Get started with horror games

Whether it's gruesome tales of killer clowns or the misfortunes of camp counsellors, horror films have long been an iconic staple of pop culture. Horror games take it one step further, raising the stakes by putting you directly in the midst of all the tension and terror, forcing you to fight for your survival and your sanity.

If you're just starting to dabble in the genre, this handy and concise guide takes you through the different subtypes of horror and helps you get started. Just remember, what lurks in the dark doesn't necessarily stay in the dark – so grab a torch, be brave and let's dive straight in.

Tense and unsettling, horror games are designed to evoke a range of emotions, whether it's a build-up of anxiety or a shot of pure terror. Horror games have a vast number of ways to achieve this, but many rely on maximising the eerie factor when it comes to atmosphere, audio and visuals, to really get under your skin.

There is no one-size-fits-all formula that is guaranteed to cause a scare, which is what makes horror such a diverse genre. Instead, horror games can be broken up into dozens of subgenres, providing ample opportunity for you to find an experience that genuinely gives you the creeps.

You may react most viscerally to monsters that jump out when you aren't expecting it. Maybe jumpscares aren't your thing, and you're more affected by slow-burn psychological scares. Perhaps you're less interested in hiding your way out of a situation, and more invested in taking down the evil with guns and grenades.

Becoming a fan of horror games means devoting yourself to learning what scares you out of your wits the most, making it all the more invigorating when you push past the fear and get to the finish line.

Don't know what to play first? Take a look at our hand-picked selection of horror games to find somewhere to start.

A cult classic that captured the attention of horror fiends and casual fans alike. As the new security guard recruited to watch over Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, it's your duty to keep an eye on the arcade and make sure that no disturbances occur during the night.

Of course, all those creaks and cracks aren't exactly encouraging… not to mention the creepy animatronic robots that don't seem to want to stay put. Luckily, you've got your trusty security cameras and a limited amount of power to keep everything running smoothly. Will you be able to tough it out for five nights, or is this the wake-up call you need to find a new career?

Dredge imposes upon your space. It looms in the background of your mind. It’s a tale of a washed up fisherman trying to make his way in life, scoring catch after catch to pay off the debts accrued for damaging his boat. But it’s also a slow-burn horror and cautionary tale, where disturbing what lies beneath the surface is fraught with tension, even if you’re just trying to earn an honest living.

As you dredge the depths of 'The Marrow', the mysteries of its remote islands, inhabitants and the night-time fog begin to emerge. It’s not all doom and gloom though; there’s a rich variety of fish to catch, a deep ship and tool upgrading system to explore and local lore to learn. Just watch out for the eldritch horrors that stalk the night.

Delightfully optimised for mobile, Very Little Nightmares is a puzzle-adventure game that shines bright in the psychological horror genre. Wake up as a young girl in an unfamiliar mansion sheltering one antagonistic monster after another. Not only are these creatures terrifying, they're determined to capture you and drag you right back to square one.

Solve tricky puzzles on your path, and avoid fatal traps meant to trip you up, and you may just escape the Nest without meeting an untimely death. If you do make it out, maybe you'll find out why you ended up there in the first place.

Looking for more games to play from this genre? Take a look at these collections to find a new favourite.