Horror games are a staple across every platform, the interactivity placing you directly in the action of a terrifying situation. They include fantastic scores, detailed environments, and gruesome graphics.
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PostsWhether it's further exploring lore established by the first game or a series that continues to iterate on interesting gameplay mechanics, when it comes to horror games the sequel is usually at least as good as the original, if not better. Whether you're looking for a game to get you in the Halloween spirit, or just looking for your next best franchise for frights, read below to see the best horror game sequels.
Updated October 08, 2024, by Jon Eakin: It's an amazing time to be a horror fan, with new games and movies in the genre releasing at a higher level of quality than they have for some time. That includes sequels to your favourite spooky series, so to reflect that we've given this list an update. New entries and features will help you find the best sequels in the genre.
13 Sylvio 2
Impeccable Sound Design
You could be forgiven for not knowing the Sylvio games, they are sometimes misunderstood and so don't get the word of mouth other horror games tend to. They're more of an interactive narrative than a game in the truest sense of the word.
With that in mind, Sylvio 2 is one of the better horror sequels that no one talks about. You play a ghost hunter recording and examining audio for signs of ghosts, which is an incredible experience, especially when played alone at night.
12 Alan Wake 2
An Unbelievable Step Up
Alan Wake 2
Survival Horror 5.0/5 10.0/10 Released October 27, 2023 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language Developer(s) Remedy Entertainment Publisher(s) Epic Games Franchise Alan Wake Platform(s) PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X How Long To Beat 17 Hours Metascore 90 Powered by Expand CollapseAlan Wake is a good game, but future reviews of it will suffer simply because the sequel, Alan Wake 2, is an outstanding game. It improves on the first game so dramatically and so completely, that it almost makes the original game look bad in comparison.
If you haven't played this series yet, you're missing out. The narrative and lore of these games is some of the best in the current generation and truly deserves to be experienced first hand.
11 Casltevania: Symphony Of The Night
It Helped Forge A Genre
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Metroidvania Action RPG 9.0/10 Released October 2, 1997 ESRB T For Teen Due To Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence Developer(s) Konami Publisher(s) Konami Franchise Castlevania Platform(s) PS1, PS3, PS4, PSP, PS Vita, Sega Saturn, Xbox 360 How Long To Beat 9 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseCastlevania is a series with staying power. With games, multiple television shows better than they have any right to be, and even collaborations with the likes of Dead By Daylight, there can be no overstating the popularity of Castlevania.
So much of that is due to the unbelievably good Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. People mostly talk about Metroid, but there's no denying that Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was just as important in creating the Metroidvania genre, it's right there in the name after all.
10 Amnesia: The Bunker
Unforgettable
Amnesia: The Bunker
Survival Horror 3.5/5 Released May 16, 2023 ESRB t Developer(s) Frictional Games Publisher(s) Frictional Games Franchise Amnesia Platform(s) PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S How Long To Beat 6 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseAmnesia is one of the more consistent horror series, with strong showings each time a new game is released. The focus on limited resources, vital to survival, creates an ongoing sense of tension and anxiety that few games manage to get quite right. Whether you're running out of generator fuel or bandages, there is the certainty that if you don't find more, and soon, you're not going to last much longer.
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PostsWith wonderful sound design and an engaging story told through the environment, Amnesia: The Bunker is a fantastic sequel to an already well-regarded franchise. Being trapped in a bunker with The Beast while bombarded by German artillery might not be everyone's idea of a good time, but it makes for a great game.
9 The Outlast Trials
Big Changes
The Outlast Trials
Survival Horror Released May 18, 2023 Developer(s) Red Barrels Publisher(s) Red Barrels Platform(s) PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand CollapseWhile The Outlast Trials is a prequel rather than a sequel, it was launched after the original Outlast and takes things in a bold direction. Launched via early access, The Outlast Trials is the first game in the series to offer a co-op experience. Although the game can be experienced solo, it's well worth diving in with friends to see what is on offer here.
Co-op is a big change, but The Outlast Trials stays true to series tradition in other ways. Typically, in Outlast, a camcorder with night vision has been key to navigation. Although the camera is gone, night vision goggles are in play, maintaining that classic Outlast feel.
8 The Evil Within 2
Building On Success
The Evil Within 2
Survival Horror 10.0/10 Released October 13, 2017 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language Developer(s) Tango Gameworks Publisher(s) Bethesda Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC How Long To Beat 15 Hours How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs) 30 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseOne of the biggest breakout series of any genre in recent memory has been The Evil Within, so it was no surprise that it also provided one of the most impressive sequels in The Evil Within 2. Created by Shinji Mikami, the godfather of gaming horror who is best known for creating the Resident Evil series, both games are stellar experiences.
With a shift towards combat and an open world, The Evil Within 2 takes things in a new direction. With a stronger sense of its own identity than the first game, which leaned on Shinji Mikami's past works a little too heavily, it carves out a place of its own in the pantheon of horror games.
7 Little Nightmares 2
Lose Yourself
Little Nightmares 2
Survival Horror Puzzle Action Released February 10, 2021 ESRB T For Teen due to Blood, Violence Developer(s) Tarsier Studios, Supermassive Games Publisher(s) Bandai Namco Studios Engine Unreal Engine 4 Franchise Little Nightmares Platform(s) Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC How Long To Beat 6 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseA sequel that is a prequel, there isn't enough that can be said about Little Nightmares 2, or the series as a whole for that matter. With a unique and distinctive graphical style among horror games, they excel at making you want to take in every detail of a scene. The character designs are a particular strength, with Little Nightmares 2 featuring some delightfully disturbing creatures.
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PostsSenior Narrative Designer for the game, Dave Mervik, stated in an interview that the main theme of the game is escapism and this shines through. Not only in the narrative of the game itself, but also the sense of escapism it provides you as you get fully gripped by the tale being told.
6 Dead Space 2
Better In Every Way
Dead Space 2
Survival Horror Released January 25, 2011 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Visceral Games Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine propreitary engine Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer Franchise Dead Space Platform(s) PS3, Xbox 360, PC How Long To Beat 9 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseDead Space 2 is a rare treat of a sequel, one that provides everything the first game did but simply does it better. Protagonist Isaac Clarke returns for more horror space adventures and continues to battle the disturbing necromorph enemies. The series introduced the clever idea that the way to defeat enemies was to shoot them in their limbs rather than their heads, confusing the natural instinct you've spent years honing.
With greater enemy variety, perfect sci-fi sound design, and a tighter focus on narrative, Dead Space 2 is a strong follow-up for those who loved the original game, even if it takes things in a bigger-is-better direction. The first game had a critically acclaimed remake, and with any luck, the sequel will, too, even if it might be harder to achieve.
5 Condemned 2: Bloodshot
A Forgotten Gem
Condemned 2: Bloodshot
Survival Horror Shooter Released March 11, 2008 ESRB M // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) Monolith Publisher(s) Monolith Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Platform(s) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 How Long To Beat 9 hours Powered by Expand CollapseCondemned: Criminal Origins and sequel Condemned 2: Bloodshot are two games that don't receive enough attention but are almost perfect. It's understandable; Condemned 2: Bloodshot launched back in 2008, and there has been no shortage of great games since, but there's something really special about this series.
Blending action, suspense, and survival horror, the games tell the story of FBI agent Ethan Thomas. Memorable visuals and a perfect atmosphere make up for an oddly unnecessary multiplayer inclusion. As a sequel, it doesn't miss and is more than deserving of your time.
4 Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly
Distinctly Japanese
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterly
Survival Horror Released December 10, 2003 ESRB M Developer(s) Tecmo Publisher(s) Tecmo Engine unity Franchise Fatal Frame Platform(s) PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox (Original) How Long To Beat 10 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseJapan has always had an approach to horror that is distinct from that of the West, perhaps no more evident than in the Fatal Frame series. Weaving Japanese culture and mythology in with survival elements, it has a clear identity in comparison to the bigger names in the genre.
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PostsProviding more challenge than your average horror game, Fatal Frame 2 is well-regarded by players and critically acclaimed among industry veterans. It's so good, in fact, that Naughty Dog co-president and The Last of Us co-creator Neil Druckmann described it as "the scariest kind of experience in any medium," which is as strong a recommendation as you're likely to find.
