10 Story-Heavy Horror Games To Play If You Loved Until Dawn

If you’re feeling worn out by the endless jump scares in traditional horror games, it’s probably time to try something a bit different. Games like Until Dawn offer a fresh take on the horror genre, focusing more on story and player decisions, which makes them stand out from the usual shock-heavy titles.

With developers like Telltale and David Cage pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling, horror fans now have more options than ever. Whether you prefer romantic visual novels, dark mysteries, or action-packed adventures, there’s something for every type of gamer out there. And if you’re craving something with a chilling edge, these games have you covered.

10. Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy

David Cage’s Fahrenheit tells the story of a man possessed by supernatural forces who commits a murder, while two detectives work to unravel the mystery. The game’s dynamic storytelling allows for multiple endings, with player decisions shaping the outcome of each major event.

9. Darkwood

Set in a dark, twisted forest, Darkwood is a survival horror game that forces players to contend with terrifying creatures and a haunting atmosphere. Its challenging gameplay and unforgiving consequences make every moment intense as players struggle to survive through the night.

8. The Walking Dead

Telltale’s The Walking Dead series became a breakthrough in narrative-driven gaming. With its make-or-break decisions, the game brings intense emotional weight to the survival horror genre. Players form deep connections with characters and must make tough choices that will haunt them throughout the game.

The Walking Dead by Telltale raised the bar for storytelling in horror games with its emotionally charged decision-making. The game’s branching narrative adds replay value, as players can experience the story differently based on their choices.

7. Paratopic

Paratopic is an underrated horror gem. Released in 2018, it blends surrealist horror with a disjointed narrative, reminiscent of works by David Lynch. Players control different characters—each linked to a disturbing conspiracy involving VHS tapes.

Paratopic stands out for its unsettling, dreamlike atmosphere and fragmented storytelling. The short playtime is packed with strange, eerie moments that make it a memorable, albeit brief, horror experience.

6. The Last Door

Inspired by classic point-and-click adventure games, The Last Door mixes psychological horror with Lovecraftian themes. Set in Victorian England, the game follows an occult mystery that draws players deeper into a nightmarish world filled with eerie secrets.

The Last Door successfully captures the essence of psychological horror, combining classic gameplay with a haunting narrative. The game’s eerie atmosphere and detailed world-building create an immersive horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

5. Corpse Party

The Corpse Party series is a cult classic in the horror gaming world. Starting in 1996, it has continued to deliver terrifying experiences through its exploration of haunted school grounds, where players must navigate gruesome encounters with supernatural forces.

Corpse Party brings together elements of survival horror and RPGs in a chilling haunted-house atmosphere. With its gripping story and terrifying atmosphere, it’s a must-play for fans of classic horror.

4. Detention

Set in 1960s Taiwan, Detention offers a unique blend of political history and supernatural horror. The game’s side-scrolling style draws players into an eerie, otherworldly school where they must solve puzzles and uncover dark secrets to escape.

Detention is an immersive horror experience that blends history and folklore with psychological terror. Its richly atmospheric world keeps players on edge while exploring themes of fear and oppression.

3. Death Mark

Death Mark dives into the world of Japanese horror, telling the story of a mysterious mark that leads to strange deaths. The game’s visual novel format, combined with interactive decision-making, creates a tense, chilling atmosphere as players solve supernatural mysteries.

Death Mark stands out for its stunning visuals and deeply unsettling story, blending horror with strategy. Players must use their wits to navigate encounters and survive the game’s eerie world of ghosts and curses.

2. Yume Nikki

A cult classic among indie horror fans, Yume Nikki is a surreal, dreamlike game where players explore various strange and unsettling dreamscapes. Without traditional gameplay mechanics or dialogue, the game relies on its eerie atmosphere and haunting imagery to create a truly unique experience.

Yume Nikki is known for its abstract and unsettling world, offering players a non-linear exploration of bizarre dreamscapes. The game’s minimalistic approach allows for deep psychological horror, drawing players into its strange and surreal universe.

1. Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Shattered Memories is a unique entry in the Silent Hill series, using the Wii’s motion controls to create a more immersive horror experience. Players must navigate a shifting narrative influenced by their choices during therapy sessions, leading to multiple possible endings.