Exploring the Horror Game Selection on PlayStation Plus
In 2022, Sony introduced a significant overhaul to its subscription service, PlayStation Plus, marking a new chapter in its offerings. Today, players can select from three distinctive tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. To enjoy multiplayer features in most games, a minimum subscription to PS Plus Essential is required. This entry-level tier also grants users access to several free titles each month. However, avid fans of PS Plus horror games will likely find the most satisfying content in the higher tiers.
The Extra tier boasts a vast library, featuring hundreds of PS5 and PS4 games, which is routinely refreshed with approximately 15 new titles monthly. Meanwhile, the Premium tier encompasses everything in Extra and includes a rich array of retro classics from PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP. The eclectic selection ensures that franchise staples and diverse genres, such as horror, are well-represented, offering something for nearly everyone. Indeed, the scariest PS Plus games rank amongst the most acclaimed in the subscription service’s catalog.
Last Updated on January 5, 2025: The December 2024 lineup for PS Plus Extra and Premium unfortunately did not feature any new horror titles, forcing fans to rely on existing options. A notable departure is Resident Evil 2, which will exit the service on January 21, 2025, eliminating one of the premier horror experiences. Fortunately, the game’s brief campaigns provide ample opportunity to complete at least one before it is removed, although Resident Evil 3 will continue to be available.
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1. Dying Light 2: Stay Human
The Infected Roam When Darkness Falls
While some may argue that Dying Light 2 strays from traditional horror, it undeniably captures fear through its gameplay mechanics. During daytime, it evolves into an action-adventure title centered on parkour, with zombies rarely posing a threat. However, the dynamic day/night cycle alters this experience dramatically. By night, the undead inundate the streets, creating an adrenaline-fueled nightmare where players must evade swarms of infected creatures.
2. Killer Frequency
A DJ’s Dilemma in the Slasher Genre
Killer Frequency offers a fresh take on the slasher genre, positioning players as a DJ managing frantic calls from potential victims rather than being a killer or a direct participant. This unique setup, combined with clever puzzles and a humor-infused narrative, provides a brief yet engaging experience that can be completed in a weekend.
3. Resident Evil 2 (2019)
A Stunning Remake of a PS1 Classic
Resident Evil remains synonymous with PlayStation, particularly the original trilogy which laid the groundwork for survival horror. The PS Plus service honors this legacy, offering a treasure trove of titles, including classics and remakes. The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 superbly captures the essence of the beloved original while modernizing visuals and gameplay, making it a must-play for horror enthusiasts.
4. Until Dawn
A Cinematic Slasher Experience
Supermassive Games’ Until Dawn highlights the advantages of downloading titles through PS Plus, as swift gameplay is crucial for maintaining the narrative’s tension and urgency. This game embraces classic jump scares while weaving a compelling story where character deaths are dictated by player choices, enhancing the stakes for every decision.
5. Outlast 2
Hide and Seek in a Frightening World
Outlast 2 thrusts players into a universe where defense is nearly non-existent, heightening the horror experience. As players navigate a disturbing narrative exploring deep themes, the tension and dread are palpable, delivering a haunting experience that resonates long after playing.
6. The Evil Within 2
Exploration Meets Terrifying Design
Both installments of The Evil Within series on PS Plus Extra are essential for survival horror aficionados. The sequel enhances gameplay dynamics, offering an overarching sandbox experience set within a simulated world rife with psychological horror.
7. The Dark Pictures Anthology
An Engaging Co-Op Horror Experience
This anthology-style series delivers standalone horror experiences connected through a common narrative thread, perfect for both single players and groups. Each title provides a fresh perspective on horror mechanics, making them ideal for co-op gameplay.
8. Siren: Blood Curse
A Hidden Gem from the PS3 Era
Accessible via PS Plus Premium, Siren: Blood Curse presents a unique survival horror approach through its episodic format and stealth gameplay. Players experience tension from both gameplay mechanics and a chilling narrative, making it an often-overlooked treasure.
9. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapters 1 & 2
Immersive Zombie Survival in VR
With the advent of VR on PS Plus, titles like The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners provide stunning experiences set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with compelling narrative and immersive gameplay that captures the essence of survival horror.
10. Alone In The Dark: The New Nightmare
Embodying the Essence of Horror
Alone In The Dark has evolved through various entries, with The New Nightmare standing out as a noteworthy experience in the survival horror landscape, marrying narrative depth with traditional horror mechanics.
11. Dino Crisis
A Classic Horror Experience Returns
The addition of Dino Crisis to the PS Plus Premium catalog revitalizes interest in this Capcom classic, combining survival horror with action mechanics against the thriller backdrop of dinosaur encounters.
12. Chernobyl
Survival Elements Infused with Horror
In Chernobylite, players embark on a survival journey in a radioactive wasteland populated by both human and supernatural threats. Combining resource management and horror elements, it offers a unique gameplay experience that resonates well with the horror genre.
13. Dredge
A Unique Spin on Cosmic Horror
Dredge masterfully crafts an unsettling atmosphere, focusing on psychological horror rather than traditional scares. Players navigate a picturesque but eerie fishing town filled with unspeakable cosmic horrors, creating a true sense of dread.
14. F.E.A.R. First Encounter Assault Recon
A Blend of FPS and Horror
F.E.A.R. stands out as a pioneering blend of first-person shooter and horror elements. Its effective narrative mingled with spine-chilling moments is what keeps this title relevant among horror game fans.
15. The Last Of Us Remastered
A Masterpiece in a Horror Context
Despite being framed as a critically-acclaimed adventure, The Last of Us operates within a horror landscape, where the ever-present threat of infection creates an atmosphere that is genuinely unsettling, rich in character development and narrative depth.
16. Bloodborne
Soulslike Mechanics with Horror Elements
Bloodborne leverages its gothic atmosphere to immerse players in a nightmarish take on standard RPG mechanics, appealing to both horror enthusiasts and fans of challenging gameplay.
17. Inscryption
Innovative Storytelling within a Card Game
While not typical of the horror genre, Inscryption defies expectation by incorporating horror elements into its card game mechanics, providing an engaging narrative that keeps players guessing.
18. Dead By Daylight
An Interactive Tribute to Horror
Dead By Daylight has transformed into a celebrated horror game since its launch in 2016. Its multiplayer dynamics and extensive roster of horror movie crossovers, create an engaging experience for both casual and core gamers.
19. Dead Island 2 (Sort Of)
A Lighthearted Zombie Adventure
While Dead Island 2 leans more towards action than horror, its vibrant setting draws on familiar zombie tropes, entertaining players with a lighthearted narrative despite its undead theme.
20. Observer: System Redux
Atmospheric Sci-Fi Horror
Observer: System Redux stands out with its rich atmosphere and compelling narrative, offering a gripping blend of science fiction and horror that draws players into its dystopian world.
Alternative Games for Horror Fans on PS Plus
As subscribers to PS Plus Extra and Premium delve into its horror offerings, they might find themselves seeking further gaming options. The following titles supplement the horror experience with engaging gameplay, despite not all being traditional horror games:
- Maneater: Engage in a thrilling shark simulation that, while not horror-focused, allows for a unique play style.
- Back 4 Blood: An action-packed shooter reminiscent of Left 4 Dead, featuring creative monster designs.
- Killing Floor 2: A frenetic co-op experience designed for players to combat hordes of enemies.
- Zombie Army 4: Dead War: Similar in appeal and gameplay to the aforementioned titles, it offers a fun twist on zombie slaying.
- Devil May Cry HD Collection: A classic with Gothic elements that meshes well with horror aesthetics.
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