Many games can be called best survival horror games but the one with good combat and story can be hard to find. A best survival horror game is not something that a single person can decide for all. The concept of the best game varies depending on the players so it’s hard to decide the best games. However, we can select multiple good games from the same genre and let players decide which is best among them.
If you are here it means that you are looking for a good survival horror game. The list includes some of the best and latest survival horror games with lots of action. These games are not just about the story but action and gameplay as well.
1. The Last of Us Part II (2020)
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC
The Last of Us is considered to be one of the best video games of all time. Thankfully The Last of Us Part II continues the trend of providing an amazing experience. It became one of the most expensive video games ever made. The Last of Us Part II takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting in which the world is infested by fungal infection. It takes place a couple of years after the events of the first game. Players will follow the character of Ellie as she goes on a journey of vengeance against those who wronged her. The game explores the themes of trauma, the cycle of violence, and loss.
One of the game’s strongest points is its storytelling which helps it provide deep character arcs and complex emotional narratives. The world of the game is carefully crafted with a deep emphasis on the details of environments that range from ruined urban areas to lush green forests. Its combat and stealth mechanics are the meat of the gameplay. These mechanics are carefully tuned. It allows players to approach an encounter the way they see fit against both humans and the infected.
The game has an amazing setting with realistic movement and voice acting that acts as a cherry on top. It brings characters to life in a meaningful way which makes their struggles more impactful. It lets players decide what’s wrong and what’s right. The deep gameplay and thoughtful experience will linger long after you are done with the game. The Last of Us Part has a story-driven narrative and it is one of the best survival horror games that keeps players engaged for hours
2. Resident Evil Village (2021)
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Resident Evil Village is the 8th game in the main line series and is the continuation of Ethan Hunt’s story after the events of the previous games. After a depressive encounter at his home, Ethan Winter ends up in a strange and snow-covered village in search of his kidnapped daughter. The game blends survival horror and action to provide a unique experience. It features some really nasty-looking enemies, intense combat sequences, and well-designed puzzles.
The main setting which is the village has rich details with some strange-looking environment that ranges from creepy forests to ruined houses and even a grand castle. All of this combines to create a tense atmosphere. There are some memorable characters one of which is the famous tall woman known as Lady Dimitrescu. She along with her twisted family creates a chilling atmosphere.
The first person’s perspective of the game can immerse players in the terrifying world of the game. The combination of stunning visuals and amazing animation makes it even better. Resident Evil 8 “Village” stands out in the series due to its tense atmosphere that mixes horror and action elements to provide a gripping experience. All of this is the reason that Resident Evil Village is one of the best survival horror games.
3. Dead Space Remake (2023)
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Dead Space Remake is the remake of one of the best survival horror games that inspired so many other games. The 2023 remake of Dead Space is the retelling of the insane and terrifying journey of Isaac Clark as he fights against the deadly infected creatures known as Necromorphs that have infested the ship. The ship on which the game takes place is known as USG Ishimura and it is a deadly place to be there. The remake enhances most of the things about the game. It not only updates graphics over the original game but sound design as well which enhances the atmosphere. The feeling of getting attacked from anywhere is all too evident thanks to these upgrades.
Despite all the changes the game retains its survival horror nature with scarcity of resources and dismemberment of enemies to slow them down. The sense of overwhelming dread in the face of isolation is all too evident. The improvements made in gameplay include better enemy AI, making controls more robust, and expanding some things in the story that work towards depending on the narrative.
One of the major upgrades is the fact that the character can now talk which wasn’t the case with the original. The narrow corridors and the silence of the ship are better than ever. It creates a sense of tension in the environment. There is more environmental storytelling in the game. Dead Space is one of the best survival horror games out there. The remake continues that legacy and brings it to the new players.
4. Alan Wake 2 (2023)
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Alan Wake 2 was one of the most anticipated games in 2024 and is a long-awaited continuation of the well-received classic psychological horror game. It continues the story of the writer Alan Wake as he fights against the supernatural forces haunting him. These supernatural creatures play a major role in how the story is shaped. Through amazing graphics and a deep narrative, it improves upon the environmental tension, the things that made the original such a great deal.
Players have to go through strange environments, solve puzzles, and engage in light combat to repel shadowy creatures. The thing that makes Alan Wake 2 stand out is the fact that it blurs the line between reality and fiction. The amazing twists and detailed worlds suck players into its strange and eerie yet amazing narrative. Bright Falls returns once again with its intense atmospheric setting. The place is filled with eerie locations and dark characters.
Alan Wake struggles against the darkness that is following him which is shown through stunning visuals accompanied by strange music which creates an immersive, yet strange experience. The depth of narrative and elements of psychological horror make it one of the best survival horror games. It explores the themes of fear, creativity as well as the fight between good and bad, the line that it blurs at times. Alan Wake 2 has good storytelling and an atmosphere that offers a deep yet terrifying experience.
5. Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Following in the footsteps of the Resident Evil 3 Remake, The Resident Evil 4 Remake introduces players to the character of Leon S. Kennedy once again. He is on a mission to rescue the daughter of the president who has been captured by a cult that hails infection as a blessing. The game has improved graphics, more refined gameplay mechanics, and modern control that changes the game for the better. All these changes breathe new life into this amazing classic.
It keeps the balance between action and survival horror. The game’s ever-changing combat scenarios, resource management, and intense atmosphere keep it interesting. New content is added to the game, ranging from expanded areas to adding more elements to the story. These changes make sure that even veteran fans of the game have something new to enjoy. The environment of the game ranges from immersive old castles to strange villages all of which are extensively details.
This time around, enemies are more dangerous and have improved AI that requires precision and strategy. Its famous over-the-shoulder 3rd person perspective and the way combat works make exploration not only fun but more engaging as well. The remake has the essence of the original and all that made the original such a great experience. At the same time, it introduces modern stuff that makes the overall experience better. All these changes make it a good game for both newcomers and fans of the original. These changes also make it one of the best survival horror games.
6. The Callisto Protocol (2022)
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
The Callisto Protocol is a game from some of the creators behind the legendary original Dead Space. Developed by Striking Distance Studios, the game is a spiritual successor to Dead Space with the promise of delivering the same experience. How successful it is in achieving that goal is another debate. However, it is a good survival horror, which is the reason that it is among the best survival horror games.
The game takes place on the moon of Jupiter known as Callisto. Players will take control of the character known as Jacob Lee who has been pushed into this nightmarish situation. He has to survive against hideous-looking creatures in a prison called Black Iron Prison. The intense atmosphere, horror, and combat make up for a terrifying playthrough. The details of the environment, eerie soundscape, and shiny graphics make up an immersive horror experience.
The story and narrative have some dark secrets with some unexpected turn of events. These twists and turns keep the player engaged and on the edge. The central game design revolves around creating isolation and overwhelmness. Resources are scarce and dangerous enemies are waiting for you right around the corner. The Callisto Protocol combines sci-fi and horror. The tension it creates and the gripping story make it one of the best survival horror games. The dismemberment and the environment pay tribute to its Dead Space root and the introduction of new mechanics keep it fresh.
7. Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Resident Evil 3 Remake is the retelling of the original Resident Evil 3 which became a cult classic. It is a modernized tale of Jill Valentine as she tries to escape from the Raccoon City which has become overrun with the undead. Undead are not the only ones that she has to worry about because there is more sinister stuff at play. A bioweapon called Nemesis is after her and is trying to end her life to keep secrets. The game revolves around escaping from Nemisis and surviving the nightmare. There is a scarcity of resources and ammo similar to other survival horror games. The game will constantly make you feel like you are being overwhelmed.
Resident Evil 3 Remake has better visual controls and reimagined locations. Intense encounters and scarcity of resources make up a good survival horror experience. The addition of new supporting characters and the expansion of storylines make this remake good for both new players and fans of the series. Players will navigate through streets in chaos, manage their resources to survive, and solve puzzles. The ever-changing environment, the atmospheric sound design, and the details models of the characters immerse players into the hell of Racoon City.
One of the things that makes it interesting is the relentless pursuit and powerful attack of Nemesis. He is basically invincible so your only choice is to run away from it. It adds another layer of constant dread which makes each encounter a fight for survival. Resident Evil 3 Remake perfectly adds new stuff while keeping all the stuff that made the original such a good experience making it one of the best survival horror games.
8. Alien: Dark Descent (2023)
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Alien: Dark Descent is a real-time survival horror game from the Iconic Alien franchise. It is one of the best sci-fi franchises with many movies and games. In the game, players will take control of a squad of marines. These marines are investigating the Xenomorph outbreak in one of the distant colonies. The premise of the games is pretty simple and in line with other games from the franchise. However, the way it handles that premise through gameplay and the intense atmosphere that it presents make it one of the best survival horror games.
The game places a huge emphasis on managing resources, decision-making, and the psychological effect of fear on marines as they encounter these terrifying monsters. Players would need to keep an eye on the physiological condition of marines and place marines in rehabilitation if they have psychological breakdowns. The dark claustrophobic atmosphere combined with the constant presence of Xenomorphs creates a consistent tension. Very few games nail the feeling of intensity that keeps you stiff through the gameplay and Alien: Dark Descent is one of these games.
The story of the game goes into the survival aspect of survival, sacrifice, resilience against odds, and good leadership. Players have the keep the morale of their squad, and balance equipment as well as health while going through the claustrophobic and dangerous hallways. The game has a dynamic AI which means that no two encounters are the same which keeps players tense. Alien: Dark Descent focuses on strategic planning and making quick decisions. The aforementioned elements along with horror and strategy make sure that the game stays close to the essence of the Alien franchise. In doing so, it provides a gripping yet terrifying experience and one of the best survival horror games.
9. The Evil Within 2 (2017)
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC
The Evil Within 2 was created by Shinji Mikami who has directed multiple Resident Evil games. So this game was bound to pop up on the list. Players can see the influence of Resident Evil the moment they start playing it. Like other Resident Evil games on the list, it too is a survival horror game. The haunting nature of its environment and the way it handles combat makes it an eerie experience. The Evil Within 2 offers a semi-open-world experience with more than one big explorable area. Even though it is not a traditional open world, it still offers quite a bit of freedom.
The game follows the character of Sebastian Castellanos who is investigating and going through the nightmarish STEM world to rescue his daughter. The Evil Within 2 combines psychological horror with survival aspects which results in a mix of stealth, general combat, and exploration. The environment of the game is strange with some really disturbing sequences. It is filled with heinous creations and some extreme encounters. The narrative goes into different themes such as guilt, redemption, and trauma which results in a compelling yet disturbing journey. All of it makes The Evil Within 2 one of the best survival horror games.
10. Dying Light 2 Stay Human (2022)
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Unlike most survival horror games, Dying Light 2 Stay Human is an open-world survival horror game. It focuses on using parkour and melee combat in a post-apocalyptic world that has been overrun by zombies. Quick responses are important in the game because there is a lot of running and parkouring. Players will take control of a character known as Aiden Caldwell. He is a wandering survivor with a mysterious past that sets him as a main character.
Players will be navigating the big city of Villedor and along the way, players will make choices that will have an impact on both the story and the environment. Your decision can have a major impact on different actions. So making decisions is an important part of the game. Dying Light 2 Stay Human has a dynamic day and night cycle. It becomes more dangerous and difficult at night since more dangerous enemies appear. The appearance of dangerous creatures at night adds more tension and survival elements. Parkour mechanics offer better movement which helps in exploration. Its combat offers different tactics and a diverse range of weapons.
Players have to salvage from the map, craft different items, and make alliances with different factions to survive. The narrative of the game includes elements such as power, survival, and trust in a society that is barely holding up with your choices having major consequences. The detailed environment, amazing sound design, and robust graphics create a realistic world that changes with the player’s decision. Dying Light 2 Stay Human combines intense action with an amazing narrative which results in a rich yet immersive experience. All these positive aspects add Dying Light 2 Stay Human to the list of best survival horror games.
If you went through the list of best survival horror games then you might have gotten your next favorite survival horror game. All these games have the potential to become your next favorite game. These games not only offer a good story but combat and gameplay as well. That’s all we have for now, stay tuned for more.
