Horror games are known to play with our deepest and darkest fears. This genre of gaming makes us uncomfortable and unsettles us while playing with our sanity. Players have to confront their worst nightmares while unraveling different mysteries. Horror games take us to a world where macabre elements reside and they lurk from the shadows as we venture into the depths of the unknown.

Playing any horror game is an unsettling experience but some games take it even further. These games throw us into a world filled with spooky and bone-chilling elements. We have compiled a list of horrendously scarring games that can disturb your sanity.

Some Games Aren’t Worth the Trauma They Leave You With, But These Are

It’s no secret that everyone likes a good scare. It’s why the horror movie genre is so prevalent, why it dominates Halloween, and why, even though we are terrified at the time, we continue to return to our favorite horror movies and games, and these listed below are proof of that.

5. Resident Evil

Resident Evil was developed and released by Capcom in 1996. Set in the fictional mountain range called the Arklay Mountains, players were tasked with finding their missing teammates. Players had the option to choose to play as either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine. In a world gripped with fear and madness, players find it very difficult to survive.

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At the time of its release Resident Evil became a surprise hit. The third-person horror survival game sent shivers down the spine of its players and continues to do so. Legendary horror filmmaker George Romero said that Resident Evil along with House of the Dead popularized the zombie genre in the 21st century.

4. Outlast

Released in 2013, Outlast takes survival horror to a whole new level. The game is played through a first-person perspective where players will have to investigate a remote psychiatric hospital. Upon release, the game received critical acclaim for its horror elements. What makes the game truly remarkable is the fact that players cannot kill enemies. The only way to survive in this grim and harrowing world is by sneaking around your enemies. Players must make use of stealth to sneak past enemies by hiding in lockers, staying in the shadows, and hiding behind or under things to survive.

The game’s development process is also one for the books. It was developed within fourteen months by a team of ten people. Yet the developers ticked all the right boxes by making a game with realistic mechanics and immersive gameplay.

3. Silent Hill 2

This sequel to Silent Hill (1999) is known for its body horror and hideous monsters. In Silent Hill 2 players will have to take on the role of James Sunderland and explore the ghostly town of Silent Hill to find his deceased wife. Hailed as one of the best horror games of all time, Silent Hill 2 features elements of psychological horror that test the limits of your sanity. Along with its captivating visuals the game’s music by Akira Yamaoka traps players in a grim atmosphere from where it is very difficult to escape.

The developers announced on October 19, 2022, that a remake of Silent Hill 2 is in the works. The remake will be developed by Bloober Team while artist Masahiro Ito and composer Akira Yamaoka will be returning from the original game. The game is slated to release on PlayStation 5 and Windows.

2. My Lovely Daughter

The next game on our list is a simulation game that explores the story of a grieving father. Released in 2018, My Lovely Daughter takes players on a haunting adventure that can easily traumatize anyone. In this game, players take on the role of a grieving father who is attempting to bring his daughter back from the dead. Players may find themselves on the brink of losing their sanity as they create elemental ‘homunculus’ daughters using dark magic. Players are required to slaughter these kids and harvest their souls.

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The developers have put in elements to deliberately disturb and haunt you. The game makes players commit cruel and sadistic acts of violence on innocent girls. The game’s aesthetics are deliberately filled with ghastly elements that will shake players to their core.

1. Manhunt

Manhunt is a game filled with blood and gore from its beginning to the end. One of the most violent games ever developed, Manhunt sends you to the edge of your sanity. This game will be at the top of our list because of its dark and gritty tone blended with good mechanics.

The game revolves around a death row inmate who must earn his freedom by participating in a series of snuff films (films showing scenes of actual homicide). The plot is set in the fictional Carcer City which is filled with corruption and crime. Players will encounter several violent gangs who are trying to kill them. Developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games, Manhunt is set in a shared universe with the Grand Theft Auto series.

Playing these horror games can leave deep scars on a player’s psyche. A journey through this disturbing world will surely leave you with a haunting experience. Bear in mind though that you are part of a fictional reality and whatever happens there stays there.