If you have kids it’s also a great place to get them started on horror adventure games… From Luigi to Bendy…. No matter what you’re looking for I guarantee you’ll find something to scare you or your kid’s pants off.
25. Alien: Isolation
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Playstation 4 and Windows)
Alien: Isolation trailer
Put your survival skills to the test in this gruesome first-person adventure game. Fight for your life against an alien that has ruthless hunting skills. Use your training and skills to explore the deserted trading station. And don’t forget to enjoy some of the fun scares along the way.
“Alien: Isolation” takes place 15 years after Ellen Ripley from Alien went missing. You play her daughter, Amanda, who must uncover the mystery of her mother’s disappearance.
The entire game has a lot to do with being resourceful, stealthy, and crafting tools. Use your wits and your surroundings to the best of your abilities and I’m sure you can beat this perfect rendition of the “Alien” franchise.
24. Call of Chutuhlu
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Playstation 4 and Windows)
Call of Chutuhlu trailer
If you love the history of horror and all things Lovecraftian, then I can assure you that you’ll get your socked knocked off by “Call of Chutuhlu”. Delve into a world of mystery and terror, as you play an investigator who’s desperate for a job.
The town of Darkwater is calling for your help.
The monsters in this game are more than enough to give it a try. On top of that, the suspense within the game is intoxicating and you’ll get a kick out of venturing around, uncovering new clues and getting to know the town folk.
23. Among the Sleep
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Linux, macOS and Macintosh)
Among the Sleep trailer
You’re a child awakening in the night to some peculiar sounds… you’re terrified and want your mommy’s comfort. In my opinion, this is a pretty unique concept for a horror game.
In “Among the Sleep”, you find yourself playing a 2-year child who finds themself roaming around their dark house like it’s some sort of nightmarish hellscape.
Where’s your mom? You need her to comfort you from the things that go bump in the night.
An awesome, but a short-lived game that can be completed in just a few hours. Due to this being an enhanced version of the game the graphics are spectacular. They’ve even gone ahead and added an extra chapter to the game. As well as a multitude of pyjama sets for your character, enhanced puzzles and a way better gameplay experience.
Don’t hesitate before giving this creepily awesome first-person adventure game a whirl.
Also acceptable for introducing some scares to older kids.
22. Eyes: Scary Thriller
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Android, Web browser, iOS, Windows, Linux, Macintosh)
Eyes: Scary Thriller trailer
Brave a haunted hospital, abandoned house and terrifying school, as you dive head first into a terrifying and mysterious, puzzle-solving adventure.
“Eye: Scary Thriller” has been consistently updated for years making it one of the coolest and most played horror games out there. The graphics have drastically improved from when I played the game on Android quite a few years back. And there’s been extra rooms, more monsters and a ton more to explore.
Get spooked, collect money bags, hide from dreadful creatures and enjoy the wickedly improved graphics as you play this awesome and affordable game.
21. Tormented Souls
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5)
Tormented Souls trailer
I have to say this game completely blew me out of the water. I had no idea it existed and it's amazing on every level! It must be because I’m a product of the 90s, and love to see a throwback to my era in a horror game …but it truly is a great game.
If you love old-school, horror game techniques involving camera angles, aiming weapons and managing your inventory, then you’ll get a kick out of this N64-reminiscent game.
In “Tormented Souls” you play a young women decked out in perfect 90s grunge clothing and impressively big guns. The monsters are wickedly scary and the storyline is interesting. I don’t know what more you could ask for.
20. Friday the 13: The Game
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One)
Friday the 13th: The Game trailer
ANY “Friday the 13th” fan will absolutely love this game! While playing you’ll recognize a ton of stuff that you’ve seen throughout the film franchise… his mom in his mask, him coming back from the dead, an awesome tribute to camp crystal lake and so much more.
The fun thing is you’re not as useless as the characters are in the movie. You get to fight back with a variety of weapons and be a heck of a lot braver than those 80s kids were. You can also play as Jason himself… which to me is even more fun.
Have fun with some brutal kills and nostalgic screams, as you and your friends give “Friday the 13th: The Game” a go.
19. Dying Light
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5, Linux, Macintosh and Classic Macintosh)
Dying Light trailer
“Dying Light” is zombie survival at its finest. Immerse yourself in an open world of gore, combat, zombies and evil humans.
Fight for your life as an undercover agent named, Kyle Krane.
While the storyline isn’t overly riveting, the gameplay is. The game is fast-paced and adrenaline-driven. You have “Assassins Creed” like agility, where you jump from roof to roof, running from and hunting zombies in a parkour-like style.
The zombies are awesome and the humans are ruthless. Don’t forget to get some guts before you give “Dying Light” a go.
18. Hello Neighbor
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5, Linux, Macintosh, Android and iOS)
Hello Neighbor trailer
“Hello Neighbor” is the PERFECT survival horror game to play with older kids or teenagers. It is wildly popular on every platform and there’s a series of books.
Have fun sneaking around and hiding from your neighbor, as you sneak into his house to try and uncover the mystery of what he’s hiding in his decrepit basement. He ends up realizing that you’re onto him and finds various ways to keep you from figuring out what he’s up to via traps and puzzles.
“Hello Neighbor” is a whole lot of fun for anyone and isn’t overly scary. But it has some anticipation and small scares.
In my opinion, is one of the coolest indie horror games that exist for kids
17. Carrion
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Linux, macOS and Amazon Luna)
Carrion trailer
For some reason, I get a tingly excited feeling whenever I play games that bring me back to the old Nintendo days and vintage gaming in general.
“Carrion” is a Metroid-style game that is played in reverse. It is wickedly horrific and the cool thing is you get to play the monster whose goal is to murder all the civilians in the game.
As the game goes on you evolve and become stronger, as you devour the people and take over your surroundings.
“Carrion” is one of the most unique vintage-style horror games available on the Switch.
16. Stories Untold
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Classic Mac OS and Macintosh)
Stories Untold trailer
Take a blast from the past with this 70s and 80s-inspired retro, fear fest. “Stories Untold” is an original narrative experience and horror-adventure game.
It’s a 4 part horror anthology series where you make decisions while solving puzzles and thinking outside the box.
That’s four horrific adventures for the price of one!
If you know the old game “House of Abandon”, one of the four tapes in the game is a remaster of the OG game.
While it isn’t a very high-impact game, it’s full of nostalgia, retro fun and definitely worth the ride.
15. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Core Collection
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One)
Five Nights at Freddy’s trailer
Creepy animatronic dolls, wonky cameras and strange noises are what give “Five Nights at Freddy’s” the perfect recipe for the teen horror genre. it’s one of the most popular and iconic teen horror games for any platform out there. You can even get a short version of the game on mobile!Play as the night clerk working at Freddy’s pizza joint. . At night, things get a little strange and the dolls seem to have a mind of their own. Can you survive these 5 nights and make it out alive?
You can utilize surveillance cameras and automatic doors. And don’t forget you run out of power easily…so use it sparingly
If you’re planning to play with young teens, just know that there are a ton of jumpscares and a decent amount of frights. But there's blood or gore.
So I’ll leave that one up to you!
14. Bendy and the Ink Machine
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Android, Xbox One, Playstation 4, Windows, macOS, Linux and Classic MacOS)
Bendy and the Ink Machine trailer
“Bendy and the Ink Machine” is another unique and original horror game that has gained a lot of popularity over the years. It has the old-fashioned rubber-nose cartoon style of the 1930s. Reminiscent of cartoons like “Mickey Mouse”, “Betty Boop”, or more recently “Cuphead”.
It’s a first-person adventure, a puzzle-solving game, that’ll bring you into an abandoned animator’s fortress. Can you escape the mad animator before you meet your demise? Solve the puzzles and hold your breath, as there’s something to give you a thrill around every corner!
“Bendy and the Ink Machine” is another really fun game to play with your older kid or teenager. What’s better than sharing some heebie-jeebies with the family?
13. Observer
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5, Linux, Macintosh and Classic Macintosh)
Observer trailer
Horror and Cyberpunk collide in this action-packed, futuristic adventure. It’s the year 2084 and you play a neural agent, who hacks into the minds of the murderers, thieves and complex civilians of the dark world they inhabit.
Solve the mystery of who’s committing all the murders around the city. Explore the gorgeous, high-tech city and get to know some of the crazy characters in this outstanding cyberpunk adventure called “Observer”.
If you’ve ever played “Cyberpunk” which was released just a few years ago. This is a bug-free and smaller version of a cyberpunk world. The nice thing is it runs super smooth with magnificent graphics on Nintendo Switch and many other consoles.
12. Limbo
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Playstation 4, Playstation Vita, Windows, Xbox 3, Xbox 360, Linux, Android, iOs, Macintosh and Classic Macintosh)
Limbo trailer
Get crushed by ominous objects and run from creepy crawlies in this black-and-white horror adventure. “Limbo” is a beautiful, atmospheric, platform, a puzzle game where you play a young boy who’s trying to uncover the mystery of what happened to his sister.
Its classic storyline, unique graphics and super fun gameplay give “Limbo” the perfect formula for some action-packed fun.
This game truly does the platform, horror genre in a wonderfully ominous way.
11. Outlast
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Android, Xbox One, Playstation 4, Windows, macOS, Linux and Classic MacOS)
Outlast trailer
“Outlast” is a high-octane survival game at its finest. You’re guaranteed to be filled with adrenaline-fueled anxiety and get some serious jump scares. I wouldn’t play this one in public…someone might see you scream.
You play as Mike Upshur who has decided to investigate the grounds of an abandoned Asylum. The basic concept of the game hides and seek and no combat… if you try you’ll be destroyed immediately by the various creatures and enemies that walk the grounds.
The storyline goes pretty far and there are a lot of different characters and terrifying monsters to meet. If you wanna be filled with anxious fear, then you’ll have a blast!
10. Darkwood
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Classic Macintosh, Macintosh, Google Stadia and Steam)
Darkwood trailer
”Darkwood” is a completely original horror concept where you have a bird’s eye view of a forest that is taking over the dark world you inhabit. Many survivors have become trapped and the ones who aren’t so lucky are being transformed into zombiesque creatures.
Can you survive the ever-expanding darkness that is consuming your world? Gather supplies during the day, and hide while defending your hideout at night.
“Darkwood” is a super fun and creepy, dark adventure that’ll keep you entertained for hours.
9. Layers of Fear: Legacy
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Linux, Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One)
Layers of Fear: Legacy trailer
Dive into a psychedelic, horrific nightmare about a painter gone mad. Become a madman, as you play the role of an artist who’s become terrifyingly obsessed with creating his masterpiece.
He’s obsessed with creating the most memorable and ominous masterpiece ever made. Wander the halls of his spooky mansion and figure out how the depths of his crazed mind works.
Can you finish the piece of art before you go mad yourself?
If you love psychological horror and trying to figure out how the mind of a psychopath works, then I can guarantee you’ll love exploring the victorian-era world in “Layers of Fear: Legacy”.
8. Inside
(Available on Nintendo Switch Xbox One Microsoft Windows PlayStation 4, iOS and macOS)
Inside trailer
“Inside” is a monochromatic, dystopian puzzle-platform, adventure game where you play a young boy with no name, who’s trying to survive.
The world is full of dangers, including wild dogs, vengeful guards and maniacal robots. Sneak around, collect orbs and try not to get murdered. And if you collect enough orbs you get a cool alternate ending that I highly recommend.
The other interesting thing about the game is it’s rather peaceful to play due to the lack of music and sound effects. What little sound effects there are stand out and give the game a creepy and ominous atmosphere.
You’ll find out along the way you can control some of the dead bodies to solve some of the puzzles. Trust me when I say you’ll love this dystopian adventure of doom.
7. Little Nightmares
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows and Google Stadia)
Little Nightmares trailer
“Little Nightmares” is an adorable, yet grotesque nightmare-fueled, puzzle-platform game that takes place in a peculiar world called “The Maw”. You feel like a doll yourself, as you rummage through a dollhouse full of terror.
You take the role of a young boy, named Six, who must face all his worst childhood fears. Can you be stealthy enough to not get caught by the soul-eating monsters that occupy “The Maw”?
6. Oxenfree
(Available on PC, OS X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Linux, iOS and Android)
Oxenfree trailer
As a massive lover of all things indie and all things supernatural, this game struck me as special. The main character is even named Alex! Which is what my name is… haha
This time you get to lead a group of friends through a ghostly rift that you guys unknowingly opened at a house party. Can you uncover the Island’s supernatural history and lead your friends to safety?
All of your choices make an impact and your's and your friends’ fate depends on every choice you make.
Watch out for the monsters and dangers that lurk in the shadows along the way!
5. Amnesia: Collection
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Macintosh)
Amnesia: The Collection trailer
The “Amnesia Collection” is a terrifyingly effective horror collection of games including “Amnesia: The Dark Descent”, the“Justine DLC” and the sequel “A Machine for Pigs”.
One of the coolest things about the Switch is all the game franchise collections you can get. What’s better than getting 3 games for the price of one?…Especially when they’re rammed packed with blood and guts?
“Amnesia” is another game where the goal is to hide and sneak around before the creatures can hunt and devour you. Also, another game where you wake up confused and without memory in a creepy old mansion.
Can you figure out what happened to you and escape the dread that lies within the walls? Listen to your audio recordings, solve puzzles and make complex decisions involving keeping other prisoners alive.
If you enjoy games like “Layers of Fear”, I guarantee you’ll love this game! It came from the same creators after all.
4. Detention
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, Macintosh)
Detention trailer
“Detention” is another well-deserved re-released game for the Switch. Jump into some Taiwanese terror with this awesome 2D sidescroller that’s set in a horrific 1960s Taiwan.
In 1947 an uprising developed in Taiwan where the entire country decided to fight against the oppression of the people caused by World War II. A bunch of students decided to become involved in communist publications and many people were arrested and a lot of violence ensued.
There was even a movie made AFTER the game. Both have been wildly popular and are exact references to the historical event.
Learn about Taiwan’s history and mythology while getting some adrenaline-packed fun. Detention truly is one of a kind.
3. Bioshock: The Collection
(Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows and macOS)
Bioshock: The Collection trailer
Bioshock is one of the most impressive and massive horror adventure games out there. With a marvellous storyline that can’t be forgotten, you’ll become completely immersed in this underwater world called “Rapture”.
Become engrossed in a world of science, discovery and superpowers, as you explore the gigantic utopia. Meet new characters and figure out how to keep the special molecule called “adam” from the creatures called “splicers”.
The world is intricate, creepy, and full of exploration that'll make your jaw hit the ground.
The “Bioshock” collection is yet another awesome bundle of games you can get on the Switch. It includes upgraded versions of “BioShock”, “BioShock 2”, and “BioShock Infinite”. Definitely a bang for your buck!
2. Resident Evil 4
(Available on Nintendo Switch, Game Cube, Wii, PlayStation 2, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Meta Quest, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Linux, Android and iOS)
Resident Evil 4 trailer
“Resident Evil 4” is one of those games that every horror fan on the planet has heard of…at least through the other “Resident Evil” games or from the movie franchise. It’s also ANOTHER game spectacular enough to be relaunched for the Switch and many other consoles.
Play as a special agent, named Leon S. Kennedy, as you are put on a mission to go to Europe and rescue the President’s daughter. Battle against zombies of all sorts, including a new breed called “Las Plagas”. You also need to face off against villagers, who have been driven mad by a cult called “Los Illuminados”.
“Resident Evil 4” is one of the best games ever made and is a must-play for any fan of horror or adrenaline-packed first-person shooter games.
1. Luigi’s Mansion 3
(Available on Nintendo Switch)
Luigi’s Mansion 3 trailer
Whether you’ve played any of the other “Luigi’s Mansion” games or not there’s no way you won’t love this third installment in the story. Full of supernatural, 3D side-scrolling fun, and a ton of new and improved graphics.
If Mario is your favorite super brother…” Luigi’s Mansion 3” will likely turn Luigi into your new favorite within minutes.
Suck up ghosts with a proton pack-like device, reminiscent of the one in “Ghostbusters”, tackle various traps and watch for a new scare around every corner. Also, get a taste of nostalgia as you walk the corridors of the spooky hotel. It’s decked out in creepy Mario-themed décor, and ghoulish puzzles and is retro in all the best ways.
I have no idea how anyone couldn’t love “Luigi’s Mansion 3”. Not only is it the perfect horror game to play with your older kids, but it is one of the best games made for the switch, hands down.
