However, some games consistently get praised for their effective use of horror and often appear on "scariest games" lists:
Psychological Horror:
* Silent Hill 2: This game is known for its deeply disturbing atmosphere, disturbing visuals, and psychological themes.
* P.T. (Playable Teaser): A free playable teaser for Silent Hills, this game is incredibly short but masterfully uses atmosphere and sound design to create intense fear.
* Outlast: This game focuses on survival and escaping from a terrifying asylum filled with horrifying creatures.
* Layers of Fear: This game uses psychological horror and unreliable narration to create a deeply unsettling experience.
* Amnesia: The Dark Descent: This game forces players to survive in a haunted castle, relying on their wits and limited resources.
* SOMA: This underwater sci-fi horror game explores philosophical themes of consciousness and identity in a very disturbing way.
Jump Scare Horror:
* Resident Evil 7: While this game has psychological elements, it's also known for its intense jump scares.
* Dead Space: This game features grotesque creatures and a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
* Five Nights at Freddy's: This game focuses on jump scares from animatronic characters, creating a high-tension experience.
Other:
* Penumbra: Overture: This game combines exploration, puzzles, and psychological horror elements in a very immersive way.
* Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem: This game uses innovative gameplay mechanics to represent the effects of madness and insanity on the player character.
Ultimately, the scariest game for you will depend on what scares you the most. Consider the types of horror you enjoy (psychological, jump scares, atmosphere, etc.) and explore games that focus on those elements.