Key Takeaways
- The RPG elements of horror games ensure player progression and engagement, making the title even more immersive.
- Games like Dredge, World of Horror, and Darkwood blend horror and RPG-lite elements to create a spooky experience.
- System Shock 2 and STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl are acclaimed horror RPG titles that offer meaningful progression.
The RPG genre has become so mainstream that most other titles incorporate role-playing elements to help players enjoy a distinct sense of progression. Horror games are no exception. Most developers do their best to entice more players to check out their game while ensuring rewards for progress.
Some of the best horror games use RPG-lite elements to keep players engaged. The horror elements add role-playing elements, helping the game feel familiar despite its creepy atmosphere.

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8 Best Abstract Horror Games
The following games offer unique horror experiences that unsettle players in creative ways.
RPG Maker horror games are included in a separate list and will not be mentioned here.
8 dredge
Fishing, RPG elements and generous roots in Lovecraftian horror
- released
- March 31, 2023
- developer
- black salt game
- Open Criticism Evaluation
- strong
dredge One of the biggest indie successes that players can't get enough of, combining Lovecraftian elements with fishing gameplay to create a sweet combination. Players catch and sell tons of fish to earn the funds needed to upgrade their boats.
These RPG elements make players feel like they have an impact on the game world, allowing them to survive the night for longer and traverse greater distances. The overall story of the game is slowly revealed as the player progresses through the game. dredge To leave a lasting impression on players.
7 world of horror
Roguelike horror game inspired by the works of Junji Ito
- released
- December 8, 2023
- developer
- panstas
- Open Criticism Evaluation
- strong
What will fans of Junji Ito's work enjoy? world of horror Bring it to the table. This rogue-lite horror game puts players in control of a specific protagonist and helps them lead an investigation in a small town while earning a key that opens a door to a mysterious lighthouse.
The game is difficult and takes no prisoners, so players will need to understand the RPG elements of this title if they want to excel in combat. Managing your stamina and sanity on numerous adventures is easier said than done. Some players prefer to try easier difficulties before playing the game as intended.
6 pathology 2
Surreal horror with open world and RPG elements
pathology 2

- released
- May 23, 2019
- developer
- Icepick Lodge
- Open Criticism Evaluation
- fair
An open world horror game with a remake and sequel, pathology 2 A surreal title that takes players on a wild adventure. The game sometimes feels like a play, with bizarre elements creating a creepy atmosphere.

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These horror remakes give players plenty of time to immerse themselves in a nightmarish experience. The longest remakes are:
The title may be a bit difficult to get started with, but the custom difficulty slider ensures players won't have too many issues as they begin this unique experience. It may take some time to grow on you, but this open world horror RPG will surprise players once everything clicks.
5 sky without sunlight
Explore the skies in this outstanding survival horror game
sky without sunlight
- released
- January 31, 2019
- developer
- Fail Better Game
- Open Criticism Evaluation
- huge
sea without sunlight While it was a great introduction to the world of Fallen London, it had some issues that prevented players from enjoying the full experience. The sequel moved the setting to the sky and was a dramatically improved title in every department.
Strong combat and exploration make this gameplay loop stand out and encourage players to invest a lot of time improving their ships and abilities as much as possible. It may seem difficult at first glance, but sky without sunlight It's generous enough to allow players to enjoy its unsettling atmosphere and sublime writing.
4 darkwood
An oppressive horror game with some RPG elements.
- released
- August 18, 2017
- developer
- Acid Wizard Studio
- Open Criticism Evaluation
- strong
A top-down horror game with an amazing atmosphere, darkwood It uses a semi-open world with an interesting gameplay loop. Players must explore numerous locations and acquire valuable loot that can be used to increase their chances of surviving the night.
The horror of this game becomes more pronounced every day, and the RPG elements ensure that the protagonist becomes strong enough to fight off the numerous horrors that threaten to tear them apart. The package is tied up in a neat little ribbon with a story that will keep players guessing until the very end.
3 prey
Uses spatial isolation to unsettle players.
- released
- May 5, 2017
- Open Criticism Evaluation
- strong
That's a shame prey It didn't enjoy the sales it deserved. In this immersive sci-fi simulation, players will enter the desolate halls of the Talos I space station and try to solve an alien mystery. During their journey, the player will encounter several alien antagonists who either pretend to be normal entities or hunt the player with otherworldly abilities.

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The game wasn't originally based on horror, but it nonetheless found a way to weave a bit of horror into it.
Typhon can be a challenge for beginners, but prey's RPG elements ensure that players enjoy steady progression and ultimately feel confident enough to defeat the nightmares that hunt them. It is a big part of making prey One of the best games developed by Arkane.
2 Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl
Survival horror RPG full of mutants and anomalies
shadow of chernobyl It's the first game stalker series and does a great job of introducing players to the strangeness of the Zone and the many anomalies that plague it. This hardcore survival horror game uses the hallmarks of the RPG genre for its gear system, allowing players to slowly but surely acquire better gear.
With high-level armor and weapons, players will be able to brave the most challenging areas of the zone and obtain powerful artifacts. It may be a difficult game to get into, but shadow of chernobyl's incredible atmosphere and hardcore gameplay are great for horror fans who want the progression to feel meaningful.
1 system shock 2
One of the best survival horror RPGs of all time
system shock 2

system shock 2 One of the best action horror games that helped establish SHODAN as an iconic video game villain. The Von Braun is a haunting spaceship whose oppressive isolation will make players question every step they take.
The unique play style and skill progression enhance the game's RPG elements. Many players like to make decisions before the game begins and determine the protagonist's skills. It may feel a little old-fashioned at times, but horror fans will love the perfect atmosphere. system shock 2 If they try this game.

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The 5 Best Anthology Horror Game Series (Ranked)
Horror game series are often linked with each release, but this isn't always the case. Here are some of the best anthology horror game series.