Most horror games prefer to give players little to no means of defending themselves, which is meant to promote a tense atmosphere as players are either forced to rely on stealth or run for their lives. However, as this genre has shown time and time again, being able to fight the horrors that pursue players doesn't stop them from being any less terrifying.
This is why so many horror games with great combat systems can still end up scaring players out of their wits. It's hard to focus and enjoy just how satisfying the gameplay is when players are busy panicking as they mash every button in sight, but some games manage to strike a balance between combat and horror.
8 Condemned: Criminal Origins
The Melee Combat Is Crunchy And Satisfying
Condemned: Criminal Origins
- Released
- November 22, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror, Action
A gritty horror game where players control a detective who's been framed for a crime he didn't commit, Condemned sees players take on several erratic lunatics who look horrifying despite being humans. Thankfully, they have a solid means of defending themselves.
The melee combat is crunchy, satisfying, and a blast to master. Players can use a melee weapon to enhance their damage in combat, although most people agree that the gameplay can be a bit wonky when players get their hands on a powerful firearm.
7 Left 4 Dead 2
Teaming Up With Friends In This Co-op FPS Is A Blast
Left 4 Dead 2
- Released
- November 17, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
- Genre(s)
- Shooter
Left 4 Dead 2 was bound to have an excellent combat system, given how successful the predecessor was. Tightening up the mechanics was all that was required for fans to enjoy a pulse-pounding FPS.
Co-op gameplay was a blast as players teamed up to take on hordes of zombies and revived fellow survivors when they were downed. The special zombies could make things tricky for players, especially if they were also controlled by other humans who were smart enough to plan ambushes for the survivors.
6 Dead Space
Cutting Off Limbs To Incapacitate Necromorphs Hammers In The Combat's Brutal Nature
Dead Space
- Released
- January 27, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated M for Mature for Blood and Gore, Strong Language, and Intense Violence.
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
From the very moment players take their first step into the USG Ishimura, they know they're in for a special time. It doesn't take long for Isaac Clarke to be separated from his crew, running away from terrifying necromorphs before finally finding a Plasma Cutter to defend himself.
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Combat is one of the best parts of Dead Space, and the remake did justice to this gameplay pillar in the eyes of many. Cutting off necromorph limbs to kill them off never ceases to be engaging and is a huge part of what makes Dead Space's visceral combat so iconic.
5 F.E.A.R. First Encounter Assault Recon
Enemy AI Was Ahead Of Its Time And Made Shootouts More Tense Than Ever
F.E.A.R.
- Released
- October 18, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
Enemy AI has always been tricky to program, so props should be given to F.E.A.R. For being so competent in this regard. The Point Man and his squad will face numerous intelligent enemies who will use sound combat tactics to try and get the drop on players.
This makes shootouts more frenetic than ever as players try to cover all bases without putting themselves in harm's way. The fact that many people feel that the first F.E.A.R. Game is yet to be trumped in quality shows just how ahead of its time this title was.
4 Resident Evil 4
The Remake Enhances The Elements Of The Original And Makes Combat More Dynamic Than Ever
Resident Evil 4
- Released
- March 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Resident Evil 4's remake had a ton of high expectations, and all but the most hardcore fans of the original are mostly pleased by what this title achieved. Combat is more dynamic than before, forcing players to be more mobile while targeting threats.
Parrying close-range attacks, kicking stunned enemies, and blasting foes in style never gets old. Resident Evil 4 may lack the charm of the original title, but it makes up for it with a dramatically improved combat system in every way that makes the experience more palatable for players.
3 Returnal
Tense Third-Person Shooting Gameplay Where Players Learn Enemy Patterns To Succeed In Every Run
Returnal
- Released
- April 30, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter
Returnal is one of the hardest and most engaging roguelike games fans can get their hands on. Housemarque's game shines courtesy of a stellar combat system that is hard yet fair, forcing players to time their dodges to perfection and pick appropriate attack windows.
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Selene must find the best buffs to augment her strength in every run, so that she can clear the bosses in every biome and uncover the mystery behind the game's layered plot. As tough as Returnal may be, the sweet sensation of victory when beating a boss is unmatched.
2 The Last Of Us Part 2
The Combat Is Crunchy, Visceral, And Satisfying
The Last of Us Part 2
- Released
- June 19, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
The Last of Us Part 2 is a divisive game when it comes to the story. However, no one can speak ill of a combat system that is noticeably improved from the first title and causes every encounter to be a tense one, regardless of whether players face humans or the infected.
The variety of infected enemies is increased ever so slightly, and human brutes add a fun challenge in encounters. Ellie and Abby must be at the top of their game if they don't want to succumb to the many tough enemies that stand in their way.
1 Bloodborne
Fast-Paced Aggressive Combat Will Keep Players On Their Toes
Bloodborne
- Released
- March 24, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Bloodborne is one of the best video games ever made, with Miyazaki delving deep into gothic and Lovecraftian horror to create an amazing world. The game is extremely challenging and is arguably the hardest FromSoftware game ever made, which speaks volumes when it comes to its difficulty.
However, Bloodborne's combat system is so aggressive and satisfying that fans can't help but try and master the gameplay. Staggering enemies for Visceral attacks, quickstepping at opportune intervals, and learning enemy patterns is a must for players who don't want to be flattened by the game's many challenging bosses.
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