Most horror games prefer to put players on a linear path as they enjoy a fantastic and bone-chilling experience. Fans assume that exploration isn't a priority in these titles, but this is far from the case.
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After all, the best horror games know how important atmosphere is in immersing players. Exploration plays a huge role here, making players dread every step they must take to make substantial progress, acquire useful items, and uncover the mystery surrounding these titles.
8 Manhunt
The Haunting Atmosphere Makes Every Step A Chilling One
Manhunt
- Released
- November 18, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
Manhunt is a vicious game not for the faint of heart, even if the controversy surrounding this game seems a bit overblown, given how violent and gory modern games are in comparison. It's a shame that this media uproar is the only time players discuss Manhunt, since the game had several strengths that most people are unaware of.
Along with the scintillating stealth gameplay, the atmosphere of this game was off the charts. Players loved exploring this game world, dreading the threats present in every corner as they tried to remain unseen and keep themselves stocked with makeshift equipment to land visceral stealth kills.
7 The Evil Within 2
The Interconnected World Makes Exploration Feel Great
The Evil Within 2
- Released
- October 13, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Tango Gameworks
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Unlike its predecessor, The Evil Within 2 decided to opt for a more open-ended approach to level design during some portions of its story. The result is a sequel where exploration is more engaging and rewarding than ever before.
The improvements made to combat ensured that players will love every second they spend exploring the game world and tackling hostiles in The Evil Within 2. Finding useful items and enlightening lore tidbits never ceases to be engaging in a game that nailed immersive exploration.
6 Dredge
Exploring The Seas And Avoiding Aquatic Dangers Is Surprisingly Compelling
Dredge
- Released
- March 31, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- Black Salt Games
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Dredge is a Lovecraftian horror game where players fish in treacherous waters and must return to the safety of a port at night. Sure, players can explore and brave the dangers anyway, but doing so can have dire consequences as a player's panic increases.
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The strengths of these top-notch RPGs often belie the horror that permeates throughout.
A game that can be oddly relaxing in the day becomes grueling at night when players are racing against time to reach the safety of a port. Thankfully, Dredge has a generous upgrade system that gives players more leeway to explore the serene world at night without feeling like they're on a doomed expedition.
5 Alan Wake 2
The Amazing Art Design Makes For Some Fun Exploration
Alan Wake 2
- Released
- October 27, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Remedy Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
A huge part of what makes exploration extraordinary in any game, horror or otherwise, is stellar art design. Alan Wake 2 clearly got the memo, with the amazing use of colors ensuring that players will love exploring the game's tightly constructed levels.
Both Alan and Saga are riveting protagonists who encounter their fair share of dangers in their respective journeys. Players are encouraged to explore as much as they can to stock up on items in a survival horror game where resources are pretty scarce.
4 Silent Hill 2 (2024)
The Nightmarish Town Of Silent Hill Will Traumatize James Over And Over Again
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
Bloober Team knocked it out of the park with Silent Hill 2's remake, which proved everyone wrong. James Sunderland's adventures are still riveting, and it helps that the modern touches make this survival horror game more palatable to the masses.
While some fans lament the loss of a fixed camera, the over-the-shoulder perspective helps exploration feel more engaging for players with modern sensibilities. The fog-clad town of Silent Hill is unnerving yet fascinating, with players being encouraged to explore as much as possible to find useful items and hidden secrets.
3 Resident Evil 4 (2023)
Exploring A Ravaged Spanish Village Is A Blast
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 another faithful remake that modernizes the original while doing justice to its legacy. The game is expanded just enough without feeling too padded, while combat has witnessed a noticeable upgrade to feel less static.
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The Spanish town that has been infected by Las Plagas gives off an amazing gothic horror vibe as players explore this ruined location. A player's heart will be in their mouth as they explore this town, hoping not to be ambushed by a maddened village as they acquire supplies and uncover secrets.
2 Dead Space (2023)
The USG Ishimura Is Both Haunting And Compelling At The Same Time
Dead Space
- Released
- January 27, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated M for Mature for Blood and Gore, Strong Language, and Intense Violence.
- Developer(s)
- EA Motive
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, PlayStation 5
Any horror game with a desolate spaceship is bound to make for a creepy adventure, and this applies to Dead Space, too. The remake does a great job of justifying its presence by making the game look and feel better than ever before.
The USG Ishimura is expanded in all the right places to make exploration better than ever before, with these open-ended areas allowing the player to acquire valuable items and uncover more information regarding the tragedy that affected this space station. The bulk of this game takes place in the Ishimura, which allows for some compelling exploration.
1 Bloodborne
The Gothic And Lovecraftian Elements Shine In FromSoftware's Magnum Opus
Bloodborne
- Released
- March 24, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4
Fans are kidding themselves if they think Bloodborne isn't a horror game. Miyazaki's magnum opus has a heavy focus on gothic and Lovecraftian horror, making exploration in the game's ravaged Victorian world scintillating as lore hunters try to figure out what went wrong.
The interconnected world makes exploration more rewarding than ever, letting players find rare equipment or unlock shortcuts to make their journey through the world easier. Most players are familiar with how amazing exploration is in a FromSoftware game, and Bloodborne is no exception.
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