Summary
The best horror gamesdon’t just rely on scares and jump-scares. They also incorporate other elements, like tense combat, which is often limited by factors like scarce ammo or indestructible enemies to maintain a constant feeling of danger. This focus on limited resources and strategic encounters makes combat an intense but balanced part of the experience.
In addition to the exciting combat, players usually encounter various obstacles and puzzles that push them to think outside the box.Depending on the game’s setting, they might find themselves trapped in simulations, alternate realities, derelict ships, underground labs, or abandoned villages swarming with hostile creatures. Each environment brings its own set of rules and unique puzzles to solve. Below, let’s explore some of the best horror games that offer a perfect mix of intense combat and challenging puzzles, keeping players on edge as they tackle the next obstacle in their path.
ThoughThe Evil Within 2leans more toward combat than intricate puzzles, it still deserves a mention. The game builds on the strengths of its predecessor to deliver a polished survival horror experience with robust combat in expansive,semi-open areas that players can explore at their own pace. With a strong emphasis on crafting, players can set traps, create powerful crossbow bolts, or use the environment to their advantage.
Beyond its focus on combat,The Evil Within 2knows when to slow down, offering players a chance to tackleResident Evil-style puzzles, like the rotating platforms puzzle in Chapter 9 or the mirrored door puzzle in Chapter 6. Although puzzles are relatively rare, they’re especially intense, often requiring players to think quickly as the protagonist is pursued by unstoppable monsters, heightening the suspense and challenge.
TheDead Space Remakeis the ultimate way to experience Isaac Clarke’s harrowing journey aboard the derelict mining vessel USG Ishimura, where hefaces cosmic horrors at every turn. In every aspect, the remake surpasses the iconic original, enhanced by top-tier technical execution and refined gameplay mechanics, like improved combat and the responsive reactions of necromorphs being shot.
The game is filled with engineer-focused puzzles spread throughout the deteriorating ship. To survive, players must repair essential ship systems using Isaac’s stasis and kinesis tools, which are also invaluable in combat. The remake maximizes its haunting setting, often pushing players into zero-gravity zones to solve puzzles, heightening the game’s tense, unsettling atmosphere of isolation and danger.
Alan Wake 2stands out in the survival horror genre with its unique structure and dual protagonists, each bringing fresh elements to the experience. From chilling jump scares to intense combat with Remedy’s signature gunplay, the sequel makes a strong impact. What truly setsAlan Wake 2apart, though, is its creative approach to puzzles.
Players must literally reshape reality to progress while playing as Alan, who’s trapped in the dark world of his fictional creations. Switching to Saga, however, they gain access to a unique space known as the Mind Place, designed to help process her detective work as an FBI agent. While this mechanic might seem superfluous at first, it grows essential as cases become more complex, and the game unveils the intriguing nature of the Mind Place in an unexpected way.
TheResident Evil 4 Remakeneeds little introduction, widely regarded as the ultimate remake of one of the greatest games ever made. True to form,Resident Evil 4prioritizes combat,offering a more action-oriented experiencethan its predecessors. Yet, the familiar formula of blending action, horror, and puzzles is all there, with no weak links in the mix.
While it may not be as puzzle-heavy asResident Evil 2,RE4keeps things varied, skillfully balancing each aspect to prevent any from overstaying their welcome. Players can look forward to a steady flow of new types of gameplay, transitioning seamlessly from intricate puzzles to high-stakes boss battles or tense, dark encounters with terrifying monsters.
Resident Evil Villagestands out in the series by building on the direction set byRE7and adding beloved elements fromRE4, taking players through a haunting village, a towering castle, and even a hidden underground factory. The game ramps up the combat compared toRE7while dialing back on puzzles,nearly perfecting the balance between the two.
Resident Evil Villagedelivers some of the series' most intense action moments, from battling a horde of werewolves to facing off against a powerful boss while controlling a towering metal creature pieced together from scrap and farm machinery. At the same time, it satisfies puzzle-loving fans with some intricate challenges. Certain sections, like the chilling House Beneviento, remove combat entirely, forcing players to rely on puzzle-solving and survival instincts to escape.
TheSilent Hill 2 Remaketook the industry by storm earlier this month,showcasing Bloober Team as a studio worthyof any horror fan’s attention. Despite initial skepticism, the remake proves both faithful and innovative, striking a perfect balance between action, puzzles, and the haunting atmosphere of the original.
The developers not only modernized the combat to current standards, giving players more options to fight back against the horrors but also significantly expanded the puzzles, adding new, equally engaging tasks for players to solve and track. With its outstanding technical execution, the modernSilent Hill 2is an easy recommendation for any survival horror fan, no matter their preferences.
Resident Evil 2 Remakeis still considered one of the best survival horror games available — and one of the finest remakes in recent years, elevating the iconic original to new heights. The game’s entire structure feels like one complex puzzle, offering an intricate, layered environment that rewards strategic exploration and careful planning, with countless small decisions to make each minute.
The gunplay and enemies' reactions to being shot are among the most impressive in the genre, paired with a variety of well-crafted puzzles that keep players constantly engaged. From lockpicking and inventory management to finding missing pieces, the puzzles are diverse and challenging, with memorable moments like the famous chess puzzle in the sewers. Adding the option to play as different protagonists,each with unique weaponsand challenges,RE2 Remakedelivers a near-flawless survival horror experience that few other games can match.
