10 Best and Scariest Horror Games on PC

Apart from the renowned titles like Dead Space, Amnesia, Silent Hill series, and zombie-themed hits like The Walking Dead and World War Z, the realm of PC horror games is brimming with titles that can send shivers down your spine.

In this article, the Carisinyal team will explore the 10 latest PC horror games that are bound to thrill any ardent horror game aficionado.

Wondering which games can make your hair stand on end or leave you hesitant to go to the bathroom alone at night? Read on to discover our top picks.

1. Sons of The Forest

• OS: Windows 10 64 bit
• Processor: Intel® Core™I7-8700K or  AMD Ryzen™5 3600X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 1080Ti or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 20 GB available storage

Sons of The Forest is an intense survival horror game and the much-awaited sequel to the hit game, "The Forest." In this installment, you embark on a mission to locate the missing family of millionaire Puffton. However, your journey takes a perilous turn when the helicopter carrying you and your team crashes into the ocean, leaving only you and your friend, Kelvin, as survivors.

In a forest teeming with cannibals, Kelvin, now deaf, becomes your indispensable partner. Communication is key, and you must resort to writing notes to interact with him. Kelvin helps in gathering natural resources, getting food, and providing protection, especially during the treacherous cave explorations.

Similar to its predecessor, Sons of The Forest allows players to craft items, weapons, and shelters, guided by a handy instruction manual. The game boasts impressive graphics and, as of the time of this article, is available in early access. You can purchase it on Steam.

2. MADiSON

• OS: Windows 10 
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon™ RX 480
• DirectX: -
• Storage: 10 GB available storage

MADiSON is a spine-chilling horror game that promises to leave players both terrified and astounded. This game narrates the unsettling tale of Luca, a teenager who receives a strange gift on his 16th birthday.

Luca is given a polaroid camera by his parents, unaware that it will become his only means of survival within the walls of his family home. This camera has a dark past, having once belonged to a notorious serial killer, Madison Hale.

Hale was known for murdering four individuals as part of a satanic ritual. However, her sinister plans were thwarted by the police, preventing her from achieving her malevolent goals.

Tragically, Luca becomes possessed by Madison's spirit, unknowingly continuing the ritual and committing horrific acts against his own family. Now, he must find a way to break free from Madison's curse.

In MADiSON, players will use the haunted camera to perform various tasks, including banishing unsettling spirits. The game is filled with heart-stopping jump scares, amplified by eerie sound effects. Players must search for various items like tapes and keys, which serve as crucial clues.

MADiSON has earned its reputation as one of the most terrifying horror games available, garnering several accolades, including one from Shacknews for the 'Best Game of 2022' category. This game is not only available for PC but also for PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox, and Nintendo. You can download and purchase "MADiSON" on Steam.

3. Amnesia: The Bunker

• OS: Windows 7 / 8 / 10, 64 bit
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: OpenGL 4.3, Nvidia GTX 970 / AMD
• DirectX: -
• Storage: 35 GB available space

The fourth installment in the chilling Amnesia series, "Amnesia: The Bunker," promises an intense and unforgettable horror experience. Players step into the shoes of Henri Clement, a French soldier who served during World War I. The game's narrative revolves around Henri's mission to find his missing comrade, Augustin Lambert.

However, the reunion takes a dark turn when Henri and Lambert are ambushed by German troops. Henri regains consciousness in a bunker, only to find himself being pursued by a terrifying monster.

Survival becomes a desperate endeavor as Henri scrambles to find hiding spots and ways to fend off this monstrous entity. One of the key elements of survival in the bunker is a revolver, amongst other weapons.

IGN praises the game for its varied arsenal, drawing parallels between Amnesia: The Bunker and the iconic survival horror game Resident Evil 4. The game impresses with its realistic visuals that enhances immersive experience.

However, IGN points out a few drawbacks, particularly in the AI mechanism of the monster characters. There are instances where the monster fails to react, even when Henri is in plain sight, detracting from the sense of intelligence and threat that one would expect from such adversaries.

Despite these criticisms, "Amnesia: The Bunker" is still a compelling choice, especially for those seeking a top-tier PC horror game with a wartime backdrop. The game is available for purchase on Steam.

4. Layers of Fear

• OS: Windows 7
• Processor: Intel Core2 Quad Q8400
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 1GB / Radeon R7 250X 1GB
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 5 GB available storage

Layers of Fear is an unmissable entry in the psychological horror game genre. This game centers around a troubled painter who habitually uses his wife as the subject for his artworks.

Tragically, the painter's life is marred by his penchant for alcohol, abusive behavior, and neglect of his wife and children, leading to his wife's eventual suicide. Despite being consumed by grief and confusion, the painter obsessively continues his quest to create a masterpiece.

Players are tasked with helping the painter collect six macabre items to complete his painting. These items are not ordinary art materials but pieces of his wife's body: her fingers, hair, skin, eyes, bone marrow, and blood, symbolizing his tools for painting.

The objective is to find and collect all these ghastly items and place them in a cabinet in the painting room. Completing the painting leads to an intriguing ending.

Layers of Fear offers three different endings, each determined by the player's actions throughout the game. The gameplay experience is intensified by scary audio elements, including the sounds of crying, distorted music, a self-rocking chair, and mysterious knocking on doors.

Originally released in 2016, Layers of Fear remains a compelling game to this day. For those intrigued by the story, the sequel, Layers of Fear 2, released in July 2023, is also highly recommended.

5. Hollow Cocoon

• OS: Windows 10/11 64 bit
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD yang setara
• DirectX: -
• Storage: 8 GB available storage

Are you ready for a heart-pounding experience of being pursued by a terrifying monster in your own home? Hollow Cocoon is a horror game that promises just that, sending shivers down your spine. Set in 1980s Japan, it narrates the ordeal of Minato, a regular student who faces a horrifying situation in his family.

After his grandmother is critically injured by a mysterious creature, Minato is compelled to uncover the truth behind the series of dreadful events plaguing his family. Left alone in his grandmother's house at his father's request, Minato encounters sheer terror.

Hollow Cocoon boasts impressive graphics and meticulous attention to detail, making the game's environment and the objects around Minato feel incredibly realistic.

In the game, players must devise strategies to evade the relentless monsters that threaten Minato's life. Whether it's concealing yourself in a cupboard or hiding in a bathtub, each decision is critical for survival.

The game immerses players in a claustrophobic, dark, and terrifying atmosphere, perfectly capturing the essence of horror that Minato experiences. If you're intrigued by this game, you can download and play it now on Steam. But be warned, it's filled with jump scares that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

6. Resident Evil 4 Remake

• OS: Windows 10/11 64 bit
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i7 8700 or AMD Ryzen™ 5
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: -

Building on the success of the remakes of "Resident Evil 2" and "Resident Evil 3," CAPCOM delights fans once again with the "Resident Evil 4 Remake." This revamped version retains the original plot, focusing on Leon's pivotal mission to rescue Ashley Graham.

What sets this remake apart is the addition of several new elements. The game now features more realistic graphics, enhancing the overall horror experience. Players are also treated to new side quests, offering more challenging adventures. Additionally, Leon is equipped with new weapons and abilities, adding depth and excitement to the gameplay.

With its superior graphic quality, the Resident Evil 4 Remake elevates the horror aspect to new heights, making it a must-play for both veterans and newcomers to the series. For those looking to relive this iconic zombie game, the remake is available for purchase on Steam.

7. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

• OS: Windows 10 64 bit
• Processor: Intel Core i7 10th gen or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia Geforce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
• DirectX: -
• Storage: 30 GB available space

For fans of the iconic film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, the PC game adaptation is a must-try. Developed by Gun Interactive and released by Sumo Digital, this game plunges players into a world of terror and survival.

The narrative follows four young people – Ana, Connie, Sonny, and Leland, collectively known as "The Victims" – who face the horrifying prospect of falling prey to an evil-minded family. The family, consisting of Grandpa, Leatherface, the Cook, and the Hitchhiker, are ominously referred to as "The Family."

In this multiplayer game, you can choose to play as a member of either The Victims or The Family. As a Victim, your objective is to find an escape route from The Family's menacing abode. Conversely, as a member of The Family, your role is to relentlessly pursue The Victims.

Each character, whether a Victim or a Family member, possesses unique abilities and skills. For instance, Grandpa can detect the presence of The Victims. Players must be cautious about making noise, as any sound can alert Grandpa, helping The Family locate you more easily.

Victims can search for various items like weapons or set up traps to defend themselves. An interesting gameplay element is the use of blood as a scarce resource, which must be utilized judiciously.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game is a thrilling experience, complete with visuals that are sure to send chills down your spine. Interested in taking on the challenge? The game is available for purchase on Steam.

8. The Outlast Trials

• OS: WIndows 10 64 bit
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-6700K or AMD Ryzen™ 5 2600X
• Memory: 16 GB
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660, 6 GB or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56, 8 GB
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 40 GB available space

The Outlast Trials is the thrilling third installment in the acclaimed Outlast series. Serving as a prequel to Outlast I and Outlast II, this game, launched by Red Barrels, continues the series' reputation for delivering horror experiences.

In The Outlast Trials, players assume the role of a patient undergoing rehabilitation at the Murkoff facility. The primary objective is to complete various challenging therapy sessions, referred to as trials. One of the initial missions involves eliminating an intruder who has breached the facility's security and is threatening the patients.

Players will navigate through three distinct stages, starting in a police station. Along with the main antagonist, players must also evade other daunting enemies that characterize the Outlast series for their creepiness.

One of the game's highlights is the multiplayer mode, which allows players to team up with three others. This mode not only adds a cooperative dimension to the game but also enables players to improve their skills as they progress. For instance, reaching level 3 unlocks the ability to start therapy sessions with a nurse at the facility.

Players have the option to either stealthily hide from enemies or confront them using various weapons. A particularly gripping aspect of gameplay is the need to use night vision in dark environments, significantly amplifying the game's suspense.

The Outlast Trials is not for the faint-hearted. It features graphic scenes filled with blood, scattered human remains, and realistic details that heighten the game's immersive quality. For those brave enough to delve into this visceral horror experience, the game awaits you.

9. Pamali: Indonesian Folklore Horror

• OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-6700 CPU @ 3.40Ghz
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 3 GB available space

Next on our list is Pamali: Indonesian Folklore Horror. As the name suggests, Pamali (taboos or superstitions) steeped in Indonesian folklore, is the brainchild of Indonesian developers.

Created by StoryTale Studios, known for their successful Fatal Frame-inspired game Dread Out, Pamali features four unique stories that delve into the world of local myths and legends.

One of the intriguing narratives in Pamali is about Jaka, a young man who returns to his ancestral home following the death of his brother. Intent on selling the house, Jaka sets about cleaning and reorganizing it, only to realize that he's not as alone as he thought.

The spirit of his brother, manifesting as a 'kuntilanak' or white lady, haunts the premises. Jaka is then drawn into unraveling the mysteries that shroud his family home.

Besides Jaka's story, Pamali introduces players to other scary entities from Indonesian folklore, including ghosts like pocong, leak, and tuyul. Played from a first-person perspective, the game weaves captivating stories with satisfactory graphics.

The game masterfully creates a horror atmosphere so intense, it might just make it a challenge for players to get a good night's sleep. Pamali and its downloadable content (DLC) are available for purchase on the Steam gaming platform.

10. The Mortuary Assistant

• OS: Windows 7
• Processor: 2 GHz
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 960
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 4 GB available space

Prepare yourself for a game drenched in terror with The Mortuary Assistant. This horror game plunges players into the world of Rebecca and Raymond, who work in a mortuary. Their routine job of handling dead bodies takes a nightmarish turn when they discover a demon lurking within the corpses.

Raymond entrusts Rebecca with the daunting task of locating the demon. As she continues the grim work of embalming, she must also search for enigmatic symbols that are key to uncovering the demon's whereabouts. Upon successfully identifying the possessed corpse, Rebecca has to burn it to banish the evil entity.

The Mortuary Assistant doesn’t stop there; it offers five different endings, each determined by the player's choices throughout the game.

This game excels in delivering a genuine horror experience, particularly in its portrayal of working with corpses, each with its own unsettling appearance. Players will encounter various creepy occurrences, such as unexplained crying, mysterious knocks, and unsettling phone calls.

Are you brave enough to assist Rebecca and Raymond in their battle against the demonic presence? The game is available for purchase on Steam.

So there you have it, ten of the latest and most chilling PC horror games that are certainly not for the faint-hearted, especially if you're playing alone.

However, if you're up for the challenge, these games promise a thrilling experience. Do you have any other horror game recommendations that are just as exhilarating? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.