Best Horror Games Featuring Non-Linear Storytelling

Horror game developers have no shortage of approaches to storytelling. Some opt for linear, tightly scripted narratives with fixed protagonists and predetermined endings, like Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Alan Wake, Dead Space, The Evil Within, and The Last of Us. On the other hand, some titles, such as The Forest, DayZ, and Rust, focus more on sandbox-style horror, offering little in the way of a central narrative and letting the gameplay itself take center stage.

A niche within the genre is the use of cinematic, non-linear narratives, emphasizing player choice and its impact on the story. Supermassive Games is renowned for this style, but other developers have embraced similar designs. In these games, players are tasked with making RPG-like decisions with lasting consequences or guiding multiple playable characters who can die based on player actions. Below are some of the most notable horror games featuring non-linear narratives, where player choices shape the story and keep them on edge, offering a sense of freedom amid the terror.

1 Until Dawn

Supermassive's Best, Most Varied, And Scariest Game

Years after its release, the original Until Dawn alongside its modern remake, continues to stand out not only as Supermassive's best title, but as one of the most impressive non-linear horror stories in gaming. Set in a creepy, remote cabin on a cold winter night, Until Dawn features a diverse cast of characters who are notoriously difficult to keep alive throughout the night's horrors. With its branching narrative that adapts to both dialogue choices and failed action sequences, Until Dawn remains the perfect horror game to dive into — whether solo or with friends — especially during the spooky season.

The game's non-linear structure offers fantastic replayability, with players often feeling compelled to revisit chapters or even replay the entire game to experience different outcomes. Thanks to the multitude of possibilities and various endings, Until Dawn remains rewarding, even after multiple playthroughs.

2 The Quarry

A Non-Linear Cinematic Survival With The Spirit Of 80s Slasher Films

The Quarry is Supermassive's modern attempt to rival Until Dawn in the realm of narrative-driven cinematic horror. Once again, the studio delivers a star-studded, lengthy horror game that builds just the right amount of suspense before plunging into action, twists, and terror. In some areas — especially its homage to classic 1980s slasher films — The Quarry truly excels, although it doesn't quite match Until Dawn in terms of plot density, unpredictability, or character depth.

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Still, The Quarry's non-linear storytelling should satisfy horror fans, particularly those who enjoy playing with friends in couch co-op mode. All of Supermassive's hallmark features are present, including tense sequences where characters' fates hang by a thread, long-lasting consequences of player choices, and a wide array of unique endings to uncover.

3 Telltale's The Walking Dead Series

A Branching Narrative And Heart-Wrenching Decisions

Among Telltale's episodic games, The Walking Dead series is perhaps the most iconic and beloved — and for good reason. From the very first season, The Walking Dead stands apart from its TV counterpart, captivating players with its memorable characters, complex relationships, and branching narrative. In these games, nearly every character's fate is influenced by the player's decisions, often leading to emotional and tragic outcomes.

While the Walking Dead series leans more toward character-driven drama than pure horror, it skillfully balances intense, heart-wrenching choices with brief yet powerful moments of action and horror involving zombies. Through its unforgettable journey, the series established Lee and Clementine as one of the most memorable and touching character duos in gaming.

4 House Of Ashes

Action And Horror With Unpredictable, Intense Sequences

As one of the most action-packed entries in the Dark Pictures Anthology, House of Ashes is widely regarded as the standout of the first season, boasting several strengths. From its well-developed cast — including characters from opposing sides of a military conflict and even a compelling love triangle — to its unique setting, House of Ashes blends ancient mythology, modern warfare, and eerie supernatural elements into an unpredictable and thrilling narrative.

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House of Ashes maintains Supermassive's signature gameplay formula, where choices in dialogue and quick-time events (QTEs) significantly impact the story's progression, character fates, and eventual outcome. Though it starts with a slow build-up, the tension quickly escalates, leading to a heart-pounding finale. Any character can meet a brutal fate, depending on player decisions.

5 Song Of Horror

Multiple Characters Can Die In This Puzzle-Heavy, Mysterious Horror

With Song of Horror featuring multiple playable characters, it seems to align itself with titles from Supermassive or Telltale, especially since any major character can die at almost any point. However, the game incorporates player decisions differently. While the overall narrative follows a fixed path, gameplay is heavily influenced by which characters survive and how players approach solving puzzles and uncovering mysteries.

Song of Horror emphasizes survival and exploration, with intricate puzzles to solve while being pursued by a mysterious otherworldly force. Instead of drastically altering the story, the death of any charatcter will impact who is left to continue the investigation. Each character has unique abilities that can assist in solving puzzles more efficiently, making the permadeath mechanic crucial to gameplay. The game uses this system to create a tense, atmospheric experience where player actions and failures have meaningful consequences.

6 The Sinking City

Lovecraftian Themes And Dense Detective Horror Atmosphere

The Sinking City blends timeless Lovecraftian themes with a detective-horror atmosphere, offering a semi-non-linear narrative. While the game isn't as branching or choice-heavy as other titles, it provides a more open-world experience where players can decide how and when to tackle investigations. The focus lies primarily on gathering clues and solving mysteries, with some flexibility in how tasks are approached.

Though players can make moral choices during investigations — such as deciding whether to spare or condemn characters — these decisions mainly affect specific quests rather than the main storyline. However, the ability to impact quest outcomes and the multiple possible endings based on key choices make The Sinking City a compelling option for horror fans seeking a spooky, semi-open, narrative-driven adventure.

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