frictional Games
SOMA isn’t just about scaring you—it’s about questioning what it means to be human. Set in an underwater research facility filled with disturbing AI-driven creatures, the story explores deep philosophical themes of consciousness, identity, and survival.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking horror experience, SOMA is a must-play.
5. Alan Wake
Metacritic Score: 83
Platforms: Xbox 360, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: May 18, 2010
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
A gripping psychological horror game where players follow writer Alan Wake as he unravels the mystery of his wife’s disappearance in a town plagued by supernatural darkness. The game’s blend of psychological storytelling and cinematic action makes it a standout horror experience.
6. Layers of Fear
Metacritic Score: 78
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
Release Date: February 16, 2016
Developer: Bloober Team
A first-person psychological horror game where players control a tormented painter descending into madness while trying to complete his masterpiece. The game’s unsettling atmosphere, mind-bending environments, and haunting narrative make it an unforgettable horror experience.
7. Outlast
Metacritic Score: 80
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: September 4, 2013
Developer: Red Barrels
Armed with only a night-vision camera, you must navigate a horrifying asylum filled with deranged patients. The game’s first-person perspective and relentless chases make it one of the most intense horror experiences.
8. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly
Metacritic Score: 84
Platforms: PS2, Xbox, Wii
Release Date: November 27, 2003
Developer: Tecmo
A chilling experience where twin sisters uncover the terrifying history of a haunted village. The game’s Camera Obscura mechanic, which lets you capture ghosts on film, makes for a deeply immersive and terrifying experience.
9. The Evil Within 2
Metacritic Score: 80
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: October 13, 2017
Developer: Tango Gameworks
A truly terrifying title that will be top on many peoples lists of best horror games with a good story. Detective Sebastian Castellanos faces his worst nightmares as he tries to save his daughter in a surreal horror world. A blend of psychological horror and action, it delivers a gripping and emotional narrative.
10. Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Metacritic Score: 85
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: September 8, 2010
Developer: Frictional Games
A terrifying gothic horror adventure, where you must navigate a dark castle with no memory and no way to fight back, relying only on stealth and puzzle-solving. Its immersive and captivating, a brilliant game overall and definitely one to play if you are seeking horror games with a good story!
11. Bloodborne
Metacritic Score: 92
Platforms: PS4
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Developer: FromSoftware
A gothic horror masterpiece that blends Lovecraftian horror with dark fantasy. You play as a Hunter exploring the nightmarish city of Yharnam, battling eldritch creatures and uncovering horrifying secrets. With its deep lore, unsettling atmosphere, and cryptic storytelling, Bloodborne delivers an unforgettable horror experience.
12. Observer: System Redux
Metacritic Score: 82
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: August 15, 2017 (Original) | November 10, 2020 (Redux)
Developer: Bloober Team
Set in a cyberpunk dystopia, you play as Daniel Lazarski, an Observer detective who hacks into people’s minds to uncover their deepest fears. The game’s psychological horror, disturbing visuals, and mind-bending storytelling make it a truly immersive and unsettling experience.
13. Dead Space (Remake)
Metacritic Score: 89
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: January 27, 2023
Developer: Motive Studio
A sci-fi horror classic reborn, Dead Space (Remake) puts you in the boots of Isaac Clarke, an engineer trapped on the doomed spaceship USG Ishimura. As grotesque Necromorphs overrun the vessel, you must survive while uncovering the horrifying truth behind the outbreak. With improved storytelling, immersive environments, and bone-chilling atmosphere, this remake revitalises one of the best horror narratives in gaming. Our list of best horror games with a good story would not be complete without this amazing game!
Final Thoughts
Horror games aren’t just about scares—they tell complex, emotional, and sometimes deeply philosophical stories that stay with players long after they finish the game. These titles prove that horror is one of the most versatile and powerful genres in gaming, capable of evoking fear, sorrow, excitement, and even existential dread.
From the psychological depth of Silent Hill 2 and The Last of Us to the gothic horror of Bloodborne and the sci-fi terror of Dead Space, each of these games presents a unique take on horror storytelling. Whether you love the thrill of survival horror, the deep mysteries of psychological horror, or the heart-wrenching narratives of character-driven horror, this list has something for everyone.
The best horror stories challenge us to confront our fears, question reality, and sometimes even explore what it means to be human. So, which of these horror gems have haunted your dreams? Do you have a favorite horror game that left an impact on you? Let’s discuss in the comments!
