Horror games need to stand out in a bid to hook players and encourage them to willfully put themselves in positions where they will be shocked out of their wits. An interesting setting is perfect here and will keep players intrigued as a game's creepy atmosphere spooks them.
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Some of the most unique horror games players can get their hands on boast settings that will stay in their minds long after they finish these titles. The most mundane environments can become something special with the right context.
Spoilers ahead for the games listed below!
8 Harvester
One Of The Weirdest And Most Disturbing Horror Games Ever Made
Harvester
- Released
- October 1, 1996
WHERE TO PLAY
Harvester is one of the weirdest horror games that genuinely feels like a fever dream. Everything seems out of whack as players commit horrible, violent acts that can be very disturbing and arrive completely out of left field.
The town of Harvest was a virtual setting created by a group of scientists who wanted to see whether it was possible to turn a regular person into a serial killer. Based on Steve's actions at the end, he can become a horrible person who accepts an eternity of happiness in the simulation while they're rendered brain-dead in the experiment.
7 Doki Doki Literature Club!
No One Expected A High School Literature Club To Haunt Their Nightmares
Doki Doki Literature Club!
- Released
- September 22, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Team Salvato
- Genre(s)
- Visual Novel, Horror
- Platform(s)
- PC
The idea of turning what looks like a dating sim into a meta horror game was a bold one that helped Doki Doki Literature Club become viral. A player's grip on sanity slips after a tragedy that causes the world to warp in a weird fashion.
From the get-go, the setting of a high school literature club is unique enough for players to see what this game is all about. It boasts a ton of disturbing content, so players should be forewarned before jumping into this nightmarish experience.
6 Amnesia: The Bunker
A World War One Bunker Is A Surprisingly Genius Setting For A Horror Game
Amnesia: The Bunker
- Released
- May 16, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Frictional Games
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Frictional Games has done a great job of integrating immersive sim elements in their horror games, and Amnesia: The Bunker is no exception. The game's randomized structure and unique setting ensure that players will love their tense adventure as they run away from a beast and try not to lose their hard-earned progress.
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The fact that players control a French soldier in a World War 1 Bunker where they're hounded by a monster is a deceptively simple premise that elevates the horror in no time. The simple act of keeping the bunker lit up is so compelling that players will be engrossed in this act for hours on end.
5 Pathologic 2
The Town Infected By The Plague Is As Surreal As They Come
Pathologic 2
- Released
- May 23, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ice-Pick Lodge
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Pathologic 2 is one of the most unique video games players can check out. Players explore a small town that is being ravaged by a mysterious plague and interact with several weird personalities as they try to uncover the game's many central mysteries.
The unique gameplay of this title, coupled with its chilling setting, will keep fans coming back for more in Pathologic 2. The difficulty can be hard to digest, but players who accept what this game is trying to do will love the bizarre nature of this open-world horror game.
4 Iron Lung
The Claustrophobia Of Operating A Small Submarine In An Ocean Of Blood Is Unmatched
Iron Lung
- Released
- March 10, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Indie Games, Adventure, Simulation
- Platform(s)
- PC, Nintendo Switch
It takes some serious guts to make a short horror game that barely lasts for an hour or two, and make it take place within a claustrophobic submarine. Thankfully, the simple yet compelling mechanics make this simulation feel immersive as players traverse an ocean of blood.
Eventually, they'll realize that they're being hunted down by a monster, and the only clue they have is a few sounds and pictures. All of this culminates in a horrifying conclusion that makes it clear why fans are flocking in droves to play Iron Lung.
3 Sunless Skies
The Fallen London Universe Takes To The Skies And Becomes Quite Riveting, As A Result
Sunless Skies
- Released
- January 31, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Blood, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Failbetter Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Sunless Sea was a great introduction to the Fallen London universe for people not familiar with the browser game that inspired it. Given how rich this setting was, fans were surprised to see Failbetter Games pivot with the sequel and take things to the skies.
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It was a bold move that paid off and made Sunless Skies even more interesting. The universe of Fallen London was rich enough as is, and this title enhances the worldbuilding as players control a captain who wants to make a name for themselves in this nightmarish world.
2 Resident Evil 4
A Spanish Village Is The Perfect Setting For The Las Plagas Plague
Resident Evil 4
- Released
- March 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Resident Evil 4 is one of the most legendary video games ever made, and fans were glad to see the remake do justice to the original title. The mysterious village that Leon Kennedy must explore to save the President's daughter is just as riveting as ever and boasts a strong art style.
Players will love to explore this harrowing village while being hounded by residents who have been transformed by the Las Plagas plague. The setting does a great job of enhancing Resident Evil 4, ensuring that this backdrop will make Leon Kennedy's spin-kicking actions as engrossing as ever.
1 Silent Hill 2
The Eponymous Town Serves As A Reflection Of James Sunderland's Warped Psyche
Silent Hill 2
- Released
- October 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Bloober Team
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
The legendary town of Silent Hill serves as the setting for James Sunderland's mind-bending adventures. However, as players slowly uncover the game's story, they'll realize that there's more to this town than what meets the eye.
As the reality of James' actions comes to light, it turns out that the entire town and its monsters are just manifestations of James' guilty subconscious, meant to force him to take responsibility and acknowledge the monstrous nature of his actions. It's a unique twist that elevates the quality of Silent Hill 2 in the eyes of many.
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