Next on our journey lets take a look at the Best Scary Horror Games On Playstation 1…
If you’re a horror fan, the PlayStation 1 was an absolute goldmine for spine-chilling, nightmare-inducing games.
From zombie-infested mansions to haunted towns shrouded in fog, the PS1 set the foundation for the survival horror genre we know today. For those who love psychological horror, relentless monsters, or eerie ghost stories, these classics will send shivers down your spine.
Here’s our list of the best horror games on PlayStation 1—titles that redefined fear and still hold up today. Get ready to relive the terror!
1. Silent Hill
Metacritic Score:86
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: February 23, 1999
Developer: Konami
Silent Hill is the pinnacle of psychological horror. Unlike traditional survival horror games, it focuses on atmospheric terror rather than jump scares. The dense fog, disturbing enemies, and eerie soundtrack make for an unforgettable nightmare. The story follows Harry Mason as he searches for his missing daughter in the haunted town of Silent Hill, uncovering dark secrets and terrifying hallucinations along the way.
2. Resident Evil 2
Metacritic Score:89
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: January 21, 1998
Developer: Capcom
Considered one of the greatest survival horror games ever, Resident Evil 2 perfected the formula with dual protagonists (Leon Kennedy & Claire Redfield), cinematic storytelling, and intense zombie encounters. Set in Raccoon City, players must escape a zombie apocalypse while solving puzzles and managing resources. The game introduced the zapping system, where choices in one character’s playthrough affected the other’s.
3. Resident Evil
Metacritic Score:91
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: March 22, 1996
Developer: Capcom
The original survival horror classic that started it all. Trapped in the creepy Spencer Mansion, players take on the role of Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, battling zombies, mutant creatures, and solving puzzles to uncover the sinister Umbrella Corporation’s secrets. With its tank controls, limited ammunition, and eerie soundtrack, Resident Evil redefined horror gaming.
4. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Metacritic Score:91
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: September 22, 1999
Developer: Capcom
If you thought zombies were scary, wait until you meet Nemesis. This relentless, rocket launcher-wielding monster hunts Jill Valentine throughout Raccoon City, creating constant tension and terror. The game introduced dodge mechanics and explosive environmental interactions, making combat even more intense. The fear of hearing “STARS…” still haunts players to this day.
5. Dino Crisis
Metacritic Score:74
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: July 1, 1999
Developer: Capcom
Imagine Resident Evil but with velociraptors and T-Rexes instead of zombies. That’s Dino Crisis! This survival horror-meets-Jurassic Park game delivers intense action, puzzle-solving, and limited resources, making every encounter with these prehistoric beasts a nerve-wracking experience.
6. Clock Tower
Metacritic Score:72
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: October 1, 1996
Developer: Human Entertainment
A point-and-click horror adventure where players control Jennifer Simpson, a girl trapped in a mansion with the terrifying Scissorman. Unlike other horror games, Clock Tower relies on hiding, running, and outsmarting enemies rather than combat. The randomized events and multiple endings keep players on edge, making it one of the most unique horror experiences on the PS1.
7. Parasite Eve
Metacritic Score:81
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: September 9, 1998
Developer: Square Enix
A hybrid of horror and RPG, Parasite Eve follows NYPD officer Aya Brea as she investigates bizarre spontaneous human combustions caused by a powerful entity called Eve. The game blends cinematic horror, real-time combat, and deep storytelling, making it an unforgettable experience.
8. Koudelka
Metacritic Score:71
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: December 16, 1999
Developer: Sacnoth
A gothic horror RPG set in a haunted monastery, Koudelka delivers dark storytelling, turn-based combat, and supernatural horror. Players uncover macabre secrets while battling ghosts, demons, and monsters. Its unique blend of RPG and horror elements makes it stand out among PS1 horror titles.
9. Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
Metacritic Score:66
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: May 18, 2001
Developer: Darkworks
A reboot of the Alone in the Dark series, this game offers a dark, atmospheric survival horror experience with improved graphics and eerie lighting effects. Players explore a mysterious island, solving puzzles and fending off shadowy creatures lurking in the darkness.
10. Echo Night
Metacritic Score:73
Platforms: PlayStation 1
Release Date: August 13, 1998
Developer: FromSoftware
Unlike traditional horror games, Echo Night is a first-person ghost story set on a haunted ship. Instead of fighting monsters, players solve puzzles, interact with spirits, and uncover a chilling mystery. The game’s eerie atmosphere and unsettling encounters make it a hidden gem among PlayStation 1 horror games.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 1 era was a golden age for horror games, introducing some of the most terrifying and innovative experiences in gaming history.
Which of these best horror games on PlayStation 1 scared you the most? Let us know in the comments!
Then, if you haven’t already, check out our Best Free Scary Multiplayer PC Games (April 2025)
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