The horror video game genre has been around for years but has recently climbed in popularity, with some of the most memorable titles falling into this category. With Halloween right around the corner, it’s a good time to dive into some of the best horror games the PlayStation 5 has to offer. The system is still young, so the selection of games is still expanding, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of scares to be had.
Here, we’ll cover the best horror games on Sony’s new platform. Note that this list is comprised of PS5 games only — PS4 titles playable via backward compatibility will not be included. Though, the games on this list aren’t necessarily exclusive to PS5.
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Dead by Daylight
72%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Simulator, Strategy, Adventure
Developer
Behaviour Interactive
Publisher
Behaviour Interactive
Release
June 14, 2016
Kicking things off is Dead by Daylight, an asymmetrical multiplayer game that puts you in the shoes of the survivors or the killer. As the survivors, you and your team must escape and fight back using the environment; playing as the killer requires you to … well, take out the survivors. The survivors must work together to fend off the killer while completing objectives that lead to escape. As the killer, you have various abilities that help you stalk your prey, such as the power to turn invisible at times. The surprising thing about this game is that playing as the survivors is just as satisfying as taking on the role of the killer, proving that developer Behaviour Interactive knows how to make a balanced experience. Dead by Daylight has also featured famous licensed horror franchises such as Halloween, Saw, Evil Dead, Stranger Things, and Resident Evil, to name a few. This makes it a perfect experience for fans of horror, especially those who are into older slasher films.
The Medium
70%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Bloober Team
Publisher
Bloober Team SA
Release
January 28, 2021
The Medium is a fascinating experience, blending elements of Resident Evil and Silent Hill into one package. This game leans heavily into narrative, with a fantastic mix of environmental storytelling and well-performed exposition-filled sequences from the characters. The best thing about The Medium is the way it features a split-screen presentation during puzzle sections, with one side representing the real world and the other depicting the spirit world. This makes for some smart gameplay mechanics that wouldn’t be as successful without the split-screen presentation. Beyond that, this game is downright creepy, with certain segments doubling down on disturbing concepts (though we won’t spoil them here). The Medium is one of 2021’s most overlooked games, but we’re here to recommend it because it’s well worth playing.
DARQ: Complete Edition
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Puzzle, Strategy, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Unfold Games
Publisher
Feardemic
Release
December 04, 2020
DARQ is a game about lucid dreams, and as you can imagine, things get pretty wild fairly quickly. With the Complete Edition, you gain access to the base game and its expansions, The Tower and The Crypt, which feature new story elements and areas to explore. With a dark, moody atmosphere and equally terrifying character designs, DARQ should be a top choice for all horror enthusiasts. This puzzle-platformer is smart and scary, featuring some of the most memorable gameplay sequences on PS5 thanks to its design. Plus, the music is terrific and captures the essence of what makes horror so great.
Observer: System Redux
94%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Adventure, Indie
Developer
Bloober Team
Publisher
Bloober Team
Release
November 10, 2020
Leaning into elements of psychological horror, Observer: System Redux is the enhanced version of the hit 2017 game. It’s played from the first-person perspective, placing you in the shoes of a detective who can hack into peoples’ minds. This game is a mashup of cyberpunk and horror, with an emphasis on exploration, environmental storytelling, and puzzle-solving. On PS5, you can play the System Redux version, which implements better visuals and certain quality-of-life improvements over the original. Hailing from Bloober Team, the same studio that developed The Medium, Observer: System Redux is yet another entry you should try if you’re into the slower-paced horror games that seep into your mind well after you’ve stopped playing.
Little Nightmares II
83%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Platform, Puzzle, Adventure
Developer
Tarsier Studios
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release
February 11, 2021
While many games on this list are downright creepy (as they should be), Little Nightmares II is a bit more inviting — but not by much. This sidescrolling puzzle platformer has its fair share of spooks but with gameplay that is easier to grasp. In it, you must utilize stealth, platforming, and your wits to overcome the terror of Pale City while working alongside Six from the previous installment. Its art direction is captivating, as are its environments and levels. Along with its aesthetics, Little Nightmares II has an engaging story that will likely keep you around until the end, which is a testament to the skills of developer Tarsier Studios.
Demon's Souls
87%
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
Bluepoint Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
November 12, 2020
Horror might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Demon’s Souls remake on PS5, but this game is filled to the brim with scares, not just in the literal sense, but in its entire premise. Demon’s Souls is a challenging action RPG where terrifying enemies await behind nearly every corner. While some enemies might not look particularly spooky, the fact that you can die so easily is scary enough. But on top of that, Demon’s Souls is packed with horrific foes, from the unsettling rock worms of Stonefang Tunnel to the Cthulhu-inspired Mind Flayers from Tower of Latria, with a slew of others. Even if you don’t consider this a spooky experience, it’s still one of the best PS5 games out there, featuring incredible level design, a satisfying gameplay loop, and some of the most beautiful visuals the platform has ever had.
Resident Evil Village
83%
3/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
Capcom
Release
May 07, 2021
While Resident Evil Village was slightly more controversial than other entries, there’s no denying it’s one of the best horror games on PS5. It features callbacks to the series’ best installments, like Resident Evil 4, while continuing the legacy introduced with Resident Evil 7. One of the most satisfying things about this game is the way it encourages you to explore, offering currency in every nook and cranny, which can be spent at the merchant’s store. This, along with the variety in gameplay styles, makes for a diverse experience that will likely satisfy all types of Resident Evil players. Much of the game is geared toward the survival-horror genre, but other sections focus on all-out action, while some lean more into stealth. Arguably, the scariest section is the House Beneviento, which features an enemy that is so disturbing it’s still burned into our memories. Enter at your own risk.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human
76%
3/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Techland Publishing, Techland
Publisher
Techland Publishing, Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Release
February 04, 2022
After a lengthy development cycle, Dying Light 2: Stay Human launched in 2022 to positive reviews, offering a massive, sprawling world, a gripping narrative, and a satisfying gameplay loop. In Dying Light 2, zombies roam the streets, and it’s your job to survive. While the zombies pose a threat during the day, they’re even deadlier at night — though, going out when the sun is down yields better rewards. One of the best things about this game is its parkour movement, which feels fluid and rewarding, especially when you chain together different movement techniques. For instance, you gain access to a grappling hook and a glider, which — when used together — allow you to get around with ease. Aside from the excellent parkour, the horror elements are fantastic as well, offering plenty of scares that will keep you on edge, even if your character is upgraded to the max.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes
76%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Supermassive Games
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release
October 22, 2021
House of Ashes is the third installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology series, preceded by Man of Medan and Little Hope. This horror adventure game focuses on player choice, throwing you into various situations in which you must make decisions — most of which are not easy. There are multiple playable characters in this game, but depending on the choices you make, not all of them make it out alive. Though, if you don’t like how a particular scenario unfolds, you can go back and try it again with different decisions. House of Ashes is set during the 2003 Iraq war, from the perspective of five Americans who get trapped in an Akkadian temple. The game unfolds like an interactive drama, with high-quality writing and performances from the characters, similar to what you’d find in a TV show. Since the narrative is the most important thing in House of Ashes, we won’t spoil it here, but just know it’s a wild ride.
Alan Wake Remastered
77%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Remedy Entertainment
Publisher
Epic Games
Release
October 05, 2021
There really isn’t anything like Alan Wake, and thankfully, the game has been remastered for PS5. It’s scary, weird, silly, and reminiscent of Twin Peaks in all the best ways (it’s even broken up into chapters, just like episodes of a TV show). In it, you play as renowned criminal author Alan Wake, who visits Bright Falls to get over his writer’s block. Along the way, Wake’s wife Alice disappears, so you spend most of the game trying to find her. What’s fascinating about Alan Wake is that it doesn’t hit you over the head with the scary elements, instead leaning into psychological horror that is somehow even creepier than you might expect. At times, you question your sanity and whether the events you’re experiencing are happening in your head. Since the game’s launch in 2010, it has gained a cult following and even has a sequel on the way!
The Last of Us Part I
100%
4.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Naughty Dog
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
September 01, 2022
Whether The Last of Us truly needed a remake is up for debate, but it’s tough to deny the sheer level of quality of Naughty Dog’s latest adventure. The Last of Us Part I is a remake of the original 2013 PS3 game, built from the ground up with improved visuals, better performance, and new features. This remake looks a lot closer to The Last of Us Part II, giving both games more parity. On top of the visual upgrades, The Last of Us Part I has a slew of accessibility features that make it easier for more players to enjoy. These include fully customizable controls, awareness indicators, cinematic descriptions, and so much more. This game tells a harrowing story between protagonists Joel and Ellie, and it hits just as hard as it did in 2013. While it’s never a bad time to experience this adventure, Halloween is arguably the best time for it.
The Quarry
77%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Supermassive Games
Publisher
2K Games
Release
June 10, 2022
The Quarry is an interactive drama in the same vein as Until Dawn, featuring a diverse cast of characters and a wonderfully-written script. Inspired by campy horror films from the 70s and 80s, The Quarry is remarkable in the way it handles player choice, with dozens and dozens of branching paths. In fact, the game has 186 different endings, all dependent on the player’s choices, which adds to the game’s replayability. When you make a choice that kills off a character, they’re gone for the remainder of the playthrough, adding weight and gravity to each decision. This is a great game for players who want to enjoy a story without needing to have fast reflexes. It’s the perfect way to kick off the Halloween season.
Tormented Souls
87%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Abstract Digital works, Dual Effect
Publisher
PQube
Release
August 27, 2021
If old-school Resident Evil and Silent Hill games are your jam, then Tormented Souls is likely for you. This survival horror experience throws you into claustrophobic levels full of puzzles to solve and deadly enemies to defeat. It takes place in a mansion, and its main character, Caroline, must investigate its secrets. Although the game’s art style comes across as soft and inoffensive, the lighting and subject matter make up for it, leading to a spine-chilling experience. Much like Resident Evil, it, too, utilizes a fixed camera, but it controls much better than the games that inspired it. This third-person horror game can be completed in about four hours, but it’s well worth it.
Resident Evil 2
88%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Capcom Development Division 1
Publisher
Capcom
Release
January 25, 2019
Capcom’s ambitious Resident Evil 2 remake is undoubtedly one of the greatest survival-horror games ever created. It somehow preserves the essence of the 1998 original while completely turning the experience on its head, thanks to the plethora of modernizations included throughout. Gone are the clunky tank controls, the fixed cameras, and the outdated visuals, in favor of something you’d expect to experience on modern hardware. The remake’s performance, art direction, and gameplay are all simply astounding, coming together to create the definitive Resident Evil game.
