2024 was a great year for fans of horror games, and picking only three of the best is difficult. As we begin the new year, the 2025 schedule looks promising, but these are the fan favorites today until more time passes. The factors that make a horror game leave a lasting impression are endless. A horror game fan has certain expectations in the balance between scares and the story, as well as the simplicity of the game.

Horror Games of the Year

3. Fear the Spotlight

Fear the Spotlight is inspired by retro horror and has PS1-style gameplay and graphics. The nostalgic feeling is evident when playing and also adds to the immersion in the environment. The story follows two teenage girls named Vivian Singh and Amy Tanaka as they break into their high school. After the girls interact with a Ouija board for a séance, things go downhill.

Puzzle solving and a tense survival atmosphere make Fear the Spotlight a fun play for casual and competitive gamers. A creepy love letter to classic 90s horror is how the developers described the game; mixing modern and classic horror was a massive success in this game. Fear the Spotlight is $19.99 and is worth considering if you enjoy retro-style and eerie horror.

2. Hollowbody

If you enjoy survival horror games like Resident Evil, then Hollowbody is a must-play. This is another retro-style horror game, but it is set in the distant future. It features some of the classic features you would find in this type of horror game. A third-person game with fixed camera angles, puzzles, ammo preservation, and save points. Once you complete the game, a first-person camera option is unlocked and available to use for the second play.

The story begins with you playing as Mica, who will stop at nothing to find her missing partner Sasha. After getting a lead, the plane crashes over the exclusion zone, leaving Mica stranded. Like in games such as Silent Hill and Resident Evil, the goal is to solve puzzles, fight off monsters, and complete the objective. When looking at a good environment in a horror game then Hollowbody is it; while being an inspired concept, it has a unique presence.

1. Silent Hill 2 Remake

Long-time fans of horror games understand why this remake of the cult classic is on this list. After over 20 years, Silent Hill 2 is playable on next-gen consoles with the same great story. The Silent Hill fanbase is massive, and for good reason. Unique monsters and lore are a large part of its success. Non-horror fans have likely heard of this franchise due to not only the games but multiple film adaptations as well. The number of nominations and awards Silent Hill 2 was able to garner in 2024 was massive.

Silent Hill 2‘s success is evidence that it is truly a timeless classic; the in-depth gameplay makes survival a nonstop scare fest. When the average horror game fan thinks of the best titles, Silent Hill is on the Mount Rushmore of horror games. The success of Resident Evil remakes made it bound for Silent Hill to follow. Improved graphics and combat, as well as full-motion cameras, are all great features added in the remake.

Conclusion

The horror games listed were not the only good horror games released in 2024. For psychological horror game fans, Still Wakes the Deep is a simple yet scary experience set in the 1970s on a Scottish oil rig. The goal is to avoid monstrous tentacles and find a way home. It is unsure what hidden gems lie ahead here in 2025, but horror games continue to rise in popularity.