Upcoming horror games for 2023 and beyond
Horror video games are back in a big way right now. From big-budget blockbuster remakes to terrifying indie standouts, there’s no shortage of scare-centric games on the horizon. As a diehard horror fan, it’s incredible seeing so many talented teams go all-in to create some delightfully dreadful experiences. With waves of upcoming horror games headed our way, we know exactly how tough it can be to sift through impending releases to find titles that align with your tastes. This can be daunting, especially when a lot of them fall into familiar niches.
To help, we’ve curated a list of upcoming horror video game releases. These titles will be divided into distinct categories to ease your horror hunt. With dozens of compelling games targeting various preferences, chances are you’ll find something that tickles your fancy. Now, grab your flashlights, gather around your virtual campfire, and enjoy the ultimate horror video game roadmap for 2023 and beyond.
Reboots, remakes, and requels
Crafting fresh ideas is extremely difficult, and releasing legendary games that stand the test of time is even more challenging. Our first category is dedicated to the horror games pulling inspirations from the past in hopes of reinventing classic formulas for a modern audience. Here are the horror reboots, remakes, and requels (reboot/sequels) worth getting excited about.
Resident Evil 4
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: March 24, 2023
Capcom is on a hot streak right now, especially regarding remakes. Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 were met with critical and commercial success, and this impressive consistency has fans absurdly amped for the upcoming remake of Resident Evil 4. While the original rendition of this survival-horror classic is readily available on most platforms, the team hopes to reinvent and restructure the iconic moments of Resident Evil 4 with this iteration. Leon’s infamous battles against the Los Ganados are already looking better than ever.
Dead Space
Developer: Motive Studios
Publisher: EA
Release Date: January 27, 2023
The undisputed king of sci-fi horror has been on a lengthy hiatus since the launch of Dead Space 3 back in 2013. Despite delivering an excellent trilogy, Visceral Games was shuttered following a shift in priorities from publisher EA. However, fans of Issac Clarke have newfound hope for the franchise, thanks to a remake of the original Dead Space set to release next year. A series of developer diaries demonstrate the lengths to which Motive Studios intends to enrich the audio, visuals, and gameplay. Fans are eager to see how EA and company recreate this beloved third-person horror title. In the meantime, be sure to check out our hands-on preview.
System Shock
Developer: Nightdive Studios
Publisher: Prime Matter
Release Date: TBA
Another exciting reboot in the works comes from the team at Nightdive Studios, developers of the Quake and DOOM 64 remasters. This reboot is being made in collaboration with the original developers of System Shock and aims to deliver a fresh, faithful take on the cult PC hit. While it was designed with original fans in mind, modern upgrades can hopefully help System Shock find a contemporary audience. Mechanics and themes from the original entry inspired genre-defining games like Bioshock, so expectations with this reboot are understandably quite high.
Alone in the Dark
Developer: Pieces Interactive
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Release Date: TBA
Thankfully, we live in a timeline where an increasing number of publishers are willing to revisit long-dormant horror franchises. Alone in the Dark is once again headed back to the drawing board for a fresh reimagining. Penned by the cult horror writer Mikael Hedberg of SOMA and Amnesia fame, this reboot embraces a compelling Southern Gothic setting. With impressive visuals, a notable focus on combat, and strong psychological horror leanings, fans are more than ready to experience Alone in the Dark.
Silent Hill 2
Developer: Bloober Team
Publisher: Konami
Release Date: TBA
After years of feverish anticipation and outlandish rumors, Konami finally provided an update on the future of the Silent Hill franchise courtesy of a showcase broadcast. Arguably the most noteworthy announcement during this event was the confirmation of Bloober Team’s remake of Silent Hill 2. For legacy horror fans, Silent Hill 2 is considered one of the most influential entries in genre history. Expectations from Bloober Team are intimidatingly high for this one-year timed PS5 exclusive.
Dead Space-likes
The absence of Dead Space certainly left a black, hole-shaped void in the horror community. Thankfully, it appears a lot of developers, including some of the original ones, have taken to the task of plugging this nightmarish sci-fi horror hole. Recently, we’ve been introduced to a shocking number of horror games that clearly pull inspiration from Dead Space, and a lot of them are coming out over the next year.
ROUTINE
Developer: Lunar Software
Publishers: Raw Fury
Release Date: TBA
Originally announced over 10 years ago, Routine was re-revealed during Summer Game Fest 2022. While it focuses less on organic organisms and more on repulsive robots, our latest taste of this sci-fi horror game seems to check a lot of the Dead Space boxes. The latest trailer carefully sets the haunting tone and gives us a glimpse at the abominations players will encounter. Routine shows some serious promise with compelling visuals and iconic DOOM composer Mick Gordon handling the soundtrack.
Fort Solis
Developers: Fallen Leaf Studio and Black Drakkar Games
Publisher: TBA
Release Date: TBA
Fort Solis is another atmospheric sci-fi horror game set in the dark confines of space. This seemingly evocative title seems to emphasize the physical and emotional toll of isolation, positioning itself as a worthwhile experience for fans of claustrophobic corridors and cumbersome space suits. Fallen Leaf Studio and Black Drakkar Games aim to deliver a powerful narrative experience featuring an all-star voice cast with Roger Clark, Julia Brown, and Troy Baker. In space, no one can hear you scream “you can hate or you can create.”
Aliens: Dark Descent
Developer: Tindalos Interactive
Publisher: Focus Interactive
Release Date: TBA
Aliens: Dark Descent’s isometric perspective might not lend itself to conventional scares, but much like Dead Space, in this squad-based strategy horror game, players are tasked with overcoming overwhelming hordes of alien lifeforms. The debut trailer for this compelling title set in the riveting Aliens universe features loads of combat and countless Xenomorph invaders. Aliens: Dark Descent is shaping up to be one to watch for folks who want a splash of XCOM in their horror experiences.
Body horror haunts
There’s one particular sub-genre of horror that spits in the face of conventional anatomy. Body horror video games are typically a carnival of blood, gore, and unnatural oddities. If you like people’s body parts attached and in their proper positions, these games probably aren’t for you. However, fans of the more grotesque side of horror should keep their eyeballs skewered on these titles.
ILL
Developer: Team CLOUT
Publisher: Team CLOUT
Release Date: TBA
ILL looks absolutely disgusting. From face-splitting humanoids to crab-like husks of flesh, this gruesome first-person shooter from Team CLOUT invokes the haunting body horror stylings of John Carpenter’s The Thing. ILL has been in development for several years and a handful of trailers exhibit the bold ambitions of this small development team. There’s no official release date yet, but the tiny bits of gameplay I’ve seen have me eagerly awaiting this stomach-turning horror title.
Autopsy Simulator
Developer: Woodland Games
Publisher: Team17
Release Date: November 2022
Part human dissection sim, part atmospheric horror title, Autopsy Simulator throws players in the messy shoes of a practice pathologist. Created in collaboration with forensic doctors, the team at Woodland Games hopes to develop a horrifying yet slightly educational release. Details on what the overarching narrative entails remain a mystery, but if it’s anything like The Autopsy of Jane Doe, I’ll be all in. Grab some gloves and prepare to get your hands dirty.
Slitterhead
Developer: Bokeh Game Studio
Publisher: TBA
Release Date: TBA
Slitterhead is an action-oriented take on body horror from the twisted mind of Keiichiro Toyama, the creator of Silent Hill and the new Bokeh Game Studio. Set in an original setting that fuses the aesthetics of 1980s and 90s Hong Kong, players will battle monstrous creatures that mimic the appearance of humans. Toyama is known for crafting some of the most nightmarish creatures in video game history, so his attachment to the project has many fans excited (editor’s note: me included). Little is officially known about Slitterhead, but this is one to watch given the pedigree of its developers.
Big-brain bangers
Psychological horror is a revered video game sub-genre that can tackle serious topics. Transformative titles like Silent Hill and Condemned: Criminal Origins have graced these hallowed halls. While countless teams have dedicated themselves to effectively capturing this atmospheric magic, successfully providing subtle scares is no easy feat. Here are some upcoming horror titles for the modern big-brained individual.
Paranoid
Developer: Madmind Studio
Publisher: Madmind Studio
Release Date: TBA
With a remarkable visual presentation full of disturbing imagery and noir-inspired moods, Paranoid from Madmind Studio has all the makings of a quintessential psychological horror title. A tragedy from our protagonist Jack’s past returns to his life and forces him to abandon his reclusive lifestyle to get answers. The trailers are charged with striking and freakish explorations of the human psyche. Paranoid is shaping up to be one hell of a trip.
Layers of Fears
Developers: Bloober Team, Anshar Studios
Publisher: Bloober Team
Release Date: Early 2023
Elevating the fundamentals of the psychological horror genre, Bloober Team describes Layers of Fears as a “psychedelic horror chronicle.” Witness the haunting visions of a collection of artists whose obsession with their craft extends beyond the realms of reality. As the third entry in this notable psychological horror series, players familiar with the predecessors expect fantastical descents into madness. Built in Unreal Engine 5, Layers of Fears should be a feast for the eyes.
Atomic Heart
Developer: Mundfish
Publisher: Mundfish
Release Date: February 21, 2023
Atomic Heart has firmly established a spot on my most anticipated video games list, looking to blend elements from Bioshock and Wolfenstein. While arguably more action than horror, this surreal FPS from Mundfish still packs in plenty of repulsive mutants, monsters, and robots. Unforgettable visuals are effectively sprinkled throughout every trailer we’ve seen, and over-the-top weaponry seems to elevate the overall gameplay. There’s no denying the intoxicating possibilities of this surrealist fever dream.
Unholy
Developer: Duality Games
Publisher: Duality Games
Release Date: 2022
Unholy is a horror stealth game set on a desolate planet. In this gruesome narrative-driven title, players guide Saidah as she desperately searches for her abducted child while a mysterious plague slowly kills and distorts the human race’s last survivors. Maniacs and terrifying beasts will ensure your rescue mission isn’t a walk in the park. Unholy’s unique locales and otherworldly entities have made it standout amongst the pack, and we’re looking forward to see what it has in store.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Developer: GSC Game World
Publisher: GSC Game World
Release Date: 2023
After over a decade, we are inching closer to the release of the highly anticipated sequel to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the Exclusion Zone has dramatically changed. Unpredictable mutants and deadly anomalies make day-to-day survival a grueling chore. The scope, scale, and aspirations for this follow-up from GSC Game World are undeniably impressive. After development delays due to the Russian invasion, supporters are eager to see this team return to doing what they love.
EXP: War Trauma
Developer: Cortez Productions
Publisher: Cortez Productions
Release Date: TBA
EXP: War Trauma hurls players into the boots of a World War II soldier maneuvering nightmarish trenches. With an emphasis on puzzle-solving and tense exploration, the latest gameplay trailer showcases some of the unsettling environments and creatures you’ll encounter in this upcoming psychological horror title. If you’re curious to see how EXP: War Trauma plays, you can download the Steam demo and try it yourself.
Shared scares
What’s better than turning out the lights, putting on your best pair of headphones, and mentally preparing for an onslaught of scares? Sharing that dreadful experience with friends! Thanks to the popularity of multiplayer-focused horror titles like Dead by Daylight and Left 4 Dead, the variety of upcoming co-op and PVP titles is rather bountiful. Let’s dissect some upcoming frightful games for players who want to share the scares.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game
Developer: Teravision Games
Publisher: Good Shepard Entertainment
Release Date: Early 2023
In what was easily the most unexpected reveal from Gamescom 2022, Teravision Games and Good Shepard Entertainment announced Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game. This 10-player multiplayer horror game pits three heinous alien klowns against seven ambitious humans determined to protect Earth from the impending invasion. The debut trailer treated audiences to gameplay and a taste of what to expect from the outlandish title in early 2023.
Sons of the Forest
Developer: Endnight Games Ltd
Publisher: Newnight
Release Date: October 2022
Expanding upon the formula of the original title, Sons of the Forest looks like a big, bold successor. In this expansive, open-world survival horror simulator, you and some friends must scavenge resources and defeat haunting, mutated creatures to survive. Fans of The Forest loved the title’s distinctive focus on withstanding onslaughts of cannibalistic foes and this successor plans to bring more horrific beasts into the fold. With enhanced crafting and combat, Sons of the Forest is looking to be a fascinating multiplayer horror project.
Dead Island 2
Developer: Deep Silver Dambuster Studios
Publisher: Deep Silver
Release Date: February 2, 2023
After its campy reveal way back in 2014, Dead Island 2 is officially back from the dead. This co-op RPG is bursting with gore, particle effects, and a cast of quintessential “LA” characters. Slaughter, loot, and survive with up to two other players. Nearly a decade later, it finally appears zombie-decimating fans will be able to savor this long-awaited sequel. That is, unless Lenny Kravitz sues the developer over the uncanny likeness of the latest trailer’s protagonist, anyway.
The Outlast Trials
Developer: Red Barrels
Publishers: Red Barrels
Release Date: TBA (Closed Beta October 28, 2022)
In The Outlast Trials, up to four players endure a series of cruel and unusual experiments conducted by the Murkoff Corporation. While this upcoming title is the fourth entry in the series, The Outlast Trials serves as Red Barrel’s first foray into multiplayer-centric horror. Players are captured and treated as human guinea pigs, and you’ve been subjected to physical and emotional torture in the name of science. In order to survive The Outlast Trials, you must endure and overcome these disturbing experiments.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Developer: Sumo Nottingham
Publisher: Gun Interactive
Release Date: 2023
This upcoming video game adaptation of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is another asymmetrical horror multiplayer game worth putting on your radar. Unlike many other genre contemporaries, the unfortunate victims of this nightmare must face off against multiple antagonists. This comes from the folks responsible for the cult asymmetrical multiplayer title Friday the 13th and fans of the genre are enthusiastic for Gun Interactive’s next attempt. Will your group of four heroes survive against Leatherface and his demented family members? We’ll find out in 2023.
Bonus – Evil Dead: The Game
Developers: Saber Interactive, Boss Team Games
Publisher: Saber Interactive
Release Date: May 13, 2022
While Evil Dead: The Game was technically released in May, this excellent multiplayer horror title from Saber Interactive has a healthy roadmap of planned content. Following the addition of Castle Kandar, the team has announced two new survivors from Evil Dead (2013) and a new demon coming in September. With outstanding visuals, excellent moment-to-moment gameplay, and surprisingly deep strategy, Evil Dead: The Game is one of my favorite asymmetrical horror games right now.
A gruesome buffet is on the way
The future of horror video games is looking exceptionally bright. An enormous variety of developers and publishers are going all-in on crafting authentically dreadful experiences for players. A sub-genre once considered a niche risk by many companies is now a shining beacon of creative possibilities. It feels like almost every day I stumble upon a new horror title that earnestly catches my eye.
We’ll continue expanding and evolving our upcoming horror video games collection. If you’re looking for something spooky to play in the meantime, be sure to check out our list of the best horror games available now. With a massive slate of haunting titles on the horizon, it’s a fantastic time to be a fan of this genre. Here’s to a genuinely stacked 2023.
