Best Horror Games

Horror on PlayStation has never been deeper. This list ranks the twelve games worth losing sleep over on PS5 and PS4, from the survival horror revival that Capcom and the Dead Space remake led, through the psychological dread of Silent Hill 2 and SOMA and the atmospheric menace of the Little Nightmares pair, to the shared panic of co-op ghost hunting in Phasmophobia. Every pick earns its place on craft rather than jump scares alone, and the note on each one says exactly who it is for.

Updated Aug 4, 2026

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12 games found

1SILENT HILL 2

SILENT HILL 2

4.8(60,576)2024
PS+ ExtraPS Plus ExtraESRB Mature 17+horror
GoodReview analysis

Overall player feedback on SILENT HILL 2 is largely positive, with many praising its graphics, expanded gameplay, and deep emotional storytelling. However, there is a significant concern regarding false advertising related to the PS5 Pro enhancements, which has left some players dissatisfied. Despite this criticism, the majority of reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke strong emotions and create a haunting atmosphere.

Why it's here: Bloober Team's 2024 remake rebuilds the psychological horror landmark without softening it. James Sunderland's return to a fog-drowned town in search of his dead wife still trades cheap scares for slow dread, unsettling monster design, and one of the genre's most disturbing stories about guilt.

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2RESIDENT EVIL 2

RESIDENT EVIL 2

4.8(114,401)2019
ESRB Maturehorror
GreatReview analysis

Overall, players overwhelmingly praise the remake of Resident Evil 2 for its impressive graphics, atmospheric design, and engaging gameplay, highlighting the tension it creates through well-executed sound design and memorable encounters, particularly with Mr. X. However, some reviewers express dissatisfaction with certain changes from the original game, especially regarding story depth and character interactions.

Why it's here: The 2019 remake is the survival horror template at its sharpest. A rebuilt Raccoon City police station, resource anxiety that never lets up, and the relentless Mr. X stalking the halls make it the entry most newcomers should start with, and the one veterans keep replaying.

Guides: Resident Evil 4 vs Resident Evil 2Which Capcom remake to play first: action-horror pace or survival-horror dread.

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3Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4

4.7(144,667)2023
ESRB Maturehorror
GreatReview analysis

Overall, players are overwhelmingly positive about the Resident Evil 4 remake, praising its engaging gameplay, captivating atmosphere, and improvements made in graphics and character development. However, some players noted frustrations with microtransactions, AI issues, and certain aspects of the remade story that diverged from the original.

Why it's here: Capcom's 2023 remake keeps the pace of action horror while restoring genuine menace. Leon's rescue mission through a hostile village and castle balances crowd-control gunplay with claustrophobic set pieces, and the reworked pacing makes a 2005 classic feel current rather than nostalgic.

Guides: Resident Evil 4 vs Resident Evil 2Which Capcom remake to play first: action-horror pace or survival-horror dread.

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4Dead Space

Dead Space

4.7(42,121)2023
ESRB Mature 17+horror
MixedReview analysis

Overall, player feedback on the Dead Space remake is largely positive, with many praising its graphics, atmosphere, and gameplay improvements over the original. However, some players express frustration over technical issues, particularly on PC, which detracted from their enjoyment of the game. Despite the criticisms, the remake is regarded as a worthy homage to the classic game, providing a modern experience that retains the essence of the original.

Why it's here: The 2023 remake sends engineer Isaac Clarke back aboard the Ishimura, and the necromorph dismemberment loop is as tense as ever. Seamless camera work, an unbroken single take on Isaac, and relentless atmospheric dread make this the standout sci-fi survival horror here.

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5Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2

4.6(63,631)2023
PS+ TrialPS Plus PremiumESRB Maturehorror
MixedReview analysis

Overall, players express a high level of enjoyment and appreciation for the storytelling, atmosphere, and unique gameplay mechanics of Alan Wake 2, despite some frustrations regarding its pacing and navigation. However, a significant minority of reviewers have voiced strong dissatisfaction, particularly around the game's structure and backtracking elements.

Why it's here: Remedy's long-awaited sequel is a genuine survival horror turn for the series. Splitting play between FBI agent Saga Anderson and the trapped writer Alan Wake, it leans on light-as-weapon combat, a shifting Dark Place, and dense narrative layering that rewards patience over reflexes.

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6RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard
ESRB Maturehorror
GoodReview analysis

Overall feedback for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard indicates that it successfully revitalizes the franchise with its strong focus on horror and immersion, although opinions on some gameplay elements are mixed. Many players appreciate its return to survival horror roots and its atmosphere, while a minority criticize certain aspects such as character depth and clunky controls.

Why it's here: The first-person soft reboot dragged Resident Evil back to basics, and it worked. Trapped in the Baker family's rotting Louisiana estate, the game swaps set-piece spectacle for close, personal dread, and it plays even nastier in VR for anyone who dares.

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7The Evil Within® 2

The Evil Within® 2

4.5(34,881)2017
PS+ ExtraPS Plus ExtraESRB Maturehorror
GoodReview analysis

Overall feedback for 'The Evil Within 2' is mostly positive, with many players praising its engaging story, improved gameplay mechanics, and enhanced graphics. However, a notable minority express dissatisfaction regarding its departure from the horror elements and predictability in the storyline, particularly when compared to the first game.

Why it's here: Shinji Mikami's sequel opens the survival horror formula into semi-open hub areas without losing its grip. Detective Sebastian Castellanos hunts through the fractured town of Union, and the mix of stealth, scavenging, and grotesque enemy design lands it as the list's most underrated pick.

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8SOMA

SOMA

4.5(26,366)2015
ESRB Maturesci-fi
GreatReview analysis

Overall player feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising SOMA for its immersive storytelling, atmosphere, and philosophical themes. However, some criticism has surfaced regarding gameplay mechanics and frustrating bugs that detract from the experience for a minority.

Why it's here: From the Amnesia studio, SOMA is the cerebral choice here. Set in a decaying underwater research station, it uses light stealth and environmental storytelling to ask genuinely disturbing questions about consciousness and identity, and its horror lingers long after the credits.

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9Little Nightmares II

Little Nightmares II

4.5(38,797)2021
ESRB Teenhorror
GoodReview analysis

Overall, players have expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for "Little Nightmares II," praising its atmosphere, graphics, and storytelling, although some have reported frustrating gameplay issues and control problems. The general consensus suggests that while the game is mostly loved, there are notable criticisms concerning its mechanics and difficulty. Despite these critiques, it appears to be a well-received installment in the franchise, especially compared to its predecessor.

Why it's here: The sequel widens the original's toybox of dread. Playing as Mono alongside the raincoated Six, it moves through a broken Pale City of grotesque adults, solving physical puzzles and fleeing rather than fighting, with art direction that does most of the scaring.

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10Little Nightmares

Little Nightmares

4.5(61,691)2017
ESRB Teendark
GreatReview analysis

Overall player feedback for "Little Nightmares" is overwhelmingly positive, with many players praising its unique atmosphere, compelling puzzles, and the art direction. However, a minority of players express frustration over the game's controls and its relatively short gameplay experience.

Why it's here: The atmospheric side-scroller that started it all. Tiny Six creeps through a drowned vessel called the Maw, dwarfed by gluttonous captors, with hunger as a recurring threat. Combat is almost nonexistent, so tension comes entirely from scale, shadow, and timing.

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11Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

4.6(27,750)2024
Co-op: 4ESRB Teenhorror
MixedReview analysis

Overall, player feedback for Phasmophobia indicates a strong divide among users, with many praising its immersive gameplay, especially in VR, while others express frustration over numerous bugs and recent updates that have detracted from their experience. There is a consensus among the more positive reviews that the game is fun, especially when played with friends; however, there are significant criticisms regarding its stability and functionality.

Why it's here: The co-op ghost hunt that defined a wave of streamer horror. Up to four investigators use cameras, EMF readers, and their own voices to identify what is haunting a location, and the game is at its most terrifying the moment the team decides to split up.

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12Dying Light: The Beast

Dying Light: The Beast

4.5(24,463)2025
Co-op: 4ESRB Maturehorror
MixedReview analysis

Overall player feedback for 'Dying Light: The Beast' is predominantly positive, with players praising its gameplay mechanics, visuals, and the return of beloved characters. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the story depth and some gameplay elements that did not meet expectations, leading to a mixed reception. Like the previous installments, while some players love the combat and parkour, others find flaws in the game mechanics and narrative coherence.

Why it's here: The 2025 entry returns to Kyle Crane and doubles down on night terror. Parkour traversal keeps daytime scavenging tense, but nightfall unleashes the hunt, and the volatile Beast mechanic turns the survivor into something the infected finally have reason to fear.

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How we picked the best horror games

Rankings weigh three things: how effectively a game builds and sustains fear, how well it holds up to play in 2026, and player reception drawn from thousands of PlayStation and Steam reviews. We favour horror-first design, so soulslikes with a horror coat of paint sit on our FromSoftware list and action shooters with horror styling are left off. The result mixes genre landmarks that define survival horror with quieter psychological entries and the co-op scares that dominate streams, so there is a starting point here whether you want a story that unsettles you or a night of shared panic with friends.

Curated by Ugur Saritepe. Rankings weigh aggregated player ratings and review sentiment collected from Steam and the PlayStation Store, with catalogue data from IGDB. How we rankPlayStation StoreSteamIGDB

Horror games at a glance

  • SILENT HILL 2
    4.76 / 5PS Plus Extra

    The psychological horror benchmark, remade with its dread and grief intact.

  • RESIDENT EVIL 2
    4.77 / 5

    The purest survival horror starting point, tense from the first corridor.

  • Resident Evil 4
    4.74 / 5

    Action horror that keeps the menace while the guns come out.

  • Dead Space
    4.71 / 5

    The scariest sci-fi entry, built on strategic dismemberment aboard the Ishimura.

  • Alan Wake 2
    4.63 / 5PS Plus Premium

    The most narrative-heavy pick, split across reality and the Dark Place.

  • RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard
    4.64 / 5

    First-person dread at its most personal, and nastier still in VR.

  • The Evil Within® 2
    4.55 / 5PS Plus Extra

    The underrated one, opening survival horror into semi-open hunting grounds.

  • SOMA
    4.53 / 5

    The cerebral choice, trading scares for disturbing questions about identity.

  • Little Nightmares II
    4.55 / 5

    Atmospheric puzzle-horror where the art direction does the scaring.

  • Little Nightmares
    4.5 / 5

    The original tiny-scale nightmare, driven by hunger and helplessness.

  • Phasmophobia
    4.59 / 5

    The definitive co-op ghost hunt, best played with a team that splits up.

  • Dying Light: The Beast
    4.55 / 5

    The action pick, pairing parkour survival with a volatile night hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scariest horror game on PS5?
For pure dread, Silent Hill 2 and SOMA lead on psychological horror, while Resident Evil 7 and Dead Space deliver the most intense moment-to-moment survival horror. The scariest choice depends on whether atmosphere or constant threat unsettles you more.
Which horror game is best for beginners?
Resident Evil 2 (2019) is the ideal entry: its mechanics are approachable, the pacing eases you in, and difficulty options let newcomers manage the tension. The two Little Nightmares games are also gentle starting points, since they rely on atmosphere rather than combat.
Are there co-op horror games on this list?
Yes. Phasmophobia is built for up to four players hunting ghosts together and is the strongest co-op horror pick here. Dying Light: The Beast also supports cooperative play through its campaign for a more action-driven night of scares.
Which of these horror games are on PS Plus?
Availability rotates from month to month, but several entries, including Silent Hill 2, have appeared in the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogues. Check the tier shown on each game card for the current status before buying.

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