Paranormal stuff in games? That’s nothing new.
Most of the time, it’s just part of the setting — creepy atmosphere, a few jump scares, or background for enemies you fight with swords or spells. But some games do something more.
They make the supernatural the main focus and ask you to deal with it like it’s something real — and sometimes in surprisingly realistic ways.
Ghosts, memories from the past, missing pieces of a story, and secrets that don’t want to be uncovered. Looking for games where you don’t just walk into a haunted house, but actually try to figure out what happened there?
Games where paranormal investigation is the key to uncovering the truth? Then you’re in the right place — here’s our list of games where you can investigate paranormal activity!
Selection Criteria
When choosing the titles for this list, we focused on games where paranormal investigation is more than just decoration or a side plot — it’s the heart of the gameplay.
We searched for experiences that let you step into the role of someone actively exploring the unknown: a medium, a ghost hunter, or even a writer fighting his own (very literal) demons.
We also aimed for variety in tone and gameplay. Some of these games offer co-op ghost-hunting experiences, while others deliver heavy, narrative-driven psychological tension.
A few of them lean into the thriller genre, some flirt with horror, and others dive headfirst into a metaphysical nightmare. What do they all have in common? The ghosts aren’t just there for jump scares — they’re part of a story, a mystery, and sometimes, a mirror.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the list!
Phasmophobia
Release Date: September 18, 2020
Genres: Puzzle, Tactical, Indie
The Medium
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Genres: Adventure
Ghost Watchers
Release Date: July 28, 2022
Genres: Adventure
Alan Wake
Release Date: February 16, 2012
Genres: Shooter, Adventure
Alan Wake 2
Release Date: October 27, 2023
Genres: Shooter, Adventure
FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse
Release Date: March 09, 2023
Genres: Adventure
Visage
Release Date: October 02, 2018
Genres: Puzzle, Simulator, Adventure, Indie
Control
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Genres: Shooter, Adventure
MADiSON
Release Date: July 08, 2022
Genres: Puzzle, Simulator, Adventure, Indie
Dishonored 2
Release Date: November 11, 2016
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Dishonored - Definitive Edition
Release Date: October 11, 2012
Genres: Adventure, Shooter
Demonologist
Release Date: March 27, 2023
Genres: Puzzle, Simulator, Adventure, Indie
Conrad Stevenson's Paranormal P.I.
Release Date: September 28, 2023
Genres: Simulator, Indie
Conclusion
Paranormal investigations in games are about more than just getting scared. They tell stories about loss, memory, guilt, and trying to make sense of things that defy logic.
The spirits, apparitions, and nightmares you’ll encounter aren’t always purely evil — sometimes, they reflect human emotions, mistakes, and secrets.
So if you’re ready to play as someone who dares to search for truth where others only see darkness — these are the games for you. Just remember: sometimes, the scariest thing you’ll find isn’t the ghost… it’s what you learn about yourself along the way!