The Stealth Horror genre in games exploits the primal sense of fear in players while providing a thrilling experience simultaneously. These games involve delving deep into dangerous and terrifying environments while trying to stay hidden. Known and unknown threats hunt players constantly which keeps them on edge.
There are a few pivotal elements that make any stealth horror game an amazing investment of time. Some of these are unsettling background music, sparse or limited lighting over eerie locations, and multiple methods of outsmarting the terrifying hunters. As of now, the genre has seen multiple game-changing titles that outshine others due to their unique gameplay mechanics and unnerving world-building. These games will certainly haunt players dreams long after the credits have rolled.
SOMAdelves deep into the dangers of Advanced Technology as it takes place in an underwater research facility swarmed with hostile robots. The game also features unique environmental puzzles which fit perfectly into the lore of the game.
In the age of Artificial Intelligence, the concept of transferring human consciousness into machines is whatSOMAportrays as players solve the mystery of the facility’sAI systems. Moreover, choices are presented to players which shape the ending of the game which leaves players questioning their own Morality.
9Manhunt (2003)
Rockstar Games, in their early days, were widely criticized for their portrayal of violence and gore in their games.Manhuntis a prime example of this since it follows a dark and twisted story that is paired with gritty and suffocating environments. It also features several stealth execution animations which can surely make players uncomfortable.
The story features James Earl Cash, an inmate on death row who is forced to participate in a series of evil snuff films by a sadistic filmmaker. Players are constantly beinghunted by gang membersand pursuers. Hence, must do anything and kill anyone to survive. The game places players in the shoes of someone who is a genuine threat to society. This is why his actions for survival can even baffle emotionally strong players.
Set in 14th Century France, a period of war, plague, and devastation, theA Plague Taleseries follows the story of two siblings as they traverse the fractured French landscapes. The game is heavily dependent on emotional storytelling and breathtaking visuals. One often finds themselves attached to the characters in this game and root for them throughout their journey
Players must use any methods and tools at their disposal to get past colonies of rats and even human enemies. Hence, the games in the series feature clever ways of getting past them or ending their lives altogether. TheA Plague Taleseries is an emotional riddle ready to be solved by anyone who invests their time into it.
Little Nightmaresis definitely not the average stealth horror game and manages to compel players to feel tiny and vulnerable. Players are expected to piece the game’s lore together while playing as a little girl called Six as she sneaks past the grotesque inhabitants of the Maw, the fictional setting of the game. This conveys a sense of anxiety and nervousness.
The game features incredible artwork and masterful level design which require precision timing while sneaking. The story itself is not narrated to players but showcased with visual cues as they progress through the unsettling situations. The third installment in the series is well underway and features multiplayer cooperative support.
Often considered the most consistent and terrifying multiplayer horror game ever made,Dead By Daylighthas gathered a cult-like following and compelledmajor franchises to make video games based on its gameplay. The game itself is quite simple as it involves four survivors who must stay hidden and work together to open exit gates before the killer gets them all. The killer also has unique skills that help them in the process of capturing survivors and sacrificing them.
Teamwork and strategy is the key to winning a game ofDead by Daylightas the levels are procedurally generated to make sure players do not recognize the map layout. Thanks to Behaviour Interactive’s constant updates and their inclusion of iconic slashers likeMichael Myers and Leatherface, the game still boasts a healthy player count after years since its release date.
To survive in the brutal and gory world ofThe Evil Within,players must be prepared to encounter terrifying enemies while praying for more resources at their disposal. The game takes up clear inspiration fromResident Evil 4as they are made by the same director, Shinji Murakami, who happens to be one of the most reputable names in the horror gaming franchise.
However, the game follows its own methods and excels at creating a challenging experience and disturbing imagery for anyone who dares to play it. The story follows Sebastian Castellanos, a detective who suffers through mind-bending realities and the manifestation of his own inner fears.
Set in the cinematic world of Ridley Scott’sAlienfranchise,Alien: Isolationshould definitely be picked up by fans of the Sci-Fi horror genre. The game puts players in the shoes of Ellen Ripley, the daughter of the sole survivor from the original film, Amanda Ripley. Her primary objective is to search for clues that may solve her mother’s untimely disappearance, 15 years after the events of the first movie.
However, players have to navigate theretro-futuristic settingof the Sevastopol Station while being in the same situation as her mother experienced 15 years ago. The intricate details of the environment capture the authentic feel of Ridley Scott’s vision. Like Outlast, it is made quite clear that the Xenomorph cannot be bested in combat and the only viable options presented to players are to run or evade the extra-terrestrial monstrosity.
3Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)
While most games in the horror genre rely too much on jump scares and short-term scares,Amnesia: The Dark Descentmanages to build a compelling story around thethemes of isolation, darkness, and insanity. These themes are portrayed in the environment, music, and even the story which compels players to feel prolonged psychological dread.
The game also features an intuitive resource management system which keeps one on the edge at all times. The story involves piecing the past together using notes and journal entries as the protagonist, Daniel, suffers from Amnesia. However, the halls of Brennenburg Castle are infested with other-worldly forces which constantly haunt Daniel and his past.
Players may not think ofThe Last of Us Part 2as a stealth horror game since it provides several chaotic weapon choices that can make players go guns blazing on enemies and zombies. However, on higher difficulties, stealth is the primary way of getting out of dangerous situations since resources are extremely scarce.
The game is one of the most beautifully made projects before theexistence of Unreal Engine 5and delivers an unforgettable storyline. Moreover, the game builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor and provides several new stealth mechanics to improve overall gameplay experience.
TheOutlastseries is known to be a point of reference for other studios when it comes to building anxiety and panic. With two single-player titles and one multiplayer title to its name, none of these games in theOutlastseries have disappointed fans. The games in the series make it quite clear that fighting back is not an option and their only friends are running, hiding, and their trusty night-vision video camera.
The environment presented to players often lacks proper lighting and requires the use of night-vision video camera. However, they run out of batteries very quickly and players are expected to look around for spare ones before they run out. Players are sure to check every corner as the games in theOutlastseries have a tendency to catch them off guard.
The series gained popularity due tothe craze of found-footage filmsand excels at capturing the true essence of psychological terror. The latest entry into the series,The Outlast Trialsbrings out the best qualities ofOutlastinto a multiplayer perspective by incorporating a sturdy perks system.
MORE:5 Things That Make Hitman The Best Stealth Game (& 5 Why It’s Splinter Cell)
