The 10 Best Horror Games of 2023

10 Best Horror Games of 2023

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today, we’re taking a look at the 10 best horror games of 2023! It doesn’t have to be the scariest so long as it brings a bone-chilling vibe.

“Dead Space” (2023)

The “Dead Space” remake had everything going against it. A relatively new studio under the thumb of EA remaking a product from a team that no longer exists with a team that’s worked on vastly different IPs like “The Sims” and “Star Wars Battlefront”? It was practically set up for failure. And yet Motive Studio blew it all out of the water. Using new advancements in lighting, sound design, controls, and optimization, this quickly became the definitive iteration of 2008’s “Dead Space”. The Ishimura has never been this terrifying between the creaking metal, stalking Necromorphs, and how you’re forced to sacrifice comfort and safety for progression and secrets. So, now we wait for “Dead Space 2”.

“Amnesia: The Bunker” (2023)

For a while, “Amnesia” seemed like it was kind of meandering with 2020’s “Rebirth”. Felt like the IP had had its day in the sun already and would never get it back. However, “The Bunker” was the shot in the arm it needed, and it is terrifying! Set in World War I, you play as a French soldier trapped in the bowels of a bunker that houses a vicious beast. With limited resources and even more limited windows of safety, you will need to find a way out of the bunker or die trying. “The Bunker” is by far the most stressful horror game we’ve played this year as time is always running against you. This is not for the faint of heart, but it is so hard to not recommend it to the average player. Don’t shrug this one off!

“Dredge” (2023)

Your task in “Dredge” is to venture out and catch some fish. Nothing more, nothing less…until you start meeting the locals. It isn’t long after your arrival that you find out the region’s plagued with deadly sea creatures that only emerge at night. These monsters can do something as simple as infect your valuable catches or even damage your boat. There is a lot of strategy involved between upgrading your boat, hunting specific fish to fulfill special orders, and having to risk your own safety for something as measly as a little squid or flounder. The terror can be kept at bay most of the time, but when you’re forced to face it head on, it goes hard.

“Little Goody Two Shoes” (2023)

In between the “Final Fantasy” hype, Square Enix has published a couple of super strong horror games! “Little Goody Two Shoes” was the second one, and we weren’t expecting it to be this captivating. On the surface, you have an adventure game inspired by classic Walt Disney animated films and 90’s anime. However, there are darker aspects in play. We don’t want to spoil too much, but you really don’t want to dismiss this game just because it was made in RPG Maker. “Little Goody Two Shoes” is wonderfully written, and the decisions you make will affect what kind of an ending you wind up with. Will you survive the Witching Hour, or will you become another hunt for the religiously zealous villagers?

“My Friendly Neighborhood” (2023)

Admittedly, “My Friendly Neighborhood” is more funny than scary. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some jumpscares here and there. When a defunct studio behind a children’s show is mysteriously back on the air, one handyman must go in and disable the antenna for good. Clever in its concept and mechanics, “My Friendly Neighborhood” is more than just “Sesame Street meets Resident Evil”. The themes of war and friendship are heavily woven into the fabric of its narrative, along with its creepypasta scares. Plus, if any of the Szymanski brothers have their name behind it, you know it's worth checking out.

“Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo” (2023)

“Paranormasight” was the other horror title Square Enix published this year. The game focuses on a young man as he becomes invested in a series of tall tales known as “The Seven Mysteries of Honjo”. Yes, it is a visual novel with some light point-&-click adventure elements. Don’t let that dissuade you, though. The way “Paranormasight” does horror is unsettling and will haunt you long after you set the controller down. The game will mess with your head in unexpected ways, and if you want to experience this for yourself, you can pick it up on Nintendo Switch and PC for a modest price. It’s worth it - trust us.

“Haunted House” (2023)

Many may not notice it, but Atari is making a quiet and humble comeback, handing their IPs to smaller studios to create new and fun games. “Haunted House” is their latest endeavor, developed by Orbit Studio. When her uncle and friends vanish, young Lyn must set foot in a mansion that is constantly changing its layout. Buff up your lamp, stamina, and health as you sneak past monsters, retrieve artifacts like old Atari cartridges, and rescue allies to strengthen yourself for more runs. “Pong Quest” was an oddly pleasant start for this new era of Atari back in 2020, but for us to be talking about “Haunted House” in 2023? Color us impressed with the artstyle, music, and mechanics!

“Master Detective Archives: Rain Code” (2023)

The second we heard the lead writer of the “Danganronpa” games was making something new, we were already on board. “Master Detective Archives” evokes that series in its music and artstyle, and yet it manages to stand on its own with its gameplay and story. As the surviving member of a small group of Master Detectives, you will utilize a variety of powers to solve mysteries surrounding Kanai Ward, a facility owned by the questionable Amaterasu Corporation. The game encourages you to investigate anything and everything and quickly teaches you that not everyone is to be trusted. It borrows the best parts of “Danganronpa” while morphing them into something of its own, and after the first hour, you’ll be hooked. Plus, Shinigami, your death god friend, is just funny.

“Alan Wake II” (2023)

Speaking of games involving some detective work, “Alan Wake II” sees you controlling both our favorite spooked author and an FBI agent investigating a series of gruesome murders conducted by a cult. Connect clues in the Mind Place for new leads, new questions, and more as you try to uncover the identities of these killers. Sure, it isn’t like the original “Alan Wake” where it was somewhat like a horror shooter game, but the mystery you’ll unravel here is both haunting and brilliant, especially as you find more pages of Alan’s manuscript. Honestly, the less said the better. Please go experience it for yourself!

“Resident Evil 4” (2023)

“Resident Evil 4” was perhaps one of our most anticipated games this year despite some of the skepticism that was floating around until launch. This remake of the 2005 classic managed to focus on what worked back then while reeling back on more nonsensical moments and refining the gunplay. No longer do you have to stand still to shoot; now you can move and blast away at the same time. Some gimmicks do still rely on quicktime events, but they are way more responsive than ever. Basically, it plays like the new “Resident Evil” games and still has the same level of action and camp as some of the other titles. Simply put, this one of many must-play titles of 2023 in addition to the other nine you just saw here.

What was your favorite horror game this year? Did it make our list? Let us know down in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to MojoPlays for more great videos everyday!