The best horror games to play in 2025

Engadget - Apr 16th, 2025

A new collection of horror games offers an escape for those overwhelmed by the everyday safety and contentment of life. With games like 'Sorry We're Closed' and 'Silent Hill 2,' this lineup covers a range of styles and genres, each designed to evoke unsettling emotions and provide a thrill. Titles such as 'The Longing' and 'INDIKA' promise unique experiences through their narrative depth and haunting atmospheres. Whether delving into psychological terror or exploring bizarre landscapes, these games are crafted to disturb and captivate players seeking an adrenaline rush.

This collection highlights the evolving landscape of horror in gaming, showcasing the creativity and ambition of developers. By embracing diverse themes and unconventional storytelling methods, these games push the boundaries of the genre. Their significance lies not only in entertainment but also in their ability to challenge players' perceptions and evoke deeper reflections on fear, solitude, and human nature. As digital storytelling continues to mature, these games set a benchmark for what interactive horror can achieve.

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RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging overview of a selection of horror games, highlighting their unique features and appeal. It excels in clarity and readability, making it accessible to a broad audience, especially those interested in gaming. However, the lack of explicit sources and transparency about the selection methodology affects its credibility. While it effectively captures the attention of horror game enthusiasts, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective by addressing potential criticisms or drawbacks of the games. Overall, it serves as a compelling guide for readers seeking new horror gaming experiences, though it remains largely promotional in nature.

Accuracy

The article provides an accurate overview of the horror games listed, including their unique features and gameplay elements. For instance, it accurately describes 'Silent Hill 2' as having a psychological element and unsettling atmosphere, consistent with known reviews. However, some claims, such as specific pricing and platform availability, would require verification against current listings. The mention of historical influences on 'The Outlast Trials' also needs cross-referencing with factual historical events. Overall, while the descriptions are largely accurate, certain details like game mechanics and historical contexts need further confirmation.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of each game, emphasizing their unique horror elements and gameplay innovations. While this provides a strong promotional angle, it lacks critical perspectives that might discuss potential drawbacks or criticisms of the games. For example, the article could benefit from discussing any technical issues or gameplay mechanics that might not appeal to all players, thus providing a more balanced view.

Clarity

The article is well-structured, with each game description clearly delineated. The language is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow. The tone is consistent, maintaining a light and humorous approach that suits the horror theme. However, some sections could benefit from clearer explanations of complex game mechanics for readers unfamiliar with gaming terminology.

Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, which makes it difficult to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented. The insights appear to be based on the authors' subjective experiences and opinions, which, while valuable, do not substitute for more authoritative sources such as developer interviews or official game reviews. The lack of diverse sources limits the article's authority.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to select and evaluate the games. There is no disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest, such as partnerships with game developers or platforms. Additionally, the basis for the claims made about each game is not clearly explained, which affects the article's perceived impartiality.