18 Best Xbox One Horror Games

In light of the resurgence of the horror genre, the Xbox One enjoyed a wealth of great horror games for one to stay up late at night. Boasting a diverse and massive library of titles, the Xbox One is considered the 3rd home for horror fans (with PC gaming being the first).

From small indie horrors full of creative ideas to triple-A titles brimming with realism and unsettling imaginaries, here are the best Xbox One horror games. The list has a primary focus: provide the reader with a varied list that attempts to touch on all corners, from first-person shooters, and walking simulators that make you feel helpless, to third-person shooters.

SOMA 2015

About
	Release Date September 21, 2015
	Developer Frictional Games
	Publisher Frictional Games
	Genre Horror
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Sweden

Xbox One Releases
2017-11-30

Soma is one of the few sci-fi horrors done right. This Frictional Games’ fifth jump into the genre is worthy of every praise it has received. This sci-fi psychological horror will keep players at the edge of their seats at all times, unaware of what’s awaiting them every step of the way. With anxiety-induced environments, intense stalker encounters and incredible ideas sprinkled on top, Soma is a must-play for every fan of the genre.

Set in the distant grim future of 2104, players take control of Simon Jarett and his attempt to rescue any remaining human life on earth. But can he?  The game will challenge the players’ courage every time, nudging them to explore dark corners they wish they didn’t step into.

The Evil Within / The Evil Within 2 2014 / 2017

About
	Release Date October 13, 2014
	Developer Tango Gameworks
	Publisher Bethesda Softworks
	Genre Survival Horror
	Perspective Third-Person
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox One Releases
2014-10-14
2014-10-16
2014-10-23

About
	Release Date October 12, 2017
	Developer Tango Gameworks
	Publisher Bethesda Softworks
	Genre Survival Horror
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox One Releases
2017-10-13
2017-10-19

The Evil Within duology is a love letter to survival horror fans from the father of the genre himself, Shinji Mikami. Fuelled with elements from his previous Resident Evil series, these two are phenomenal throwbacks to the traditional survival horror formula.  Loaded with over-the-top action, a bone-chilling atmosphere, and an exotic story, The Evil Within is another must-play.

Both of these games follow the perilous events of detective Sebastian Castellanos as he’s thrown into a world of insanity. The only way to survive is to either stealth and kill, or pick up whatever weapons he can find along his journey to blast his way through. We’re still waiting for a sequel to happen in the foreseeable future, or a sort of spin-off because this game will make you wish for more.

Resident Evil 2 2019 Remake バイオハザード2 (Baiohazādo 2) バイオハザード2 Z version (Baiohazādo 2 Z version)

About
	Release Date January 25, 2019 Initial Release: January 29, 1998
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Resident Evil
	Genre Horror
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox One Releases
2019-01-25

Resident Evil 2 is a high-definition remake of the original, and part of the ongoing Resident Evil franchise by Capcom. The original was a major hit when it initially landed on the original PlayStation. However, as hardware improved, and developers managed to craft ways to deliver superior unsettling ideas, the game was sadly deemed antiquated.

Two decades later, Capcom has surprised its die-hard fanbase with the release of a remake of their beloved RE2. The remake improved upon the dated controls, mundane visuals and sound design to deliver what many deem the best starting point for every newcomer to the series.

Resident Evil: HD Remaster 2014 Remaster Biohazard: HD Remaster

About
	Release Date November 27, 2014 Initial Release: March 22, 1996
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Resident Evil
	Genre Survival Horror
	Concept Zombie
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox One Releases
2015-01-20

Resident Evil: HD Remaster is another great starting point for newcomers to the Resident Evil series. Acting as a remake of the original game released on the original PlayStation, this revamp of a classic is a perfect example of survival horror done right.

Originally released on the Gamecube, this title single-handedly revolutionized the genre, priding itself as an influential staple for developers to follow. Every survival horror fan must give this groundbreaking title a try. Whether you’re playing it on the Gamecube, Xbox One or PC, Resident Evil is just incredible wherever you play.

Little Nightmares: Complete Edition / Little Nightmares II 2017 / 2021

About
	Release Date June 06, 2017 Initial Release: April 27, 2017
	Developer Tarsier Studios
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Franchise Little Nightmares
	Genre Horror
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Sweden

Xbox One Releases
2017-06-06
2017-06-07
2017-10-20
2017-10-27

About
	Release Date February 10, 2021
	Developer Tarsier Studios
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Franchise Little Nightmares
	Genre Horror
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Sweden

Xbox One Releases
2021-02-10
2021-02-11

Little Nightmares is a reminder of what scared us when we were young. It’s also a perfect game for Halloween, the likes of games to keep you on the edge of your seat as you crawl through vents to escape unspeakable horrors.

Tarsier Studios’ taken inspiration from classics such as Inside is vivid. Extra bites of influence from Studio Ghibli are also apparent in the game’s traumatizing visuals and the twisted story. In this platformer horror, players will have to survive the odds against some of the creepiest creatures ever made.

Outlast 2014

About
	Release Date February 04, 2014
	Developer Red Barrels
	Publisher Red Barrels
	Genre Horror
	Concept Gore
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Xbox One Releases
2014-02-04

Outlast may be considered quite old by modern standards, but the scare level is still beating strong. The game’s initial release garnered quite a humble recognition that brought it to the mainstream spotlight. At the time, Outlast was played by almost everyone you can think of. and if some couldn’t bear to do so, they just watched their favourite Youtuber playing it for them.

The game’s focus on making the player feel powerless is worthy of praise. It casts a shade of fear and hopelessness throughout the entire game. Players are left with nothing but a night vision camera, players will have to survive by running and hiding from mentally disturbed freaks. This is a thoroughly tense experience cemented with a captivating story and tight controls to keep you hooked for hours.

Observer: System Redux 2020 Remaster

About
	Release Date November 10, 2020 Initial Release: August 15, 2017
	Developer Bloober Team
	Publisher Aspyr
	Genre Psychological Horror
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective First-Person
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Poland

Xbox One Releases
2020-11-10
2021-07-16
2021-07-23
2021-07-30

Observer: System Redux is a high-definition remaster of the original game released back in 2017. This is yet another thoroughly overwhelming sci-fi horror with plenty of scares. Unlike its siblings from the genre, Observer is more of a psychological horror than a survival one. It does however feature elements you would find in games such as Outlast: the feeling of hopelessness against every threat.

The plot puts you in the shoes of Daniel Lazarski, an observer with the ability to hack into people’s minds to gather information about his son’s murderer. What makes Observer an interesting mention on this list is that it takes the sci-fi theme seriously. Daniel has a handful of tools at his disposal which he uses to jack in into every twisted person’s mind. Similar to The Evil Within’s STEM program, players will be amazed by the genuinely terrifying environment, as every turn of events is unpredictable. The game has one goal: to frighten you.

Alien: Isolation™ 2014

About
	Release Date October 06, 2014
	Developer Creative Assembly
	Publisher SEGA
	Genre Horror
	Perspective First-Person
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Xbox One Releases
2014-10-07

Alien: Isolation is one of those games you can’t forget about even if you wanted to. Once in a while, we tend to yearn for a game that will truly terrify us, to make us unable to keep pushing forward. Alien: Isolation does exactly that and more. This anxiety-inducing game will haunt your memory for years, and it’s kind of underwhelming that there’s nothing like it out there.

The merciless Xenomorph roams the empty halls of Sevastapol Station, constantly looking for a lump of new meat to devour. Every encounter with this creature will send chills down your spine, and just as you thought you could crawl your way back to a place of relative safety, he’s already caught up with you.

Fatal Frame / Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water 2021 Remaster 零 濡鴉ノ巫女 (Zero: Nuregarasu no Miko)

About
	Release Date October 27, 2021 Initial Release: September 27, 2014
	Developer Koei Tecmo
	Publisher Koei Tecmo
	Franchise Fatal Frame
	Genre Horror
	Perspectives First-Person, Third-Person
	Concept Ghost
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Xbox One Releases
2021-10-28

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is the fifth instalment in Koei Tecmo’s highly acclaimed Fatal Frame series, and the least forgiving of them. The franchise had a humble start on the PlayStation 2 that went on to spawn two successful sequels. While the originals’ mundane controls may feel dated by today’s standards, the games are worth seeking for fans of the genre.

The game’s primary threats aren’t zombies, insane twisted people, or vehement creatures from outer space. Ghosts are the real deal. Unlike its brethren from the genre, players aren’t equipped with guns or any melee weapons, the only way to fend off ghosts is with the Camera Obscura. A powerful camera that can see and vanquish ghosts from the face of the earth.

The blend of survival horror elements along with Japanese folklore makes this series enjoy a special presence in the genre. Fans of Fatal Frame should also check out Kuon, it’s another good horror game with an unnerving atmosphere.

Alan Wake Remastered 2021 Remaster

About
	Release Date October 05, 2021 Initial Release: May 14, 2010
	Developer Remedy Entertainment
	Publisher Epic Games
	Genre Psychological Horror
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Concept Ghost
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Finland

Xbox One Releases
2021-10-05

Alan Wake Remastered is a high-definition remaster of the once-Xbox360 exclusive released back in 2010. Whether you’re playing the original or the remastered release, it doesn’t matter because every version is a blast to go through.

The story sees the titular writer Alan Wake on a vacation with his wife to a remote cabin. Like most horror games, things take a turn for the worse rather quickly when shadow-like creatures start appearing from every corner. His wife is kidnapped by the forces of darkness, and the only way to put an end to this nightmare is through the power of light. Alongside Remedy’s renowned Max Payne franchise, Alan Wake is another must-play.

Perception 2017

About
	Release Date May 30, 2017
	Developer The Deep End Games
	Publisher The Deep End Games
	Genre Psychological Horror
	Concept Atmospheric
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Xbox One Releases
2017-06-07

Perception is an intriguing member of the psychological horror genre, but quite sadly, the game was overshadowed rather quickly upon its launch by other games’ releases. And that’s a shame because Perception is actually better than a lot of the overhyped games back in 2018. (I’m looking at you Agony).

Developed by former developers at Irrational Games, Perception is a genuinely interesting specimen of the genre. Players take control of a blind woman as she roams through the darkness, looking for clues to solve the mystery of the haunting mansion. Perception’s compelling story, along with the claustrophobic atmosphere makes this game a worthy game to try out, especially when Halloween rolls around.

Apsulov: End of Gods 2019

About
	Release Date August 08, 2019
	Developer Angry Demon Studio
	Publisher Angry Demon Studio
	Genre Horror
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective First-Person
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Sweden

Xbox One Releases
2021-09-17

Apsulov: End of Gods is a neat amalgamation of Norse Mythology and science fiction horror. And the results? intriguing. Thanks to its rich story, Apsulov feels like a retreat from the mediocre plots that have been plaguing the horror genre for what felt like an eternity. The game has its own issues, but its positives far outweigh the negatives.

Despite being peddled as a walking simulator at its core, Apsulov: End of Gods has enough elements such as frightening creature designs and an interesting story that makes it an ideal game to play around this season. Fans of sci-fi horror should definitely give this one a shot.

Visage 2019

About
	Release Date October 28, 2019
	Developer SadSquare Studio
	Publisher SadSquare Studio
	Genre Psychological Horror
	Concept Atmospheric
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Xbox One Releases
2020-10-30

Visage is a tense psychological horror that plays in the vein of the cancelled Silent Hill P.T. The game could be considered an underrated gem since it’s rarely talked about, even when other terrifying first-person horrors such as Layers of Fear are mentioned.

Set in an enormous empty house, players will wander through the claustrophobic environment, exploring gloomy corridors, and interacting with the surroundings as they roam cluelessly unaware of what’s awaiting them in every moment of the game. Visage makes use of its uncanny atmosphere and terrifying narrative to enhance the experience and create tension that’ll evoke the terrified kid that’s been sleeping inside of you.

Oxenfree 2016

About
	Release Date January 15, 2016
	Developer Night School Studio
	Publisher Night School Studio
	Genre Horror
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Xbox One Releases
2016-03-01

Oxenfree is a pure example of you don’t need shiny graphics to make a game scary. It isn’t as scary as the games mentioned above, but if classic platformers such as Limbo made you afraid, then Oxenfree may pique your interest.

Acting as the developers’ first breath into the gaming industry, the game’s plot puts you in the shoes of a young girl named Alex on a peaceful trip to a local island with her best friends. Events quickly turn upside down when the group encounters a series of paranormal activities. It’s then that they have the uncover the mystery of the island.

Don’t sleep on this game despite the deceiving visuals. It’s creepy, atmospheric, story-rich and most of all, memorable.

Pumpkin Jack 2020

About
	Release Date October 23, 2020
	Developer Headup Games
	Publisher Headup Games
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Germany

Xbox One Releases
2020-10-23

Pumpkin Jack is a love letter to every Tim Burton fan out there, and it’s also….the perfect game for Halloween. Its incredibly fun 3D platforming gameplay is reminiscent of the likes of MediEvil, Maximo vs Army of Zin and Ultimate Ghosts ‘N Goblins.

Fans of Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas will feel right at home with Pumpkin Jack. Developed by a solo developer, players explore from the spooky swamps and creepy graveyards to the ghostly forests as they slice and dice their way through dozens of minions. Every level beats with identity and tons of endless fun. Playing through Pumpkin Jack will surely frame a smile on your face as you enjoy every moment of the game. It’s not scary per see, but hey, if you’re a fan of Tim Burton, you may want to check it out.

Prey­® 2017

About
	Release Date May 04, 2017
	Developer Arkane Studios
	Publisher Bethesda Softworks
	Genre FPS
	Perspective First-Person
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin France

Xbox One Releases
2017-05-05
2017-05-18

Prey may not be peddled as a horror game at its core, but it does feature a wealth of survival horror elements. Players take the role of Morgan Yu who happens to wake up in an abandoned space station known as Talos 1. Little did he know that he was not alone as mythical creatures stalk the halls of the station. Your job is to survive encounters against these unearthly creatures and uncover the mystery.

Roaming the corners of Talos 1 feels tense as the player cannot predict when any threat will show up. Being on guard at all times tightens the experience, creating an atmospheric playthrough that offers an enjoyable mixture of first-person shooting with a captivating story. The game isn’t too scary if you’ve played the games mentioned above, though it’s worth noting that the game’s survival elements may please fans of the genre as well.

Metro: Last Light Redux 2014 Remaster

About
	Release Date August 26, 2014 Initial Release: May 14, 2013
	Developer 4A Games
	Publisher Deep Silver
	Franchise Metro
	Genre FPS
	Perspective First-Person
	Concept Post-Apocalyptic
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Malta

Xbox One Releases
2014-08-26

Metro: Last Light Redux is a high-definition remaster of the critically acclaimed Metro: Last Light originally released in 2013. The game has survival elements, although it can be played as an ordinary first-person shooter if players prefer it that way.

Set in a post-apocalyptic Moscow, that was once brimming with life, now home to creatures roaming free. Nowhere is safe anymore as every threat besieges all corners. Humanity’s last hope is to live beneath the ground, in hopes of postponing its inevitable extinction. Play as soldier Artyom as you roam the tunnels of the Metro fighting deadly creatures or shooting down enemy soldiers. Go up to the surface and try to survive deadly encounters against all odds, but can you?

We Happy Few 2016

About
	Release Date July 26, 2016
	Developer Compulsion Games
	Publisher Gearbox Publishing
	Genre Horror
	Perspective First-Person
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Xbox One Releases
2018-08-10
2018-08-17

We Happy Few is the latest mention on this list, and we’re happy to mention it. Brought to you by the same developers behind Contrast, the game is an action-thriller with survival elements sandwiched together with a well-crafted story to keep you hooked throughout the entire game.

The game does however suffer from one major problem: repetitive levels. Aside from that, the game’s unique plot and incredible visuals bring the retrofuturistic city of Wellington Wells to life. Fans of games such as Outlast, and Amnesia should look no further, this game will pique their interest.