2024's top horror video games
Would you want some spooks? There are enough spine-tingling jump scares, horrifying ghouls, and hair-raising ghosts on our list of the top horror games for mobile, Switch, and other platforms to keep you up all night. We have something for everyone, from the spectacular frights like Resident Evil, The Mortuary Assistant, and more, to more laid-back selections like Luigi's Mansion 3 and Poppy playtime.
You're about to discover, however, that our thorough coverage of stuff centred on terror doesn't stop here. See our Poppy Playtime characters, FNAF characters, Dead by Daylight killers, and Dead by Daylight characters guides for more scary stories.
The top horror games for Switch and mobile devices are listed here:
The Mansion of Luigi
We had to add this contemporary classic as a taster for the real terrors that await you farther down the list. Take Luigi to Last Resort for a (not so) peaceful vacation, then set off on a ghoulish, oozy mission to free Mario from a haunting hotel's clutches. Imagine Ghostbusters mixed with Scooby Doo, only instead of Ghostbusters, you're almost there.
The moods are spot on, the riddles are easy, and the battle is enjoyable. We really like the cooperative mode where two players may join forces to play as ooey-gooey slime Luigi and Mario, respectively. No matter how spooky you are, the entire family will enjoy this accessible spookfest filled with outrageous antics and plenty of scary pranks.
Five Nights at Freddy's
Android / iOS / Nintendo Switch
Now, granted, this isn't a single game, but how could we compile a list of the greatest horror mobile games without the FNAF games, perhaps the most recognisable series in recent memory? This one you should be familiar with by now. Your objective is to survive the night as a security guard (or, in one game, a kid) and escape being chomped by a collection of eerie, demonic animatronics. Is there anything not to love? We also include a comprehensive FNAF download guide to help you get started straight away and never miss a scare.
Are you still unsure whether this series is right for you? Check see ourFNAF Security Breach review if that's the case. Alternatively, explore the enigmas surrounding Freddy Fazbear and friends by perusing our guides on FNAF characters and Five Nights at Freddy's jumpscares. We also have a list of the top FNAF plushies, in case you're looking for a spooky-cute companion to curl up with on a gloomy night.
The Evil Within
Without the original Resident Evil series in its ranks, what kind of horror game list would it be? Indeed, each and every one of them. The Resident Evil series is full of masterpieces, many of which you can read on our handy hybrid console either on the move or lounging in bed.
There are far too many gorgeous things to discuss here, so for now, get acquainted with these breathtaking survival gems by reading our guides to the greatest Resident Evil games on Switch and our list of the Resident Evil characters (which includes icons like Resident Evil’s Leon, Resident Evil’s Jill, and Resident Evil’s Chris). Not only is the Switch receiving all the Resident Evil action, but the iPhone is also getting access to the remakes of Resident Evil 4, 7, and 8.
The Funeral Caregiver
Nintendo Switch
You play as, you guessed it, a mortuary assistant in the delightfully bizarre adventure, simulation, and horror game The Mortuary Assistant. This one requires a strong stomach since, in addition to going through the full process of examining and embalming a body, you will also have to deal with demons.
That's correct, this isn't just any mortuary; it seems to be a demonic hotspot. Before the night is over, you must determine which body is possessed and the name of the demon, unless you want to go down to the underworld with them. While completing the task at hand, you will encounter several unnerving apparitions, spine-tingling jumpscares, and clues about the horrific history our protagonist has experienced. This woman deserves to be named employee of the month—talk about a professional.
In several aspects, the game is rather brief. After the first night, you may still work shifts, however it's uncommon that two nights will be the same since the "haunt events" are unpredictable. If you want to try to put together all the many components of the game's bizarre universe, there are also a number of endings that you may investigate.
The World of Horror
Nintendo Switch
This brings us to something a little different. The roguelite gameplay loop of this visually stunning horror game, which draws inspiration from Junji Ito and HP Lovecraft, requires you to solve puzzles, battle strange creatures, and stave off the wrath of the ancient gods.
Every playing is quite brief, but like The Mortuary Assistant, there are a tonne of mysteries to find and new features to unlock, and because of the game's RNG-heavy mechanisms, no two plays are exactly the same. In order to maintain variety, the game's colour schemes and gameplay modes provide a plethora of customisation choices.
The gameplay is a blend of traditional role-playing games, survival horror, and text-based adventure, with a dash of visual novel added for good measure. It seems spot-on, has exquisite narrative, and reads like a tribute to Ito's well-known tales. Before you buy, be sure to read our World of Horror review if you'd want additional information.
"Dead by Daylight" iOS /Android / Nintendo SwitchIn the genre-defining asymmetrical horror game Dead by Daylight, you may either play as the victim or as a ruthless murderer. As a murderer, you may choose from a variety of terrifying and famous characters, then use all of their vicious abilities to track down your target.Your primary objective as a survivor is implied by the name: you have to live. It's totally up to you how you go about doing it. Will you toss your comrades under the chainsaw to save yourself, or will you aid your teammates? Whatever happens, it's going to be an absolute blast.Get some of our Dead by Daylight codes if you're going to be getting into that slasher action, and keep an eye on our Dead by Daylight movie guide for details on the next big hit.
The Madness of Vlad the Circus
Nintendo SwitchThe brutal survival horror game Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness has exquisitely understated pixel visuals. Eight years after the devastating fire that tore the Vlad Circus team apart, Oliver Mills, a disturbed man and former circus clown, reunites with the others in this drama, which is set in 1920s America.What comes next is a strange and bizarre journey filled with secrets and enigmas to unravel, a tonne of confusing riddles to work through, terrifying hallucinations to contend with, and a heartbreaking story that will leave you in disbelief. It is simple but very evocative, and you will remember its spine-tingling surprises for a very long time.Do you still need more persuasion before purchasing a ticket? If so, you should definitely read our review of Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness, which we believe is well worth the admission price.Paranormasight Nintendo Switch The graphic book Paranormasight will chill you to the bone by drawing you into a complex web of stories about a cast of individuals who are cursed to death. Explore the dreams, anxieties, and motives of these intriguing individuals as you uncover the Seven Mysteries of Honjo and delve further into the horrors of the world around you, all set against a masterfully rendered background of late 20th-century Japan.We refer to this one as a "masterpiece" and the "gold standard of supernaturally suspenseful visual novels" in our Paranormasight review. Personally, I even gave this bad boy my first-ever 10/10. I think it's worth every cent since you get a tonne of backstory, terror, and attention to detail for a shockingly cheap price.
Assignment
iOS / Android / Nintendo SwitchWith origins in both martial rule and the repressive terror of the White Terror, Detention is a wonderfully eerie game that draws heavily on Taiwanese-Chinese folklore and mythology. Gracing the gorgeously macabre 2D world of a 1960s high school, you'll discover a world of hostile supernatural happenings and a profound terror of the demons that lurk inside each of us. It may cut near to the bone for some and touches on some serious issues, but if you believe you can manage it, this tiny treasure is very artistic.Madison is Madison is a terrifyingly delightful psychological horror film that has a disorienting plot, dissuading riddles, a stifling atmosphere, and an overwhelming feeling of dread. With just a Polaroid camera at your disposal, you must slowly walk around a haunting building while piecing together a horrifying story of murder, demons, and possession—and figure out how it all connects to you.We like the intense tension, agonising pace, and macabre riddles of this one. The oppressive atmosphere is genuine, broken by some unexpectedly effective jumpscares. See our Madison review for additional information.Happy Hour
iOS / AndroidPoppy Playtime is a horror survival series with a huge fan base that is full of riddles, possessed toys, and bizarre fun. Assuming the character of a former worker at Funtime Co., you go back to your previous workplace, the now-closed factory. Once within, a plethora of creatures, laborious riddles, and macabre secrets await you. Can you discover the real story behind Funtime Co. and its terrifying secrets?Are you still unsure whether these are the spooks for you? If so, you should read our spoiler-free Poppy Playtime Chapter 3 review as well as our mobile Poppy Playtime Chapter 1 review and Poppy Playtime Chapter 2 review.Check out ourPoppy Playtime chapter 1 andPoppy Playtime chapter 2 walkthroughs for comprehensive instructions on how to get through if you're hoping to avoid falling into the hands ofPoppy Playtime’s Huggy Wuggy andPoppy Playtime’s Mommy Long Legs. In case you need a companion, we also offer instructions on Poppy Playtime Kissy Missy, Poppy Playtime Poppy, and more.Death Mark: Spirit Hunter
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark has a cult following despite having straightforward point-and-click and visual novel gameplay, in large part because of its captivating narrative and spine-tingling artwork. You take on the role of Yashiki, a guy who has no memory and is left roaming about with an enigmatic scar on his arm that resembles a bitemark.When the gang arrives to a mansion with other individuals who have the same scar, they learn that they are all under a spirit curse and that their days are limited as long as they have the mark on their bodies.Then, in an attempt to rescue yourself and the other mark bearers, you go out on a terrifying adventure where you must battle ghosts and lay them to rest. If you want to see a ghost again, you have to unravel and make sense of their terrible and horrible history.Similar to Paranormasight, Spirit Hunter: Death Mark doesn't have voice acting, but the eerie soundtrack and noises make up for it. Just be advised that some really serious issues may be handled, making it inappropriate for certain viewers.If you like Spirit Hunter: Death Mark and would want to learn more about Yashiki and the Mark Bearers' fight against the paranormal, you'll be happy to hear that Death Mark II—which is now available on Switch—is fantastic. Check out our review of Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II, which we describe as "a brilliant continuation of an already outstanding series, and a real masterclass in supernatural storytelling," to learn more.Spirit Hunter: New GuineaAlright, I realise the first tale on this list is already here, but I can't help but be drawn to this wonderful companion piece. Enter the bizarre realm of urban legends with Spirit Hunter: NG, where you'll be thrust into a terrifying game of life and death while trying to rescue the people you love and yourself.Spirit Hunter: NG streamlines gameplay and has a more user-friendly UI, ironing out many of the game's bugs. However, you don't need to in order to comprehend this one. The plot is excellent, the survivor escape moments are heart-pounding, and the artwork is horrifyingly beautiful.Though it has an intriguing in-game feature to turn off or increase the severity of jump scares, which is wonderful for some fast thrills, it also lacks voice acting, which seems like a waste given its premium price. If you like really scary ghost tales, I strongly suggest reading this one.
Isolation: Alien
You step into the role of Ripley's daughter in this fantastic return to the Alien universe. You are stuck aboard a barren spaceship and must utilise every resource at your disposal to find the reason for your mother's abduction, evade the fearsome Xenomorph, and, well, live.It's understandable why this game has been at the top of many horror lovers' lists for so long—it's pretty much everything we could have ever wanted in a game based on the venerable Alien franchise. So definitely give it a go if you have an affinity for aliens and are very afraid of them.
The Adventurer Amanda
Nintendo SwitchThe plot of the fascinating horror puzzle game Amanda the Adventurer centres around a collection of VHS cassettes that feature episodes of a children's programme similar to Dora the Explorer. But it soon becomes clear that this programme isn't as innocent as it first seems, and there's a lot of dark, unsettling background behind it.In this straightforward game, you listen the recordings and work out riddles pertaining to them as you learn more information and mysteries. Its numerous endings and unsolved mysteries are what make it magical; you can read more about them in our Amanda the Adventurer review. If you're interested, we also have instructions for Amanda the Adventurer's Wooly and Amanda the Adventurer 2.