If you love a good scare mixed with clever puzzles, survival horror games are the perfect fit. They blend tense atmosphere, limited resources, and monsters that stalk you around every corner. Below you’ll find the basics that define the genre, a short list of standout titles, and easy tips to help you stay alive the first time you play.
First, the camera usually stays close to you, so you can see the danger coming. Second, you rarely have powerful weapons. Instead, you manage ammo, health kits, or even just a flashlight. Third, the story often unfolds through notes, recordings, or brief cut scenes, keeping you curious while you explore.
The key feeling is tension. You never know when a monster will appear, and every decision—like opening a door or saving a game—can change the outcome. Those simple mechanics are what turn a regular horror game into a survival horror.
Here are a few games that capture the genre well. Resident Evil started the trend with cramped hallways and limited bullets. Silent Hill focuses on psychological scares and confusing mazes. Amnesia: The Dark Descent removes combat entirely, forcing you to hide and run. Outlast gives you only a camcorder, so you can’t fight back at all. All of these titles teach you how to manage fear and resources.
If you want something newer, try Resident Evil Village or Dead Space Remake. Both mix classic survival elements with smoother graphics and modern controls, making them great for newcomers and veterans alike.
1. Save often. Most games let you create manual saves. Use them before entering a dark room.
2. Keep an eye on your inventory. Ammo and health items are scarce, so use them wisely. If you find a stash, take only what you need.
3. Listen to the sound design. Footsteps, breathing, or distant moans often signal where the threat is.
4. Move slowly. Rushing usually triggers traps or enemies. Take a moment to look around before opening doors.
5. Read everything. Notes, diaries, and emails often give clues about puzzle solutions or safe routes.
Following these habits will make the experience less frustrating and more enjoyable. You’ll start to see patterns and learn how each game rewards careful play.
Finally, remember that the goal isn’t to finish the game as fast as possible. It’s about feeling the tension, solving puzzles, and getting that rush when you finally beat a tough boss. So grab a controller, dim the lights, and let the scares begin.
Still Wakes The Deep is a survival horror game set on an oil rig near Scotland in 1975. Developed by The Chinese Room, it features a tense atmosphere with blue-collar workers stranded and a mysterious alien-like creature. The game mixes horror, environmental puzzles, and platforming mechanics, all accentuated by a chilling soundtrack by Jason Graves.
Read More
