Top 10 Horror Games with the Best Stories

#10: “Alien: Isolation” (2014)

If you feel like “Alien 3” was a failure of a sequel and wish there was something to maybe retcon that movie’s existence, well, you’re in luck because “Alien: Isolation” is the “Alien 3” we should have gotten but in video game form. “Alien: Isolation” takes place fifteen years after the events of the original 1979 film and puts you in the role of Amanda Ripley, Ellen’s daughter. Having had no contact from her mother in who knows how long, Amanda travels to the mysterious Sevastopol space station only to find the station in shambles. Androids have malfunctioned into killing machines while Xenomorphs lurk around every corner. Trust us when we say that every moment from this point forward is absolutely bone-chilling and ends on an incredible note.

#9: “Alan Wake II” (2023)

The original “Alan Wake” is still an incredibly fun game to play with a story just as chilling as its sequel. The thing about “Alan Wake II”, however, is just how mind-boggling it gets as you switch between Mr. Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson. On one hand, you’re putting together an investigation into a ravenous cult. On the other, you’re witnessing the mystical powers of a typewriter as Alan tries to push forward in writing his novel. It’s weird, it’s surreal, and it’ll haunt you long after your initial playthrough.

#8: “Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit” (2024)

Based on the short story published in 2019, “Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit” may look like a cheap spin-off, but it arguably has the best story in the entire franchise. After his Dad drops him off at the local, derelict pizzeria, Oswald discovers a ball pit that transports him back to a different time, back when the pizzeria was alive and well. It isn’t long before things go horribly wrong, and soon, Oswald finds himself being hunted down by a murderous animatronic. Much like the source material, “Into the Pit” gets dark, depressing, and highly disturbing. There are some goofy moments with its self-deprecating humor, but overall, “Into the Pit” is a frightening story with a touching end that any player can appreciate.

#7: “Dead Space” (2023)

Despite what some believe, this is not the same “Dead Space” we saw in 2008. If anything, it's a far better iteration. Just like in the original game, Isaac Clarke must venture into the recesses of the Ishimura, a mining ship that has succumbed to a hostile species known as “Necromorphs”. Isaac’s mental fortitude will be put to the test as he witnesses more viscera and deranged events than any human should ever have to. You’ll even watch his relationships with other characters deteriorate as he uncovers mysterious alien artifacts dubbed “Markers”. There’s even a new ending that ties in the game with “Dead Space 2”, so you can jump into that as soon as you’re finished with the remake.

#6: “Signalis” (2022)

When she awakens from her chamber, an android named Elster discovers her assigned ship has crashed with the crew seemingly gone. But in her efforts to track down the human pilot, Elster quickly learns that she may be the only living crew member of the ship as she encounters hostile beings. “Signalis” is a sci-fi horror game unlike any other. While its gameplay is very clearly inspired by the old “Resident Evil” games, the story of “Signalis” paints a haunting picture as its themes explore the concept of identity within oneself and the desire to connect with others. Don’t let the PS1-style graphics fool you - this one is definitely not for the faint of heart.

#5: “SOMA” (2015)

While we’re on the subject of human life in a sci-fi world, “SOMA” remains to be one of the most memorable horror games of the 2010’s. Having suffered from a near-death car accident, Simon Jarrett is kept alive by an underwater facility named “Pathos-II” moments before an awful accident occurred. What happened to cause the whole place to become abandoned? Where has everyone gone to, and why was Simon left behind? We don’t want to go any deeper than that because “SOMA” is best played with as little knowledge as possible.

#4: “Resident Evil 4” (2023)

The original “Resident Evil 4” was fantastic in its gameplay and narrative, but the remake does it all so much better. After the events of “Resident Evil 2”, Leon Kennedy has landed himself a promotion, graduating from rookie cop to U.S. federal agent. His mission this time: save the President’s daughter. Yes, there are still plenty of corny moments here just like the original. What makes RE4’s remake better than the OG, though, is how it paces everything out properly and gives characters like Ashley more depth as they try to escape the plague-infected Spanish village. It isn’t as absurd as the original game, but we appreciate the remake’s ability to stay grounded in its own ways.

#3: “Until Dawn” (2015)

While older PlayStation fans may point players to the “Siren” games, “Until Dawn” is our top recommendation when it comes to PlayStation-exclusive horror games. After an embarrassing prank pulled by their group of friends, two sisters are killed in a terrible accident on a snowy mountain. One year later, that same group reunites only to find that things are more sinister on the mountain as reports of a pyromaniac have begun to stir. Admittedly, the dialogue can get cringe-inducing at times. Even so, “Until Dawn” does get better as you try to piece together the Psycho’s identity and endure interrogation from psychiatrist Dr. Alan Hill (played by Peter Stormare, who is arguably the best part of the whole game). Think you can get each character to survive until dawn?

#2: “Mouthwashing” (2024)

When their ship malfunctions and crashes into uncharted territory, the five crew members find themselves trapped within the very confines of their now-derelict ship. Even more alarming is the fact that all key resources to maintain their survival are now inaccessible save for one package containing bottles…of mouthwash. We don’t want to spoil anymore of the story, but believe us when we say “Mouthwashing” is one of the most disturbing horror games we have played in recent years with its trippy visuals and stomach-churning sound design. If you own a PC, you need to go and play this right now.

#1: “Silent Hill 2” (2001) & “Silent Hill 2” Remake (2024)

Enter the eerie, foggy town of Silent Hill as a man searches for his long-lost wife having only her letter to go off from. That is the story of “Silent Hill 2”, and regardless if you play the original or the remake, it is the best story you will ever experience in a video game. From the odd characters you’ll meet along the way to the morbidly bizarre creatures you’ll have to defend yourself from, “Silent Hill 2” is not only one of the best horror games ever made, but one of the best video games ever made because of how captivating its environments and story are. If you have not experienced this for yourself, it’s time to stop watching YouTube for a bit and go play “Silent Hill 2”. You owe it to yourself.


Which horror game do you think has the best story? Did it make our list? Let us know down in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to WatchMojo!