Summary

  • The Coffin of Andy and Leyley is a narrative-driven, puzzle-based horror game with a unique art style.
  • Haunting Ground offers occult-themed horror with pregnancy-related elements and no shortage of creepy characters.
  • Clive Barker's Undying presents gritty horror with a 1920s setting and magic-infused gameplay, reflecting Barker's signature style.

With so many horror games to choose from, it can be hard to figure out just where to start. While plenty of horror games have become massive hits, a few hidden gems remain ripe for the plundering. Some of these are indie games overshadowed by more successful Triple-A titles. Others once had a following in the past but have since faded into obscurity.

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If you're looking for something different, you've come to the right place. We've got a wide variety of games to scratch your itch. Here are a few of the most underappreciated horror games that deserve more love.

Updated October 26, 2024 by Rowan Cardosa: We've added a few more underrated horror games to this article. Some of them are newer titles, while others are just games we missed from last time. Each game also has a little more info added for your convenience.

15 The Coffin Of Andy And Leyley

With demons, cannibalism, and a truly unique art style, The Coffin of Andy and Leyley is a throwback to edgy RPG Maker horror games of the past. Like its predecessors (such as Ib and Mad Father), this game combines a strong narrative focus with puzzle-based gameplay, even if it's a bit easier.

Unlike other games of this type, however, The Coffin of Andy and Leyley forgoes the traditional scares in favor of a more subtle strain of horror. The depictions of cannibalism and demon sacrifice are fairly light in comparison to the toxic, abusive, and complicated relationship of the titular siblings. If you can stomach the deeply personal subject matter, this is a truly interesting game.

14 Haunting Ground

Haunting Ground

Released May 10, 2005 Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom Platform(s) PS2, PS3 Powered by Expand Collapse

Haunting Ground was originally slated to be a Resident Evil title, but Capcom quickly abandoned that notion during its development. It's not a household name like its cousin, but Haunting Ground's occult flavor makes it distinct in its own right. The story also touches upon themes of pregnancy-related horror and bodily autonomy, making it eerily relevant in today's world.

You play as Fiona Belli, a woman trapped inside a castle with nothing but the clothes on your back and Hewie the dog, the best character in the game. There's no ghosts to be found despite the game's title, but a castle full of creepy occultists who want your uterus for their own nefarious purposes is probably worse.

13 Clive Barker's Undying

Clive Barker's Undying

Released February 7, 2021 Publisher(s) Electronic Arts, Aspyr Platform(s) PC Developer DreamWorks Interactive, Westlake Interactive Powered by Expand Collapse

Clive Barker has been a major player in the horror scene for a few decades now. Whether it's Hellraiser or The Midnight Meat Train, his works are disturbing in a gritty, visceral way. They play into the worst tendencies of human nature, and Clive Barker's Undying is no different in that respect.

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This game is set in the 1920s and has you playing as Patrick Galloway, a man tasked with solving the complicated matter of his friend's family curse. Its gameplay is mostly reminiscent of '90s and early 2000s first-person shooters, but the addition of magic lends a delightful twist.

12 Faith: The Unholy Trinity

Faith: The Unholy Trinity

Released October 21, 2022 Developer(s) Airdorf Games Publisher(s) New Blood Interactive Platform(s) PC Powered by Expand Collapse

You wouldn't expect a game with Atari 2600-style graphics to be that scary, but Faith: The Unholy Trinity has a way of defying expectations. The game's limited voice acting never fails to disturb, and the visuals swing from detailed to creepily minimalistic depending on what the scene demands.

Faith: The Unholy Trinity asks one important question: what if the claims made by perpetrators of the Satanic Panic of the '80s were real? What if Barbara from the HOA was right about demonic cults in the suburbs all along? While ridiculous on its face, the story manages to be compelling despite its premise.

11 Little Goody Two Shoes

Little Goody Two Shoes launched in October 2023, and it's a damn shame that it hasn't gotten much traction since then. The game's main draw is how utterly gorgeous it is, with '90s-era anime portraits, hand-painted details everywhere you look, and intricate pixel art reminiscent of early PlayStation RPGs, CRT filter and all.

As the prequel to AstralShift's Pocket Mirror, Little Goody Two Shoes combines folk horror with dating sim elements, resource management, and the occasional arcade-style minigame. It's an indie game that's dripping with style and charm while still being reminiscent of RPG Maker horror games of the past.

10 Neverending Nightmares

Neverending Nightmares

Released September 26, 2014 Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows, PS Vita Developer Infinitap Games Publisher Infinitap Games Powered by Expand Collapse

Neverending Nightmares was created by one man who sought to explore his own struggles with mental health through art. It does that quite well, with most of the 'jump scares' in the game representing the creator's intrusive thoughts. The Edward Gorey-style visuals help create a sense of unease while immersing you in the game's Victorian setting.

The gameplay is more or less a walking simulator, but there are still multiple endings dependent on your actions. It's best to play this game as less of a challenge and more of an immersive experience.

9 Erevos

Erevos is a point-and-click adventure game from the early 2000s that never got the attention it deserved. It's a dark and disturbing ride reminiscent of early Vampire: The Masquerade editions. You're a vampire in the big city, trying to destroy a secret cult of vampire hunters. The game is pretty gory, as it tries to accurately depict the vampiric unlifestyle.

The mix of CGI and FMV visuals helps create an unsettling mood, but this game is infamous for a fun Easter egg. Play during the daytime, and you'll automatically get a game over screen. You're a vampire, so play after sunset.

8 Rule Of Rose

Rule Of Rose

Released January 19, 2006 Platform(s) PlayStation 2 Developer Punchline, Shirogumi Publisher Atlus, Atlus USA, 505 Games, Sony Interactive Entertainmen Powered by Expand Collapse

Rule of Rose is a psychological horror game along the lines of early Silent Hill titles. While the game had a small fan base shortly after its release, it's almost forgotten now. The gameplay is similar to other survival horror titles, with resource management and puzzles being the main component.

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However, the story is where Rule of Rose shines. It had surprisingly decent LGBTQ representation for its time. Furthermore, its exploration of childhood trauma and child abuse is far more in-depth than how other games have handled the subject. It's an eerie, emotional game, great for everyone except dog lovers.

7 Eternal Darkness

Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem

Released June 24, 2002 Developer(s) Silicon Knights Publisher(s) Nintendo Platform(s) GameCube Powered by Expand Collapse

If games like Rule of Rose and Silent Hill 2 pioneered psychological horror in gaming, then Eternal Darkness did the same for cosmic horror. The gameplay is typical for an old-school survival horror game, but Eternal Darkness was a trailblazer in other ways. If the player character's mind-meter decayed too much, it would affect the game's user interface, such as bluescreening or pretending to delete a save.

This Gamecube exclusive was hampered by its platform during release and never quite got off the ground. It now has a small online following, but the fans are as dedicated as it gets.

6 Lobotomy Corporation: Monster Management Simulation

Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation

Released April 9, 2018 Platform(s) PC Developer ProjectMoon Publisher ProjectMoon Powered by Expand Collapse

Lobotomy Corporation is a roguelite that has you manage several horrific monsters. Your goal is to care for and expand the SCP-style facility you're keeping all of these monsters in, which is harder than it sounds. Don't let the cute visuals fool you; this game is seriously punishing.

The gameplay is surprisingly in-depth, with each "abnormality" having an intricate set of needs and abilities. You'll need to remember as much as you can if you want to make any progress, which would be easier if these guys weren't so terrifying.