Despite all the challenges that 2020 put in front of us (we’re looking at you, COVID-19), the horror gaming community still got to enjoy a rich and successful year full of virtual terrors! Not even the global pandemic managed to stop the hard-working developers from delivering some of the best horror tiles we’ve seen in years.
We cannot argue that we will never forget 2020, but what we choose to remember about it is up to us! That is why we decided to look on the bright side of the past year by showcasing the best horror games of 2020. Regardless if you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or are just starting to discover its beauty, these horror titles will not disappoint! From indie horror masterpieces to long-anticipated AAA titles, we’ve had it all!
Let’s look at some of the best horror games of 2020 all gamers will fondly remember.
Best Horror Games That Came Out in 2020
Here is our list of the seven best horror games of 2020. Do note that our picks are in no particular order, so don’t feel disappointed if your favorite title isn’t number one!
1. Visage
Visage is a story-driven survival horror game with roots in a horror classic, P.T. Although many gamers were left disappointed because P.T. never turned into a full-fledged release, Visage successfully lives up to its name!
If you are a fan of nerve-wracking horror experiences, you cannot go wrong with this game! Visage puts players in the shoes of a man whose family was brutally slaughtered and thrusts them into a haunted house in search of answers. The game features a handy sanity mechanic that will keep players on the edge of their seats throughout the entire experience. If the harrowing atmosphere of this game doesn’t scare your pants off, the revelations of the haunted house’s previous inhabitants undoubtedly will!
If you missed adding Visage to your gaming library in 2020, now’s the perfect time to correct that mistake!
2. The Last of Us 2
Although the game had a controversial launch, the Last of Us 2 is a sequel to an iconic horror classic that many have been eagerly anticipating for years! The only downside to this game is that it’s a Playstation exclusive! Well, that and specific narrative directions the developers chose to take…
Putting storytelling disagreements aside, the Last of Us 2 performed valiantly in many fans’ eyes, despite taking a different approach than its predecessor. In TLOU 2, players will play two different converging storylines following two characters, Ellie and Abbie, that will take players on a wild and emotional ride full of twists and turns at every corner. If you are a fan of story-driven adventure horror games, the Last of Us 2 is a must-play; the title even earned the Game-of-the-Year award of 2020!
Despite leaving a bitter taste in many fans’ mouths, the Last of Us 2 is an iconic horror title that will go down in history (even if for all the wrong reasons).
3. The Medium
Of the most-anticipated and undoubtedly best horror games of 2020 is the Medium! Ever since its first reveal in May 2020, the Medium took the online gaming world by storm and quickly became one of the most anticipated psychological horror games of the decade!
This game puts players into the shoes of a woman going through two different realities. To make things worse, players will be haunted by a child murder every step of the way! Can you solve the murder case in question, or will you perish trying?
If you think you have what it takes to beat this horror gem, we wholeheartedly recommend you give it a shot — we guarantee you won’t regret it!
4. In Silence
In Silence is one of two co-op indie horror games that made it on our list, and for a good reason! Aside from playing with your friends, what makes this horror title unique is its key mechanic.
One player will be assigned to play the monster, while others will have to escape or find weapons to defend themselves. However, the trick is that the player controlling the creature is blind and will only navigate the world through sound cues.
Once you combine the above fact with proximity chat and the game’s replayability potential, you’ll find yourself enjoying your friends’ screams for hours on end! Oh, and you better hope your gaming buddies are merciful once you find yourself on the survivors’ team!
5. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Although not a new release but a remake, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is one of the most-anticipated AAA horror releases of 2020. This game takes one of the most fondly remembered titles from this iconic franchise and completely overhauls it to meet the latest gaming standards.
Can you help Jill Valentine escape Racoon City and the monster, Nemesis, that’s stalking her? If third-person shooter horror games are your cup of tea, Resident Evil 3 is a must-play! Aside from the breathtaking visuals, exciting gameplay, and nostalgia if you’re an old-school horror gamer, this game also contains a unique multiplayer game mode you can try out with your friends!
All in all, adding RE 3 to your game library will prove a worthwhile investment!
6. Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is the co-op indie horror hit that marked the second half of 2020. One fascinating thing about this viral indie hit is that it was fully developed by a single person!
Phasmophobia is a testament to what the power of passion toward horror games can do. The game revolves around a straightforward concept — up to four players explore a haunted location and collect various clues they later use to identify the ghost.
Besides its chilling atmosphere, the game went viral because of its cooperative nature. The power of proximity chat combined with the terrifying environment and a variety of different maps ensures players will have dozens of hours of fun with their friends in Phasmophobia!
If you enjoy setting off on a horror adventure with some buddies, this game is perfect for you!
7. Amnesia: Rebirth
The Amnesia franchise has been the poster child of the horror gaming world for over a decade now, and the latest long-awaited sequel was finally released in 2020! Whether you’re a horror veteran or a newcomer to the world of online horror, you’ve surely heard the horrifying stories of this franchise’s debut title.
Well, the developers of the game decided it was time to crank things up a notch and blow everyone away with a sequel! Frictional Games stays true to its atmospheric survival horror roots with Amnesia: Rebirth but takes their storytelling to the next level! If you still have fond memories of the original title’s plot, this game is a must-play, as it acts as a sort of a “prequel” in the game’s timeline.
Amnesia: Rebirth doesn’t fail to deliver the spine-chilling atmosphere that will test the mettle of even the most hardened horror veterans. If you wish to go on an unforgettable ride, trust us that this title is one you mustn’t miss!
What did you think of our list of the best horror games of 2020? Which entry is your favorite? Are there any other titles you’d like to add to it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!