Fear and distress are so unpleasant. But for some reason, gamers still want to test themselves in the intense and endlessly intriguing horror genre.

Due to its interactive nature, a horror video game is much scarier than a movie. We cannot simply close our eyes and wait for the next scene because it will never happen without our participation.

But still, many gamers crave horror video games! According to research, there are several reasons: the feeling of physical safety, the desire for new sensations, or the increased sense of dopamine-infused relief after a particularly creepy experience.

With Halloween just around the corner, you might want to give it a chance. That’s why we’ve prepared this short guide sharing all the tips and tricks on how to start playing the scariest video games.

The Basics: Preparing for a Spooky Session

Start by selecting a game. You may want to play something independent or reach for proven modern classics. An indie scene is excellent for anyone looking to avoid the mainstream choices. But beware, these games are simple but incredibly scary! Of all the best ones, we heartily recommend Lost in Vivo, Little Nightmares, Slender: The Arrival, Soma, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and the very Midsommar-like Mundaun.

Do you prefer something everyone has already played? Don’t worry – the classic choices won’t let you down. If you like claustrophobic settings, play Alien: Isolation, Dead Space, or the phenomenal Outlast. Want something more outdoors so you have somewhere to escape?

Nice try, but completely understandable. Then choose Silent Hill, Resident Evil: Village, Alan Wake, Prey, Until Dawn, or the unpredictable Layers of Fear.

What’s next? Time to set the stage! Think where you feel safe – the usual spot will be fine. Be sure to consider whether headphones are necessary, as better sound guarantees chills. Unless you have invited some friends to play with you – in that case, agree on what suits you all best and whether you want to play online or at someone else’s place.

Choosing a multiplayer title for your first-ever horror game session will be great if you don’t feel confident about being alone. What to play with others? Recent years have provided several fun games, including Left 4 Dead 2, Phasmophobia, Dying Light 2, and the incredibly engaging and asymmetric Dead by Daylight.

Gameplay Techniques: Enhancing the Horror Experience

Practice makes perfect, but let’s assume you’ve never played a horror game before and have no idea what to do. Fortunately, these simple tricks for beginners can help you grasp what to expect. First of all, not all enemies have to be defeated at once. You can try to run past them or sneak to prevent confrontation and postpone it until later or never.

Secondly, try to manage your available resources as wisely as possible. In a close one-on-one confrontation, use melee weapons like knives. But if you ever encounter a boss, use bigger guns designed for that occasion.

As outlandish as it may sound, the game’s moral dilemmas exist for fun. Remember, you can always play the game again to change things and enjoy replayability – this is a feature, not a bug. The same principle applies to quick-time events where everything happens fast. Try different approaches because that’s how players discover unknown content.

Engaging with the Horror Gaming Community

Horror games are all about mystery, unexplainable phenomena, and surprising gameplay outcomes. No wonder so many players want to share their experiences with others! But what to do when close friends or family aren’t so eager to discuss what happened in your last Resident Evil session again? There is only one solution – the Internet. Explore online forums, blogs, and groups dedicated to horror games to find new titles to play, share theories, and create opportunities for multiplayer fun.

Use available gaming platforms. YouTube and Twitch exist solely for sharing recent experiences and streaming games. And let us tell you – horror games are one of the hottest topics of every season! Even PewDiePie started with Amnesia videos, so that means something. Start small, enjoy your time, gather a welcoming community, and play the game!

Dealing with Overwhelming Fear and Distress

Let’s face the truth – not everyone can play horror games. But even this group of players can do something to reduce negative sensations and enjoy scary entertainment. Recognizing the signs of excessive stress and anxiety is the first step to implementing beneficial changes. If you feel uncomfortable with what’s happening on your screen, try some of these tips for players.

  • Take breaks. You will prevent excessive strain on your muscles and minimize fatigue. Even a short five-minute break can improve your attitude towards the game and help you stay in touch with reality.
  • Turn on the lights and avoid headphones. Sure, immersion is lovely, but there’s nothing funny about being scared to death. You have the right not to create a gloomy vibe in your home.
  • Play with others. There’s nothing better than making the whole situation funny together!
  • Stay positive. Understand that all these monsters are merely a bunch of simple pixels created by exceptionally creative people. Engage in another captivating activity after playing, preferably relaxing, to focus your mind on something else.
  • Talk to someone. Call a friend or share your experiences online to see the game from a new perspective and return to reality.
  • Let it go. Maybe the horror genre isn’t for you, and that’s fine. Consider something similar but not as scary, like Dark Souls, Don’t Starve Together, Darkest Dungeon, or Subnautica. There is plenty of these fish in the sea! So go slowly, and you may be able to embrace that feeling of distress in the future.

Diving Deeper: Expanding Your Horror Game Collection

The horror alone does not describe the full possibilities you can explore within this genre. For example, psychological horror puts the player into puzzling anxiety and mental discomfort, avoiding jump scares and terrifying creatures. But survival horror focuses on encountering creepy enemies and keeping the hero alive.

Paranormal mysteries may combine both descriptions, while interactive thrillers focus on a less terrifying experience with a bit of psychological anxiety.

Pick something fun and play your new game! Or look at recent indie recommendations providing fresh takes on classic horror solutions.

Summary

Horror represents one of the most fascinating topics in gaming. It encompasses a wide range of sub-genres, providing exciting and thrilling experiences for everyone. And it helps forge new friendships! However, not everyone feels comfortable playing scary games, and that’s perfectly understandable.

In that case, select a similar, friendlier game. Fear can be enjoyable, but only in healthy doses and with a clever approach to terrifying gameplay. So consider giving it a chance, check out the latest indie recommendations, and don’t forget to share your new horror discoveries!