Horror is a genre that spans media, and some of the best horrors undeniably come from video games. This year in video games proved this point by giving us some rather gruesome titles but also games that spooked us with the supernatural and made us leap out of our seats from jump scares. So we put together a list of the Top Horror Games of 2022 to look back on some particularly frightening (in a good way) titles.
To make our Top Horror Games of 2022 list, the game must have been released in this calendar year, must be playable by the general public, and must not be a port. DLCs are fair game. Additionally, this list does not discriminate against AAA or indie developers. With that said, let’s dig into our Top Horror Games of 2022 list.
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12. Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Developer: Techland
Publisher: Techland
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
“Its combat is as brutal as one would hope while bringing the mechanical density and numerous options to engage any type of player. Its narrative is gripping with veins of humanity throughout that make it nearly impossible not to get invested in it. Dying Light 2 is a massive success, and it will be great to see where its dedicated studio takes it going forward into its promised five years of support.”
11. Scorn
Developer: Ebb Software
Publisher: Ebb Software, Kepler Interactive
Platform: Xbox Series X|S and PC
“Scorn is an atmospheric horror adventure that’s set in a nightmarish universe that isolates you perfectly with the lack of a map and knowledge of the world. The fantastic art and sound design are only bolstered by how organic the gameplay feels. Scorn is just weird and creepy; you won’t be able to put your controller down.”
10. Evil Dead: The Game
Developer: Saber Interactive
Publisher:Saber Interactive, Boss Team Games
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
“Evil Dead: The Game is a blast. It’s fun to play, difficult in spots, and something I can see myself returning to again and again just to keep exploring and learning, as well as unlocking new things, as I’m sure they’ll become available over the games’ lifespan. Plus, for Deadites out there, it’s beyond a great buy, with lore plugged into just about every design choice, line of dialogue, and piece of the landscape.”
9. Cult of the Lamb
Developer: Massive Monster
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
“It is very difficult to imagine a player that wouldn’t enjoy Cult of the Lamb. Its visuals are so beautiful and full of character. Its writing is witty and charming. Its action is simple but fun and thoroughly engaging. While its weapon selection and combat mechanics may not be as varied or dense as its peers, its unique aspects more than make up for the deficit.”
8. MADiSON
Developer: BLOODIOUS Games
Publisher: BLOODIOUS Games, Perpetual Europe
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
“MADiSON is a psychological horror game that delivers an immersive and terrifying experience. The disturbing tale MADiSON offers is complimented by its interesting puzzles, well-done jump scares, and amazing sound design that will keep you on your toes. If you’ve enjoyed the likes of Outlast or Visage, you need to pick up this title.”
7. A Plague Tale: Requiem
Developer: Asobo Studio
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC
“A Plague Tale: Requiem brings back everything to love about the first game and builds an even more heartrending tale of the things people will do for love. The landscapes are beautiful, the characters are intriguing, and how the bond between Amicia and Hugo evolves is mesmerizing.”
6. Fobia – St. Dinfna Hotel
Developer: Pulsatrix Studios
Publisher: Maximum Games
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
“The puzzles are challenging but satisfying, the spooks are wonderful, and the story draws you in from the very start—Fobia – St. Dinfna Hotel has all the right elements… if you’re looking for a horror game with all the puzzles you could ever need, look no further.”
5. The Closing Shift
Developer: Chilla’s Art
Publisher: Chilla’s Art
Platform: PC
“While The Closing Shift features some pretty simplistic art, the atmosphere and believable environment amplify the horror. It’s realistic and, much like reality, unpredictable. If you’re a fan of other games from Chilla’s Art, you need to check this one out because it still manages to scare even though it shies away from the supernatural horror.”
4. Iron Lung
Developer: David Szymanski
Publisher: David Szymanski
Platform: PC
“Minimalist, grungy, and claustrophobic, Iron Lung is an amazing experience that locks you inside a one-man submarine. The premise removes most of your senses, having you navigate by sound, the submarine’s proximity sensors, an incomplete map, and a camera that takes grainy photos. Never knowing what lurks just outside your submarine is absolutely frightening.”
3. The Mortuary Assistant
Developer: DarkStone Digital
Publisher: Dread XP
Platform: PC
“The whole mortuary business is creepy enough to the average person, but add in a demonic presence, and you have an excellent setup. The game dives into the psychological with plenty of creepy sights and sounds that will play with your mind. Each dive into The Mortuary Assistant is different, keeping you guessing with safety a very distant thought. It’s truly a game worth playing over and over again.”
2. Resident Evil Village “Shadows of Rose” DLC
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
“Shadows of Rose” fits with Ethan’s story in the main game and is far more terrifying… “Shadows of Rose” is a short new game, rather than the same game with a new player. Though short, it is a lot of fun, and the end will leave you going “aha!”
1. Signalis
Developer: rose-engine
Publisher: Humble Bundle, Playism, Humble Bundle Inc., Humble Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
“Signalis is a classic survival horror experience (think Resident Evil and Silent Hill) that beseeches you to unravel a cosmic mystery and escape terrifying creatures. The world is absolutely enthralling and littered with so many tiny details that flesh out the narrative splendidly. Signalis exudes cosmic horror, and the fear of the unknown will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
So that’s it for our Top Horror Games of 2022! It’s been a good year for horror from both AAA and indie developers alike, ranging from psychological to sci-fi to supernatural and so much more. Picking our top horror games of 2022 wasn’t easy, so if we missed one of your favorites this year, let us know on social media: @butwhythopc.
