The horror genre, especially survival horror, was on the verge of disappearing a couple of years ago. This is not an exaggeration, as there were very few horror games being released at the time. However, in 2023, the narrative started shifting in favor of horror games thanks to a major release like Alan Wake 2.
After that, Konami followed with the Silent Hill 2 remake, and things started to look promising for horror genre fans. The genre is booming, and this year we came across plenty of solid releases. I will list a few of the best horror games released in 2025, based on my experience, ranging from indie titles to blockbusters.
Disclaimer
This is not a ranking of the horror games released in 2025. I am just mentioning the horror games that I played and found the most compelling this year. So, this list is based on the experience I had this year with the horror genre, meaning it can differ from your opinion.
Silent Hill f
The best horror game that I played in 2025 is arguably Silent Hill f. I agree with most of the controversies surrounding this game, with the major one being that it is not actually a Silent Hill game. Just having a foggy town does not make a game Silent Hill. So, I would agree with those who criticize it for not being a true Silent Hill title.
That said, as a horror game, it delivered. I am a huge fan of the horror genre, and this game gave me enough dopamine for the year. The jumpscares, environment, enemies, bosses, and everything in this game are top-notch scary. While it did not win any award at TGA 2025, mainly because of how many good games were released this year, it absolutely dominated The Horror Games Awards 2025.
There, it received the Game of the Year, Best Narrative, Technical Achievement, and Best Performance awards. Its story and environment were the best part of it, and I would not hesitate to play it again.
If you have not played this game yet and you are a fan of the horror genre, then I strongly recommend you give it a shot. However, do not go into this game thinking it will be a Silent Hill title, as you may get disappointed. It is currently available at 40 percent off, so it is perhaps the best time to give it a go.
If you want to give it a try, then check out our complete walkthrough of Silent Hill f and relevant guides to enhance your experience.
Little Nightmares 3
Another great horror game I played this year is Little Nightmares 3. I agree that this game was a letdown compared to the other games in the franchise. The dual protagonist system was quite good in my opinion, and playing with a friend was a pretty fun experience.
I agree that the horror aspect was lacking, but still, it was a fun horror game. Now, I do not understand some of the criticism that it was lacking way too much horror. That is not really true. The environmental horror aspect was there, and this is what defines a Little Nightmares game.
The bosses were also pretty decent, and the chase sequences did give adrenaline. However, the main issue the community thinks is not the lack of horror, as that was just a concern of a few fans. The main thing was the price-to-game-length ratio. The game is actually very short, as it takes only 3 to 5 hours to complete.
That, I would agree, is not fair. But if you are a fan of the franchise and want to experience a good horror game with your friend, then I recommend playing it. Also, your friend does not have to buy it in order to play, as there is a Friends Pass available.
If you want to give it a try, then check out our complete walkthrough of Little Nightmares 3 and relevant guides to enhance your experience.
Look Outside
This year was the year of indie games. Indies absolutely dominated 2025 and even outperformed massive AAA games with millions of dollars in budget. Even the Game of the Year award 2025 was won by Expedition 33, an indie game. So, horror indie games in 2025 were also not lacking, and one of the best ones released this year was Look Outside.
While my favorite horror game of 2025 was Silent Hill f, Look Outside is right next to it, if not above. It was an absolute masterpiece of a horror game, mainly because of how it relies on psychological horror rather than jumpscares. Do not get me wrong, I love jumpscares, as Silent Hill 2 and Alan Wake 2 are two of my favorite horror games.
However, the way Look Outside implements psychological horror is absolutely brilliant. The game builds fear through unease and uncertainty. You will not know what might happen, and that feeling amplifies the horror aspect. The premise is simple, but the execution? That is brilliant.
I also love the art style a lot, as it features low-res, retro-inspired visuals. The feeling of isolation is great, and you always have the fear of the unknown. That said, it is quite a disturbing game, so if you are not into that, I do not recommend playing it. However, if you are a horror games enthusiast, it might be a great title for you.
CloverPit
CloverPit is on my list mainly because it is weird, confusing, and it does not follow the formula of mainstream horror games. This game actually managed to impress me to the point I never imagined it would. It is not a slot machine simulator; instead, it is a rogue-lite horror indie title that traps you in your own creation.
I am almost certain that this game will make you feel uneasy, and that is a good feeling when playing a horror game. The main focus of this game is not to let the player expect what is about to happen. This type of unpredictability is where horror games truly shine.
Some people may think of it as a roguelike before attempting it, but it is a rogue-lite. This is a little different from roguelike games, as death does not mean a complete restart. The runs will be randomized, but your knowledge and abilities will remain. So, it will not be a frustrating experience.
It is a solid indie horror game that focuses on creativity and making the experience as scary for the player as possible. This is why indie titles are usually more creative than AAA ones.
No, I’m Not Human
Another solid indie horror game released this year is No, I am Not Human. This game also focuses more on the psychological horror aspect, and that works perfectly. The fear of not knowing what might happen may, on paper, seem underwhelming, but it is actually one of the strongest feelings.
Momentary scares in horror games do work. However, having psychological stress all the time is what I prefer. You do not know the consequences of your actions, so even small decisions would matter. Even without solid visuals, the game offers a strong sense of horror that can be draining.
I find the game quite unsettling, as if it focuses even the silences will seem deliberate because they are. One more thing, if you have not tried the game yet, I recommend giving it a shot, because it does not create fear through monsters; it creates fear through psychology.
If you want to give it a try, then check out our complete walkthrough of No, I’m Not Human to enhance your experience.
Dead Take
As I said before, this year indie titles shone, and they absolutely dominated. So, another game on the list is an indie title, Dead Take, one of the best horror games released in 2025. Now, this is a niche one even among horror fans. If you are an escape room fan, you will like it, but even as a horror game enthusiast, I think you will find this a solid game.
This game features real actors, and it requires a lot of understanding. The fear in this game will not come from monsters. It will come from human behavior. The fear it fills inside you is unsettling, and not in a good way. There are not many games that can replicate this feeling, and that is exactly why it is not for everyone.
Even Sam Lake endorsed this game, so it is a piece of art. The performance is genuinely great, and escaping the mansion builds quite an intense situation. If you like such experiences, then it is a must-play title.
If you want to give it a try, then check out our complete walkthrough of Dead Take to enhance your experience.
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Obaid Ur Rehman is a lifelong gaming enthusiast with a deep passion for writing about video games. While he enjoys all genres, he specializes in RPGs and Soulslike titles. After tackling some of the toughest bosses, he often unwinds with a cozy game to relax. Outside of gaming, Obaid enjoys watching anime, bingeing TV series, or staying active at the gym.
