Some of the Best Horror Games That Take Place On A Secluded Island

1. Dead Island (Series)

Nothing says “vacay gone wrong” like Dead Island. Picture this: you’re sipping Mai Tais, enjoying the tropical sun, and then, bam! Zombies crash the party. The game’s brilliant mix of open-world exploration, melee combat, and trying-not-to-die energy keeps players on edge. Plus, Banoi Island looks so disgustingly gorgeous that it feels like a demo for “Nature is Healing… Until Zombies Arrive.”

2. Call of Cthulhu (2005)

Talk about bringing literary horror to life. Call of Cthulhu sends you to a creepy island off the coast of Scotland (because horror and foggy Scottish waters just make sense), where you uncover Lovecraftian insanity. This isn’t your typical monster-bashing thriller; instead, it’s a mind-twisting mix of investigations and “is that thing real or am I losing it?” The island itself feels alive, which is peak unsettling.

3. The Forest

Want nightmares in 4K? The Forest is a survival horror game where your plane crashes on a seemingly vacant island. Spoiler alert! It’s not vacant, and the locals aren’t exactly sending an “Aloha.” Balancing the demands of survival while dodging cannibals creates pure, anxiety-laced genius. It’s eerily beautiful yet screams, “Please get me off this island, now.”

4. Lost in Vivo

While technically not entirely set on a “tropical beach getaway,” this indie gem simulates the oppressive dampness and isolation you’d expect from an island’s underbelly. You’re searching for your missing dog (who, frankly, deserves better), and you’re trapped with horrifying creatures in claustrophobic tunnels. It’s not an island above ground, but trust me, your screams will echo just as loudly.

5. Miasmata

Chilling because it’s eerily… quiet. Miasmata is the slow-burn horror game that lets you explore a deserted island while dealing with a mysterious illness and something that’s stalking you. Yup, no thanks. With an emphasis on exploration and discovery, every step feels like walking on thin ice. But hey, at least the island is pretty, right?

6. Resident Evil 4

Technically not a beachy island, but the sheer isolation Leon Kennedy faces puts it here. Remember the Salazar island section? Cavernous depths, a grim setting, and monstrous foes lurking at every corner. It nails that “cut off from civilization” feeling. Resident Evil 4 reminds us why secluded horror adds an extra layer of “you’re screwed.”

7. Stranded Deep

For a game that doesn’t explicitly market itself as horror, Stranded Deep sure knows how to throw terror at you. Shipwrecked on an island, you scavenge for survival, but it’s the underwater exploration that snatches away your facade of bravery. Sharks, oh-so-peaceful manta rays, and whatever that shadow lurking over there is? Absolute nightmare fuel.

8. SOMA

While most of SOMA’s campaign is underwater (hello, oceans are just BIG islands), it deserves a mention. The isolation, robotic terrors, and existential dread hit close to home. Developer Frictional Games plays mind games with you. Are you really “alive”? Can you even “escape”? It’s a claustrophobic take on horror, and the ocean/island symbolism seals the deal.

Why Do Islands Make the Best Horror Settings?

There’s something inherently cruel about being on an island. No cell service. No backup plans. And no heroes parachuting in for a last-minute save. Whether it’s the zombies of Dead Island or the psychological torment of Call of Cthulhu, island horror amps up the dread factor by removing every comfort of safety.

For gamers, it’s the ultimate playground of fear. Surrounded by danger on all sides (and the splashing sound of “no escape”), these settings make for terrifyingly unforgettable experiences. So, next time you think a vacation on a secluded beach sounds like a good idea, remember these games.

Oh, and maybe pack more than sunscreen.

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