When it comes to horror, some video games never lose their edge. Even years (or decades) after release, they can still make your skin crawl, your heart race, and your palms sweat. These titles prove that true horror never dies—it only lingers in the dark, waiting for you to press Start.
Here are 10 horror games that still hold up today, terrifying gamers old and new.
10. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (2003)
Armed with nothing but a mystical camera, you face vengeful spirits in one of the creepiest survival horror games ever made. The sound design, atmosphere, and feeling of helplessness make this PS2 classic just as chilling in 2025 as it was in 2003.
9. Dead Space (2008)
Even after its recent remake, the original Dead Space is still worth revisiting. The claustrophobic halls of the USG Ishimura, the terrifying Necromorphs, and the chilling silence of space make this one of the most unforgettable sci-fi horror games of all time.
8. Outlast (2013)
Armed with only a camcorder, you explore an abandoned psychiatric hospital crawling with deranged inmates. The night vision mechanic, combined with zero combat options, makes Outlast one of the scariest hide-and-seek games you’ll ever play.
7. Silent Hill 2 (2001)
A haunting story of grief, guilt, and punishment, Silent Hill 2 is considered by many to be the greatest horror game ever made. Its foggy streets, grotesque creatures, and psychological storytelling still cut deep more than 20 years later.
6. Resident Evil (Remake, 2002)
The GameCube remake of the original Resident Evil is a masterclass in survival horror. Its updated visuals, reimagined puzzles, and perfectly balanced tension make it one of the best horror remakes of all time—and it still looks stunning today.
5. Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)
The game that redefined indie horror. Amnesia’s sanity system, creepy atmosphere, and unseen terrors made it a YouTube and Twitch phenomenon. Even today, it’s a masterclass in psychological horror that gets under your skin.
4. Alien: Isolation (2014)
Few games capture pure dread like Alien: Isolation. With a single Xenomorph hunting you relentlessly, the game forces you to rely on stealth, strategy, and nerves of steel. It’s not just a love letter to Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic—it’s one of the most terrifying games ever made.
3. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (2002)
A GameCube cult classic, Eternal Darkness messes with players in ways few games dare. Its “Sanity Effects” blur the line between game and reality, making you question your own mind as you descend deeper into cosmic horror.
2. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Yes, it’s action-packed, but Resident Evil 4 never skimps on horror. From the eerie villages to the Regenerators that still haunt players’ dreams, it’s a perfect balance of tension, combat, and atmosphere. Even before the remake, this one stood tall as one of the greatest horror games ever made.
1. Silent Hill (1999)
While Silent Hill 2 may be the more refined masterpiece, the original Silent Hill still holds up as one of the most unsettling games ever created. Its fog-drenched streets, chilling soundtrack, and disturbing monsters make it a classic that defined psychological horror for gaming.
Horror gaming has evolved a lot over the years, but these 10 titles prove that the scariest experiences are timeless. Whether you’re braving the haunted halls of the Ishimura, running from Pyramid Head, or trying not to scream when the Xenomorph finds you, these games are still ready to ruin your sleep schedule.
What do you think? Did your favorite horror classic make the list? Or is there a hidden gem you’d add? Let me know in the comments below!
