Video Games News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

- Image from Silent Hill: Homecoming courtesy of Konami

5 Horror Games That Are Better When You’re Playing Them Alone And In The Dark

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming
By Nicole Azucena | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 11:12 AM ET

Horror games are my favorite genre of games of all time. There is something truly special about horror: the fact that it has multiple subgenres of its own, the emotions that horror evokes in people, and how immersive the genre can become to its audience. However, only a select few, myself included, are firm believers in the scarier the better. Some games are just meant to be played alone and in the dark, and here are the five best horror games that fit that description.

Silent Hill 2

Now, these are in no particular order, mostly because I would absolutely lose my mind if I tried to rank them, but the first one on the list would have to be Silent Hill 2. Whether you’re playing the original or the remake, the oppressive and dark atmosphere of the game is the stuff of nightmares, and this is the game that is most referenced in the Silent Hill film adaptation. Playing this in the dark amplifies that oppressive tone. I would know cause that is exactly what I did. Just imagine facing off against Pyramid Head or the Bubble Head nurses in the dark.

Fatal Frame

Screenshot of Fatal Frame courtesy of Nintendo and Microsoft

Fatal Frame is another classic horror game that is getting remade for modern gaming, but if you’ve ever experienced this game before, it is one hell of a scary game. Outlast probably drew inspiration from this one, because your only “weapon” in the game is a camera. Couple that with the most horrifying spirits haunting you constantly, playing this alone and in the dark, elevates the experience of this game.

Resident Evil 7 Biohazard

Now, compared to other titles on this list, Resident Evil 7 isn’t as scary, but that isn’t to say that there aren’t amazing moments that got me during my playthrough. Which is why I am a firm believer that if you played Resident Evil 7 alone and in the dark, you would have an even more amazing time with the game.

Until Dawn

Image from Until Dawn courtesy of Supermassive Games

Until Dawn started a trend of gaming, where decisions meant everything, and no matter what you decided, the path you chose would lead you to different endings. Until Dawn mastered this and brought an immersive experience for gamers that became unforgettable, so you know, if you want to play the game, you need to do it alone and in the dark.

Visage

Visage came out of nowhere and instantly became one of my top 10 scariest horror games I’ve ever experienced. The haunting atmosphere was so scary, I almost didn’t finish my playthrough, but don’t worry, I did. Playing this game in the dark is something even I am skeptical of doing; however, it would definitely raise the horror factor a hundredfold, and that just sounds so enticing.

The Lure of Horror Games

Like I said, horror games are my favorite genre of games of all time. From the different kinds of horror you can experience to how immersive your experience can get, horror games take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and different levels of fear. These are five of the scariest games that are better when you play them alone and in the dark.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: