2017 was very kind to us horror fans (or cruel, depending on how you look at it).
We had some truly amazing sequels, terrifying multiplayer experiences and a variety of different reasons to lose sleep.
The indie horror scene way also very prolific this year, giving up some of the most interesting and twisted games we’ve played in a long time. We really played a ton of horror games this year. But when it comes to the best there is, we had some very clear winners.
The games on this list are not only amazing, creepy, and truly horrifying titles, they are some of the best games we’ve played in all of 2017.
Here are our picks for the best horror games of 2017:
Outlast 2
Developer: Red Barrels
Publisher: Red Barrels
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One (coming to Switch)
The original Outlast and its DLC are among the scariest games I’ve ever played. Outlast 2 continues this respected legacy.
It’s the first game that made me actually scream in fear since Outlast: Whistleblower, so I can safely say developers Red Barrels have not lost their touch.
The game’s brand of hide-and-seek, run-for-your-life horror flourishes in the new setting. The Arizona desert is more open than the claustrophobic corridors of Mount Massive Asylum, which makes every encounter all the more unpredictable.
Outlast 2 might not manage to surpass its predecessor in sheer, unfiltered terror, but it does take the series into psychological horror territory, which I absolutely love. The game is still very gory, even downright disgusting at times, but it never feels cheap or out of place.
This is probably the first time I’m actually sad a game won’t have any DLC, but at least Red Barrels are working on Outlast 3.
Guy Yuval, Senior Editor
Resident Evil 7
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a GOOD Resident Evil game. Let that sink in for a minute.
I mean, what was the last good Resident Evil game you played? Resident Evil 4? Resident Evil Zero? Those came out more than 10 years ago.
But RE7 isn’t just a good Resident Evil 7, it’s a great horror game. It’s terrifying, the characters and bosses are memorable (and terrifying), and the puzzles are actually good and creative.
Exploring the plantation house is both intense and exciting. The game is at its best when you’re trying to avoid one of the Bakers while trying to find your way out (or further in).
The game does turn more action-heavy towards to end, and the black goo monsters that serve as the cannon fodder aren’t the most interesting enemies. However, thanks to the stressful combat and resource management, every encounter can be deadly.
Resident Evil 7 returns the series to its survival horror roots, and I love it for it.
Guy Yuval, Senior Editor
The Evil Within 2
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Publisher: Bethesda
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
The Evil Within 2 takes all of the wasted potentials of the original game, and does something great with it.
Out of all the games on this list, this one is closest to a traditional survival horror experience (sans annoying tank controls). You got gallons of blood, disturbing enemies and twisted environments to explore.
While the game doesn’t shy away from the action (and there’s plenty of that), you are often encouraged to avoid combat altogether. Thanks to the game’s open structure, running away and scavenging for ammo and health items are indeed big parts of the game.
In general, The Evil Within 2 is an almost perfect mix of survival horror and action horror, and most of it works really, really well.
Most modern horror games have you constantly running away from monsters you can barely see. TEW 2 gives you the opportunity to stick a shotgun in a monster’s face and blow it in half. it’s an opportunity you don’t want to pass on.
Guy Yuval, Senior Editor
Doki Doki Literature Club!
Developer: Team Salvato
Publisher: Team Salvato
Platforms: PC
I only recently played Doki Doki Literature Club, but I immediately knew it’s going to make my list of “best horror games of 2017” (after the first two hours, that is).
The best way to describe the game is a “horror dating sim”, and I don’t remember playing many of those. It looks innocent enough at first, but then weird things start to happen, and you slowly realize what you’ve gotten yourself into. Saying any more will spoil the game, so I’ll leave it at that.
I love the dialog, the poetry mini-game (though it can get a bit repetitive) and above all the characters: Monika, Yuri, Natsuki, and Sayori.
And the best part? Doki Doki is completely free. It’s clear the developers have something bigger in mind for the future, and this viral game serves as a sort of introduction. And it works.
After playing Doki Doki Literature Club, you’re going to have a hard time forgetting Team Salvato; and sleeping.
Guy Yuval, Senior Editor
Little Nightmares
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
I hate horror games. I really do. I hate jump scares, and I just hate it when a game makes sleep with the lights on. Yes, I’m a scaredy-cat.
But with Little Nightmares, something got me through. I’m not sure if it is the visuals, audio, or how curious I was to find out what the Maw is and how Six’s story is going to unfold. I just couldn’t put the controller down, and I’m eagerly waiting for the final piece of DLC to drop.
The game is very simple. You control Six – a small child wrapped in a yellow raincoat. You don’t know much about her, what brought her to the Maw, and why everything there is trying to kill her.
Little Nightmares is far from being perfect. Sometimes the controls are not that responsive. Sometimes it’s too unclear what to do next, and the loading screens are too long. But as a whole experience, it is one of the best indie horror games that came out this last year.
The proof is right in front of you – it is one of the few horror games I managed to play all the way through.
Amit Gilboa, News Editor
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