The Best Horror Games to Give You Chills on PC

13 June 2025

Let’s be real for a second — nothing beats the heart-pounding thrill of playing a horror game alone in the dark, headphones on, not knowing what’s around the next corner. Horror gaming on PC has come a long way. It’s no longer just about cheap jump scares. These days, the best horror games mess with your head, toy with your expectations, and leave you questioning if you've got the guts to keep playing.

Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just dabbling in the genre, this is your ultimate guide to the best horror games on PC that will absolutely give you chills — and maybe even nightmares.

Why Horror Games Hit Different on PC

Before we dive into the games, let’s talk about why playing horror on PC just slaps harder.

First off, the immersion. PCs give you top-notch graphics, surround sound support, and even VR options that crank the tension up to 11. Plus, the modding community can get pretty wild — think fan-made content, new maps, even creepier sound effects. Customization is king here.

Also, horror games on PC often get updates and indie releases first. The variety is insane. Whether it’s a AAA scream-fest or a low-budget psychological thriller, there’s something for every kind of masochist... I mean, gamer.

1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – Returning to the Roots of Fear

Ah yes, the juggernaut. Resident Evil 7 flipped the script when it launched, shifting from the third-person action style to a chilling first-person experience. And boy, did it pay off.

You play as Ethan Winters, an average dude searching for his missing wife in a rotting plantation manor in Louisiana. What follows is a descent into madness as you encounter the Baker family — a group so terrifying, they make Leatherface seem like a warm hug.

What makes RE7 special is its pacing. It builds dread slowly, layering on a mix of psychological horror, gore, and survival mechanics. The visuals are stunning, and the atmosphere is thick enough to cut with a knife.

Why You’ll Love It:
- First-person view increases immersion
- Masterclass in slow-burn horror
- VR-compatible for those brave (or foolish) enough

2. Outlast – Run, Hide, or Die

If you’ve never yelled at your screen, “Nope, I’m out!” then you haven’t played Outlast. Set in a remote psychiatric hospital (why is it always an abandoned asylum?), this game is pure nightmare fuel.

You’ve got no weapons. Just a camcorder with night vision. That’s it. And trust me, once the batteries start dying, your anxiety will skyrocket.

Outlast doesn’t hold your hand. It dumps you into the chaos and expects you to survive by running and hiding like your life depends on it — because it does.

Why You’ll Love It:
- Relentless pace keeps you on edge
- Audio design that makes you paranoid
- Dark as hell — both visually and narratively

3. Amnesia: The Dark Descent – The Godfather of Psychological Horror

Let’s rewind a bit. Amnesia: The Dark Descent came out over a decade ago, and it still remains one of the most unforgettable horror experiences on PC.

You wake up in a mysterious castle with — you guessed it — amnesia. As you explore, you’re stalked by unseen horrors, and the sanity mechanic makes things even worse. Spend too long in darkness, and your mind starts to crack.

This game doesn’t rely on cheap scares. Instead, it seeps into your brain like a virus, subtly messing with your perception of reality. One moment you’re safe, the next you’re screaming and shutting your PC off.

Why You’ll Love It:
- Crushing atmosphere
- Sanity system that messes with your mind
- A classic that still holds up today

4. Phasmophobia – Ghost Hunting With Friends (Or Enemies?)

Want to ruin friendships and your sleep schedule? Phasmophobia is the go-to multiplayer horror game that makes communication key — and panic inevitable.

You and your unlucky buddies become ghost hunters trying to identify paranormal entities in haunted locations. It’s like Ghostbusters, but actually scary. The game uses voice recognition, so the ghost can literally hear you... and react to what you say.

Every session is different. Maybe you’ll get a playful poltergeist. Or maybe you’ll whisper “Mary” into the spirit box and watch as your screen turns to static. Either way, you’ll scream — probably a lot.

Why You’ll Love It:
- Co-op horror done right
- Randomized scares keep it fresh
- Voice interactivity is a game-changer

5. Soma – Existential Dread Wrapped in Sci-Fi Horror

If you're into games that mess with your head and your heart, Soma is a must-play. Created by the geniuses behind Amnesia, Soma ditches the gothic castles for a crumbling underwater research facility.

The game isn’t just about avoiding freakish monsters (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about exploring what it means to exist. Seriously, it dives deep into themes like consciousness, AI, and identity — all while keeping you terrified out of your mind.

It’s less about jump scares and more about existential dread. You’ll walk away from this game thinking more than screaming… but definitely still screaming.

Why You’ll Love It:
- Incredible narrative depth
- Smart, subtle horror
- A sci-fi twist on traditional fear

6. Dead Space (Remake) – The Return of a Space Nightmare

Dead Space has always been a fan favorite, and the 2023 remake just cranked it up a notch. You're Isaac Clarke — a space engineer thrown into hell. Spaceships, isolation, and mutated monsters called Necromorphs. Sounds fun, right?

The remake keeps the original’s spine-chilling vibe but modernizes everything from graphics to audio. The sound design alone is enough to creep you out — every pipe hiss, every distant screech makes you jump.

Combat is satisfying, the dismemberment system is brutal, and the story keeps you hooked. If space horror is your jam, you won’t want to miss this.

Why You’ll Love It:
- Top-tier audio and visuals
- Immersive zero-gravity horror
- Faithful to the original, better in every way

7. The Mortuary Assistant – A Hidden Indie Gem

Ever thought prepping bodies for funerals was safe? Think again. The Mortuary Assistant takes a mundane job and turns it into a demonic nightmare.

You play as a new apprentice working the night shift at a mortuary. Sounds boring, until the bodies start... doing things. Add in demonic possessions, hallucinations, and a genuinely creepy narrative — and you’ve got one heck of a sleeper hit.

What makes it unique is its unpredictable gameplay. Events are randomized, so each playthrough is a fresh horror trip. You never know when something’s gonna jump out of the shadows.

Why You’ll Love It:
- Unique premise
- High replay value
- Creepy without being over-the-top

8. Layers of Fear (2023 Remake) – Horror As Art

Imagine if a haunted mansion and an art gallery had a terrifying baby. That’s Layers of Fear. The 2023 remake merges the original games with new content, polished visuals, and a tighter narrative.

You step into the shoes of tortured artists — a painter and a writer — as their work slowly consumes them. It’s a psychological maze filled with shifting corridors and mind-bending visuals.

There’s no combat here. It’s all about exploration, atmosphere, and that ever-looming sense of "What the hell is going on?"

Why You’ll Love It:
- Visually stunning and disturbing
- Strong story and symbolism
- Perfect for fans of slow-burn horror

9. Visage – The True Heir to P.T.

Still mourning the loss of Silent Hills and its legendary P.T. demo? Visage fills that void — and might even surpass it. Set in a haunted suburban house, Visage is all about unnerving you without mercy.

The game doesn’t rely on loud noises or monster-chasing. It gets in your head with eerie silences, unsettling imagery, and slow-building fear. And it doesn’t explain much, which feeds into the confusion and dread.

Each chapter tells a different story tied to the house’s dark history. It’s unsettling in the best (worst?) way.

Why You’ll Love It:
- Deeply atmospheric and psychological
- Offers varied stories and scares
- A spiritual successor to P.T. in every way

Final Thoughts: Are You Brave Enough?

Horror games on PC are more than just a quick scare. They’re full-on experiences that leave you shaken, thrilled, and sometimes questioning your sanity. From the run-for-your-life panic of Outlast to the existential despair of Soma, there’s a flavor of fear for everyone.

If you're ready to dive headfirst into nightmares, start with one of these picks. Just... maybe leave the lights on.

Honorable Mentions (Because Horror Is Life)

- Alien: Isolation – Xenomorph hide-and-seek at its absolute finest.
- Detention – A beautifully eerie 2D horror rooted in Taiwanese folklore.
- Fear Therapy – Multiplayer madness with insane jump scares.
- Darkwood – Top-down horror with massive creep factor.

These didn’t make the main list, but they’re definitely worth checking out if you’re a horror junkie like me.