Best Horror Games for PC 2023

Alien Isolation
Alien Isolation (Image credit: Sega)

PC is one of the best platforms for horror games. Not only do you get a huge variety of games to choose from thanks to platforms like Steam and itch.io, but playing on PC is just the best way to experience horror. You're up close to your monitor, your headphones are on, and the lights are off. It can't get much better than that. If you're looking for something to scare the pants off of you, here are the best horror games for PC.

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Alien: Isolation

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It's been over six years at this point, but few games have come close to delivering as many scares as Alien: Isolation does. If you've seen the first two Alien movies, Isolation will seem familiar, but it does such a great job at translating the tension of running from an alien that can hide in the vents to a video game. It's a great throwback to a classic horror franchise, but it manages to be a great entry all on its own.

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OK, you can truly play horror games however you want, but there are few better ways to do it than on a PC. Sure, there are a lot of great horror games on Xbox. Still, the best horror games for PC take advantage of everything the platform has to offer, including audio design that can lure you in (if you have one of the best PC gaming headsets) and great visuals. Having so many platforms on PC also means you have a large collection to choose from. Unfortunately, we had to keep our list limited, so feel free to explore Steam or itch.io for other titles.

However, if you're looking to get started, you can't do better than Alien: Isolation. The horror game from Creative Assembly takes everything that made the first Alien film work and translated it into video game form. You have to lurk around a spaceship while trying to avoid the deadly Xenomorph, which can hide in vents and in the walls. It builds so much tension, and you'll be on the edge of your seat.

If you want something more subdued, I'd recommend SOMA. There are a bunch of Frictional Games titles on this list (hey, it's made some incredible horror games), but SOMA is a creepy sci-fi title that tackles a lot of profound subjects. It also has a special mode that allows you to get through the story without worrying so much about the monsters, which is great for players who don't like many scares.

Finally, if you want to play one of the most talked-about games from 2020, check out Phasmophobia. This indie multiplayer game is still in early access, but it's a great way to get scared with friends. You join a ghost-hunting squad and have to get rid of the ghosts or die trying.

Carli Velocci
Gaming Lead, Copy Chief

Carli is the Gaming Editor and Copy Chief across Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore. Her last name also will remind you of a dinosaur. Follow her on Twitter or email her at carli.velocci@futurenet.com.