The best horror games on PC

It might not be Halloween just yet, but who says you can’t enjoy horror all year round? As a genre, horror is a staple for many gamers, and we've put together our list of the 25 best horror games to play on PC right now. This selection highlights the diversity within horror gaming, from visual novels to shooters, survival adventures to quirky demon games, and even text-based chillers. Whether you're into gore, survival horror, action, or even deck builders, there’s something here for every type of horror fan – including those who avoid jump scares. Some games on this list are completely jump-scare free!

One important note: all games listed are currently available for purchase and play, so you won’t need to scour online auctions for rare finds. New horror games are always emerging, so we’ll keep updating this list. If your favorite creepy game isn’t featured, feel free to suggest it in the comments.

10. The Excavation Of Hob's Barrow

Previous position: 10 (-)

"The Excavation of Hob's Barrow" is soaked in an overwhelming sense of doom. The protagonist, Thomasina Bateman, a Victorian barrow-digger, narrates from the future, signaling her survival. Yet, something terrible clearly happens to her during her quest to excavate the titular barrow. Set in the isolated moorland town of Bewlay, the game combines beautiful pixel art with an intense folk horror narrative. The detailed environments and unsettling close-ups create an atmosphere that will linger long after you finish the game.

9. Condemned: Criminal Origins

Previous position: 9 (-)

"Condemned: Criminal Origins" begins as a hunt for a serial killer but quickly descends into a brutal melee combat game where you fend off crazed attackers with whatever you can find. The game’s setting is oppressively grim, reflecting societal decay. Its relentless atmosphere may deter some players, but for those who stick with it, "Condemned" offers a unique horror experience where the combat enhances the terror.

8. Darkwood

Previous position: 8 (-)

With its exceptional lighting effects, "Darkwood" makes every shadow and hidden corner a source of dread. This top-down survival horror game blends narrative, RPG elements, and roguelike mechanics to create a truly unnerving experience. The game’s atmosphere and design focus on unrelenting fear, creeping into your thoughts long after you’ve turned off the screen.

7. Stories Untold

Previous position: 7 (-)

"Stories Untold" by No Code blends old-school text-based gameplay with modern horror elements. Its episodic structure and retro-futuristic interfaces create a unique, chilling experience. Each episode offers different interaction modes and sub-genres of horror, ensuring that the game is consistently surprising and genuinely unsettling.

6. Alien: Isolation

Previous position: 6 (-)

"Alien: Isolation" captures the essence of the classic film with painstaking detail. The game combines stealth and horror, placing you in a beautifully recreated world of Ridley Scott’s vision. The story of Amanda Ripley’s search for her mother is intertwined with corporate intrigue and survival horror, making for an intense and terrifying experience. The alien is relentless, ensuring every encounter is fraught with danger.

5. SOMA

Previous position: 5 (-)

"SOMA" from Frictional Games delves into existential horror, exploring the nature of consciousness and identity in a haunting underwater facility. The game’s narrative is profoundly unsettling, as it forces you to confront terrifying truths about humanity and yourself. The fusion of man and machine and the eerie environment contribute to a deeply disturbing experience.

4. Anatomy

Previous position: 4 (-)

"Anatomy" by Kitty Horrorshow is a masterclass in psychological horror. Its lo-fi visuals and found footage elements create an atmosphere of dread that can make even the bravest players want to sleep with the lights on. The game is short but powerful, challenging you to endure its chilling narrative alone in the dark.

3. Pathologic

Previous position: 3 (-)

"Pathologic" is a singular experience that defies easy categorization. Set in a plague-ridden town, the game unfolds over twelve days from multiple perspectives. Its literate, intelligent storytelling and unique setting make it a standout in interactive fiction. "Pathologic" pushes the boundaries of horror gaming, offering a rich, immersive experience that’s unlike anything else.

2. System Shock 2

Previous position: 2 (-)

"System Shock 2" remains one of the best games ever made, blending survival horror with RPG mechanics. Its claustrophobic setting, filled with corrupted entities, creates a pervasive sense of dread. The game’s freedom of choice enhances the horror, making you feel like an agent of your own destruction. Its timeless design and terrifying atmosphere continue to influence horror games today.

1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call Of Pripyat

Previous position: 1 (-)

"S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call Of Pripyat" tops our list for its immersive world and atmospheric horror. The game’s exploration-based gameplay encourages deep dives into its hauntingly realistic environment. Set in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, it blends survival, horror, and RPG elements, creating a rich, living world. The creatures and anomalies you encounter are genuinely terrifying, making "Call Of Pripyat" a true horror masterpiece.

These games offer a variety of scares and thrills for every horror enthusiast. Dive into these terrifying worlds and let the fear take over – just remember to keep the lights on.