The year 2024 has shown promising advancements in the realm of indie horror gaming. From eerie theme parks inhabited by various monsters to mysterious Eldritch beings lurking at sea, there’s truly something for every horror enthusiast. If you’re on the hunt for a captivating indie horror experience this Halloween, consider diving into these six standout titles.
Hollowbody
Although the remake of Silent Hill 2 has garnered acclaim for capturing the essence of the original PlayStation 2 title, those seeking a more authentic gameplay experience may be left wanting. Enter Hollowbody, which embodies the fixed camera perspectives and the clunky combat styles reminiscent of early 2000s survival horror games.
Set against the backdrop of a crumbling futuristic Britain, players assume the role of a smuggler searching for a missing partner within a dangerous exclusion zone. As you navigate the remnants of an abandoned town teeming with adversaries, the atmosphere is imbued with an overarching sense of dread, suggesting that beyond the visible threats lies an even darker reality. Although Hollowbody has its imperfections, it remains a prime example of indie horror successfully capturing the PS2 nostalgia.
Hollowbody is available on PC.
Conscript
War frequently serves as a backdrop for video games, whether through intricate strategy games reenacting historical conflicts or fast-paced shooters celebrating combat heroics. However, horror games rarely explore this setting, which is surprising since the concept is ripe for adaptation.
This is precisely where Conscript shines. Utilizing the dank, vermin-infested trenches of World War I as its backdrop, the game delivers an incredibly immersive experience. The confined spaces and dim lighting obscure dangers lurking around every twist, while damaged supply lines necessitate careful resource management. With a structure akin to Resident Evil, the horrors faced align more closely with the grim realities of war. Conscript effectively merges horror mechanics with the brutal truths of conflict, serving as a poignant reminder of warfare’s inherent terror.
Conscript is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Pacific Drive
While not traditionally categorized as a horror title, Pacific Drive certainly meets the criteria for one of the top indie horror games of 2024 in various ways. It features supernatural dangers that leave players feeling powerless, and maintains an ever-present, tense atmosphere throughout your explorations. Plus, there are jump scares to be found—mannequins appearing unexpectedly definitely qualify!
Set in a foreboding exclusion zone in the Pacific Northwest, the game depicts an environment altered by extensive scientific horrors. Players are equipped only with a battered 1970s station wagon for protection. A hybrid survival roguelite and vehicle maintenance simulator, Pacific Drive masterfully instills horror through the unpredictable nature of its anomalies and a landscape that grows increasingly surreal as players advance.
Pacific Drive is available on PC and PS5.
Still Wakes the Deep
Isolated environments often serve as optimal settings for horror, and few places are more isolated than an oil rig adrift in the ocean. In Still Wakes the Deep, players embody a rig worker whose team inadvertently uncovers something terrifying buried beneath the waves. The gameplay revolves around a frantic effort to escape from this unfathomable horror while being ensnared by the rig itself.
Crafted by The Chinese Room, Still Wakes the Deep evokes a familiar sense of dread akin to their earlier title, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. Players can expect a chilling atmosphere, a lurking monster that threatens from the shadows, and a talented voice cast delivering a palpable sense of terror, making it one of the best indie horror games of 2024.
Still Wakes the Deep is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Mouthwashing
Emerging suddenly this year, Mouthwashing quickly captivated players and skyrocketed to the top of their must-play lists. The storyline centers on a spaceship crew stranded after a crash allegedly triggered by their captain. As the narrative unfolds through a series of disordered and surreal flashbacks, the increasingly fragmented state of the crew’s sanity is revealed.
Mouthwashing effectively utilizes low-poly graphics to create an array of unappealing characters and an oppressive environment that becomes even more unsettling as the plot progresses. It’s a title that has made a significant impact on players, likely leaving a lasting impression.
Mouthwashing is available for PC.
Crow Country
The low-poly aesthetic reminiscent of PS1 games creates a powerful atmosphere for horror. The shifting textures, static faces, and jarring movements foster a disconcerting sense of unease, especially effectively utilized in Crow Country—a project you might not expect from the developers behind Snipperclips.
Players step into the shoes of Mara Forest, an investigator delving into the mystery of Crow Country, an abandoned amusement park with a missing owner. As a survival horror title in the classic sense, it challenges you with scarce resources, perplexing puzzles, and a host of menacing creatures. While the gameplay channels feelings of Resident Evil and Silent Hill, the visual presentation echoes the charm of Final Fantasy VII, with its chibi character models to boot.
Overall, Crow Country proves to be an exemplary horror game. It features a riveting plot filled with unexpected twists, inventive challenges, and an atmosphere thick with suspense, suggesting hidden horrors lie just beyond the corner. Any horror fan should consider it a must-play, marking it as one of the top indie horror games of 2024.
Crow Country is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.
Share your favorite indie horror game of 2024 in the comments below!
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