We already published the list of best PC games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PC survival/horror games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PC gaming community will surely enjoy a great library of survival/horror games.
So, if you’re a PC gamer and love survival/horror games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Catherine Classic
- Release Data: Atlus/Sega, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Catherine Classic is an unforgettable and original gaming experience that has been ported to PC.
This game seamlessly blends horror, romance, puzzles, and platforming into an extraordinary adventure that’s both thought-provoking and visually stunning.
With its highly challenging gameplay, this classic cult hit will keep you coming back for more, making it a must-play for any gamer.
#24. The Thing
- Release Data: Computer Artworks/Black Label Games, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
The Thing has some shortcomings: it’s relatively brief, it doesn’t do a great job of scaring you, some of its more interesting gameplay features feel a bit unnecessary, and its controls can be awkward.
But the game still manages to stand out, thanks to its impressive production values and engaging action sequences.
#23. Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
- Release Data: Headfirst Productions/2K Games, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
If you’re looking for a game with a unique atmosphere that combines adventure and horror, Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth is definitely worth checking out.
While it’s not perfect, the game has some truly memorable moments that make it an engaging and satisfying experience.
#22. Dead Island
- Release Data: Techland/Auran, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Dead Island is a massive game, with a diverse and detailed island that offers an interesting navigation experience.
And even if you focus on the main quest and ignore the many side quests, you can easily spend 25-30 hours playing the game, and the whole thing can be played in co-op mode with a friend.
#21. The Evil Within 2
- Release Data: Tango Gameworks/Bethesda Softworks, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
With improved storytelling, well-connected locations, and fun open areas to explore, this game offers a great mix of action and stealth gameplay, with truly creepy monster designs that will keep you on edge.
Though the combat can be a bit frustrating at times, and the controls are occasionally stiff, overall this game hits the mark.
#20. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Eidos Interactive, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
As you reach the end of Soul Reaver, you may find yourself relying too heavily on Raziel’s peripheral abilities, and the thrilling action that made the first half of the game so outstanding is replaced by frustrating puzzles.
But despite this, Soul Reaver is an original and enjoyable game, and by any standard except its own, it’s an excellent game.
#19. The Dark Pictures – Man of Medan
- Release Data: Supermassive Games/Bandai Namco Games, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Overall, Man of Medan is a great successor to Until Dawn.
The game successfully captures the fun of watching and playing a cheesy horror movie with friends, and it hits many of the same beats that made Until Dawn so enjoyable.
#18. Penumbra: Black Plague
- Release Data: Frictional Games/Paradox Interactive, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
While it hits all the right notes for genre enthusiasts, it falls short in terms of length and ends rather abruptly.
Experienced players can wrap it up in only four to five hours, which might not be enough for some.
But despite these drawbacks, Black Plague is still a fun and recommended experience, especially for fans of the first game.
#17. Condemned: Criminal Origins
- Release Data: Monolith Productions/Sega, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Condemned: Criminal Origins may not be a lengthy game with only one game mode, but it’s a chilling experience that you won’t forget.
Throughout the game, you’ll never feel calm or comfortable, which is what makes it so great.
Even if you’re easily scared, be sure to play it alone in the dark, and you’ll truly experience how terrifying it is.
#16. Dying Light: The Following
- Release Data: Techland/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2016
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Dying Light: The Following is an expansion that adds around ten hours of gameplay to the base game, and it’s a decent length for an add-on.
While it doesn’t drastically improve upon the core game, it offers a fresh area to explore with new abilities, weapons, and perks that can extend your overall experience.
#15. The Suffering
- Release Data: Surreal Software/Encore Software, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
The game’s world is incredibly atmospheric, with every detail carefully crafted to ratchet up the suspense and keep you on edge.
And despite a few minor technical issues, The Suffering delivers on its promise to scare you.
Simply put, the developers clearly know how to craft a terrifying experience and have done their research to create a game that’s truly frightening.
#14. Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Release Data: Capcom/Virgin Interactive, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
It’s clear that Resident Evil 2 was originally designed for PlayStation, as saving your progress can be frustrating for PC players.
And if you’re not a fan of some old-school mechanics, be aware before jumping in.
But if you can look past this, Resident Evil 2 offers a great horror experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
#13. Outlast
- Release Data: Red Barrels, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Outlast breaks away from the formula of modern horror games and reminds us that the scariest monsters are those that can’t be killed but rather have to be fled from.
And while it can be frustrating at times due to some questionable design choices and moments of forced repetition, the overall experience is truly terrifying.
#12. Lone Survivor
- Release Data: superflat games, 2012
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Lone Survivor may not be as terrifying as Amnesia: The Dark Descent, but its visuals and sound design create an eerie atmosphere that is worth experiencing.
While the gameplay can be clunky at times, the game’s storytelling and overall vibe make up for it.
And once you adjust to the gameplay mechanics, you’ll find yourself immersed in a hauntingly intriguing narrative.
#11. Alan Wake
- Release Data: Remedy Entertainment, 2012
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
This game manages to keep you hooked from start to finish with its captivating story, eerie atmosphere, and engaging combat.
And although the combat doesn’t evolve much throughout the game, the game’s overall rich atmosphere and compelling narrative will keep you fully engrossed in solving the mystery and surviving the terrifying world of Alan Wake.
#10. American McGee’s Alice
- Release Data: Rogue Entertainment/Electronic Arts, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
It’s not often that you encounter a game that is consistently brilliant without losing momentum halfway through.
Alice is that rare gem that will captivate you and keep you invested throughout its elaborate journey.
By the end of the day, you’ll be left wanting more when the credits roll.
#9. Resident Evil 4: Ultimate HD Edition
- Release Data: QLOC/Capcom, 2014
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Horror games like Amnesia and Alien: Isolation are great in their own ways, but if you want the classic survival horror experience that will leave you trembling with fear and on the edge of your seat, Resident Evil 4 is still one of the best in the genre.
#8. Resident Evil HD Remaster
- Release Data: Capcom, 2015
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Resident Evil HD Remaster, while not flawless, is an excellent update to a classic remake.
However, some of the sound effects could have been improved, and the presence of compression artifacts is disappointing when compared to the quality of the polygonal elements.
Nevertheless, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
#7. Alien: Isolation
- Release Data: Creative Assembly/Sega, 2014
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
In a nutshell, Alien: Isolation is a game where you face an impossible boss fight and do your best to avoid it.
It rewards stealth and patience, punishes rash decisions with death, and is full of tense moments and surprises for fans of the franchise.
Overall, it’s a visually stunning and engaging game that is well worth playing.
#6. SOMA
- Release Data: Frictional Games, 2015
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
On the surface, the game takes you on an exploration of an underwater base.
However, the game’s deeper level reveals a metaphor about identity.
It represents our isolated existence as survivors trapped in an outpost, peering out at the vast dark sea, a world in ruins, and the boundless potential of the stars.
#5. Frostpunk
- Release Data: 11 bit studios, 2018
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Frostpunk offers a fresh take on city-building and crisis management, immersing players in a world where they must not only manage resources, but also care for the simulated humans that form the foundation of their society.
Each person plays a vital role in maintaining the city’s warmth and well-being, making for a thrilling and engaging gameplay experience.
#4. Amnesia: The Dark Descent
- Release Data: Frictional Games, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Amnesia is a spine-tingling experience that takes you on a journey into darkness, both literally and figuratively.
It’s a refreshing reminder that gaming doesn’t always have to be about killing, although there are other elements in the game that cater to that.
In the end, this game is a chilling and thrilling ride that everyone should experience at least once.
#3. Resident Evil 5
- Release Data: Capcom, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Resident Evil 5 takes the franchise in a bold new direction while retaining the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessor.
And while the game’s deliberate pacing and shooting mechanics may not be to everyone’s liking, the frequent epic battles and cooperative play make for an exhilarating adventure that will keep players engaged.
#2. Resident Evil 2
- Release Data: Capcom R&D Division 1/Capcom, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Resident Evil 2 is an outstanding remake that brings a 90s classic to a modern audience while retaining its original essence.
Additionally, alternative routes with other characters, secret modes, and crazy unlockables await those who master the game.
In sum, it is an exceptional survival horror experience that has been expertly remastered.
#1. System Shock 2
- Release Data: Irrational Games/Looking Glass Studios, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
System Shock 2 revolutionized the action-adventure genre by incorporating RPG mechanics into its narrative storytelling.
As you progress through the game, you can unlock new skills such as hacking machines or using psionic abilities.
Furthermore, the game’s intriguing storyline presents a deep and captivating sci-fi mystery, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
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Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PC survival/horror game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!