TOP games with the most creepy atmosphere

There are tons of great horror games out there for you to enjoy. You can experience some spooky games with friends or try your hand at an intense solo experience. There are horror games for every genre, tone, and playstyle, but what always matters in a horror game is its atmosphere.

TOP games with the most creepy atmosphere Picture 1

Developers know how to make you shiver when playing a game, from demons to aliens. Some games will rely on jump scares, but to really scare someone, you need to create a lot of tension and lead to more adrenaline-filled moments. A terrifying atmosphere will make you play a horror game over and over again. Here are some horror games that have mastered that feeling of dread and unease, creating the perfect atmosphere for you to experience, especially on Halloween.

The Mortuary Assistant

TOP games with the most creepy atmosphere Picture 2

Mortuary Assistant is a terrifying experience that takes place at night in a creepy morgue. You play as an apprentice who is asked to embalm corpses late at night. While trying to complete the job, you soon have to deal with the demonic hauntings that terrorize the rooms. There are also multiple endings to unlock if you are brave enough to play the game multiple times. The more you play, the more mysteries you uncover.

The concept of working with the dead is already unsettling, but adding a demonic entity to the mix forces you to constantly be aware of your surroundings. There are subtle changes whenever you take your eyes off the entity you're dealing with, a spooky atmosphere that surrounds you, and of course, a few jump scares. Everything about the game's atmosphere is perfectly crafted to scare you over and over again. So, what's stopping you from applying for a job at the Morgue?

Amnesia: The Dark Descent

TOP games with the most creepy atmosphere Picture 3

Waking up with amnesia is a terrifying thought, but Amnesia: The Dark Descent builds on that unease and creates an even more terrifying atmosphere. You begin the game in the depths of a vast, dark castle and must do your best to find a way out while uncovering the truth from hints about your character's mysterious past.

Of course, you're not alone in this castle. One of the most terrifying aspects of Amnesia's atmosphere is knowing that, at any moment, a monster could be behind you, ready to come after you. In first-person, you can never quite see what's around you, so you have to rely on the engaging sound design to tell you that. Your mind will often play tricks on you throughout the experience, with distant footsteps and creaking doors. Your best bet is to run and hide to survive.

Little Nightmares Series

TOP games with the most creepy atmosphere Picture 4

The Little Nightmares series offers an engaging experience that quickly draws you into their creative worlds. Both games are cute yet creepy, yet still keep you on your toes throughout the game. The games have a beautiful art style that immerses you in the setting. Often times you will be in dark, gloomy areas, relying on light sources and avoiding terrifying enemies. Both games have great worlds that ensure the atmosphere is always captivating.

The first game asks you to try to escape the Maw, a corrupt entity eager to make you its next meal, as you venture through a prison-like dollhouse. The sequel follows a new protagonist trapped in a strange world warped by a distant tower. Little Nightmares and its sequel are well worth your time, offering plenty of creepy encounters and spooky puzzles to solve. You're sure to have an unforgettable experience no matter which game you take on.

Bramble: The Mountain King

TOP games with the most creepy atmosphere Picture 5

Want to explore some Norse folk horror? Then Bramble: The Mountain King is a great choice. The game starts off fairly peacefully as you explore a beautiful meadow filled with cute little creatures, but the story soon takes a dark, twisted turn as you set out to save your sister from one of the many sinister monsters that lurk in this world.

Bramble: The Mountain King is a surreal, strange, and creepy game that will really scare you at times. It is full of heart-stopping moments and is incredibly tense. The change in tone early in the game is fantastic, meaning you are never quite sure what is going to happen next. From thrilling chase scenes to battles in the dark, this short but terrifying game will not disappoint. It is a unique experience that is well worth checking out.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

TOP games with the most creepy atmosphere Picture 6

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard took the series in a new, creepy direction. While Resident Evil: Village continues the story, Biohazard is largely a standalone experience, which does wonders for its atmosphere. With the switch to a first-person perspective and the feeling of not knowing what to expect from the game, you'll be on edge the entire time you're playing.

You play as Ethan Winters, a regular guy rather than the invincible Leon Kennedy. This makes you feel helpless as you stumble through the Baker house, knowing that, for the most part, running away is your best option. There are plenty of memorable moments and scenes that build up the horror, from creepy video footage to a particularly creepy family dinner. But it's the moments between the big fights and encounters that give this game its incredible atmosphere. The house is filled with unsettling details and decay that make you feel uneasy with every step.

Marvin Fry

Update 08 October 2024