Top 5 Horror Games to Play in 2023

Carl Fisher 5 min read

The horror video game genre is not new, but it’s certainly gone through a bit of a lull. In recent years, however, we’re seeing an impressive resurgence, with industry experts going so far as to call it a renaissance. 

We’re seeing creative remakes of classics. New big-budget AAA titles that wouldn’t look out of place in a movie theater. Indie cult hits from small-time creators. To put it simply, it’s a good time to be a horror game fan. 

There’s plenty for you to choose from. Hit up any search box, video game review website or magazine, and you’ll find them littered with titles. But we’re going to make it a little easier for you: here’s a curated list of our favorites. 

The Day Before 

You don’t even need to read the rest of this spiel. Just watch the trailer and tell us you don’t want to play this game. It’s essentially an MMO version of Last of Us, which is getting us all sorts of excited. 

Developer FNTASTIC has released extensive footage of actual gameplay, showing players getting into firefights with other groups, fending zombies at the same time, and walking through stunningly beautiful backdrops. 

There is some concern, however. Developers have pushed back the release date several times, resulting in fans turning against the game. There’s little patience on Discord servers and Reddit, you see. Yet we still think it’s a title you should keep an eye on for 2023. The promise is just too darn good to ignore. 

Let’s Go Niche: Casino Horror Games 

This is a bit of a niche choice: casino horror games. Most players tend to go for the blockbuster titles like Mega Moolah, Hall of Gods, or Divine Fortune, and other jackpot games. Others tend to focus on anything that gives them a chance at the progressive jackpot. But not us, these are our top horror casino titles: 

Zombie Circus 

Zombies have become a little oversaturated in recent years. Last of Us, Walking Dead, Resident Evil, you name it. But we can’t get enough, especially if you combine them with a circus. 

Zombie Circus is about, well, zombies running amok in a circus. The graphics and gameplay are pretty, but the mechanics under the hood are relatively simple. You have your familiar 10 payline slots, 5 reels, and 3 rows. The bonus is free spins, which you get by surviving the ‘zombie waves’. 

A Nightmare on Elm Street 

Everything seems to be based on IP lately, and in this case, we love it. A Nightmare on Elm Street still gives 80s kids nightmares, and this Freddy Krueger slot even uses clips from the actual movie to boost the experience. 

Of course, casinos have plenty more to offer beyond ‘scary’ slots. When you want to take a break from horror, you can also play jackpot games at SkyCity online casino. There’s a wide variety, from movie-based slots to old classic fruit slots, and traditional table games. 

The Long-Awaited Console Remake: Dead Space 

The 2008 original is one of the most well-regarded horror games, with its immersive experience making it a timeless classic. Motive Studios finally decided to give fans what they want: a Dead Space remake built for 2023 consoles. 

Listen, if there’s one game we recommend you play from this list, it’s this one. If you’re a die-hard fan of the OG version, you can rest assured that it’s not only faithful to the original but even better. 

The graphics are downright stunning. The gameplay gives you the same action-survival horror you loved from the original. Even if you can play the 2008 version blindfolded, this game will give you plenty of new things to explore. And for new players, let’s just say this, we’re jealous that it’s your first time. 

Resident Evil 4 

We’re going to round off our list with Resident Evil 4, a sequel to one of the best games ever produced, period. We’re not limiting that statement to horror, either. And this sequel isn’t going to disappoint, particularly if you’re already a fan of previous iterations. 

When reading reviews, be mindful of the unfortunate review bombs. While dedicated fans of the original have a right to an opinion, for sure, there’s a line. There’s unfair criticism towards actress Lily Gao, supposed ‘woke censorship’ (which essentially amounts to complaints about a lack of upskirt glances), and cringe storylines.  

Our take: the game is crazy good. Sure, it is less sexist, but isn’t that a good thing? In any case, the important stuff exceeds expectations on most counts. Campaigns have been completely revitalized, giving them a new lease on life. The setting is sinister and gorgeous all at once, the pacing is just right, and the shooting controls work just as sweetly as you’d expect. 

Once the arguments from the trolls subside and the dust settles, this game will go into the Hall of Fame for horror games. There’s no question about that. Get this game, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy it.

We’ve given you five titles you can try out, but 2023 is going to give you plenty more. Amnesia: The Bunker looks solid. Project Zero: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is an epic entrance to the Japanese horror game genre. And we can’t wait for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, from Ukraine-based dev outfit GSC Game World. 

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