It doesn't have to be October for us to discuss the best horror games available on the PS5. It's a massive genre that exists to thrill, scare and excite. Better yet, it has boomed in popularity in recent years, especially with the introduction of the next-gen platforms.
We're going to take you through some of the best games to play in the horror genre and there's something for everyone on this list! Whether you're looking for a psychological rollercoaster or an outright festival of jumpscares.
7. Fatal Frame: Maiden of Blackwater
The Fatal Frame series returned in 2021 with a remaster of the previously Wii U exclusive game, Maiden of Blackwater. You do not have to be familiar with the Fatal Frame series to play and enjoy this title as it stands on its own as a brilliant narrative-driven game.
The tension this game creates is on another level through the brilliantly narrow and claustrophobic level and sound design. The use of the camera obscura is easily one of the most anxiety-inducing features ever, adding to the overall appeal of this legendary horror series.
6. Doki-Doki Literature Club Plus!
For the uninitiated, Doki Doki Literature Club appears to be just another Japanese-inspired visual novel or dating simulator. It doesn't take long for things to fall apart and what you're actually playing is one of the scariest and most psychologically challenging games ever.
There is a reason you are warned about the game before you even start playing. You can choose to have the themes of the game revealed before playing but provided you're comfortable being surprised - and possibly challenged - then play it going in blind.
5. Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes
The Dark Pictures Anthology games are all brilliant but the latest release, House of Ashes, has earned its spot on this list. Each of the games has explored a different aspect of the horror genre and House of Ashes is probably the most diverse and refined of the three games released so far.
The game continues Supermassive's brilliant casting choices with Ashley Tisdale and Nick Tarabay being the headline names. The Dark Pictures games are also fantastic couch co-op games best played in a group of people trying to make the right decisions throughout the game.
4. Alan Wake Remastered
Alan Wake was a welcome familiar face to return in 2021 with a remaster courtesy of Remedy and Epic Games. The game was somewhat of a cult classic initially but earned much wider praise and appeal over time.
For fans of horror games, Stephen King novels or Remedy, it's the perfect experience that's perfectly paced and presented. The improvements that have been made to gameplay and presentation have helped refine the game and get it as close to perfection as possible.
3. Dead By Daylight
There is a reason that Dead by Daylight has stuck around and stayed relevant for over 5 years. Its constant updates and content additions have helped breathe life into the game, especially over the last 12 months.
You can take on the role of serial killers like Ghostface, Pinhead, Leatherface, Michael Myers or many more original creations. For those who prefer the thrill of being hunted, you can play as one of four survivors instead. Dead by Daylight offers the most well-rounded horror experience in gaming today. It's taken asymmetric online multiplayer and shown the rest of the industry how it's done.
2. Resident Evil: Village
Resident Evil is a franchise that has endured throughout the decades for good reason. The recent resurgence with 7 and Village has shown the industry that it won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Arguably, 7 is a better outright horror experience but Village is a better overall game.
A fantastic cast of characters and so much depth to the gameplay and storytelling leaves it as one of the best games that the PS5 have seen, let alone just within the horror genre.
1. Simulacra
Okay, so this may be a little controversial but Simulacra invoked feelings I've never had about a video game before. It's incredibly unique as an FMV experience that takes place entirely within a mobile phone. It will challenge what you know about the horror genre and is possibly the most immersive horror game I've ever played.
I refuse to spoil anything about this game as it needs to be played with as little information revealed as possible. I originally played this game in the dark, with headphones via Steam and it was affected for weeks after I had finished it.