The Best Horror Games You Can Play on the PS5


There have been plenty of great horror games over the years, some of which have gone on to spawn multi-million dollar franchises with movies, television shows, and comic book releases. More than most though, the horror genre is one that has benefited greatly from the rise of more powerful home consoles, which has in turn provided developers with new ways to interact with and terrify their audiences.



Related

10 Games That Defined The Survival Horror Genre & Where You Can Play Them

Despite decades of innovation, the influence of Resident Evil and other titles like it remains clearly evident in most modern survival horror games.

With its impressive processing power and state-of-the-art controller, the PS5 is a great example of this, allowing developers to create stunning environments and hit players with a heavy dose of haptic feedback whenever they see fit. The best horror games on the PlayStation 5 don’t just rely on the power of the console though, instead drawing players in with their engrossing narratives, compelling characters, and unique gameplay mechanics.


20 Martha is Dead

OpenCritic Rating: 69

Image from Martha is Dead showing a dead woman washing up on the shore.

There have been some truly exceptional indie horror games over the past decade or so, from Five Nights at Freddy’s to Yumme Nikki. A more recent example of this is the award-winning Martha is Dead, a psychological survival horror game from Italian studio LKA. The game boasts an excellent story, fantastic writing, and surprisingly detailed visuals given its limited budget.


Martha is Dead takes place in the fictional town of Romalia during the Second World War and sees players controlling Giulia, the twin sister of the titular character, Martha. There are no enemies for players to overcome, but they will be faced with plenty of jump scares and a healthy spattering of gore. All in all, it’s a solid supernatural adventure that’s well worth a look.

martha-is-dead-cover-1

Martha Is Dead

Developer
LKA

Publisher(s)
Wired Productions

Released
February 24, 2022

PS Plus Availability
N/A

19 Until Dawn

OpenCritic Rating: 69

Until Dawn sequel teased by actor Peter Stormare

The original release of Until Dawn was hugely influential, inspiring countless other video games and laying the foundations for a brand-new sub-genre of gaming with its heavy focus on interactive story-telling and choice-based consequences. It’s a must-play game for any true horror game aficionado, but whether the same can truly be said of its 2024 remake is a matter for debate.


Sure, the remake looks better and introduces new scenes and endings, but it’s hardly the huge leap forward that some might have hoped for given the decade or so since the original’s release. Interactive storytelling has come a long way since 2015, yet the Until Dawn remake feels more like an unfinished blueprint than a reimagined classic. For first-time players, this might not be a problem, but those who’ve already experienced the original may well come to regret their purchase.

Until Dawn Remake Tag Page Cover Art

Systems

PC-1 PlayStation-1

Developer(s)
Ballistic Moon

Publisher(s)
PlayStation PC LLC

Released
October 4, 2024

PS Plus Availability
N/A

18 Resident Evil 3

OpenCritic Rating: 79

Jill Valentine looking into a mirror in Resident Evil 3


Although it may not stack up to the same lofty standards set by the remakes of the series’ second and fourth installments, Resident Evil 3 is still a fantastic horror game. The ever-present set of Nemesis helps to keep players on their toes at all times, while the improved visuals and tighter controls make for a much more accessible experience than the one provided by the original game.

Some will perhaps argue that more could have been done to improve the user experience, with aiming and inventory management being two of the main complaints that a lot of people have. Not all of the changes to the narrative are for the better either, although most franchise fans would probably agree that Resident Evil 3 remains faithful to the original where it matters most.

resident evil 3 remake poster

Released
April 3, 2020

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

17 The Outlast Trials

OpenCritic Rating: 72

outlast-trials-scales-of-justice


Initially released for PC via Steam’s Early Access program in May of 2023, The Outlast Trials got off to a bit of a rocky start. By the time its full release rolled around in March of the following year though, most of the wrinkles had been ironed out, leaving behind a silky smooth survival horror game that once again places a heavy emphasis on stealth.

The introduction of co-operative multiplayer to the franchise further adds to the overall experience, forcing players to work in harmony if they’re to have any hopes of surviving. Although jumpscares still do a lot of the heavy lifting, the sound design and environments are among the genre’s finest, making this a must-play for any true horror game fan.

outlast-keyart-1

Released
May 18, 2023

PS Plus Availability
N/A

16 Alan Wake Remastered

OpenCritic Rating: 80

Alan-Wake-Remastered-Gameplay-Screenshot-Combat


Given that Alan Wake was one of the best psychological horror games of the seventh console generation, the decision to greenlight a sequel was likely a fairly easy one, as too was remastering the original title for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Unfortunately, the 2021 release is nowhere near as groundbreaking as its 2010 predecessor was, but it’s able to offer up a solid enough experience nonetheless.

Though the developers made a big deal about the game’s cinematic qualities, it’s the storytelling that really makes it stand out. Of course, taking down Taken can still be pretty enjoyable, but it serves more as the appetizer than it does the entree. In addition to its excellent narrative, the game’s use of light is particularly notable and serves as a nice contrast to some of the darker themes that are explored.

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Alan Wake Remastered

Released
October 5, 2021

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium


15 The Quarry

OpenCritic Rating: 79

the protagonists throwing a bonfire party in the quarry

Supermassive Games is a studio that has fully mastered the art of interactive storytelling and thus has carved out a special place for itself in the modern gaming landscape. Its games are about as close as one could ever get to playing a horror movie, with The Quarry arguably being the best example of what exactly the British developer is truly capable of.

Some may not appreciate the game’s hands-off approach to action, but fans of branching narratives and player agency should love what’s on offer here. The game can at times be genuinely scary too, with its summer camp setting being eerily reminiscent of the one found in Friday The 13th. With almost 200 different endings, the game is infinitely replayable too, and also boasts support for up to eight players.


THE QUARRY

Released
June 10, 2022

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

14 Dead Island 2

OpenCritic Rating: 75

dead island 2 box art closeup

After many years trapped in development hell, Dead Island 2 was finally released in April of 2023. Much like its predecessor, the game focuses more on providing its players with a fun experience rather than trying to spook them, but this arguably works in its favor and helps to set it apart from other open-world Zombie games like Dying Light 2 and Days Gone.

The story is pretty basic and certain mechanics can start to get a little repetitive after a while, but other than that, it’s difficult to find too many faults with what’s on offer here. The game runs well, it looks great, and, perhaps most importantly, messing up zombies feels highly enjoyable, particularly as players start to expand their arsenal of weapons a little.


DeadIsland2TagGamePage

Released
April 21, 2023

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

13 The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Tourist Edition

OpenCritic Rating: 83

Walking Dead Saints and Sinners 2 Dying Light

Immersion plays an important role in most of the best PS5 horror games, and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is no exception in this regard. In fact, the Tourist Edition is one of the most immersive games on the console thanks both to its PSVR 2 support and the noticeably improved visuals that it brings with it.

Fighting off a horde of zombies in virtual reality can be absolutely terrifying, particularly once it starts to get dark outside. It’s quite an exhilarating experience too though, with players needing to use a combination of melee weapons and firearms to keep themselves alive. For those who just can’t get enough, the game’s 2022 sequel provides more of the same, while also continuing the Tourist’s story.


WalkingDeadSaintsSinnersTagPage

Systems

PC-1

Released
January 23, 2020

PS Plus Availability
Premium

12 Lies of P

OpenCritic Rating: 82

lies of P key art

Strictly speaking, Lies of P is more of a grimdark story, but the horror themes that it incorporates should be more than enough to satiate the desires of most horror game fans. It’s also one of the hardest horror games on the PlayStation 5, making it the perfect title for both masochists and thrill-seekers alike.

The game provides players with a unique take on the classic tale of Pinocchio, throwing them head-first into the dystopian city of Krat. The Soulslike mechanics should feel familiar to fans of games like Bloodborne and Steelrising, but that’s not to say that the 2023 title doesn’t still bring plenty of new ideas to the table as well.

lies of p-1

Developer(s)
Round8 Studio , Neowiz

Released
September 19, 2023

PS Plus Availability
N/A


11 Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!

OpenCritic Rating: 87

The Girls Of Doki Doki Literature Club

At a glance, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! may seem like little more than your average visual novel. As is so often the case, though, you should never judge a book by its cover. This is a game that takes just about every opportunity available to subvert the player’s expectations; ultimately providing them with one of the best psychological horror experiences in recent memory.

The plus version of the game introduces additional side stories and a bunch of unlockable concept art, providing plenty of reasons for those who have already played the original to check it out. In fact, some would perhaps argue that it’s better to have played the original first, as although the story remains largely unchanged, there are a few subtle differences that may not be to everybody’s taste.


doki doki literature club plus

Developer(s)
Team Salvato

Publisher(s)
Team Salvato

Released
June 30, 2021

10 Resident Evil Village

OpenCritic Rating: 84

Resident Evill Village Lady Dimitrescu threatening smile

When most people think of Resident Evil Village, Lady Dimitrescu is usually the first thing that springs to mind. However, there’s much more to the series’ eighth mainline installment than just a freakishly large vampire lady with extendible fingers. In fact, some of the game’s other boss fights end up being a lot more memorable and infinitely scarier too.

Related

Lady Dimitrescu vs. Mr. X: Who Is The Better Resident Evil Villain?

Resident Evil 8’s tall vampire lady may have the edge when it comes to popularity, but Mr. X arguably makes for an equally effective antagonist.

Whether or not Resident Evil can still be classed as a series about zombies is perhaps a matter for debate, but few would dare dispute its position at the forefront of the survival horror game space. Having played such a huge role in both defining and popularizing the genre back in the late nineties, it continues to push boundaries even today, replacing the mindless zombies of yesteryear with far more terrifying foes as it does so.


resident-evil-village-1

Released
May 7, 2021

PS Plus Availability
N/A

9 Returnal

OpenCritic Rating: 86

Selene pointing a gun in Returnal

Returnal is one of those psychological horror games in which the atmosphere does a lot of the heavy lifting. With this in mind, it certainly helps that the game’s stunning sci-fi world is beautifully rendered, with everything on planet Atropos looking incredibly impressive and helping to add to the sense of impending doom that follows Selene throughout her journey like a bad odor.

Those who are unfamiliar with the roguelike game formula may struggle with Returnal at first, as playing the game can feel like an incredibly unrewarding endeavor while players are still learning the ropes. However, after a few hours once they’ve started to really get the hang of things, they’ll discover a one-of-a-kind experience that cements Returnal‘s place as one of the best horror games on the PS5.


returnal game

Systems

PC-1 PlayStation-1

Released
April 30, 2021

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

8 Dredge

OpenCritic Rating: 82

Dredge Phantom Shark

Dredge is far from a traditional horror game, with the title instead taking the form of an open-world fishing game. Rather than mackerels and herrings though, the player will instead find all kinds of ungodly sea creatures at the end of their line and even more terrifying things lurking down in the depths beneath their boat.

Related

Dredge: 6 Things That Make It Unique

Dredge incorporates a few unique elements that make it a blast to play.

It’s one of a growing number of games that draw much of their inspiration from H. P. Lovecraft, with the cosmic horror author’s work having had a noticeable impact on various aspects of Dredge‘s world. Players will not only be surprised by how terrifying this indie title can be at times, but also by how satisfying and addictive its fishing sim elements can be.


dredge-cover-1

Developer(s)
Black Salt Games

Released
March 31, 2023

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

7 Resident Evil 2

OpenCritic Rating: 92

Resident Evil 2 Mr. X

Despite more than a quarter of a century having now passed since the release of Resident Evil 2, it still remains a certified classic. However, the 2019 remake did an excellent job of reimagining the title for modern-day audiences, with the many technological advancements allowing the team to do things that the original devs could only have dreamed of.

Released in mid-2022, the PS5 version of the remake runs at a higher resolution, with better textures and filtering also leading to a much crisper image. The game now boasts support for ray tracing too, which can make a huge difference in some of the areas that rely heavily on their lighting to create a sense of suspense or dramatic tension. As a result, this now serves as the definitive way to experience Resident Evil 2 and is a must-play for any horror game fan who has yet to do so.


resident evil 2 box art

Released
January 25, 2019

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

6 Silent Hill 2

OpenCritic Rating: 87

James in Wood Side Apartments in Silent Hill 2 (2024)

The original Silent Hill 2 is generally considered to be one of the best horror games of all time. As a result, many were apprehensive when it was announced that Bloober Team would be remaking the PS2 classic, particularly as the studio had very little experience when it came to third-person titles. However, those fears were ultimately unfounded, as the Polish studio managed to perfectly capture the essence of what made the original game so great.

Silent Hill 2 is by no means genre-defining, but it is an incredible remake. For those looking to experience one of the genre’s most influential installments for the very first time or older gamers looking to relive one of the best horror games from their childhood, this really is a must-play title. The visuals are stunning, the puzzles are thought-provoking, and some of the enemies are downright terrifying.


Silent Hill 2 Remake Tag Page Cover Art

Systems

PC-1 PlayStation-1

Released
October 8, 2024

PS Plus Availability
N/A

5 Alan Wake 2

OpenCritic Rating: 89

alan-wake-2-initiation-1-late-night-walkthrough1

Released more than a decade on from the first game, Alan Wake 2 improves upon its predecessor in almost every measurable way. It’s visually stunning, which really helps with immersion and makes the many jump scares that it throws at players a lot more terrifying than they might otherwise be.

The introduction of Agent Saga as the game’s secondary protagonist breathes new life into the gameplay loop and really helps to set the game apart, as does the Mind Place mechanic. Some may not enjoy this particular brand of horror while others may find themselves wishing for more combat encounters, but most horror fans will likely love what Alan Wake 2 has to offer.


AlanWakeIITagGamePage

Released
October 27, 2023

PS Plus Availability
N/A

4 Dead Space

OpenCritic Rating: 89

An alien that is charging Isaac Clarke in Dead Space

Resident Evil isn’t the only classic horror game series that’s worthy of the remake treatment, as evidenced by EA’s decision to revive the Dead Space franchise after a decade-long hiatus. Given the impact that the series once had on the genre, to say that expectations were high for the remake would perhaps be a bit of an understatement, and, for the first time in a long time, EA did not disappoint.

The Dead Space remake is everything that a modern-day horror game should be, with dark and foreboding environments, phenomenal sound design, and some truly terrifying monsters helping to create one of the horror genre’s all-time greats. The majority of Motive’s changes were undoubtedly for the better, but even those that weren’t were nowhere near enough to detract from the game’s overall brilliance.


DeadSpace2023CoverArtTag

Systems

PC-1 PlayStation-1

Publisher(s)
Electronic Arts

Released
January 27, 2023

PS Plus Availability
N/A

3 The Last of Us Part 1

OpenCritic Rating: 82

The Last of Us Part 1 Joel holding head

Given the heavy emphasis that the game places on narrative, it can be very easy to forget that The Last of Us Part 1 is very much a survival horror game at heart. In certain places, it’s able to evoke genuine feelings of terror in players and does a wonderful job of building tension and suspense and then using it to hammer home the significance of a particularly poignant plot point or encounter.

Although a lot of the hostile humans that players run into throughout the game are fairly generic, the Cordyceps-infected creatures that stalk them through the desolate streets and suburbs are anything but. Bloaters, Clickers, and Stalkers can really mess up a player’s day and the knowledge that one or many of these foes could be lurking just around the nearest corner can help to keep players glued firmly to the edges of their seats.


the-last-of-us-part-1-cover-2-3

Systems

PC-1 PlayStation-1

Publisher(s)
Sony Interactive Entertainment

Released
September 2, 2022

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

2 The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

OpenCritic Rating: 89

Last of Us Part 2 Ellie Hand Over Mouth

Whether or not The Last of Us Part 2 really needed a remastered version is debatable. In fact, most will probably argue that it didn’t. However, that doesn’t change the fact that the game remains every bit as incredible as it was when it was first released back in June of 2020, nor that the PlayStation 5 remaster is now the definitive way to experience it.

The game builds upon the strong foundations laid out by its predecessor in just about every possible way, while also bringing its fair share of bold and controversial narrative choices to the table. Its survival horror elements arguably take more of a back seat this time around, but they still play an important role when all’s said and done.


the-last-of-us-part-2-remastered-cover

The Last Of Us Part II Remastered

Systems

PlayStation-1

Publisher(s)
Sony Interactive Entertainment

Released
January 19, 2024

PS Plus Availability
N/A

1 Resident Evil 4

OpenCritic Rating: 92

image showing the tow giants (dos gigante) in the resident evil 4 remake.

Given the fantastic job that Capcom did when remaking the first three Resident Evil games, it always felt as though the Resident Evil 4 remake was going to be one of the best horror games on the PS5. That said, with the original game having differed quite a bit from those that came before it, there were quite a few question marks over how exactly the studio was going to approach the task of bringing the influential horror game up to modern-day standards.


What Capcom ultimately delivered was a game that felt almost like a cross between the original title and the previous two remakes. The story remains largely unchanged, though characters like Leon, Luis, and Ashley received much better characterization, with the latter’s AI also being massively improved. Granted, there were a few questionable changes in the RE4 remake like the attempt to shoehorn in side quests, though most seem to have been centered more around improving the user experience and do so to great effect.

resident evil 4 remake

Released
March 24, 2023

PS Plus Availability
N/A

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