Resident Evil has long been the gold standard for survival horror games, captivating players with its spine-chilling atmosphere, intricate puzzles, and heart-pounding action.
For fans looking to expand their horror gaming repertoire, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of games that capture the essence of Resident Evil while offering their own unique twists on the survival horror formula.
Classic Survival Horror Games
Silent Hill Series
The Silent Hill series is often considered the psychological horror counterpart to Resident Evil’s more action-oriented approach. Known for its unsettling atmosphere and mind-bending narratives, Silent Hill games immerse players in a fog-shrouded town where reality itself seems to unravel.
Key features:
- Psychological horror elements
- Complex, multi-layered storylines
- Iconic monster designs
Alone in the Dark
Often credited as the grandfather of survival horror, Alone in the Dark predates even Resident Evil. The game’s blend of Lovecraftian horror, puzzle-solving, and resource management laid the groundwork for many conventions of the genre.
Key features:
- Lovecraftian horror themes
- Pioneering use of 3D graphics in horror games
- Emphasis on puzzle-solving and exploration
Parasite Eve
Blending elements of RPGs and survival horror, Parasite Eve offers a unique take on the genre. Set in New York City, the game follows rookie police officer Aya Brea as she battles a sentient mitochondrial being.
Key features:
- RPG elements integrated into survival horror gameplay
- Sci-fi horror narrative
- Active Time Battle system
Dino Crisis
Developed by Capcom, the same company behind Resident Evil, Dino Crisis swaps zombies for dinosaurs. The game maintains many of the core survival horror elements while introducing new mechanics like real-time environments.
Key features:
- Dinosaurs as the primary threat
- Real-time 3D environments
- Intense action and puzzle-solving
Fatal Frame
The Fatal Frame series introduces a unique gameplay mechanic where players use a special camera to combat ghosts. This Japanese horror game is known for its eerie atmosphere and intricate storytelling based on folklore.
Key features:
- Camera Obscura as the main weapon
- Japanese horror aesthetics
- Intricate storylines based on folklore
For fans of classic horror games, don’t miss our roundup of the best PS2 horror games, which includes some of these timeless titles and more.
Modern Horror Titles
The Evil Within Series
Created by Shinji Mikami, the mind behind Resident Evil, The Evil Within series offers a modern take on survival horror. These games blend psychological horror with intense action, creating a uniquely terrifying experience.
Key features:
- Grotesque enemy designs
- Mind-bending psychological horror elements
- Intense combat and stealth mechanics
Alien: Isolation
Set in the Alien universe, this game captures the claustrophobic terror of the original film. Players must use stealth and cunning to survive against a single, relentless Xenomorph.
Key features:
- Emphasis on stealth and survival
- Dynamic AI for the Alien
- Retro-futuristic art style
Dead Space
Often described as “Resident Evil in space,” Dead Space combines sci-fi horror with intense action. Players must survive a mining ship overrun by grotesque alien creatures called Necromorphs.
Key features:
- Strategic dismemberment gameplay
- Zero-gravity environments
- Innovative HUD integrated into the player character’s suit
The Last of Us
While more action-oriented than traditional survival horror, The Last of Us captures the essence of survival in a hostile world. Its emotional storytelling and intense gameplay have earned it a place among the greatest horror games.
Key features:
- Cinematic storytelling
- Intense stealth and combat
- Emotionally impactful narrative
For more games like The Last of Us, check out our comprehensive list of similar titles.
Outlast
Outlast puts players in the shoes of an investigative journalist exploring a psychiatric hospital. With no means of defense, players must use stealth and quick thinking to survive.
Key features:
- Found footage style
- No combat, focus on stealth
- Night vision camera mechanics
Action-Adventure Horror Games
Alan Wake
Blending psychological horror with action-adventure elements, Alan Wake tells the story of a writer whose fiction begins to come to life. The game’s unique light-based combat system and episodic structure create a compelling horror experience.
Key features:
- Light-based combat mechanics
- Episodic storytelling
- Stephen King-inspired narrative
Days Gone
Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombie-like creatures called Freakers, Days Gone combines open-world exploration with survival horror elements.
Key features:
- Open-world environment
- Dynamic horde encounters
- Motorcycle gameplay
Dying Light
Dying Light introduces parkour mechanics to the zombie survival genre, allowing players to navigate a vast open world while fighting off the undead.
Key features:
- Parkour-based movement
- Day/night cycle affecting enemy behavior
- Co-op multiplayer
Control
While not strictly a horror game, Control’s surreal atmosphere and reality-bending gameplay create a sense of unease similar to psychological horror titles.
Key features:
- Supernatural abilities
- Mind-bending narrative
- Metroidvania-style exploration
Detroit: Become Human
While not a traditional horror game, Detroit: Become Human shares thematic elements with survival horror, exploring the darker aspects of human nature and technological advancement.
Key features:
- Branching narrative with multiple endings
- Intense, choice-driven gameplay
- Exploration of AI and human ethics
For more games like Detroit: Become Human, visit our curated list of similar experiences.
Indie and Experimental Horror
Amnesia Series
The Amnesia series is known for its psychological horror and sanity mechanics. Players must manage their character’s sanity while solving puzzles and avoiding monstrous creatures.
Key features:
- Sanity management system
- Physics-based puzzles
- Limited resources
SOMA
SOMA combines sci-fi horror with philosophical themes, creating a deeply unsettling experience that questions the nature of consciousness and humanity.
Key features:
- Underwater setting
- Philosophical narrative
- No combat, focus on stealth and puzzle-solving
Layers of Fear
Layers of Fear puts players in the role of a troubled artist, exploring a Victorian mansion that shifts and changes as the protagonist’s sanity deteriorates.
Key features:
- Psychological horror
- Constantly changing environments
- Focus on narrative and atmosphere
Darkwood
Darkwood offers a unique top-down perspective on survival horror. Set in a mysterious forest, players must scavenge for resources and survive increasingly dangerous nights.
Key features:
- Top-down perspective
- Crafting and resource management
- Procedurally generated elements
Multiplayer Horror
Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical multiplayer game where one player takes on the role of a killer while four others try to escape. The game features a variety of original and licensed horror characters.
Key features:
- 4v1 asymmetrical gameplay
- Licensed characters from popular horror franchises
- Regular content updates
For fans of cooperative horror, check out our list of games like Left 4 Dead for more multiplayer scares.
VR Horror Games
For those seeking an even more immersive horror experience, virtual reality offers a new dimension of terror. Explore our guide to the best VR horror games for spine-chilling recommendations that will make you feel like you’re truly inside a nightmare.
Conclusion
These 20 games like Resident Evil offer a wide range of terrifying experiences for horror fans. Whether you prefer classic survival horror, action-packed adventures, psychological thrills, or multiplayer frights, there’s a game here to satisfy your craving for fear. As the genre continues to evolve, we can look forward to even more innovative and spine-chilling games in the future.
Remember, the key to enjoying these games is to play in a dark room, wear headphones, and immerse yourself fully in the experience. Happy gaming, and try not to let the monsters bite!
