If you’re a fan of horror movies, you know the frustration of watching characters make foolish decisions that often get them or their friends killed. We’ve all yelled at the TV to stop our favorites from opening the door or picking up a hitchhiker. We all know the dreadful feeling of seeing the serial killer sneak behind the poor victim while they have no idea they’re about to die. In survival horror games, players can put themselves in the shoes of their favorite characters and take control of their narrative. They are able to immerse themselves in a world of well-designed terror and often heartbreaking storylines with the option of opting out whenever they choose. Let’s face it, we’ve all paused during jumpscares. Like roller coasters, few things feel as rewarding as the breathless exhilaration of surviving imminent peril. If you enjoy the thrill of surviving haunted houses and escaping serial killers, you’ll love our list of the 10 best survival horror games of all time.

  1. The Last of Us (2013)

Developed by Naughty Dog (of Crash Bandicoot and Uncharted fame) and published by Sony Entertainment, The Last of Us is a third-person survival horror game that focuses on the story of Joel, a ruthless smuggler, and Ellie, a survivor who is immune to an infection that has ravaged the world. The game was released exclusively for the PlayStation 3 and later remastered for the PlayStation 4. Set in the year 2033, the game follows Joel and Ellie’s adventure in a post-apocalyptic United States full of infected cannibals and equally dangerous humans desperate for survival. You can use a wide array of weapons available in the world. Stealth is also a huge part of the gameplay, as expected of a survival horror game. The Last of Us sold 1.3 million copies in its first week and carried that momentum to 3.4 million copies worldwide in three weeks. The game won the BAFTA awards for Best Game, Best Action and Adventure Game, Best Story, Best Performer, and Audio Achievement. Its sequel, The Last of Us Part II, was released on June 19, 2020, and is even better.

  1. Alien: Isolation (2014)

Based on the Alien movie franchise, Alien: Isolation is a stealth horror game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega in 2014. The playable character is engineer Amanda Ripley, daughter of the original protagonist Ellen Ripley, who we follow as she looks into her mother’s disappearance. This first-person survival horror game’s premise is that the player must stealthily avoid drawing the Alien’s attention while traversing an abandoned space station. You are also able to craft items to use against enemies. The play modes are the main story campaign, a Survivor mode, and a Salvage mode. Alien: Isolation has been dubbed by critics as one of the best stealth horror games in recent years, getting a 4.5 out of 5 rating from GamesRadar and 93 out of 100 from PC Gamer. This game is perfect for both fans of the movies and horror games in general.

  1. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

A remake of the 1998 PlayStation survival horror classic, Resident Evil 2 follows rookie cop Leon and college student Claire as they find their way through Raccoon City during a zombie apocalypse. Praised for remaining faithful to the original game, this remake has sold more than 7.8 million copies worldwide. Resident Evil 2 features an over-the-shoulder third-person view that gives the player an immersive perspective. The lighting has also been reduced to improve the world’s thrill and scare factor. You can choose to play as either Leon or Claire and work towards reuniting with the other main character in the hopes of finding a safe way out of the city, which has now been overrun with the infected. Resident Evil is Capcom’s second-highest-grossing franchise next to cult classic Street Fighter, and Resident Evil 2 (2019) is arguably its best installment to date.

  1. The Evil Within (2014)

Directed by Shinji Mikami, creator of Resident Evil, The Evil Within is a third-person survival horror game set in a world of hellish creatures. You play as Sebastian Castellanos, making your way through the supernatural nightmare that is STEM as you try to find the way out one level at a time. You have to survive each stage while avoiding traps and sometimes solving puzzles. The environment also constantly changes without warning which adds variability to the gameplay. Made in the mold of classic horror video games, The Evil Within is the perfect game for people looking for that nostalgic feeling. Its sequel, The Evil Within 2, was released in October 2017 and is a worthy follow-up. 

  1. Dead Space (2008)

One of the more popular horror games of the 2000s, Dead Space belongs to the generation of post-extinction alien thrillers that reignited interest in science fiction. Dead Space is set in 2508, with the main character, Isaac Clarke, navigating his way through a spaceship overrun by alien creatures called Necromorphs. You will also have to deal with Isaac’s developing psychosis as you go through each chapter while collecting weapons and equipment he needs to survive. Dead Space was dubbed one of the greatest games of all time by many critics and magazines for paving the way for the science fiction survival horror genre. This is the best choice for players looking to discover the OGs of survival horror games.  

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

  1. System Shock 2 (1999)

The oldest game on our list, System Shock 2 was revolutionary upon its release, receiving seven Game of the Year awards from different publications. This first-person shooter RPG allows character customization, developing abilities, and reveals the storyline through in-game discoveries. Like many RPGs, it allows you to select a branch of the military where your character will come from, with each faction having unique bonuses and abilities. You will have to fight your way through the spaceship and gather weapons, clues, and equipment to improve your character, slowly learning the truth about humanity’s fate as you go. While its graphics may no longer hold up to today’s standards, System Shock 2 is a great game to introduce to younger gamers to show them just how far the science fiction and survival horror genres have come.

  1. Alan Wake (2010)

This might be the most unique game on our list. Inspired by author Stephen King and TV shows like Lost, Alan Wake follows the titular character through what could be best described as a psychological thriller. Bestselling crime fiction author Alan Wake investigates the sudden disappearance of his wife during a vacation in the small town of Bright Falls, Washington. As you search through the different places in Bright Falls, you will experience events from the plot of Wake’s latest novel, Departure, which he does not remember writing. You must complete six episodes, following the plot of Departure and trying to stay alive while constantly being attacked by shadow creatures called the “Taken.” Light is a major part of the gameplay as the Taken are vulnerable to it. Critics generally praise Alan Wake for its elaborate storyline, intense gameplay, and immersive environment. Time magazine also called it the best video game of 2010.

  1. Silent Hill 2 (2001)

This early 2000s classic is easily one of the greatest video games ever made. Arguably the best game of the famous Silent Hill franchise that has led to thirteen video games and two films, Silent Hill 2 was revolutionary in tackling controversial and even taboo subjects at a time when this was simply unheard of. Silent Hill 2 does not include a head-up display for more realism and immersion, a bold call by the developers when the display is commonly preferred for easy access to game information. In Silent Hill 2, you play the character of James Sunderland who visits the eponymous town after receiving a letter from his dead wife telling him she is waiting for him there. You run around town armed with only a flashlight and a radio, navigating through the darkness and fighting off monsters as you try to find your deceased wife. With graphics that were ahead of its time and a storyline that belongs on the Mount Rushmore of video games, this game is a rite of passage for any fan of the survival horror genre.

  1. BioShock (2007)

The first installment of the popular BioShock franchise is a spiritual successor to System Shock, with most members of its team also having worked on the latter. Taking inspiration from classic authors such as George Orwell and Aldous Huxley, its developers created a storyline of a supposed utopian city that quickly eroded into a dystopian world due to human greed. This biopunk first-person shooter follows the story of Jack in the underwater city of Rapture after a plane crash. You will fight your way through various enemies including the iconic Big Daddies as you try to find your way out. The backstory is revealed through a series of audio recordings that you can collect during the game. BioShock won numerous awards including several Game of the Year awards from media outlets like Game Informer, Spike TV, and BAFTA. It’s widely touted as a must-play game because of its immersive environment, creative worldbuilding, and morality-based storyline.

  1. SOMA (2015)

SOMA is the quintessential survival horror game. Taking place in a remote underwater research facility, protagonist Simon Jarrett wakes up after an experimental treatment brain scan. He signed up for the experiment when a fatal car crash left him with permanent brain damage.  As you move through the facility, you will discover clues, audiotapes, and notes that you will use to slowly piece together the storyline. You will need to explore the facility using stealth to avoid monsters and solve the occasional puzzle. The game tackles existential trauma and focuses on psychological horror as opposed to conventional survival horror jumpscares. The machines in the facility begin to exhibit human traits and consciousness, as the world around the protagonist slowly turns into a nightmare. SOMA is another must-play game for all science fiction fans, survival horror, or psychological thriller games. The game was rated a 9 out of 10 by GameSpot and Polygon and has garnered similar ratings from almost every media outlet. As of March 2021, SOMA has sold more than 1 million copies for PC.

See more about - The 11 best online multiplayer games to play in 2021

If you’re a fan of horror movies, you know the frustration of watching characters make foolish decisions that often get them or their friends killed. We’ve all yelled at the TV to stop our favorites from opening the door or picking up a hitchhiker. We all know the dreadful feeling of seeing the serial killer sneak behind the poor victim while they have no idea they’re about to die. In survival horror games, players can put themselves in the shoes of their favorite characters and take control of their narrative. They are able to immerse themselves in a world of well-designed terror and often heartbreaking storylines with the option of opting out whenever they choose. Let’s face it, we’ve all paused during jumpscares. Like roller coasters, few things feel as rewarding as the breathless exhilaration of surviving imminent peril. If you enjoy the thrill of surviving haunted houses and escaping serial killers, you’ll love our list of the 10 best survival horror games of all time.

  1. The Last of Us (2013)

Developed by Naughty Dog (of Crash Bandicoot and Uncharted fame) and published by Sony Entertainment, The Last of Us is a third-person survival horror game that focuses on the story of Joel, a ruthless smuggler, and Ellie, a survivor who is immune to an infection that has ravaged the world. The game was released exclusively for the PlayStation 3 and later remastered for the PlayStation 4. Set in the year 2033, the game follows Joel and Ellie’s adventure in a post-apocalyptic United States full of infected cannibals and equally dangerous humans desperate for survival. You can use a wide array of weapons available in the world. Stealth is also a huge part of the gameplay, as expected of a survival horror game. The Last of Us sold 1.3 million copies in its first week and carried that momentum to 3.4 million copies worldwide in three weeks. The game won the BAFTA awards for Best Game, Best Action and Adventure Game, Best Story, Best Performer, and Audio Achievement. Its sequel, The Last of Us Part II, was released on June 19, 2020, and is even better.

  1. Alien: Isolation (2014)

Based on the Alien movie franchise, Alien: Isolation is a stealth horror game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega in 2014. The playable character is engineer Amanda Ripley, daughter of the original protagonist Ellen Ripley, who we follow as she looks into her mother’s disappearance. This first-person survival horror game’s premise is that the player must stealthily avoid drawing the Alien’s attention while traversing an abandoned space station. You are also able to craft items to use against enemies. The play modes are the main story campaign, a Survivor mode, and a Salvage mode. Alien: Isolation has been dubbed by critics as one of the best stealth horror games in recent years, getting a 4.5 out of 5 rating from GamesRadar and 93 out of 100 from PC Gamer. This game is perfect for both fans of the movies and horror games in general.

  1. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

A remake of the 1998 PlayStation survival horror classic, Resident Evil 2 follows rookie cop Leon and college student Claire as they find their way through Raccoon City during a zombie apocalypse. Praised for remaining faithful to the original game, this remake has sold more than 7.8 million copies worldwide. Resident Evil 2 features an over-the-shoulder third-person view that gives the player an immersive perspective. The lighting has also been reduced to improve the world’s thrill and scare factor. You can choose to play as either Leon or Claire and work towards reuniting with the other main character in the hopes of finding a safe way out of the city, which has now been overrun with the infected. Resident Evil is Capcom’s second-highest-grossing franchise next to cult classic Street Fighter, and Resident Evil 2 (2019) is arguably its best installment to date.

  1. The Evil Within (2014)

Directed by Shinji Mikami, creator of Resident Evil, The Evil Within is a third-person survival horror game set in a world of hellish creatures. You play as Sebastian Castellanos, making your way through the supernatural nightmare that is STEM as you try to find the way out one level at a time. You have to survive each stage while avoiding traps and sometimes solving puzzles. The environment also constantly changes without warning which adds variability to the gameplay. Made in the mold of classic horror video games, The Evil Within is the perfect game for people looking for that nostalgic feeling. Its sequel, The Evil Within 2, was released in October 2017 and is a worthy follow-up. 

  1. Dead Space (2008)

One of the more popular horror games of the 2000s, Dead Space belongs to the generation of post-extinction alien thrillers that reignited interest in science fiction. Dead Space is set in 2508, with the main character, Isaac Clarke, navigating his way through a spaceship overrun by alien creatures called Necromorphs. You will also have to deal with Isaac’s developing psychosis as you go through each chapter while collecting weapons and equipment he needs to survive. Dead Space was dubbed one of the greatest games of all time by many critics and magazines for paving the way for the science fiction survival horror genre. This is the best choice for players looking to discover the OGs of survival horror games.  

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

  1. System Shock 2 (1999)

The oldest game on our list, System Shock 2 was revolutionary upon its release, receiving seven Game of the Year awards from different publications. This first-person shooter RPG allows character customization, developing abilities, and reveals the storyline through in-game discoveries. Like many RPGs, it allows you to select a branch of the military where your character will come from, with each faction having unique bonuses and abilities. You will have to fight your way through the spaceship and gather weapons, clues, and equipment to improve your character, slowly learning the truth about humanity’s fate as you go. While its graphics may no longer hold up to today’s standards, System Shock 2 is a great game to introduce to younger gamers to show them just how far the science fiction and survival horror genres have come.

  1. Alan Wake (2010)

This might be the most unique game on our list. Inspired by author Stephen King and TV shows like Lost, Alan Wake follows the titular character through what could be best described as a psychological thriller. Bestselling crime fiction author Alan Wake investigates the sudden disappearance of his wife during a vacation in the small town of Bright Falls, Washington. As you search through the different places in Bright Falls, you will experience events from the plot of Wake’s latest novel, Departure, which he does not remember writing. You must complete six episodes, following the plot of Departure and trying to stay alive while constantly being attacked by shadow creatures called the “Taken.” Light is a major part of the gameplay as the Taken are vulnerable to it. Critics generally praise Alan Wake for its elaborate storyline, intense gameplay, and immersive environment. Time magazine also called it the best video game of 2010.

  1. Silent Hill 2 (2001)

This early 2000s classic is easily one of the greatest video games ever made. Arguably the best game of the famous Silent Hill franchise that has led to thirteen video games and two films, Silent Hill 2 was revolutionary in tackling controversial and even taboo subjects at a time when this was simply unheard of. Silent Hill 2 does not include a head-up display for more realism and immersion, a bold call by the developers when the display is commonly preferred for easy access to game information. In Silent Hill 2, you play the character of James Sunderland who visits the eponymous town after receiving a letter from his dead wife telling him she is waiting for him there. You run around town armed with only a flashlight and a radio, navigating through the darkness and fighting off monsters as you try to find your deceased wife. With graphics that were ahead of its time and a storyline that belongs on the Mount Rushmore of video games, this game is a rite of passage for any fan of the survival horror genre.

  1. BioShock (2007)

The first installment of the popular BioShock franchise is a spiritual successor to System Shock, with most members of its team also having worked on the latter. Taking inspiration from classic authors such as George Orwell and Aldous Huxley, its developers created a storyline of a supposed utopian city that quickly eroded into a dystopian world due to human greed. This biopunk first-person shooter follows the story of Jack in the underwater city of Rapture after a plane crash. You will fight your way through various enemies including the iconic Big Daddies as you try to find your way out. The backstory is revealed through a series of audio recordings that you can collect during the game. BioShock won numerous awards including several Game of the Year awards from media outlets like Game Informer, Spike TV, and BAFTA. It’s widely touted as a must-play game because of its immersive environment, creative worldbuilding, and morality-based storyline.

  1. SOMA (2015)

SOMA is the quintessential survival horror game. Taking place in a remote underwater research facility, protagonist Simon Jarrett wakes up after an experimental treatment brain scan. He signed up for the experiment when a fatal car crash left him with permanent brain damage.  As you move through the facility, you will discover clues, audiotapes, and notes that you will use to slowly piece together the storyline. You will need to explore the facility using stealth to avoid monsters and solve the occasional puzzle. The game tackles existential trauma and focuses on psychological horror as opposed to conventional survival horror jumpscares. The machines in the facility begin to exhibit human traits and consciousness, as the world around the protagonist slowly turns into a nightmare. SOMA is another must-play game for all science fiction fans, survival horror, or psychological thriller games. The game was rated a 9 out of 10 by GameSpot and Polygon and has garnered similar ratings from almost every media outlet. As of March 2021, SOMA has sold more than 1 million copies for PC.

See more about - The 11 best online multiplayer games to play in 2021

If you’re a fan of horror movies, you know the frustration of watching characters make foolish decisions that often get them or their friends killed. We’ve all yelled at the TV to stop our favorites from opening the door or picking up a hitchhiker. We all know the dreadful feeling of seeing the serial killer sneak behind the poor victim while they have no idea they’re about to die.

In survival horror games, players can put themselves in the shoes of their favorite characters and take control of their narrative. They are able to immerse themselves in a world of well-designed terror and often heartbreaking storylines with the option of opting out whenever they choose.

Let’s face it, we’ve all paused during jumpscares. Like roller coasters, few things feel as rewarding as the breathless exhilaration of surviving imminent peril. If you enjoy the thrill of surviving haunted houses and escaping serial killers, you’ll love our list of the 10 best survival horror games of all time.

  1. The Last of Us (2013)

Developed by Naughty Dog (of Crash Bandicoot and Uncharted fame) and published by Sony Entertainment, The Last of Us is a third-person survival horror game that focuses on the story of Joel, a ruthless smuggler, and Ellie, a survivor who is immune to an infection that has ravaged the world. The game was released exclusively for the PlayStation 3 and later remastered for the PlayStation 4. Set in the year 2033, the game follows Joel and Ellie’s adventure in a post-apocalyptic United States full of infected cannibals and equally dangerous humans desperate for survival. You can use a wide array of weapons available in the world. Stealth is also a huge part of the gameplay, as expected of a survival horror game. The Last of Us sold 1.3 million copies in its first week and carried that momentum to 3.4 million copies worldwide in three weeks. The game won the BAFTA awards for Best Game, Best Action and Adventure Game, Best Story, Best Performer, and Audio Achievement. Its sequel, The Last of Us Part II, was released on June 19, 2020, and is even better.

  1. Alien: Isolation (2014)

Based on the Alien movie franchise, Alien: Isolation is a stealth horror game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega in 2014. The playable character is engineer Amanda Ripley, daughter of the original protagonist Ellen Ripley, who we follow as she looks into her mother’s disappearance. This first-person survival horror game’s premise is that the player must stealthily avoid drawing the Alien’s attention while traversing an abandoned space station. You are also able to craft items to use against enemies. The play modes are the main story campaign, a Survivor mode, and a Salvage mode. Alien: Isolation has been dubbed by critics as one of the best stealth horror games in recent years, getting a 4.5 out of 5 rating from GamesRadar and 93 out of 100 from PC Gamer. This game is perfect for both fans of the movies and horror games in general.

  1. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

A remake of the 1998 PlayStation survival horror classic, Resident Evil 2 follows rookie cop Leon and college student Claire as they find their way through Raccoon City during a zombie apocalypse. Praised for remaining faithful to the original game, this remake has sold more than 7.8 million copies worldwide. Resident Evil 2 features an over-the-shoulder third-person view that gives the player an immersive perspective. The lighting has also been reduced to improve the world’s thrill and scare factor. You can choose to play as either Leon or Claire and work towards reuniting with the other main character in the hopes of finding a safe way out of the city, which has now been overrun with the infected. Resident Evil is Capcom’s second-highest-grossing franchise next to cult classic Street Fighter, and Resident Evil 2 (2019) is arguably its best installment to date.

  1. The Evil Within (2014)

Directed by Shinji Mikami, creator of Resident Evil, The Evil Within is a third-person survival horror game set in a world of hellish creatures. You play as Sebastian Castellanos, making your way through the supernatural nightmare that is STEM as you try to find the way out one level at a time. You have to survive each stage while avoiding traps and sometimes solving puzzles. The environment also constantly changes without warning which adds variability to the gameplay. Made in the mold of classic horror video games, The Evil Within is the perfect game for people looking for that nostalgic feeling. Its sequel, The Evil Within 2, was released in October 2017 and is a worthy follow-up. 

  1. Dead Space (2008)

One of the more popular horror games of the 2000s, Dead Space belongs to the generation of post-extinction alien thrillers that reignited interest in science fiction. Dead Space is set in 2508, with the main character, Isaac Clarke, navigating his way through a spaceship overrun by alien creatures called Necromorphs. You will also have to deal with Isaac’s developing psychosis as you go through each chapter while collecting weapons and equipment he needs to survive. Dead Space was dubbed one of the greatest games of all time by many critics and magazines for paving the way for the science fiction survival horror genre. This is the best choice for players looking to discover the OGs of survival horror games.  

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

  1. System Shock 2 (1999)

The oldest game on our list, System Shock 2 was revolutionary upon its release, receiving seven Game of the Year awards from different publications. This first-person shooter RPG allows character customization, developing abilities, and reveals the storyline through in-game discoveries. Like many RPGs, it allows you to select a branch of the military where your character will come from, with each faction having unique bonuses and abilities. You will have to fight your way through the spaceship and gather weapons, clues, and equipment to improve your character, slowly learning the truth about humanity’s fate as you go. While its graphics may no longer hold up to today’s standards, System Shock 2 is a great game to introduce to younger gamers to show them just how far the science fiction and survival horror genres have come.

  1. Alan Wake (2010)

This might be the most unique game on our list. Inspired by author Stephen King and TV shows like Lost, Alan Wake follows the titular character through what could be best described as a psychological thriller. Bestselling crime fiction author Alan Wake investigates the sudden disappearance of his wife during a vacation in the small town of Bright Falls, Washington. As you search through the different places in Bright Falls, you will experience events from the plot of Wake’s latest novel, Departure, which he does not remember writing. You must complete six episodes, following the plot of Departure and trying to stay alive while constantly being attacked by shadow creatures called the “Taken.” Light is a major part of the gameplay as the Taken are vulnerable to it. Critics generally praise Alan Wake for its elaborate storyline, intense gameplay, and immersive environment. Time magazine also called it the best video game of 2010.

  1. Silent Hill 2 (2001)

This early 2000s classic is easily one of the greatest video games ever made. Arguably the best game of the famous Silent Hill franchise that has led to thirteen video games and two films, Silent Hill 2 was revolutionary in tackling controversial and even taboo subjects at a time when this was simply unheard of. Silent Hill 2 does not include a head-up display for more realism and immersion, a bold call by the developers when the display is commonly preferred for easy access to game information. In Silent Hill 2, you play the character of James Sunderland who visits the eponymous town after receiving a letter from his dead wife telling him she is waiting for him there. You run around town armed with only a flashlight and a radio, navigating through the darkness and fighting off monsters as you try to find your deceased wife. With graphics that were ahead of its time and a storyline that belongs on the Mount Rushmore of video games, this game is a rite of passage for any fan of the survival horror genre.

  1. BioShock (2007)

The first installment of the popular BioShock franchise is a spiritual successor to System Shock, with most members of its team also having worked on the latter. Taking inspiration from classic authors such as George Orwell and Aldous Huxley, its developers created a storyline of a supposed utopian city that quickly eroded into a dystopian world due to human greed. This biopunk first-person shooter follows the story of Jack in the underwater city of Rapture after a plane crash. You will fight your way through various enemies including the iconic Big Daddies as you try to find your way out. The backstory is revealed through a series of audio recordings that you can collect during the game. BioShock won numerous awards including several Game of the Year awards from media outlets like Game Informer, Spike TV, and BAFTA. It’s widely touted as a must-play game because of its immersive environment, creative worldbuilding, and morality-based storyline.

  1. SOMA (2015)

SOMA is the quintessential survival horror game. Taking place in a remote underwater research facility, protagonist Simon Jarrett wakes up after an experimental treatment brain scan. He signed up for the experiment when a fatal car crash left him with permanent brain damage.  As you move through the facility, you will discover clues, audiotapes, and notes that you will use to slowly piece together the storyline. You will need to explore the facility using stealth to avoid monsters and solve the occasional puzzle. The game tackles existential trauma and focuses on psychological horror as opposed to conventional survival horror jumpscares. The machines in the facility begin to exhibit human traits and consciousness, as the world around the protagonist slowly turns into a nightmare. SOMA is another must-play game for all science fiction fans, survival horror, or psychological thriller games. The game was rated a 9 out of 10 by GameSpot and Polygon and has garnered similar ratings from almost every media outlet. As of March 2021, SOMA has sold more than 1 million copies for PC.

See more about - The 11 best online multiplayer games to play in 2021

1. The Last of Us (2013)

Developed by Naughty Dog (of Crash Bandicoot and Uncharted fame) and published by Sony Entertainment, The Last of Us is a third-person survival horror game that focuses on the story of Joel, a ruthless smuggler, and Ellie, a survivor who is immune to an infection that has ravaged the world. The game was released exclusively for the PlayStation 3 and later remastered for the PlayStation 4.

Set in the year 2033, the game follows Joel and Ellie’s adventure in a post-apocalyptic United States full of infected cannibals and equally dangerous humans desperate for survival. You can use a wide array of weapons available in the world. Stealth is also a huge part of the gameplay, as expected of a survival horror game.

The Last of Us sold 1.3 million copies in its first week and carried that momentum to 3.4 million copies worldwide in three weeks. The game won the BAFTA awards for Best Game, Best Action and Adventure Game, Best Story, Best Performer, and Audio Achievement. Its sequel, The Last of Us Part II, was released on June 19, 2020, and is even better.

2. Alien: Isolation (2014)

Based on the Alien movie franchise, Alien: Isolation is a stealth horror game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega in 2014. The playable character is engineer Amanda Ripley, daughter of the original protagonist Ellen Ripley, who we follow as she looks into her mother’s disappearance.

This first-person survival horror game’s premise is that the player must stealthily avoid drawing the Alien’s attention while traversing an abandoned space station. You are also able to craft items to use against enemies. The play modes are the main story campaign, a Survivor mode, and a Salvage mode.

Alien: Isolation has been dubbed by critics as one of the best stealth horror games in recent years, getting a 4.5 out of 5 rating from GamesRadar and 93 out of 100 from PC Gamer. This game is perfect for both fans of the movies and horror games in general.

3. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

A remake of the 1998 PlayStation survival horror classic, Resident Evil 2 follows rookie cop Leon and college student Claire as they find their way through Raccoon City during a zombie apocalypse. Praised for remaining faithful to the original game, this remake has sold more than 7.8 million copies worldwide.

Resident Evil 2 features an over-the-shoulder third-person view that gives the player an immersive perspective. The lighting has also been reduced to improve the world’s thrill and scare factor. You can choose to play as either Leon or Claire and work towards reuniting with the other main character in the hopes of finding a safe way out of the city, which has now been overrun with the infected.

Resident Evil is Capcom’s second-highest-grossing franchise next to cult classic Street Fighter, and Resident Evil 2 (2019) is arguably its best installment to date.

4. The Evil Within (2014)

Directed by Shinji Mikami, creator of Resident Evil, The Evil Within is a third-person survival horror game set in a world of hellish creatures. You play as Sebastian Castellanos, making your way through the supernatural nightmare that is STEM as you try to find the way out one level at a time.

You have to survive each stage while avoiding traps and sometimes solving puzzles. The environment also constantly changes without warning which adds variability to the gameplay.

Made in the mold of classic horror video games, The Evil Within is the perfect game for people looking for that nostalgic feeling. Its sequel, The Evil Within 2, was released in October 2017 and is a worthy follow-up. 

5. Dead Space (2008)

One of the more popular horror games of the 2000s, Dead Space belongs to the generation of post-extinction alien thrillers that reignited interest in science fiction. Dead Space is set in 2508, with the main character, Isaac Clarke, navigating his way through a spaceship overrun by alien creatures called Necromorphs. You will also have to deal with Isaac’s developing psychosis as you go through each chapter while collecting weapons and equipment he needs to survive.

Dead Space was dubbed one of the greatest games of all time by many critics and magazines for paving the way for the science fiction survival horror genre. This is the best choice for players looking to discover the OGs of survival horror games.

 

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

6. System Shock 2 (1999)

The oldest game on our list, System Shock 2 was revolutionary upon its release, receiving seven Game of the Year awards from different publications. This first-person shooter RPG allows character customization, developing abilities, and reveals the storyline through in-game discoveries. Like many RPGs, it allows you to select a branch of the military where your character will come from, with each faction having unique bonuses and abilities.

You will have to fight your way through the spaceship and gather weapons, clues, and equipment to improve your character, slowly learning the truth about humanity’s fate as you go. While its graphics may no longer hold up to today’s standards, System Shock 2 is a great game to introduce to younger gamers to show them just how far the science fiction and survival horror genres have come.

7. Alan Wake (2010)

This might be the most unique game on our list. Inspired by author Stephen King and TV shows like Lost, Alan Wake follows the titular character through what could be best described as a psychological thriller.

Bestselling crime fiction author Alan Wake investigates the sudden disappearance of his wife during a vacation in the small town of Bright Falls, Washington. As you search through the different places in Bright Falls, you will experience events from the plot of Wake’s latest novel, Departure, which he does not remember writing.

You must complete six episodes, following the plot of Departure and trying to stay alive while constantly being attacked by shadow creatures called the “Taken.” Light is a major part of the gameplay as the Taken are vulnerable to it.

Critics generally praise Alan Wake for its elaborate storyline, intense gameplay, and immersive environment. Time magazine also called it the best video game of 2010.

8. Silent Hill 2 (2001)

This early 2000s classic is easily one of the greatest video games ever made. Arguably the best game of the famous Silent Hill franchise that has led to thirteen video games and two films, Silent Hill 2 was revolutionary in tackling controversial and even taboo subjects at a time when this was simply unheard of. Silent Hill 2 does not include a head-up display for more realism and immersion, a bold call by the developers when the display is commonly preferred for easy access to game information.

In Silent Hill 2, you play the character of James Sunderland who visits the eponymous town after receiving a letter from his dead wife telling him she is waiting for him there. You run around town armed with only a flashlight and a radio, navigating through the darkness and fighting off monsters as you try to find your deceased wife.

With graphics that were ahead of its time and a storyline that belongs on the Mount Rushmore of video games, this game is a rite of passage for any fan of the survival horror genre.

9. BioShock (2007)

The first installment of the popular BioShock franchise is a spiritual successor to System Shock, with most members of its team also having worked on the latter. Taking inspiration from classic authors such as George Orwell and Aldous Huxley, its developers created a storyline of a supposed utopian city that quickly eroded into a dystopian world due to human greed.

This biopunk first-person shooter follows the story of Jack in the underwater city of Rapture after a plane crash. You will fight your way through various enemies including the iconic Big Daddies as you try to find your way out. The backstory is revealed through a series of audio recordings that you can collect during the game.

BioShock won numerous awards including several Game of the Year awards from media outlets like Game Informer, Spike TV, and BAFTA. It’s widely touted as a must-play game because of its immersive environment, creative worldbuilding, and morality-based storyline.

10. SOMA (2015)

SOMA is the quintessential survival horror game. Taking place in a remote underwater research facility, protagonist Simon Jarrett wakes up after an experimental treatment brain scan. He signed up for the experiment when a fatal car crash left him with permanent brain damage. 

As you move through the facility, you will discover clues, audiotapes, and notes that you will use to slowly piece together the storyline. You will need to explore the facility using stealth to avoid monsters and solve the occasional puzzle.

The game tackles existential trauma and focuses on psychological horror as opposed to conventional survival horror jumpscares. The machines in the facility begin to exhibit human traits and consciousness, as the world around the protagonist slowly turns into a nightmare.

SOMA is another must-play game for all science fiction fans, survival horror, or psychological thriller games. The game was rated a 9 out of 10 by GameSpot and Polygon and has garnered similar ratings from almost every media outlet. As of March 2021, SOMA has sold more than 1 million copies for PC.

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