The horror genre attracts people because of the thrills and scares it allows them to experience. While books, movies, and games can offer amazing horror experiences, Virtual reality (VR) games allow you to feel like you're part of the nightmare. They can be single-player or multiplayer and can support headsets such as the Oculus. With plenty of VR horror games to choose from, we created a list of 10 options for PC and PS4 we feel will bring the most screams.
We put Capcom's Resident Evil 7 Biohazard at the top of our list since it has an excellent story, great exploration elements, and plenty of freaky moments. You can go through our top 10 list and read the buying guide to help you find the best VR horror game for your headset, so let's take a look at your options!
Quick List - Top VR Horror Games
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When looking for a VR horror game, you might want to consider a few things, such as operating systems, ESRB ratings, and gameplay. Let's go through these points to help you find your next horror game!
You can get VR headsets for PC or the PlayStation 4 (PS4), each with its own advantages. Let's take a look at each option.
Many VR headsets need to be connected to a PC or Mac to work. Computer VR has an extensive library of games. Since you can easily get VR games on Steam, you can quickly build a library filled with horror games.
Keep in mind that you will need a computer that can run the games and your VR headset at the same time. This means that you need a fairly powerful computer, especially for games with better graphics. Most computer games will list the recommended computer specifications on their product pages.
The PS4 has its own VR headset and various horror games available on the PlayStation Store. However, the selection isn't at big as on Steam, so you might be strapped for choice. Still, playing VR games on the PS4 is usually more convenient, since it doesn't require a separate, strong computer.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) puts ratings on video games, so we'll discuss the ratings that apply to horror games.
Even though some horror movies are rated PG-13, many of them have an R rating. Mature (M) rated games follow a similar rating standard to R-rated movies. This means they can contain lots of violence, blood, gore, sexual content, and strong language.
M-rated games may also tackle more controversial or sensitive topics. For example, some M-rated games may address dismemberment, drug addictions, and taboo subjects. In short, if you plan to play M-rated horror games, you should look into them ahead of time to avoid your triggers and discomforts.
Teen (T) rated games are common for horror games since they can appeal to both teens and adults. T-rated games will commonly include violence, some blood, and some strong language. This means you may hear the h-, d-, and s-words, but you'll only hear the f-bomb a few times or not at all.
T-rated games will usually not include gore or too much blood, but they still have scary images and situations. T-rated games are solid since they can provide a scary experience appropriate for teenagers and adults.
The sub-genres, controller types, and the number of players matter for VR horror games, so we want to talk about why you should consider these three points.
Psychological, survival, and stealth horror are three common horror game sub-genres. Psychological horror puts an emphasis on mental horror rather than physical horror. This means it could present you with ideas to make you uncomfortable. These games may address points such as the human psyche, the dangers of the mind, and unseen horrors.
Survival horror likes to throw you into the horror and experience it first hand. Many times, survival horror games will give you access to guns and weapons to fight off dangers. This sub-genre puts a heavy emphasis on body horror along with jumpscares to keep you on edge.
Stealth horror also emphasizes hiding and running away without giving you weapons. This makes you a little helpless as you avoid monsters and other dangers. Still, the appeal is to use your skills to sneak around the threats rather than fight them, providing an interesting challenge.
Depending on the game you play, it may support VR motion controllers, a standard controller, or keyboard and mouse controls. Sometimes, you get to choose based on your preferences!
VR motion controllers allow you to move your hands and press buttons to pick items up and perform actions. This increases the game's immersion since you can directly interact with the world. On the other hand, standard controllers include more buttons to perform more actions.
Some games allow you to use a mouse and keyboard. You may prefer mouse camera movement since it feels more natural and faster while giving you eight-direction movement with the keyboard. Some games will support one controller style while other games may support some or all of them.
While most horror games are single-player experiences, some will have multiplayer support. The single-player experience allows you to tackle the game at your own pace. It can create a scary and immersive environment since you'll feel isolated, even if others are watching you play.
Online horror games, on the other hand, let you share the experience with others. You and your friends can get scared together! It might also provide a bit more comfort as you can team up and help each other.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Capcom Resident Evil 7 Biohazard | ![]() | First-Person Exploration in a Story-Driven Horror Game | |
2 | Kinetic Games Phasmophobia | ![]() | Hunt Ghosts With Your Friends | |
3 | Stress Level Zero Duck Season | ![]() | A Horrifying Twist on a Classic Game | |
4 | Steel Wool Studios Five Nights At Freddy's: Help Wanted | ![]() | The Best Game for Getting Jumpscared | |
5 | Albino Moose Games Spooky's Jump Scare Mansion | ![]() | Don't Let the Cutesy Art Style Fool You | |
6 | VRWERX Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul | ![]() | Play in Your Favorite Horror Universe | |
7 | Shawn Hitchcock Emily Wants to Play | ![]() | "Play" in Emily's Doll House | |
8 | White Door Games Dreadhalls | ![]() | The Most Immersive Sound Horror Experience | |
9 | Vertigo Games Arizona Sunshine | ![]() | The Best Zombie Horror Game for VR | |
10 | Tessera Studios Intruders: Hide and Seek | ![]() | An Intriguing Story in a Home Invasion Setting |
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard is the first game in the series to take a first-person perspective rather than a third-person one. The game supports VR on the PS4, but not on the Steam version. It stars Ethan, who attempts to find his wife but faces horrors during his search.
A few reviewers found the combat unsatisfying in comparison to the previous games in the series. On the other hand, plenty of reviewers were impressed by the excellent storytelling. They also loved how the game rewarded them for exploring the mansion.
Phasmophobia has a single-player mode, though many people play it for the multiplayer. You play as a ghost hunting team that needs to use its equipment to prove the home is haunted. You and your friends must work fast since the ghosts become more dangerous the longer you take.
A couple of reviewers found the game repetitive since it involved doing the same tasks over and over. On the bright side, a fair number of reviewers said they had lots of fun when they played with friends. They also loved the terrifying atmosphere and ghosts!
In Duck Season, you play as a child playing a cool new rental game. However, things are not as they seem. This game is heavily inspired by the classic, Duck Hunt. It has seven unique endings and lots of easter eggs for you to find!
Some reviewers had issues with their Valve Index controllers, saying they were a little clunky in the game. Nevertheless, the majority of reviewers were impressed by how creepy the game was. They enjoyed the clever story and cartoony art style.
This game is a collection of various Five Nights at Freddy's games and some minigames in VR form. This involves staying in a room and protecting yourself from animatronics who will jumpscare you if you get caught. You'll run into terrifying characters like Freddy, Chica, Bonnie, and more.
A few reviewers weren't impressed with the graphics and felt they detracted from their enjoyment of the game. However, many reviewers were impressed with how scary the characters and jumpscares were. They were able to really immerse themselves in the game!
Spooky is a ghost that challenges you to go through all 1,000 rooms of his mansion. Things get creepier as you progress and you must outrun the specimens inside. Although the game supports a VR headset, a mouse and keyboard are required to play on PC and Mac.
Some reviewers said the game felt repetitive since there were 1,000 rooms to go through. On the other hand, many liked how it started with cute cardboard monsters and got progressively scarier. They also appreciated that this HD renovated version included the DLC.
This game is based on the Paranormal Activity films. Explore a house with a flashlight to find out what happened there, but do whatever you can to avoid what haunts it. The game includes random moments of terror to give you a different experience each time you play.
Some reviewers said the game had quite a few bugs and glitches when they played it. Nevertheless, most said they enjoyed the gameplay along with the puzzles in it. They were also impressed by the sound effects, atmosphere, and overall environment.
Emily Wants to Play supports VR on the computer, but not on the PS4 version. It follows the story of a pizza delivery man who gets locked in a house and must deal with Emily's dolls. As you avoid Kiki, Mr. Tatters, and Chester, you must uncover the mysteries behind Emily.
A few reviewers found the game difficult and unfair to play when they had to deal with multiple dolls at once. On the bright side, many reviewers found the dolls and jumpscares terrifying. They also noted that the house was creepy, which added to the overall atmosphere.
Travel through a dungeon and search for escape. The game has procedurally generated levels, so you will have a different experience each time you play. As you run away from monsters, you must also find oil to keep your light lit. This game is especially popular thanks to its immersive sound design.
A couple of reviewers said the game made them motion sick and nauseous when they played it. However, plenty of reviewers said the game had scary enemies. They also appreciated how enemies appeared from the shadows and corners rather than coming out as jumpscares.
Arizona Sunshine is a zombie survival game where you can fight the hordes alone or with friends. The game takes place near the Grand Canyon, taking advantage of the dry environment. You'll need to conserve your ammo and find supplies as you fight your way through the zombies.
Some reviewers said the game didn't have great motion controls and felt awkward at times. Despite this, many found the game a blast to play with friends. They also liked how they had to reload their guns since it added to the realism of the game.
Play as a young boy during a home invasion. Hide from the intruders and try to save your family. Sneak around the house, hide, and survive. This game combines horror, mystery, and thriller for an eerie gaming experience.
Reviewers really liked the atmosphere in this game. They had fun exploring the environment and were impressed with the story. They also liked the characters!
Virtual reality and games aren't the only way you can experience horror. You can also read books and watch movies! Check out our other recommendations for more terrifying experiences and enjoy the thrill of horror.
No. 1: Capcom|Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
No. 2: Kinetic Games|Phasmophobia
No. 3: Stress Level Zero|Duck Season
No. 4: Steel Wool Studios|Five Nights At Freddy's: Help Wanted
No. 5: Albino Moose Games|Spooky's Jump Scare Mansion
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