The topic of ‘favorites’ in video games can be highly subject. But, a recent study conducted by Hearts.land carefully scrutinized over 50,000 games in order to find out which horror game stands out among ratings. Bloodborne took the crown, becoming the highest-rated horror game, surpassing popular games like Silent Hill 2 and Resident Evil 4.
While Bloodborne is considered by many to be the best horror game, the others on this list make for a great adventure and survival horror experience.
The Study Ranks the Best Years for Horror Games, Along With the Best Horror Game
The study also conducted an analysis based on which year was the best for horror games with specific games based on average user ratings. As it happens, 2023 made it as the fourth one:
- 2002 – Resident Evil, rated 3.39.
- 1999 – System Shock 2, rated 3.38.
- 1995 – Clock Tower, rated 3.37.
- 2023 – Resident Evil 4, rated 3.36.
- 1997 – Blood, 3.34.
From the study, it’s concluded that 2002 has been the best year for horror games. Naturally, the best horror game can differ based on your own experience through the years. However, this year was home to Resident Evil’s new direction that led to many more games inspired by the same. 1999 and 1995 rank second, and 2023 comes fourth, with 130 horror titles released, making Resident Evil 4 top-rated.
Based on these findings, a spokesperson from Hearts.land made a statement regarding the best horror game:
Bloodborne, despite being released almost ten years ago, holds up as users’ highest-rated horror game of all time. Known as one of the best iterations of the Soulslike genre, users experience brutal combat, terrifying bosses, and a dark, immersive world, perfect to settle in for spooky Halloween game night. 2023, rated one of the best years for horror, has brought some incredible horror games, including the Resident Evil 4 remake, which has entered the rankings as one of the best of all time and is sure to bring back older viewers looking for a hit of nostalgia.
It seems like not only has FromSoftware managed to cradle the Soulslike genre that inspires many developers, but also made its way into the heart of ‘horror’ as a genre and medium of expressing how gritty and dark FromSoftware’s games can feel like. In the future, we can perhaps expect Bloodborne on different consoles, making it the best horror game experience to be had across several platforms.
Take a Look at the Best-Rated Horror Games Ever Made
Among the 50,000 games that were looked into, 10 stood out to be the best, most inspiring horror games of all time. Despite Bloodborne being considered to be the best horror game on the list, the others are exceptional in their own right.
1. Bloodborne (2015)
Developer: FromSoftware, Platforms: PlayStation 4
Out of all the games on the list, Bloodborne has the highest rating on average – 4.54/5. Out of 3,700 reviews, over 55% rated the game an outstanding 5.
The game’s narrative is heavily inspired by the works of Bram Stoker and H.P. Lovecraft. The eerie atmosphere is explored through a Gothic setting revolving around the plague-stricken city of Yharnam. The people here have a twisted and darker change in behaviour, the origin of which is to be explored by the player.
Even after multiple titles like Elden Ring and the Dark Souls games, Bloodborne stands out as the best horror game by FromSoftware, combining intricate combat with dark fantasy settings. The game came out eight years ago and still stands as the most Googled in the top ten. Bloodborne also boasts a monthly search volume of 377,000.
2. Silent Hill 2 (2001)
Developer: Konami, Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360
Next in line is Silent Hill 2, with 4.53 stars. Based on the 3000 ratings, 79% are 4.5 stars and above. The game follows the adventures of James Sunderland, who makes a return to the quiet, rural town of Silent Hill. He comes here after his wife (who is presumed dead) sends him a letter, wanting to meet him. However, things take a darker turn once he realises this town isn’t at all what he expected.
The highly acclaimed game is currently being developed for PC and PlayStation 5. As of now, it has been ranked as the third-best game of all time.
3. Half-Life: Alyx (2020)
Developer: Valve Corporation, Platforms: Microsoft Windows
The third-highest-rated horror game is Half-Life: Alyx, with stars out of 4.42/5, based on 459 ratings.
The game is a virtual reality (VR) experience that makes the best of first-person shooter survival instincts combined with a dystopian setting where Earth has been taken over by an alien empire, known as the Combine. As the protagonist, players take on the role of Alyx Vance, in search of the origin behind the alien’s superweapon.
Half-Life: Alyx has a 93/100 Metacritic score, making it the ninth-best game of all time.
4. Resident Evil 4 (2023)
Developer: Capcom, Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, iOS
This one’s a remake of the 2005 Capcom classic, and stands as the fourth-best horror game with a rating of 4.36/5, according to 700 users.
In Resident Evil 4, players take on the role of Leon Kennedy, a government agent who is on a quest to find the President’s kidnapped daughter. In order to do so, he must go against a religious cult in a place inhabited by deadly beings.
The original release is, to this day, considered one of the best of all time, and has many awards (including Game of the Year). Furthermore, it is the best-selling survival horror series according to Guinness World Records. The game is also the most Googled one, with over 604,000 global monthly searches.
5. Pathologic 2 (2019)
Developer: Ice-Pick Lodge. Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Coming up as the fifth best-rated horror game, Pathologic 2 has earned 4.3/5 stars, based on 482 user ratings.
The game explores an open world from the perspective of Artemy Burakj, a surgeon who happens to be in a shady town torn apart by a deadly disease. The player needs to make it through 12 days, facing incredibly challenging choices between trying to save the town and fighting the horrible plague.
6. System Shock 2 (1999)
Developer: Irrational Games, Looking Glass Studios, Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux
System Shock 2 makes its way to the list as the sixth-best horror game, with 4.25/5 stars based on 930 ratings.
This intriguing sci-fi horror follows the story of a soldier who wakes up from a cryo-stasis. Players find themselves aboard a starship where they find the crew completely slaughtered (and mutated). What makes things worse is a rogue AI that sneakily haunts you as you uncover the ship’s mysteries in this thrilling adventure.
7. Resident Evil 2 (2019)
Developer: Capcom, Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Coming in at number seven is Resident Evil 2, rated 4.2/5 based on 2,200 ratings.
Resident Evil 2 is a remake of the 1998 game, set in the infamous Raccoon City that has been plagued by a viral outbreak. The stories around this revolve around Umbrella Corporation and the mysteries that hide within.
8. Resident Evil (2002)
Developer: Capcom, Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo Wii
Based on the rankings, the remake of the classic Resident Evil (1996) ranks as the eighth-best horror game, earning 4.2/5 stars based on reviews by 1,600 users.
The game follows the journey of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, as they explore Raccoon City to investigate a string of absurd and dreadful murders. Along with this, they uncover the truth behind the disappearance of their team, learning more about the devastating zombie infestation.
The Resident Evil franchise has been considered by many as one of the best horror game franchises in modern times.
9. Pathologic (2005)
Developer: Ice-Pick Lodge
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
At number nine, Pathologic earns 4.15/5 stars based on 389 user ratings.
The game’s unique direction has players take control of three protagonists who are looking for a cure for a plague disrupting an eerie town. Many consider this one as a hidden gem, far from the spotlight of best horror games, making it the least Googled game in the least. The search volume comes to around 3,600.
10. Silent Hill 3 (2003)
Developer: Konami, Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2
Silent Hill 3 comes at number 10, with 4.14/5 stars based on 1,200 ratings.
The game puts the player in the shoes of Heather, a teenager who wakes up in a shopping mall, trying to locate her father. In this quest, she comes across different kinds of challenges such as puzzles, combat, monsters, and exploring her own psyche that struggles to distinguish reality from a nightmare.
Even after 20 years of its launch date, the game is Googled 23,000 times monthly.
This study fairly ranks the best horror games you can play at the moment, based on many reviews. However, considering how subjective one’s expectations can be regarding their version of ‘the best horror game’ experience, it’s best to try out different games on different platforms to truly have a favorite.
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