In the contemporary gaming landscape, survival horror has undergone a riveting evolution. The genre delivers experiences that push the boundaries of fear and immersion. From atmospheric storytelling to spine-tingling gameplay mechanics, modern survival horror games have redefined the genre. In this exploration, we present the seven best modern survival horror games that encapsulate the essence of fear and suspense, captivating players with their dark narratives and innovative design.
Regulars will remember that Chit Hot recently delivered an article discussing the seven best survival horror games for retro gamers. To response to that piece was fantastic, but many lamented the absence of their favourite modern survival horror games. As such, this follow-up will offer just that! Read on to discover our picks for the seven best modern survival horror games.
7 Best Modern Survival Horror Games
As always, a caveat before we begin. For this feature we decided to avoid remakes that played too close to their original. Thus, Dead Space didn’t make the cut. As great as it is, it did feel archaic in many places. The same goes for Resident Evil 4. And of course, Resident Evil 3 has been lambasted by many for cutting out some of the best bits of the original, so that’s out! However, there is one remake which did make it in – read on to discover which!
1. Resident Evil Village (2021): A Majestic Descent into Darkness
The Resident Evil franchise continues to dominate the survival horror scene with its latest installment, Resident Evil Village (2021). There was some debate as to whether Resident Evil VII: biohazard should take this spot, but in our books Resident Evil Village refined the formula just enough. Returning to the shoes of Ethan Winters, players traverse a mysterious village shrouded in supernatural horrors. With stunning visuals, intense combat, and a captivating narrative that ties into the series’ lore, Resident Evil Village is a modern masterpiece that seamlessly blends classic horror elements with cutting-edge technology.
Resident Evil Village recently launched on iPhone 15 Pro, too. So now you’ve got the chance to play on the go!
2. The Evil Within 2 (2017): A Journey into Twisted Realities
Sebastian Castellanos returns in The Evil Within 2, a psychological horror experience that delves into the depths of human fear. Arguably the biggest turnaround in gaming, the original The Evil Within was a pretty humdrum experience. However Tango Gameworks crafted a narrative-rich sequel, combining nightmarish landscapes with a poignant story of loss and redemption. The pseudo open-world design adds a layer of exploration to the survival horror formula, making The Evil Within 2 a captivating and immersive modern horror experience.
3. Alien: Isolation (2014): A Relentless Encounter in Deep Space
Transporting players to the terrifying world of the iconic Alien franchise, Alien: Isolation is a survival horror gem. Creative Assembly captures the essence of Ridley Scott’s masterpiece with a relentless Xenomorph stalking the player throughout the game. The attention to detail in recreating the atmosphere of the original film, coupled with the tension of being hunted by an intelligent and unpredictable alien, makes Alien: Isolation a modern classic in the survival horror genre.
4. Outlast 2 (2017): A Nightmarish Descent into Religious Horror
Outlast 2 thrusts players into a nightmarish journey through the desolate landscapes of rural Arizona, blending psychological horror with disturbing religious themes. Red Barrels masterfully crafts an atmosphere of dread, as investigative journalist Blake Langermann confronts unspeakable horrors in his quest for the truth. Outlast 2‘s relentless pacing, dark narrative, and visceral scares make it a standout title in modern survival horror. With The Outlast Trials on the way, can the studio repeat their success?
5. Until Dawn (2015): A Cinematic Tale of Choices and Consequences
Until Dawn stands as a testament to the narrative potential of survival horror. Supermassive Games delivers a cinematic experience where players shape the fate of a group of friends stranded on a mountain. With a dynamic branching narrative, player choices have profound consequences, influencing the survival of the characters. Until Dawn‘s combination of gripping storytelling, realistic visuals, and intense decision-making creates a unique and engaging horror experience. As good as follow-up The Quarry was, it simply didn’t have the same impact.
6. Resident Evil 2 (2019): Classic Survival Horror Remade at Its Finest
And here it is; that remake. While Resident Evil received a remake on the GameCube, it was mostly cosmetic with some basic refinement. 2019’s Resident Evil 2 however, was a complete overhaul. It took one of the most beloved titles in the series and brought it screaming into the era of modern survival horror games. Take your time, play it slow and methodical. You’ll love every minute of this Resident Evil 2 remake.
7. Amnesia: Rebirth (2020): A Terrifying Descent into Madness
Frictional Games, known for its contributions to the horror genre, delivers another spine-chilling experience with Amnesia: Rebirth. This atmospheric horror game places players in the shoes of Tasi Trianon, exploring a nightmarish desert landscape while grappling with psychological horror and existential dread. With a focus on storytelling, environmental storytelling, and intense psychological horror, Amnesia: Rebirth continues the legacy of the Amnesia series.
Modern Survival Horror Games: A New Era of Fear
As we venture deeper into the 21st century, modern survival horror games continue to push the boundaries of fear and innovation. From the atmospheric horrors of Resident Evil Village to the psychological torment of Until Dawn, these games showcase the diverse facets of the genre. With stunning visuals, gripping narratives, and innovative gameplay mechanics, the best modern survival horror games redefine what it means to be scared in the digital realm. As technology advances, we can only anticipate even more terrifying and immersive experiences that will keep us on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting the next descent into darkness.
Did we miss one of your favourites? Notably absent from Chit Hot’s selections are any titles by Bloober Team. Do you think Layers of Fear or The Medium should’ve made the cut? Let us know in the comments below!
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