The Best Open-World Horror Games

Summary

• Open-world games dominate the gaming industry, offering freedom and exploration across various genres and unique atmospheres.
• Well-received horror open-world games like “Welcome To Hanwell” and “Dredge” provide eerie and atmospheric experiences for brave players.
• Open-world horror games like “The Evil Within 2” and “Darkwood” offer terrifying encounters and immersive gameplay experiences, making them worth exploring.

To the delight of some and the disappointment of others, open-world video games are starting to dominate the gaming industry. Plenty of linear games are still being released, but many AAA publishers are choosing to sign off on games with huge open worlds.

Open-worlds were once predominantly restricted to RPG games like the Elder Scrolls series, though in the last decade, it has begun to creep into unexpected places like the puzzle genre with The Witness and the racing genre with titles like the Forza Horizon series. Another genre that has begun utilizing open-world maps is horror. A genre that was once known for narrow corridors and periodic jump scares is opening its borders to offer huge, atmospheric maps that dare players to explore them.

Updated on March 5 2025, by Mara Cowley: Open-world games remain as popular as always, dominating a sizable part of the industry and earning scores of fans and praise from critics. The amount of freedom they offer appeals to fans who enjoy exploration, and now even some non-linear franchises want a slice of the action, bringing other genres to the open-world market. As such, a couple more enjoyable open-world horror games have been included for brave explorers to delve into, if they dare.

20

Welcome To Hanwell

An Eerie and Oppressive English City

• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
• Released: October 20th, 2017
• Developers: Steel Arts

Despite the name of the game, players most likely will not feel welcome in the eerie open-world game based on a world of nightmares where monstrosities called Anomalies roam the streets, attacking anyone they come across. A Council was formed to keep residents safe, which did work, for a short while. But after the Council fell, Hanwell became a dangerous place to explore, and this is exactly where players find themselves waking up.

Pulling themselves out of a morgue, players must use whatever they can find at their disposal to survive the dangers here. The map is fairly impressive, reflecting an English city with residential homes, pubs, and stores without becoming so mundane that it loses any fear factor, and once players venture inside any buildings, that’s when the game truly shines with an oppressive atmosphere that has players fearing what may lie around the next corner.

19

The Sinking City

Lovecraftian Horrors Emerge

US Navy soldier Charles Reed became a PI after his service in the war, and his job brings him to Oakmont, an extremely remote and hidden village in Massachusetts, at the request of one Professor van der Berg, who has been suffering nightmarish visions. Upon arriving in the city, it becomes apparent nearly everyone living there has been inflicted with these visions, and there is definitely something dark underfoot in Oakmont.

Eldritch creatures, detective work, and a good amount of exploration are the key gameplay elements of this Lovecraftian open-world game. With multiple endings, and the creative and horrifying force of Lovecraft’s work behind it, cosmic horror fans will find much to enjoy in this title, and it is a worthy visit even for those who have never dabbled much with the genre.

18

Pathologic 2

Pathologic 2’s Difficulty Might Be Alienating to Some, but Rewarding to the Right Audience

Pathologic 2 is one of the most unique games players will ever experience, not only due to its surreal nature, but also the fact that it is one of the games that offers no hand-holding. Players will be turned out into the world with a vague idea of what they need to do, having to rely on their own ideas and interpretations of events on where to go next and what to do.

But here also lies the unending freedom, as gamers have the opportunity to take Pathologic 2 at their own pace. Linear progression is a shaky line at best, as players get to choose what quests they want to progress first. It also helps that players are given a large map to roam, allowing for plentiful exploration, which could lead them to secrets, new side quests or new NPCs to meet. Murder, mystery, and even time loops are all part of the wonderfully bizarre game. While it may not be for everyone, it is such a wacky adventure that everyone should try it at least once.

17

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky

One of the Most Sprawling Entries in the Impressive S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is one part of the sprawling S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series that pioneered open-world horror games when it debuted back in 2007. Despite being such an aged game, it still manages to deliver an impressive world to explore and plenty of scares, combat, and even some RPG elements.

Clear Sky is a prequel to the first game in the series, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. The game differentiates itself from its predecessor with the inclusion of faction wars, a mechanic that lets players join a faction’s constant battle against its competitors and join in the share of rewards if they gain territory. All in all, Clear Sky may not be the most impressive S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game, but it is an impressive open-world horror experience in its own right.

16

Dying Light

At Night, the World Turns Even More Dangerous

Dying Light certainly didn’t turn too many heads with its lackluster reception among certain critcs, but this did not deter some gamers, as its ambitious features drew attention that eventually turned public opinion favorable.

The game had a smartly balanced day and night cycle, with the night bringing in more dangers for players to contend with, well-integrated free-running mechanics that put titles like Assassin’s Creed to shame, and enjoyable co-op multiplayer to share the fun with friends. Although the story of the zombie apocalypse and the meddling of the military is weighed with some cliches, Dying Light is still a well-rounded open-world game deserving of a chance for fans of the genre.

15

Project Zomboid

Players Need to Keep Their Character Safe from Zombies and Everyday Maladies

The Knox Infection has ravaged the world, turning anyone who contracts it into a mindless zombie with only the thought of human flesh on their mind. No one knows where it came from or who it started, but everyone knows to avoid it.

That’s exactly what the player is tasked with doing, out in Kentucky in America, which has been dubbed by survivors as Knox City. Along with zombies, players need to monitor hunger, fatigue, stress, and boredom in order to keep their character alive and well. This makes Project Zomboid an in-depth open-world horror game with fun and challenging gameplay with a variety of in-game modes to ensure it never gets stale.

14

Days Gone

A More Intimate Zombie Apocalypse Tale

Days Gone was developed by Bend Studio and was released exclusively on PlayStation 4 in April 2019 before, like many PlayStation exclusives as of late, arriving on PC a couple of years later.

Days Gone was one of the most divisive games of 2019, with many fans and critics divided on the title. The story, missions, and open-world design all garnered a mixed reception, but that doesn’t mean that the game is one that should be missed. It is yet another story of a zombie-infested world, but the characters feel more real thanks to their fleshed-out personalities and realistic reactions to events. For players looking for a more personal zombie story more along the lines of Last of Us than Resident Evil, it is the title for them.

13

Dredge

Players Might Find More Than Fish Lurking in These Waters

Fishing games are normally relaxing experiences, giving players the chance to simulate the outdoor activity without needing to leave the warm comfort of home. They simply cast out a line, reel it in and see what they caught before casting it back into the water. Dredge does offer fishing gameplay, but there is so much more to the game than that, especially when nighttime brings all sorts of strange encounters if players are still at sea.

While not exactly perfect for those who want a more normal fishing experience, Dredge is here for fans of exploring, and running the chance of encountering strange, surreal or downright horrifying scenarios or creatures. Without an in-depth narrative to follow, players have the freedom to sail the vast sea, to stumble upon new secrets to discover, or new species of fish to reel in, and plenty of scares that sometimes verge right into cosmic to keep horror fans hooked.

12

Sons of the Forest

A Challenging Yet Rewarding Survival Experience

First, there was The Forest, and now, there is Sons of the Forest, giving players more of the popular and beloved open-world survival horror experience. Set many years after the events of the predecessor, it sees a team of private military contractors searching for a missing family on an island called Site 2. As expected, the helicopter is shot down, killing almost all of the crew, and leaving only two survivors.

This is how the game kicks off, getting players ready for a tough survival challenge. Players must scavenge for resources to build shelter, keep themselves fed, and survive the mutant cannibals that live on the island. For gamers who enjoyed the first Forest game, there will be much for them to love in its sequel.

11

Dying Light 2 Stay Human (77)

Impressive Parkour Mechanics

Dying Light 2 Stay Human tells the tale of a world that has fallen to a rabies-like infection, and though the world was eventually spared from the virus, the scientists couldn’t help themselves and began performing experiments, resulting in a far deadlier virus that escaped the confines of the lab.

Like its predecessor, the game’s narrative struggled to impress most fans and critics. However, the game’s unique parkour mechanics and open world make Dying Light 2 more enjoyable to play, and its vast open world ripe for exploration is sure to impress open-world fans. Players just need to be careful that they do indeed stay human while contending with the infected they share the world with.

10

The Long Dark

Survive Real-World Threats Such as Wild Animals and Frostbite

The Long Dark may be one of the most grounded open-world horror games on the market, as it does away with zombies and monsters and instead incorporates the horror of real-world threats such as freezing to death or being eaten alive by wildlife. Players assume the role of a crash-landed pilot Will Mackenzie, and his struggle for survival in a frozen wasteland.

Body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, and the wildlife that inhabit this frozen tundra are all threats the players must contend with, challenging them to balance all their survival needs to see another day. It’s a tough game that certainly isn’t for those new to the survival genre, but those who brave the cold will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience. So, grab those rations and flares, it’s time to brave The Long Dark.

9

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Enter the Zone, All Who Dare

Chornobyl is a name everyone is familiar with, and the mention alone is enough to conjure the tragic and terrifying historical event that is still felt to this day. The zone remains a dangerous place, but the zone is exactly where players will tread in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. when a strange anomaly destroys Yevhen Martynenko’s apartment. In order to fund a new home for himself, he agrees to a dangerous mission inside the zone.

And this is where gamers will spend their time, scanning for anomalies, and facing off against more than one mutant while on the job. It is these creatures that will truly have players wondering if Yevhen really needs a new apartment that badly, as they are mightily intimidating too behold. At least the map is large enough to provide them with plenty of room to run and hide, though they also risk running into more monsters.

8

State of Decay

Pioneered Base-Building Mechanics

Set in the fictional Trumball Valley, players assume control of Marcus Campbell, an unremarkable store clerk leading an ordinary life until the world he knew devolves into a zombie apocalypse that he and his friends were surprised by after returning from a fishing trip. They team up with other survivors in order to try and spare themselves from becoming a zombie, which is where its game mechanics come into play.

State of Decay pioneered the implementation of modern base building in survival horror video games. As well as building sturdy defenses, players will need to utilize the game’s many mechanics like stealth, third-person combat, and material scavenging to ensure their survival. This all culminated in an impressive game that wowed critics and players alike, as these mechanics are seamlessly integrated into this open-world game.

7

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat

An Ambitious Game With Many Factions and Places to Explore

The final game in the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy that spanned across just two years, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat is set after S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, and takes players to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone in Ukraine, where the government is cashing in on the gold-rush to fund an invasion on the power plant.

Call of Pripyat is an impressively ambitious game that holds several varying factions, a wide open-world map ripe for exploring, a crafting system that allows players to upgrade the equipment, and a world that event occurs each day that is a prelude to a blowout. Jam-packed with so much content, GSC managed to create a fantastic game that runs like a dream. Open-world fans should definitely have this one on their radar if they have not already played it.

6

Darkwood

Drenched in Atmosphere

Darkwood differentiates itself from the other entries on this list with its top-down perspective. Despite the perspective, Darkwood‘s forest is immersive, atmospheric, and horrifyingly unsettling. Set in the late 80s, a mysterious forest has reclaimed a large part of land and is continuing its steady spread, no one knowing how or why. Those who remain trapped in the woods are ravaged by a mysterious plague.

Players take on the roles of various characters and their experiences with this strange phenomenon. Scary, supernatural, and full of threats, Darkwood sets itself apart as perhaps the scariest open-world game, with each passing minute scarier than the last. Players will need nerves of steel if they are to survive the terrifying machinations of the evil forces present in Darkwood.

5

The Evil Within 2

Brave the Horrors Inside STEM

Following the lackluster reception of The Evil Within, Tango Gameworks decided to switch up the gameplay for the sequel by implementing an open world. Players reprise the role of Detective Sebastian Castellonos, diving into STEM to rescue his daughter who was assumed dead in a house fire.

Once inside STEM, players will face a multitude of horrors in the shoes of the Detective, facing off against horrifying monsters that the series has become known for while crafting items to give themselves a better shot at survival. The shift to an open-world map came as a surprise to fans who played the more linear predecessor, but this is just one of the improvements the sequel made.

4

Metro Exodus

Players Decisions Results in Good or Bad Karma

The Metro series tells the tale of a world that has fallen into nuclear fallout, driving people underground to escape the reaches of the radioactive air that has rendered the surface world inhospitable, and mutated any creature that remains. Exodus takes place over the course of one year, following on from the events of the previous game, Last Light. The main character Atryom learns humanity has not gone fully extinct, but this might not be the blessing he thinks it is.

Players were given a taste of all four seasons with day and night cycles as they embarked on their journey across Russia, immersing players with realistic season and day cycles while levying missions and monsters against the players in the expansive, open-world map. Players are given the freedom to approach missions how they wish, similar to titles like Dishonored, with a karma system that can affect the players’ experience within the world of Exodus.

3

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

Exploration is Encouraged

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl‘s placement on this list impressively secures spots for the entire S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise, exemplifying why the upcoming S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is so highly anticipated. Released in 2007, Shadow of Chernobyl was the first entry in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, introducing players to an alternative reality where the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone had a second nuclear disaster.

Though it is primarily a first-person shooter, Shadow of Chernobyl also incorporates RPG elements to help players feel more immersed in the world. With a large number of items scattered around the map, wildlife, and human settlements, exploration is hugely encouraged and players will be justly rewarded for doing so. An engaging plot and in-depth gameplay and mechanics are wedded in this one, impressive open-world game all players need to experience.

2

Subnautica: Below Zero

The Deep, Dark Ocean waits

Subnautica: Below Zero is the sequel to one of the most esteemed sea-delving games of all time, Subnautica. Like its predecessor, the game tasks players with diving into an alien ocean with little to no knowledge of what will be lurking in the dark waters below, finding old wreckages, hunting down hostile fishes, and trying to survive the dangers of the waters.

The sequel’s most notable change from the original Subnautica is that it adds large land biomes, giving players a break from the horrors of the ocean. However, players will soon learn that the ice is no safer than the water. The game still does an impressive job of tapping into most people’s fears of the deep, dark ocean, but there are moments of peace and beauty to be found in the expansive ocean. With so much to do and see, players could easily while away hundreds of hours in Below Zero, without finding every secret.

1

The Forest

Players Will Never Run Out of Things to do in The Forest

Endnight Games’ The Forest begins much like the popular TV show Lost, as a plane crash leaves the player on a mysterious island (or peninsula in this case), thrusting the player into a grueling and frightening survival horror experience.

The game’s overarching objective is to find the protagonist’s kidnapped son, though the player isn’t forced to search for him, as they are given complete freedom to explore The Forest in any way that they choose. Although the game is undoubtedly scary when playing alone, exploring the open world with friends can, perhaps unintentionally, turn The Forest into the funniest game of 2018. Either way, this title remains one of the most impressive open-world horror games, where players will run into no shortage of things to do and places to explore.