Sandbox and horror games are two categories that don't often seem to mix, however when sandbox horror is pulled off, it can make for the most exhilarating horror experiences in gaming. Sandbox by definition are games that give the player complete freedom in how they want to play the game, often set in an open world. They can choose which tools and weapons to use and which routes to follow, and which quests to do in which order.
Horror mixed with sandbox elements often leads to the unexpected as players aren't constantly following a linear path, pre-designed by the developers. Instead, anything can happen, and it's up to the player's decisions and actions that affect how playthroughs pan out. This mix of genres can create some of the most atmospheric and memorable moments in gaming.
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8 Dead Rising
Dead Rising
A complete sandbox game by definition, the Dead Rising franchise is all about using creative freedom to have fun and create absolute chaos. Yes, there's a campaign and something of a story, but the main feature of Dead Rising is its sandbox design that allows players to kick back, relax and explore the multitude of ways to kill some zombies, including making weapons out of everyday objects.
The only drawback from Dead Rising, and the reason it's not ranked higher, is that because of its silly nature, it's just not scary. So yes, it's technically a horror game because it's all about zombies, but it lacks a horror-filled atmosphere.
7 We Happy Few
We Happy Few
We Happy Few is an interesting entry because it started its development as a pure sandbox-survival horror. However, towards the end of its development, the devs decided to listen to some early-access feedback and implement a more story-focused and linear campaign. Despite this, a few months after its release, Compulsion Games unveiled a DLC that added a sandbox mode which was more aligned with its original focus.
The horror aspects follow a psychedelic drug known as Joy, which many citizens of its Victorian-Londonesque setting are addicted to. It's a horror theme influenced by the dystopian aspects of Orwell's 1 984 or Huxley's Brave New World and successfully explores a sub-genre of horror not often featured in video games.
6 State Of Decay 2
State of Decay 2
- Released
- May 22, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Undead Labs
- Metascore
- 69
State of Decay 2 is a survival horror game developed by Undead Labs which was released in 2018. Players jump into a vast sandbox open-world where they have the creative freedom to gather resources and supplies to help build a base and community. One of the best elements to State of Decay 2 is the co-op feature which creates a fantastic co-operative sandbox experience.
The combination of horror elements and having the freedom to explore a world ridden by zombies and use various weapons to protect yourself is a classic setup, but State of Decay 2 executes things excellently. Whether exploring the open world or running into dangerous Ferals or Juggernauts, State of Decay 2 is pure sandbox-horror fun.
5 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
- Released
- March 20, 2007
- Developer(s)
- GSC Game World
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Metascore
- 82
Shadow of Chernobyl is a classic sandbox horror title which released back in 2007. It's a hugely atmospheric experience and features some super dark horror elements. From mutated creatures to Lovecraftian flora and extraterrestrial artifacts, Shadow of Chernobyl can be a disturbing experience at times but rewarding at others.
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There's an incentive to explore in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Due to its non-linear storyline. It provides players with a real, creative sandbox feeling all whilst effectively maintaining its brooding horror ambiance. Gamers should just remember to watch their back when they trudge through the barren wastelands of Chernobyl.
4 Don't Starve
Don't Starve
- Released
- April 23, 2013
- Developer(s)
- Klei Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PS Vita, Nintendo Wii U, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PC
- Metascore
- 87
One of the best indie-horror releases in years, Don't Starve (and its great sequel Don't Starve Together) are fantastic sandbox horror experiences where the player has to survive in a desolate, empty land. Featuring a 2D perspective that makes the player feel incredibly small, the enemies in Don't Starve truly feel threatening and menacing.
The main game is played in a sandbox mode where players are simply tasked with surviving for as long as possible and maintaining a source of light. However, there is also an adventure mode which includes a small story. Despite being an indie title, Don't Starve is one of the most disturbing sandbox horror games.
3 7 Days To Die
7 Days to Die
- Released
- June 28, 2016
- Developer(s)
- The Fun Pimps
- Platform(s)
- Linux, macOS, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
- Steam User Rating
- 88% (October 25, 2023)
7 Days To Die is a voxel-based, sandbox-horror, open-world game where the player can virtually do whatever they please. Whether they want to focus on building, fighting, scavenging or defending, the options available to the player in 7 Days To Die are pretty much endless.
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The mechanics behind the game are deep and players can dive into leveling and crafting from the start. It's a great creative game that offers so many opportunities for the player. And, not to mention the zombie hordes which truly make the game feel like a full-blown horror experience.
2 Subnautica
Subnautica
- Released
- January 23, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Metascore
- 87
Looking at the cover art, Subnautica doesn't even look like a horror game, let alone a sandbox. However, it's this deceptive trick that propelled Subnautica into popularity as it's one of the most terrifying experiences in gaming, especially if you're a victim of thalassophobia (fear of the deep ocean).
Subnautica gives complete freedom to the player to explore the open ocean of an alien planet, with the main goal being to find a way to escape. Players will need to find resources and survive for as long as possible, all whilst exploring and learning about this foreign environment. Oh, and they also need to avoid massive leviathan creatures.
1 The Forest
The Forest
The Forest, and its sequel Sons of The Forest, are two excellent survival-horror sandbox experiences where players are thrown into a forest setting with some definitely-not-creepy cult-like creatures who are definitely not cannibals or anything.
Players control Eric LeBlanc who is the sole survivor of a plane crash as he searches for his son somewhere in the forest. It's a pure sandbox experience as there are few tutorial elements and no set directions or objectives to follow. Instead, players are simply tasked with creating a shelter, crafting weapons, exploring, and surviving. It's a fantastic horror experience set in a great sandbox world.