Top 5 Horror Games to Play If You Loved Resident Evil If you’re a fan of Resident Evil, you know the thrill of facing off against horrifying monsters, solving tense puzzles, and navigating through eerie environments. Few games capture the mix of survival horror and action as perfectly as the Resident Evil series, but there are plenty of other horror gems that deliver a similar, spine-chilling experience. Whether you’re looking for creepy atmospheres, heart-pounding combat, or intricate storytelling, here are the top 5 horror games to play if you loved Resident Evil.
1. The Evil Within (2014) Why You’ll Love It: Created by Shinji Mikami, the mastermind behind the original Resident Evil, The Evil Within is packed with nightmarish creatures, limited resources, and tense survival gameplay. The game combines psychological horror with traditional survival mechanics, offering a gripping story that keeps you on edge from start to finish.
What to Expect: You play as Detective Sebastian Castellanos, navigating a twisted world filled with grotesque enemies and disturbing imagery. With its emphasis on resource management and chilling atmosphere, The Evil Within feels like a spiritual successor to Resident Evil.
Pro Tip: Conserve ammo and explore every nook and cranny for resources—it’s essential to survive.
2. Silent Hill 2 (2001) Why You’ll Love It: If you enjoy the psychological horror elements of Resident Evil, Silent Hill 2 is a must-play. Widely regarded as one of the best horror games of all time, it focuses on a deeply emotional and unsettling story rather than action-packed combat.
What to Expect: You step into the shoes of James Sunderland, a man searching for his deceased wife in the eerie town of Silent Hill. The game’s oppressive atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, and psychological twists will leave a lasting impression.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the symbolism in the game—every monster and location is tied to James’ psyche, making the story even richer.
3. Dead Space (2008) Why You’ll Love It: Often called the Resident Evil of space, Dead Space trades the zombie-infested streets for the cold, dark corridors of a derelict spaceship. The game focuses on survival, with a heavy dose of body horror and strategic dismemberment as your primary combat tactic.
What to Expect: You play as Isaac Clarke, an engineer trying to survive aboard the USG Ishimura while battling Necromorphs—grotesque, mutated creatures. The game’s atmosphere is chilling, with a mix of jump scares and constant tension.
Pro Tip: Aim for the limbs! Shooting enemies in the body won’t be as effective as strategically dismembering their arms and legs.
4. Outlast (2013) Why You’ll Love It: While Resident Evil often arms you with weapons, Outlast takes a different approach: you’re completely defenseless. Instead of fighting back, you rely on stealth, running, and hiding to survive, which creates a terrifying sense of vulnerability.
What to Expect: Set in an abandoned psychiatric hospital, you play as a journalist investigating the facility. Armed only with a camcorder (complete with night vision), you must navigate through dark hallways, avoiding the deranged patients lurking in the shadows.
Pro Tip: Manage your camcorder batteries carefully—running out of night vision in the wrong moment can spell disaster.
5. Dying Light (2015) Why You’ll Love It: If you loved the fast-paced action and intense encounters of Resident Evil, Dying Light offers a similar adrenaline rush but with an open-world twist. This game combines survival horror with parkour mechanics, making for a thrilling and dynamic experience.
What to Expect: You play as Kyle Crane, a survivor navigating a zombie-infested city. The game’s day-night cycle adds a terrifying layer—zombies become much more aggressive and dangerous at night, forcing you to strategize and plan your moves carefully.
Pro Tip: Upgrade your skills and craft weapons early on. At night, the best strategy is often to run rather than fight.
Honorable Mentions Fatal Frame (for fans of ghostly horror) Alien: Isolation (if you love the cat-and-mouse tension)