It's a classic horror trope; the deep dark forest full of strange sounds and shadows lurking between the trees. But there's a reason that forests are such a popular setting in the genre, and that's because it works. Films like The Blair Witch Project have a reputation for a reason, and there are plenty of horror games that take a leaf out of the screen's book.
8 Horror Games Set In Forest Towns
There's something inherently creepy about a small forest town, especially once night falls. These horror games play off that vibe to great effect.
Expansive open maps leave players feeling vulnerable, and the darkness can really play on fears of the unknown, leaving them feeling watched by unseen threats. When trees obscure the path, it can also feel like there's no way out, which leads to some claustrophobic situations. These are some of the best horror games set in a forest that serve up plenty of outdoor frights.
The games on this list are those where all or the majority of gameplay takes place in a forest, not those where there are forest sections or take place in forest towns.
13 In Silence
Hunt Or Be Hunted
In Silence
- Released
- October 16, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ravenhood Games
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
In Silence is an asymmetrical horror game about escaping the rake. The rake is generally known as a humanoid cryptid with a penchant for human meat, although in this game appears as a much more disturbing monster; unnaturally fast and strong with a terrible set of jaws.
The survivors can decide whether to escape or fight back but must bear in mind that the rake compensates for its poor eyesight with hypersensitive hearing. The player can also play as the monster, condemning the others as its next meal.
12 Silent Breath
Don't Make A Sound
- Platforms: Windows
- Release Date: April 5, 2024
- Developer: EXODIAC STUDIOS
Beginning at a cabin in the woods, which also happens to be a crime scene, the player in Silent Breath must find five people missing in the forest before the night is over. To make matters worse, there are grotesque humanoid monsters roaming around with them.
Silent Breath uses the player's mic activity, restarting the game if they are too loud, which adds an extra layer of tension to the gameplay. There is also an element of mystery, with an unexpected twist that contributes to the psychological horror of the game.
11 Don't Scream
A Long 18 Minutes
Don't Scream
- Released
- October 28, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Dropped into the woods with a video camera, the player must survive for 18 minutes without - as the title Don't Scream suggests - making a sound. Being too loud will restart the game, but staying quiet can prove a challenge when the forest is full of distressing encounters.
Horror Games That Use Players' Microphones
Using the player's microphone in gameplay is an excellent way to increase immersion and tension in horror games. Here's which titles did it the best.
Don't Scream excels in sound design, where each twig snap and distant scream creates an incredibly tense atmosphere. With lots of creepy landmarks to discover, this game covers pretty much everything expected of a spooky horror experience.
10 BIGFOOT
Go Cryptid Hunting Solo Or As A Team
BIGFOOT
- Developer(s)
- CyberLight Game Studio
WHERE TO PLAY
Bigfoot, or the Sasquatch, is one of the biggest American mysteries that lends its name to onslaughts of sightings and hoaxes, as well as featuring in a number of films and games. BIGFOOT is a co-op hunting game, with players attempting to obtain proof of the cryptid's existence.
The hunters can set traps and cameras to track the beast down. Alternatively, one player can take on the role of Bigfoot, protecting their territory. The locations in BIGFOOT are modeled after real national parks using Unreal Engine, making for some immersive gameplay.
9 The Cursed Forest
Taking A Shortcut Leads To A Mystery
- Platforms: Windows
- Release Date: February 26, 2019
- Developers: KPy3O, Noostyche
The Cursed Forest follows an unnamed protagonist, who has found himself lost in a forest after taking a shortcut on the way to the hospital. The player must navigate through the woods to escape, uncovering terrible secrets along the way.
While there is an underlying mystery and objectives, The Cursed Forest is first and foremost a walking simulator. As such, the game has stunning visuals that contribute to a distinctly dark fantasy atmosphere, making it stand out from other games set in similar locations.
8 Through The Woods
A Chilling Experience Based In Norse Mythology
- Platforms: Windows
- Release Date: October 27, 2016
- Developer: Antagonist
In Through the Woods, the player controls Karen, a mother whose son, Espen, has gone missing. Braving a mysterious forested island alone, she embarks on a journey to save Espen from the clutches of his otherworldly kidnapper.
8 Great Folk Horror Video Games
Folk horror video games are often based on real-world mythologies, with ancient tales of supernatural dangers being adapted to the virtual medium.
Inspired by Norse mythology, players will encounter the likes of trolls, elemental spirits, and enchanted animals, as well as beautiful Scandinavian scenery. Through the Woods has an intense unfolding narrative that bridges the boundaries of myth to the real world while exploring other dark themes.
7 Fears To Fathom: Ironbark Lookout
A New Job Entails More Than Anticipated
- Platforms: Windows
- Release Date: October 20, 2023
- Developer: Rayll Studios
Fears to Fathom is a series of horror games, each tackling different scenarios recounted by the survivor. Ironbark Lookout is the fourth episode, told from Jack Nelson's perspective, covering his trial by fire at his new summer job as a lookout at Ironbark State Park.
The game takes place over multiple days/nights, with increasingly sinister events occurring. The initial rumors of missing people and creatures begin to seem feasible when Jack starts to hear screams and see mysterious figures roaming the forest. Ironbark Lookout is a particularly unsettling game that plays on players' sense of isolation and helplessness.
6 Red And The Whispering Woods
A Grisly 2D Twist On Little Red Riding Hood
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Release Date: N/A
- Developer: Mike Ren
Little Red Riding Hood has been subjected to numerous interpretations and reimaginings, from Hoodwinked to Once Upon a Time. With its premise, the tale has a lot of potential to be adapted into a horror - a crossover that Red and the Whispering Woods does very well.
As Red, the player must visit her sick Grandma, a simple objective that quickly takes a dangerous turn when the wolf begins to hunt her down. Using their microphones, players can control Red's actions, ultimately determining whether she or the wolf will escape the woods alive.
5 Slender: The Arrival
Escape The Classic Creepypasta
Slender: The Arrival
- Released
- March 26, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
Once known as the page-finding game, Slender: The Arrival was updated in 2023, massively expanding on the story and gameplay, and is now a fully-fleshed horror experience. The player initially follows Lauren who, upon finding her friend missing and her house covered in distressing drawings, embarks on a manhunt, setting into motion a sinister series of events.
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10 Scariest Games Based On Creepypastas
Creepypastas are synonymous with modern horror, and that extends to video games.
Using a combination of exploration and found footage, Slender: The Arrival weaves multiple narratives together. Alongside the new locations and characters, this makes for a gripping and unnerving experience that still maintains the familiar appeal of the original creepypasta games.
4 Blair Witch
The Deeper Players Go, The More Messed Up Things Get
Blair Witch
- Released
- August 30, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bloober Team
- Publisher(s)
- Lionsgate Games
- Franchise
- Blair Witch
- Platform(s)
- PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Amazon Luna
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
When thinking of a horror set in the woods, The Blair Witch Project is likely one of the first titles that springs to mind. Lost in the forest and surrounded by freaky sounds and the potential presence of a witch, it is no surprise that it has been adapted into a video game: Blair Witch.
While not following the exact narrative, Blair Witch takes place in the same universe as its film counterpart. As former police officer Ellis, the player joins the effort to find a missing boy in the Black Hills forest. However, upon delving deeper, he comes face to face with a much more sinister presence that forces Ellis to confront his own life.