Thrillers have been around since the literal beginning of games and players all around the world are still fascinated by them.
Players are kept on the edge of their seats as they explore intriguing locations chock-full of tension, danger, and mystery.
Thriller games provide a level of immersion that is unequaled in the gaming industry, whether players are completing puzzles, fighting enemies, or having to make choices that impact the game as a whole
These games have been chosen with great care, taking into account the plot, gameplay, visual appeal, and overall entertainment value.
This list offers games for everyone, from timeless classics like Resident Evil and Amnesia to more recent releases like the Dead Space reboot and Phasmophobia. Without further ado, these are the top 15 thriller games for PC.
15. Alien: Isolation - 2014 (PS3, PS4, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Linux, OS X, Switch, Android, iOS)
Please no stealey my facey
Players, critics, and fans of the Alien franchise where, for lack of a better term, let the f*ck down when Aliens: Colonial Marines was released in 2013.
That game almost single handedly sank the entire Alien franchise with it. Terrible AI, laughable bugs, and horrible looking graphics were all but a small fraction of its demise.
So it came as a surprise when in 2014, Alien Isolation came to save the day and the franchise altogether.
Developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, Alien: Isolation is set in the Alien universe created by the 1978 movie by Ridley Scott.
Players take on the role of Amanda Ripley, daughter of the protagonist of the original movie, as she navigates through the Sevastopol space station while being stalked by a terrifying Xenomorph.
Thanks to its great sound design, eerie lighting, and a revolutionary and terrifying AI driven with two actual brains in its body (one in its head to locate you and one on its legs to find where you are).
The game excels at generating a sense of dread and anticipation.
As the player must rely on their cunning and meager resources to survive, the gameplay places a strong emphasis on stealth and evasion.
You’ll encounter more than just the xenomorph however as you have to deal with creepy as heck androids that are out to murder you as much as the xenomorph wants to.
All things considered, Alien: Isolation is a must-play for horror and Alien franchise fans. From start to finish, you'll be on the edge of your seat during this eerie and immersive encounter.
Alien: Isolation - PC Gameplay Max Settings
14. Phasmophobia - 2020 (PC)
The ghost world is extremely foggy for some reason
The game that started a quarantine revolution in gaming and got to make Pewdiepie actually play a horror game again.
Phasmophobia was created by Kinetic Games and released in 2020 and it quickly caught on fire with gamers.
The basic goal of the game is to use various ghost-hunting tools to look into paranormal activity in various haunted areas. In online co-op mode, you can play the game by yourself or with up to three other people.
The immersive and terrifying atmosphere that Phasmophobia uses gives players the impression that was so desperately lacking since the glory days of Outlast and Amnesia.
The dynamic AI algorithm used in the game alters every time the player enters a space, increasing the game's unpredictability and difficulty. One room or one house is never the same way twice after which adds to the games replayability.
4k Phasmophobia Maximum Settings House Ghost Hunting
13. Resident Evil 7 - 2017 (PS4, PC, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
What a nice looking family. I'm sure that no hand chopping will happen in the next 5 seconds.
You know when you think your wife died and then a few years later she sends a video of herself still alive and asks you to come to a plantation house in Louisiana and then you're trapped in a house of a mutated family of freaks? Yeah same
Resident Evil 7 is the game that possibly saved the RE franchise from creative death.
Developed and published by Capcom, Resident Evil 7 went back to its survival horror roots and went 1st person for the first time in its franchise and it certainly paid off as it adds to the immersion of the game
The game's overall eerie vibe is inspired by the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre of 1974 and is heightened by its grimy yet gorgeous graphics.
The game's mechanics are well-designed, with puzzles and combat that demand strategy and expertise. The game's sound design is amazing, with frightening sounds and music that will give you the chills.
The game also has a compelling plot that holds players' attention throughout added on by DLC’s that essentially humanize the terrifying Jack Baker and his family.
Resident Evil 7 Ultra Settings 8k RTX 3090
12. The Evil Within - 2014 (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
“Don't go in there. That house is extremely haunted” says no one in the history of the world
Directed by the legendary horror game director, Shinji Mikami, who directed the first Resident Evil and the first Dino Crisis is the 2014 horror and thriller game. The Evil Within
We take control of Sebastian Castellanos, a detective who is looking into a horrific mass killing at Beacon Mental Hospital.
He finds himself caught in a nightmare world full of horrifying monsters created by a machine called the STEM systemas he digs deeper into the investigation.
With its gloomy landscapes and unsettling soundtrack, the game has a wonderfully immersive feel.
Players must strategize whether they go in guns blazing or a more stealthy approach to survive battles with the game's twisted enemies.
While the game's storyline can be convoluted and difficult to follow at times, its visuals are stunning and incredibly detailed. The Evil Within is not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a good scare, it is definitely worth playing.
The Evil Within - PC Gameplay - Max Settings
11. Dead Space Remake - 2023 (PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S)
Isaac Clarke: JOTARO
Slasher: DIO
With the games industry essentially recycling gameplay mechanics and even their own games, it's not a half-bad concept to remake the old games we grew up with. Sometimes those remakes hit it WAY out of the park.
The Dead Space Remake is a brilliant redesign of the timeless survival horror game that debuted back in 2008.
Motive Studios went above and beyond to bring the game up to date, with a newly redesigned visual presentation that vividly recreates the original settings' eerie atmospheres in all its beautiful detail.
The gaming mechanics have also undergone a significant update, with new controls and improved gameplay elements that revitalize the original Dead Space experience.
Players can anticipate being thrust once more into the terrifying cramped corridors of the USG Ishimura as you try to survive the onslaught of the necromorphs.
Fans of the original and new players alike will love this carefully crafted and beautiful remake that recaptures the fear we all felt when we saw our first Slasher back in 2008.
Dead Space Remake PC Ultra Settings & Ray Tracing 4k Gameplay
10. Visage - 2020 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
Such a nice living room with absolutely no otherworldly horrors hiding in its corners
Developed by SadSquare Studies and released in 2020, Visage gave horror and thriller fans the gaming experience that was promised back in 2014 with PT.
The game follows Dwayne Anderson where he is first introduced to the player by killing his wife and two kids then himself. The player then wakes up in a bloody room and honestly everything just goes downhill from here.
The ambiance of the game perfectly recaptures the uneasiness and fear that PT gave us, with eerie sound effects and unsettling visuals that spread a sense of dread throughout.
The use of randomization in the game, which keeps the experience interesting and unpredictable even on subsequent plays through, is one of its most amazing elements.
Simply put, you’re a horrible person that died and now you're forever trapped in a house that looks like your old one while being stalked by the twisted ghosts of your murdered family. Fun times.
Visage PC Gameplay RTX 2080 TI 4k Ultra
9. Condemned: Criminal Origins - 2005 (Xbox 360, PC)
Yk Mr. Criminal Ghost Man, for a more effective attack all you have to do is turn that crowbar the other way
Developed by Monolith Productions and published by Sega, Condemned: Criminal Origins is a gritty and atmospheric first-person horror game that follows the investigations of an FBI agent as he investigates the recent spike of crime in his city.
The game's plot follows FBI agent Ethan Thomas who has the ability to sense a killer's actions.
He is convinced the spikes in crime and assaults carried out by vagrants are connected as he tries to solve the connection between the two.
Condemned: Criminal Origins' fighting system is distinct and unique at the time of its release since it utilized a parry mechanic which was rare for its release year of 2006.
Different melee weapons can be used in game and different tactics are encouraged to be taken by the player from going out on a direct assault or a more stealthy approach.
The game's audio design is also remarkable, with ominous background music almost always playing and remarkable sound effects that still hold up to this day that up the ante on the atmosphere.
Condemned: Criminal Origins still holds up as a scary game even after all these years and will still have players on the edge of their seats.
It is a recommended play for aficionados of the horror and thriller genre due to its engaging plot, distinctive fight systems, remarkable graphics, and impressive sound design.
Condemned: Criminal Origins Remaster 2020 (Ray Tracing & HD Textures)
8. Outlast - 2013 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Linux, OS X, Switch)
When I saw this for the first time I swear i almost deleted the whole game from my hard drive
The game that terrified my high school self back during its release and still does is the thriller masterclass made by Red Barrels, Outlast.
The game is set in Mount Massive Asylum, an abandoned psychiatric hospital in Colorado. You play as Miles Upshur, a freelance investigative journalist who receives an anonymous tip about the unethical experiments being conducted at the asylum.
Armed with only a camcorder that drains batteries like they were capri suns, Miles sets out to uncover the truth, but he soon realizes that he's not alone and that what is inside the Asylum are more than just escaped patients.
Excellent sound and graphic design in the game create a tight, unpleasant atmosphere that keeps you on edge the entire time.
As you move through the asylum's dark hallways, the night vision on the camcorder heightens the tension.
The gameplay mechanics of Outlast are straightforward but effective. Since you are unable to defend yourself against literally anything, you must rely on running and hiding to stay alive.
Because throughout the whole game you’ll be given zero weapons, so when you get caught by the hulking monstrosity known as Chris Walker, you are done.
Fair warning though, Outlast is NOT for the faint of heart. The feeling of absolute helplessness is something that games don't really do since games are all about the power fantasy we all want.
So taking away that power and putting you in the shoes of a defenseless journalist is something that Outlast has pulled off to a T.
Outlast-PC Gameplay-Max Settings (1080p very high)
7. Doki-Doki Literature Club - 2017 (Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, macOS)
Yes. We’re serious about this one.
Upon first impressions, Doki Doki Literature Club seems to just look like a normal weaboo waifu simulator but underlying its cutesy anime manga vibes is a unique and gripping visual novel game that takes players on an emotional and psychological rollercoaster ride.
Developed by the independent game studio Team Salvato, Doki-Doki Literature Club has spawned countless mods and a reignited interest in the genre it represents, mainly psychological horror and cute anime waifus.
Without giving away too much of the story, the narrative of the game explores issues of mental illness, trauma, and the nature of reality itself while it takes unexpected turns.
With its participatory gameplay and metafictional aspects with some sections of the game legitimately saying your REAL NAME and one of the characters taking control of the cursor itself.
The game offers a fully immersive experience that blurs the distinction between player and character.
The game's artstyle and sound design are exceptional, with a striking visual aesthetic similar to what a visual novel anime would look like and an eerie soundtrack that nicely ties in with the game's themes.
The characters are well-developed, and they each have a distinct personality and a compelling backstory.
Doki Doki Literary Club should definitely be played by fans of psychological horror games and visual novels.
Thanks to its imaginative writing and engaging characters, it distinguishes itself in the category and more. And also Monika is my waifu here idc what anyone else says.
Doki-Doki Literature Club (Full Game, No Commentary)
6. Left 4 Dead 2 - 2009 (PC, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, Linux)
Absolute legends
First-person shooter game Left 4 Dead 2 is an action-packed title that has established itself as one of the best games of all time and the reason for many cut classes in my teenage years.
It was created by Valve Corporation and was made available in 2009 as a follow-up to the 2008 original, Left 4 Dead.
The game's main gameplay mechanic is teamwork to survive a horde of zombies. To defeat waves of zombies and accomplish the goals in each level, players must cooperate either when they are playing solo or cooperatively online.
Each playthrough of the game is guaranteed to be different and made possible by the AI of the game called “The Director''.
Each level is an adrenaline-pumping experience that keeps gamers coming back for more since not one playthrough is the same every time.
The director might spawn a tank in a narrow corridor, a Witch at the end of the tunnel, a Smoker from the roofs. The AI in Left 4 Dead 2 is legitimately one of the scariest systems ever made since it's an intelligent and learning program that is designed to kill you at any given point.
Skynet has already come.
The game's superb level design is one of its most stunning aspects. Every level is painstakingly designed to provide gamers a gripping, immersive experience that keeps them on the tip of their seats.
The visuals, audio, and voice acting in the game all add to the immersive atmosphere that gives it the sensation of a real zombie apocalypse.
How the developers created the gurgling noises of a Boomer to the impending crescendo of a Tank attack is still one of the most impressive things about this game that still holds up 14 years since its release.
The replayability of Left 4 Dead 2 is also another reason for its staying power. Each playthrough gives a distinctive experience because of the game's several game modes, vast weaponry, and various zombie types.
Each zombie variant is specifically created so that teamwork has to be in play all the time.
A Boomer’s puke attracts the horde which requires a whole squad to kill, a Hunter requires another teammate to save the other one, A Smoker traps a survivor that requires a save from another survivor.
The game's multiplayer option is also a ton of fun because it enables players to band together with pals and battle the zombie hordes and it also lets you take the reins of the infected.
In summary, Left 4 Dead 2 is a masterpiece that has earned a spot in the annals of video game greatness. Any lover of the first-person shooter genre must play it because of its exhilarating gameplay, superb level design, and replayability.
RTX 2080ti/ Left 4 Dead 2/ max graphic 4k
5. Dead by Daylight - 2016 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Android, iOS, Stadia, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
Plot armor does not exist in this game universe
Behaviour Interactive created the multiplayer survival horror title Dead by Daylight and it hasn't looked back since. In the game, players are split into the survivors and killers, which makes for an intense and distinctive experience.
The killer's goal is to kill and murder the survivors while the survivors try to run circles around the killer to refill generators for some reason.
There are numerous maps, survivors, and murderers available in the game with crossovers with popular franchises such as Saw, The Ring, and Hellraiser, each with their own specialties and playstyles.
Due to the need for players to adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, this results in a varied and entertaining gaming experience. A ranking system is another feature of the game that gives players a sense of growth and competition.
Dead by Daylight has outstanding graphics and audio that add to the immersion of the game. Both experienced players and beginners will find the gameplay to be simple and intuitive.
In the end, Dead by Daylight's dramatic and engrossing multiplayer experience will appeal to both gamers and horror fans due to its multitude of exciting and heart pounding thrills and the power fantasy it gives to the players when they choose the killer's side.
RTX 3090 Dead by Daylight 4k Gameplay
4. Amnesia: The Dark Descent - 2010 (Linux, Mac OS X, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Android)
Why hello there, friend. Would you be interested to learn about our lord and savior SHIDHFSE
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a survival horror video game developed by Frictional Games.
The game was released in 2010 and has since gained a reputation for being one of the most frightening games ever made and one of the earliest horror games to be played on YouTube which basically started off the whole LetsPlay video formats on the platform.
The game takes place in a dark, foreboding castle, and the player must navigate through its twisted halls and eerie rooms while avoiding monsters called The Gatherers while trying (and possibly failing) to solve puzzles.
The ambiance of the game is carefully designed, with a focus on lighting and sound effects that evoke claustrophobia and unease.
The player's character must rely on stealth and concealment to evade the creatures that live in the castle because you also have no weapons or combat skills whatsoever.
The Gatherers are also invisible in this game so that also adds another layer of fear to the player.
The game's narrative is also noteworthy, with a complex mystery at its center. To learn the truth about the castle's ominous presence, the player must put pieces of the protagonist's history together.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is not for the faint of heart. Its expertly crafted scares will have players on the edge of their seats.
The gameplay and story of the game are still highly engaging even though the graphics are a tad dated by today's standards. If you like horror games, Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a definite must play
Amnesia: The Dark Descent Gameplay (max settings 1920x1080 Smooth Edge enabled)
3. Little Nightmares - 2017 (Android, Stadia, iOS, Switch, PS4, PC, Xbox One)
Don’t mind me chef im just quietly scuttling by
The puzzle-platformer game Little Nightmares was created by Tarsier Studios and released by Bandai Namco Entertainment.
The game tells the tale of a little girl named Six who is stuck in a strange and unsettling place called The Maw.
The game is distinguished by its eerie and unpleasant atmosphere and disturbing enemies, which is enhanced by its gorgeous visual direction and sound composition.
Players lead Six through The Maw by navigating through diverse gameplay areas, solving riddles, and dodging hazards.
The challenges in the game are a tad difficult for new players of the genre since you also have to contend with murderous monsters, which keeps the gameplay interesting and terrifying.
Players must stay undetected by The Maw's hideous residents throughout the game's stealth sections.
With obscure hints and clues strewn across the landscapes, Little Nightmares' compelling narrative develops as players advance through the game.
The game's narrative explores issues of childhood trauma and social corruption in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Players are left with a lingering impression long after the game's credits roll.
Little Nightmares is a fantastic game that is both captivating and terrifying. It's a unique and memorable experience that fans of puzzle-platformers and horror games should definitely try out.
Little Nightmares/ 4k 60fps/ Longplay Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary
2. Alan Wake - 2010 (Xbox 360, Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)
Burn, baby, burn
Developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Microsoft Game Studios is the third-person survival horror game Alan Wake.
Set in the town of Bright Falls, Washington where the titular novelist Alan Wake arrives for a vacation but got much more than what he was prepared for.
Wake finds himself imprisoned in a narrative he penned but can't remember when or how his wife vanished and soon things gradually take a turn for the worst
The core gameplay features of the game entail employing a variety of weaponry and natural resources to fend off "the Taken," possessed humans who can only be defeated after being exposed to light.
The game has a compelling tale that unfolds across six episodes and is heavily influenced by the writings of Stephen King and David Lynch.
The game's setting is expansive and compelling, and there are a ton of DLC’s to go along with it, such as Alan Wake's American Nightmare, a spin-off game, and Bright Falls, a live-action web series.
A common universe is created via references in the game to other Remedy titles like Max Payne and Control.
Alan Wake is an excellent game that skillfully combines horror, mystery, and plot.
For fans of the horror genre, the game's unique gameplay mechanics, intense atmosphere (that BTW scared me sh*tless most of the time) and fascinating and realistic setting make it a must-play.
Alan Wake - PC 1080p 60 FPS Max Settings Gameplay
1. Five Nights at Freddy’s - 2014 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, iOS, Android, Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, Stadia)
The Bite of 87 - 2023 remastered version
And at number one, we couldn’t give it to anything else but the game that practically revitalized the thriller genre of games and has reawakened the collective imagination and fears of players over the world
Five Nights at Freddy's is a popular survival horror game developed by Scott Cawthon.
The game takes place in a fictional pizza restaurant called Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, where the player must survive against malfunctioning and possessed animatronic animals that are out to tear you apart limb from limb
The game has gained a large following due to its unique gameplay and eerie atmosphere. Players are tasked with surviving five nights in the restaurant (of course), with each night becoming progressively more difficult as the animatronics become more hostile to your presence.
One of the interesting aspects of the game is its lore, which is revealed through hidden easter eggs and clues scattered throughout the game.
The story revolves around a series of murders that took place in the restaurant, with the animatronics themselves being possessed by the spirits of the victims.
The game has spawned numerous sequels, merchandise, and even a movie adaptation in development.
It has become a popular subject for YouTubers and streamers to play on their channels as it creates quick and terrifying jumpscares to create the perfect ermahgerd thumbnail.
Its staying power over the years is backed up by its strong atmosphere of dread and despair and the absolutely terrifying character designs of Freddy Fazbear and his gang of possessed demon robots.
Need I say more?
Five Nights at Freddy’s - Full Game Walkthrough
