5 Scariest Video Games of 2023

2023 has presented players with some fantastically frightening titles to choose from. The horror genre is one that has had quite a few stand-out games released this year. And with it, many players have been reflecting on the year and looking for more phenomenally fright-filled games to enjoy. There has also been an incredible amount of variety presented in these experiences as well. This is always great for players as a whole. To highlight the titles that kept us up the most at night, here are the 5 Scariest Video Games of 2023.

5. The Outlast Trials

For the first entry on our list of the scariest video games of 2023, here we have The Outlast Trials. As is the case with its predecessor, Outlast 2, this game focuses heavily on horror and survival. In doing so, players will have to travel through hostile environments in order to make it out alive. Along the way, players will encounter many horrific scenes and enemies, making this title one that is sure to stop your heart with its scares at times. In addition to this, The Outlast Trials allows players to bring friends along for the ride, introducing cooperative play to the series.

Despite being in Early Access, this title manages to distill many player's worst fears into a tense and visceral experience. There is a character class system in the game as well, which allows players to tailor their teams to their needs. This dramatically improves upon the game's predecessors and will enable players to freely affect their overall survival in a way that feels impactful. All in all, if you are looking for one of the scariest games of 2023, make sure you check out The Outlast Trials.

4. DREDGE

We are following up on our last entry with another stand-out horror title from 2023. Here, we have DREDGE. Simply put, this indie title manages to have a sense of horror and dread that few titles can match. Couple this with the game's unique concept around fishing gameplay, and you have a recipe for one of the best horror games of the year. Throughout the player's journey in the game, they will encounter creatures of great magnitude and horrific features. In doing so, players will have to protect their boat from these creatures using any methods they deem necessary.

To aid in this survival endeavor, players are able to not only the abilities of their ships but also the structure of them as well. This ensures that players are able not only to increase their chances of survival. But it also manages to do so in a meaningful way. Along the way, players will encounter many characters in the game that they can undergo side-quests for. Doing so is not only a great way to get to know the world of DREDGE better but also increases the amount of resources you have available to you. In short, DREDGE is one of the scariest horror games of 2023.

3. Resident Evil 4

Next up on our list of the scariest horror games of 2023, we have a beautifully remade classic. Resident Evil 4, for many, serves as the peak of the franchise. So when it was initially announced that this beloved title was being remade, players were ecstatic. Players could once again fill the boots of Leon Kennedy as they travel throughout a rural Spanish village in search of the president's daughter, Ashley Graham. In doing so, players will encounter many different challenges that impede their progress.

These include beloved bosses from the original version of the game, albeit with a few extra twists. There has been a modernization of many of the game's mechanics, as well as some very welcome quality-of-life changes to improve the player experience. This has no doubt worked with the game, as it plays a lot smoother than the original. Additionally, it does so without sacrificing any of the soul the game had. To close, Resident Evil 4 is one of the scariest horror games of 2023.

2. Dead Space

We are staying somewhat in line with our last entry with our next one. Here, we will cover the fantastically frightening experience that is the Dead Space remake. Now, for those unfamiliar with Dead Space, this title is a survival horror title that sees players playing as a space miner named Isaac Clarke. It is from the eyes of this character that we witness the horrors of what's to come. In Dead Space, as was the case in the original game, players quickly find themselves under attack by Necromorphs. These creatures require the player to attack the various limbs of these creatures in order to defeat them.

Here, inlies the main combat loop of the game. Players will find themselves pitted against a number of different Necromorphs, each of which has to be dispatched in unique ways. This not only does a great job of varying the gameplay but rewards player knowledge as well. The game, from a visual standpoint, is absolutely horrific, with the game's atmospheric nature greatly aiding the game's overall feeling of dread. All around, if you are looking to play one of the scariest games of 2023, check out Dead Space.

1. Sons of the Forest

For our final entry on our list of the scariest games of 2023, here we have Sons of the Forest. For players who are familiar with the survival horror genre, this title's predecessor, The Forest, will no doubt ring a few bells. With the creation of Sons of the Forest, it appears that every significant aspect of the first game has been improved upon. After finding themselves trapped on an island with cannibals, players must devise a way to survive. In doing so, they will have to use their wits, as well as a remarkable amount of resources, in order to escape. The game features phenomenal cooperative play, as well as several endings.

As players make their way through the game, they will discover horrors more terrifying than the last. This gives the entire game a sense of unease that is palpable throughout the journey. Everything from improvements to the AI to the environmental design feels as if it is trying to frighten the player. The sound design in the game is phenomenal, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game world further. So, if you are looking for one of the more terrifying games of 2023. Sons of the Forest certainly fits the bill.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Scariest Video Games of 2023? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.