Are you looking for scary games on PC or console that aren’t traditionally horror but still manages to send chills down your spine?
When we think of horror games, we picture terrifying moments that leave us clutching the controller or maybe jumping at shadows. But what if we told you there’s a whole other kind of game—one that’s not technically horror but still delivers chills? These titles could easily compete with the horror games best known, offering tension, dread, and plenty of heart-stopping moments. They don’t rely on jump scares or ghosts to spook you; instead, they craft an atmosphere so unsettling that you’ll be hooked.
It’s like ordering a salad, only to find fries hidden underneath—unexpected, a little alarming, but somehow irresistible. Similarly, these scary games horror stories captivate you with their gameplay and narratives, all while quietly messing with your nerves.
So, grab some snacks (comfort food is a must), and dive into seven scary games on PC that deliver thrills without officially joining the horror genre. And don’t worry—most of them are available on console too, except for one, which isn’t playable on Xbox.
Inside
Inside is a highly acclaimed 2D puzzle-platformer that delivers a gut-punch of eerie unease. The wordless narrative combined with this game’s hauntingly bleak atmosphere make every step forward feel like a bad idea. From shadowy figures to grotesque experiments, the game makes you feel uncomfortable and dread though it doesn’t utter a single line of dialogue. It’s proof that terror doesn’t always need high-definition graphics to get under your skin. Therefore, if you are looking for creepy and scary games on PC, go and give Inside a try!
Hitman: Contracts
Agent 47 might be smooth and stealthy, but Hitman: Contracts has moments that are pure psychological terror. Well, except for the last mission, the entire game revolves around flashbacks taking place inside Agent 47’s head. This is what makes it different from all other Hitman games. The game takes place entirely at night with dark environments and an eerie soundtrack which give you a sense of unease that rival even some horror games best known. Whether you’re navigating the meat-packing factory or sneaking through creepy abandoned spaces in the “Thermal Bath” hotel, the game feels quite unique from other scary games, because you are not running from monsters—you are the monster.
Alan Wake
When darkness itself is your enemy, you know you’re in for a chilling ride. In Alan Wake, the titular character, a writer is searching for his missing wife in the eerie town of Bright Falls during a vacation. He soon finds himself battling shadowy threats while trapped in a story he doesn’t remember writing. The game masterfully blends psychological tension with its hauntingly beautiful yet terrifying setting. Armed with a gun and a flashlight, players fend off shadowy enemies in a fight for survival. Despite being of the action-adventure genre, it is considered among the horror games best known for atmosphere and storytelling. This is less about gore and more about the creeping dread that makes scary games horror, making every moment unforgettable. So, if you are looking for scary games on PC to play tonight, consider Alan Wake.
Control
If you are looking for scary games on PC, Control should be in your list. Reality takes a back seat in Control. Its unsettling architecture, creepy enemies, combined with cryptic storytelling create an experience that feels like a fever dream. You play as Jesse Faden, who is chosen by the Board as the director of the FBC to replace the recently deceased Zachariah Trench. Once you set foot in the office of the Federal Bureau of Control, you will realize it is the creepiest office building probably you have ever set foot in, proving that sometimes the unknown is more terrifying than any monster. Thus, Control can give you an experience similar to any horror games on PC.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
The word “asylum” itself drips with unease, making us think that behind its walls lurk shadows of despair, fractured minds, and secrets too dark to remain buried. The fear factor in this game can even rival your top horror games on PC. Batman Arkham Asylum, the first game in the Batman Arkham series, instead of Gotham’s gritty streets, here the Dark Knight faces the gothic nightmare of Arkham Asylum. Imagine navigating dark hallways filled with the laughter of the Joker and the whispers of Scarecrow. The Scarecrow sequences alone are enough to trigger an existential crisis. Yes, you might think you will not feel that scared as here you are the Batman, not some ordinary helpless guy. But even with Batman’s gadgets and bravado, the asylum’s oppressive atmosphere still manages to make you feel vulnerable, making it one of the top scary games on PC.
The Last of Us (Part 1 & 2)
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, The Last of Us Part 1 follows Joel and Ellie as they navigate a dangerous landscape filled with infected creatures and ruthless humans. The tension comes from never knowing what’s lurking around the corner—will it be a terrifying clicker, or a morally complex human threat? In The Last of Us Part II, the story picks up several years later. Ellie and Joel are living in a peaceful community, but their world is soon shattered by a brutal event. The eerie silence of the abandoned world, with most people gone and zombies remaining, amplifies the sense of dread, though it is not a traditional horror game.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the best games ever made, not just one of the best RPGs. Yes, it is not a horror game, and there are moments in the game where the world feels lively and colorful. But still, Geralt’s world is far from cozy, and some quests give you creepy vibes with chilling results and might be even scarier than some horror titles. The Whispering Hillock quest sends shivers down your spine as you encounter a trapped spirit in Crookback Bog, with its haunting voice. And then there is the Ladies of the Wood quest featuring the horrific Crones, which makes you wish you could just destroy these creatures and avoid the swamp altogether forever. Add in moments from Scenes from a Marriage (the Von Everec estate in Hearts of Stone expansion) or Towerful of Mice (ghostly happenings at Fyke Isle), and the game’s emotional and psychological fear factor is undeniable.
Which of these scary games have you played? Which one scared you the most? Do let us know!
Read about some of the best horror games that came after 2020. If your desire for horror is not satiated by these games, and you want to enhance your horror experience, read about the top 7 VR horror games.
