2024 has been a good year for horror fans, with multiple incredible releases that feel like a feast grander than Thanksgiving itself – needless to say, gamers are eating well.
As the year comes to a close andThe Game Awards are announced, now is the time to reflect on the greatest horror games of 2024 and what makes them so scary. Thankfully, there are many notable titles that are shining examples for the year and the horror genre as a whole.
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The DualShockers Staff all had their opinions on what their favourite horror game was this year, and there was no shortage of options.
Ranging from AAA to indie, these horror games are what stuck with us the most – and since The Game Awards seem to be allergic to giving acknowledgment or accolades to horror games, we’re ranking the best entries for 2024.
10Slitterhead
Body-Swapping Body Horror
Slitterhead
Slitterheadis the physical manifestation of a pleasant surprise. From theoriginal creator of the Silent Hill and Siren franchises, Keiichiro Toyama, many players went in expecting a similar horror. That’s not the case for this game, as it’s more of an action-adventure with horror elements, but it’s still distinctly entertaining.
The game’s central mechanic is being able to possess other beings, opening the door to new opportunities for puzzles and combat.
Body-hopping is unique with each level, and that’s not even considering how some characters are aRarity, which is someone who is still conscious during a possession and actually gains powers while it happens.
Thishack-and-slash adventureis visually striking, with wonderful attention to detail in the world and setting. The tone and mood are incredibly well done, which is to be expected from a creator such as Toyama.
Players diving into the city of Kowlong (Kowloon) in Hong Kong will be met with a 90s grunge and gritty adventure, complete with twisted monsters and a killer atmosphere. Slitterhead is a must-play for fans of body horror.
9The Casting of Frank Stone
A Cinematic Horror Experience
The Casting of Frank Stone
The Casting of Frank Stoneis the most recent game fromSupermassivethat, in all honesty, isn’t for everyone.
Set in the world ofDead by Daylight, The Casting of Frank Stone feels like an interactive horror movie, with few meaningful branching options and no QTEs.
It’s cinematic to the core, but for the most part, players are willing to look past the odd pacing because of how pretty and bold this game is.
The game is incredibly story-driven, and thankfully, that’s what shines the most. While it is advertised as having high-stakes dilemmas, the choices don’t have too much weight in the grand scheme of things, as the game is telling a very specific story, and it sticks to it.
That said, DBD fans should be delighted with this game, and not just because of the titular villain. Set in the town ofCedar Hillsin 1963, the story also time jumps to the 80s and even the present day, with lots of different characters that are all engaging and well-written.
Frank Stone himself is also incredibly intimidating, which is essential considering his importance to the plot. Overall, the game is a random goodie bag; while some players will be unmoved, others will be ecstatic.
8Pacific Drive
Cars for Company
Pacific Drive
There is something distinctly hilarious about this game, and it’s the fact it showcases one incredibly prominent, real-world fear, and kicks it up several notches:the fear of your car breaking down.
Seriously, there’s nothing worse than already struggling through a bad day, and then your car stops working for one reason or another – however, in the case ofPacific Drive, your car is your lifeline, and without it, you’re dead.
After all, you’re completely isolated and alone, and keeping your car in good condition is essential for survival.
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Players won’t have to think too hard on appreciating these puzzles.
Pacific Drive is an incredibly innovative survival game that’s moody and atmospheric in every possible fashion.
Seriously, it deserves an award for its well-done, unique approach alone, butit got completely snubbed at The Game Awards. You’re scavenging parts to survive and to upgrade your car,siphoning fueland other resources that will be crucial on the fly.
This game does not hold your hand and is better for it. It allows players to wholly learn about their surroundings and manage their resources, forcing them to break habits that exist in other games.
For example, players may be so focused on getting gas and tires that they’ll completely forget about their car battery, crafting a flashlight, or whatever other barriers will pop up – and that’s not even including what’s lurking in the world.
Genuinely, this game is a gem and deserves far more love and recognition than it has received so far.
7The Last of Us Part 2: Remastered
The Improvement of a Gripping Drama
The Last Of Us Part II Remastered
Let’s be real for a minute: what four-year-old game needs a remaster? Neil Druckmann seems to believe thatThe Last of Us Part IIneeded it, but it really wasn’t necessary. That said, the graphical and performance improvements are still stunning.
The gut-wrenching sequel in Ellie’s story,The Last of Us Part II Remastered,follows her bloodlust for revenge, with prevalent themes of regret and hate seeping into the core. It comes out in the game’s brutality as well, and with the improvements, it genuinely makes players feel dirty for their actions.
This game has been at the center of several different controversies and discourses even since it came out in 2020, and it continues to carry that energy with the remastered edition.
It’s mostly due toAbby, aprotagonist that is near-unanimously disliked, but it’ll likely remain in discussion as Season 2 of the show comes out.
While the game itself wasn’t necessarily needed, it was still a nice addition for the series' fans, especially those who want to take in all the stunning details that pop with thePlayStation 5.
6S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Survive in a Nuclear Wasteland
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
One of the year’s most recent additions,S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobylis a passionate love letter to the survival genre and an excellent showcasing of the indomitable human spirit.
With the Ukrainian development team, GSC Game World,having gone through hell to get the game out, the entire game has an air of radiating persistence.
The game revolves around surviving in one of the nuclear exclusion zones of the Chornobyl Power Plant, and the horror stems from sheer dread. Seriously, it creeps up on you to the point where you’re praying while checking your corners.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is buggy,but it doesn’t matter to anyone who plays it, as it’s still adored by new and veteran franchise players alike. The game has an incredibly unsettling atmosphere, nailing down the mood of a terrifying nuclear wasteland.
Unfortunately, this is another game that won’t be getting attention at The Game Awards, but that doesn’t mean it’s not getting the love it deserves.
5Still Wakes the Deep
A Heartbreaking Lovecraftian Nightmare
Still Wakes the Deep
When it comes towalking simulators, players tend to love them or hate them – yet, regardless of how they feel about these kinds of games, there’s no denying thatStill Wakes the Deepis an incredible entry forLovecraftian horror.
The story is gripping and heartwrenching, followingCaz McClearly, an engineer for theBeira D. Oil Rig, as a literal nightmare unfolds around him.
After recklessly drilling intoThe Shape, the eldritch monster of the game, everything takes a disturbing and horrifying turn for the worse.
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The acting, visuals, sound, and story are masterfully crafted and interwoven with an ambiance of dread and despair. The entire situation feels hopeless, but that doesn’t stop Caz from trying to survive anyway.
For players who aren’t in the indie sphere, this game could easily slip under the radar for horror fans. Yet, for those eager for their next scare (and pit of angst), Still Wakes the Deep will linger in their memories long after the credits roll.
4Metro Awakening
The Best Fear Comes From Immersion
Metro Awakening
VR gamesare a genuinely terrifying experience with the added immersion, and that’s all the clearer withMetro Awakening, a prequel to the firstMetrogame.
You play as a doctor venturing into the Moscow tunnel system in search of his wife, but unfortunately, those tunnels are unforgiving and hostile.
This VR game adds an extra layer of immersion, requiring full upper-body range, but thankfully, that can be done while seated or standing. Because of this extra immersion, the first-person stealth is also incredibly claustrophobic. It creates atmospheric tension that you could cut with a knife.
The game describes the tunnels as a man-made purgatory, and it definitely follows that vibe. Sneaking around is genuinely anxiety-inducing, with the full immersion that will get your heart racing about what might be in the shadows.
Just a fair warning, though, if you also have crippling arachnophobia like I do, you will be terrified by this game.
3Crow Country
A Love Letter to the Classics
Crow Country
One of the greatest advantages of modern technology is that developers can seamlessly recreate that nostalgic image of games from the past. In the case ofCrow Country, it’s a wonderfulhomage to the horror games of yore.
You play asMara, exploring the titular amusement park that had been long abandoned. As you search for answers about the park’s founder,Edward Crow, and the secrets that disappeared with him, you unfold the mystery a little at a time. Thankfully, the backtracking isn’t too long or tedious, and it all feels refreshing.
The game is simplistic yet challenging in the right ways, with unique combat, fun gun gameplay, and proper riddles and puzzles to solve. It’s an incredibly satisfying experience for many players.
Plus, even despite the horrors, the game carries touches of silliness while also being self-aware; with the story and characters so well done, it’s no wonder its reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
2Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Terror in Norse Mythology
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
It’s always incredibly fascinating to see horror depicted through the lens of other cultures, especially through their myths and folklore. In the case ofSenua’s Saga: Hellblade IIis an unforgiving survival game throughViking-era Iceland.
It’s the sequel to award-winningHellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, so fans had a lot of expectations going in. To their surprise, they were met with a story and experience that properly rivals its predecessor.
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The fears explored in this game are unique and genuinely unsettling, from being submerged in dark water to good old-fashioned claustrophobia.
It’s not traditional jumpscares, either; it’s all atmospheric and setting, with the mood always being set wonderfully.
Overall, this is a must-play for players who want to feel intimidated and be absolutely haunted by their experience.
1Silent Hill 2 Remake
A Masterpiece of Psychological Horror
Silent Hill 2
Well-expected and winning by a landslide,Silent Hill 2 Remakeis the best horror game of 2024. There’s no question about it – and with full transparency, I would have nominated it for Game of the Year.
Many veteranSilent Hillfans (including myself) were, admittedly, worried when this game was announced.Konamidoesn’t tend to give this franchise much love, needless to say, and yet, players have been blown away by the genuine masterpiece they received.
The Silent Hill 2 Remake is wholly authentic to the originalSilent Hill 2and then some, expanding on not just the graphics and acting but the lore, story, and characters as well. It perfectly captures the exact feelings of those playing the original game, but somehow manages to make it even scarier and more beautifully crafted.
This game is nearly perfect for horror fans, andespecially for Silent Hill fans, who have long awaited for something – anything – to bring this franchise back to life. And thankBloober Team, they actually did it.
Regardless of whether players are returning to the town or venturing into the fog for the first time, Silent Hill 2 Remake is the greatest horror game of 2024.
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