Looking for some spine-chilling survival horror games to play this Halloween season? From gruesome monsters to eerie atmospheres, survival horror video games have a unique way of getting under your skin. Whether you’re a fan of classic scares or you’re on the lookout for something modern and terrifying, we’ve got you covered with this list of the top 20 must-play survival horror games. So, dim the lights, grab a controller, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable Halloween gaming experience!
1. Five Nights at Freddy’s
When it comes to unsettling, bite-sized horror experiences, Five Nights at Freddy’s has proven itself a giant in the genre. Released in 2014, Scott Cawthon’s indie horror phenomenon exploded in popularity thanks to its simple, yet terrifying premise.
Playing as a security guard at the eerily deserted Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, your task is to survive the graveyard shift by monitoring creepy animatronics. But it’s not that simple—these once-friendly mascots come to life at night with a deadly thirst for blood. The jump-scares? Iconic. The tension? Relentless.
With the franchise continuing to expand and spawn new entries, Five Nights at Freddy’s remains a top pick for survival horror fans. If you haven’t experienced the horrifying thrill of fending off these mechanical nightmares, Halloween is the perfect time.
2. Resident Evil 4
Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 is widely considered a landmark in survival horror. First released in 2005, this game revolutionized third-person action and storytelling in ways that are still influencing the gaming world today.
You step into the shoes of special agent Leon S. Kennedy, sent to rescue the U.S. President’s daughter from a mysterious cult in a rural European village. The stakes? High. The atmosphere? Dark and foreboding. But what really stands out in RE4 is the iconic gameplay that forces you to stop moving to aim and shoot—raising the intensity of every encounter with monstrous, Plaga-infected villagers.
Throw in a fan-favorite character like Ada Wong and the unforgettable Merchant (“What are ya buyin’?”), and you’ve got a must-play classic.
3. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
If psychological horror is more your speed, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is a hidden gem that pushes the limits of the genre. Released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2002, this title stands out for its unique “sanity meter” mechanic, which distorts the player’s perception of reality as it depletes.
Players control Alexandra Roivas, who uncovers a sinister and arcane evil through a mysterious book found in her late grandfather’s mansion. What truly elevates this game is how it plays tricks on both the character and the player—expect hallucinations, fake glitches, and jump-scares that break the fourth wall.
It’s unsettling, unpredictable, and a perfect game for horror aficionados who want more mind-bending scares than outright gore.
4. Until Dawn
Until Dawn mixes survival horror with cinematic storytelling, delivering an experience that’s like playing through your favorite teen slasher film. Released in 2015 for PlayStation 4, this game became a standout in the genre thanks to its choice-based gameplay and a cast of Hollywood actors including Rami Malek and Hayden Panettiere.
The game’s narrative follows a group of friends spending a weekend in a remote cabin on a snowy mountain, where they are soon hunted by mysterious and malevolent forces. The choices you make dictate who survives “until dawn,” with multiple possible endings adding serious replay value.
The richly detailed environments, thrilling plot twists, and mo-cap performances make Until Dawn an ideal choice for those who love branching narratives and slasher-style tension.
5. Dead by Daylight
For fans of multiplayer horror, Dead by Daylight is a dream come true—or maybe a nightmare. This 4 vs. 1 multiplayer survival horror game lets one player take on the role of a ruthless Killer, while the other four players must act as Survivors, working together to escape before they are hunted down.
With each match featuring a new environment and unpredictable elements, Dead by Daylight offers endless variety and countless heart-pounding moments. The game also features a roster of iconic horror characters, allowing you to play as famous killers like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and even Pyramid Head from Silent Hill.
Whether you’re a fan of being the hunter or the hunted, this game has no shortage of thrills, making it an excellent option for Halloween gaming nights with friends.
6. Silent Hill 2
Widely regarded as one of the greatest horror games ever made, Silent Hill 2 delivers an unforgettable psychological horror experience. Set in the fog-enshrouded town of Silent Hill, this game follows James Sunderland, a widower who receives a letter from his deceased wife urging him to return to the town where they once vacationed.
The game is rich with symbolism, disturbing imagery, and a slow-building tension that seeps into your bones. Instead of the usual zombies or cults, the terror in Silent Hill 2 is far more personal—rooted in the protagonist’s psyche and unresolved guilt.
With its mature narrative, atmospheric soundtrack, and unforgettable monsters like Pyramid Head, this survival horror masterpiece is a must-play for those seeking a deep, emotionally charged experience.
7. BioShock
While not purely a horror game, BioShock has enough terrifying moments and creepy environments to earn its place on this list. Set in the underwater dystopian city of Rapture, this 2007 classic blends survival horror with first-person shooter mechanics, all while delivering a story filled with philosophical questions and jaw-dropping twists.
You play as Jack, who stumbles upon Rapture after surviving a plane crash. In this decaying metropolis, mutated enemies and the imposing Big Daddies patrol the streets. Your survival depends on scavenging supplies and using genetic enhancements called Plasmids to gain the upper hand in combat.
With a gripping narrative, tense gameplay, and one of the best plot twists in gaming history, BioShock is essential for players who crave a more cerebral brand of survival horror.
8. The Last of Us Part II
Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II is a gripping follow-up to the critically acclaimed The Last of Us, and it brings more than enough terror to the table to justify its spot among the best survival horror games. This post-apocalyptic world, filled with infected creatures and hostile survivors, demands players engage in strategic combat, stealth, and resource management.
Part II follows Ellie on a deeply personal quest for revenge, taking players through an emotional rollercoaster as they face new and horrifying enemies, including the infamous Clickers. The world-building, character development, and immersive gameplay create an intense, sometimes brutal experience.
Whether you’re battling through waves of infected or exploring abandoned, decayed cities, The Last of Us Part II delivers a heart-stopping, emotional narrative paired with masterful survival horror gameplay.
Honorable Mentions and More Must-Play Titles
Of course, the horror gaming world offers a plethora of bone-chilling experiences. Here are a few more titles that didn’t make the top eight but still deserve a place in your Halloween lineup:
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
For a game that excels at psychological horror, Amnesia is one of the most unsettling experiences. You’ll play as Daniel, a man who has lost his memory, wandering through the eerie corridors of Castle Brennenburg while piecing together his past—and trying to survive.
Left 4 Dead
If you prefer zombie-slaying action with friends, Left 4 Dead is a fast-paced survival horror that throws you against endless hordes of the undead. Gather your team and get ready to mow down zombies like never before.
Carrion
Ever wondered what it would be like to play as the monster? Carrion gives you control of a tentacled beast on a mission to escape from a laboratory and destroy everything in its path. It’s a reverse-horror game that flips the genre on its head.
Wrapping Up
With this list of survival horror games, you’re fully equipped to dive into the spookiest season of the year. Whether you’re battling zombies, exploring haunted towns, or evading supernatural entities, these games offer something for every type of horror fan. So, fire up your console or PC and let the terror begin!