15 Best Horror Games You Can Buy For Under $20

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Affordable horror games are plentiful on Steam and console marketplaces, so if you’re low on funds but crave a good scare, it won’t often cost you more than five dollars. However, this collection bumps up the price to a maximum of $20, making it a roster of some of the most influential horror games from the recent past – titles that are well-known, yet may have been overlooked due to various reasons. To clarify, the 15 games featured here aren’t exhaustive; there are numerous other fantastic, timeless single player horror games available for less than you might anticipate.

Clock Tower: Rewind

Discover the classic 1995 survival horror game, “Clock Tower”, outside Japan for the first time. The original gameplay with outdated mechanics like soft locks and intricate puzzles that can be hard to decipher is preserved, but the enhanced “Rewind” version allows you to rewind save states instead of starting over from scratch. Additionally, it offers animated intros, motion comics, creator insights, artwork, and a dedicated music player for an immersive experience. However, keep in mind that this remastered version, despite its added features, retains the feel of a game from its era. You can purchase it on PlayStation Store for $19.99.

Choo-Choo Charles     

As someone who fondly remembers growing up watching the British kids’ TV show Thomas & Friends, it’s fascinating to reflect on the somewhat eerie nature of its sentient locomotive characters. Drawing inspiration from this unique concept, as well as Stephen King’s novella Charlie the Choo-Choo, comes the distinctly strange survival game named Choo-Choo Charles. In this game, you control a train armed with weapons, while being hunted by the terrifying spider-locomotive hybrid character known as Choo-Choo Charles. If this intriguing gaming experience appeals to you, it’s available for purchase at $19.99 through the PlayStation Store.

What Remains of Edith Finch

Experiencing ‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ involves revisiting the unfortunate demises of the Finch family members, as the last surviving one, Edith. The dilapidated Finch family home serves as a portal to these tragic events. However, the game’s magical realism style makes it challenging to uncover precise details about each incident. Essentially, ‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ is a compelling narrative that explores themes like familial customs, responsibility, and suspicion. It’s highly recommended if you haven’t played it yet. At the moment, it’s available for $19.99 on the PlayStation Store.

Tormented Souls

Steeped in the eerie ambiance reminiscent of classics like “Alone in the Dark” and “Resident Evil”, the game “Tormented Souls” immerses players into the chilling tale of investigator Caroline Walker. As she navigates a hauntingly beautiful-yet-dangerous mansion-turned-asylum, guided only by flickering candles, her search for two missing girls is fraught with encounters against sinister forces. This psychological horror game, enhanced with modernized controls and camera angles that adapt to the action, promises a diabolical experience. Currently, “Tormented Souls” can be purchased at a discounted price of $4.99 on the PlayStation Store. Normally retailing for $19.99, this is a significant savings opportunity.

Layers of Fear 2

As a passionate fan, I’d say “Layers of Fear 2” is a game that’s certainly divided opinion, with many critics complaining about its lack of narrative focus in favor of a broader scope for this sequel. However, there’s no denying Bloober Team’s knack for creating an eerie atmosphere. This game cleverly manipulated haunted house tropes more effectively than its predecessor, relying on the player’s experience of navigating a world that remains bewilderingly illogical. If you’re intrigued and ready to explore this enigma, it’s available for $19.99 at the PlayStation Store.

The Forest

Nights in “The Forest” are pitch-black. During the day, resources are collected, defenses are strengthened, and sustenance is consumed to maintain energy levels since this survival-horror game intensifies fear as night approaches. The cannibals, who aren’t always murderous, turn hostile under the night sky, making “The Forest” one of the most haunting horror games in recent years. Steam users can purchase “The Forest” for $19.99.

Dead Island Definitive Edition

Updating the genre-blending game Dead Island: Riptide and additional storyline Dead Island Definitive Edition, this collection offers a modernized high-definition remaster, boasting sharp HD graphics and enhanced lighting and shading effects. While other adjustments are minimal, the game’s top-notch melee combat combined with the visual upgrades truly warrant its ‘Definitive Edition’ title. Typically retailing for $19.99 on PlayStation Store, the Dead Island Definitive Collection is currently discounted to $4.99.

Dying Light

In essence, Dying Light combines the free-flowing acrobatics of parkour with intense hand-to-hand combat, making it Techland’s grand masterpiece in many respects. It builds upon the best aspects of Dead Island and evolves into a zombie horror classic. Despite its violent nature, the game has a surprisingly emotional narrative. However, it’s the post-apocalyptic open world that truly shines, offering well-designed paths for free running that make traveling from one point to another a thrilling exercise in achieving a flow state.

Dying Light, which is now ten years old, continues to feel fresh and exciting thanks to years of post-release updates. It runs smoothly on modern hardware, making it an excellent value at just $19.99 from the PlayStation Store. Like other games on this list, Dying Light is currently discounted – available for only $5.99 on PlayStation.

Outlast

In the game “Outlast,” investigative journalist Miles Upshur embarks on a perilous undercover mission to explore the ominous and allegedly cruel practices at the Remote Mount Massive Asylum, after receiving an anonymous tip-off. However, nothing fully prepares Miles for the horrors he encounters within. The game masterfully conveys its terrifying atmosphere without the need for excessive exposition; the eerie green glow of Miles’ night vision camera becomes an integral part of this experience, allowing players to witness the chilling events unfolding. “Outlast” is undoubtedly one of the scariest games available, and Xbox gamers can purchase it for $19.99.

The Evil Within      

First released in 2017, “The Evil Within” stands out as one of the top-tier horror games available today. Its engaging boss battles and nerve-wracking combat have paved the way for a fresh wave of survival horror, offering detailed narratives, well-developed characters, and intricately designed, nerve-racking environments set in a grim, dark world. The game’s prestige is such that it is often credited with sparking the modern revival of “Resident Evil,” starting with “Resident Evil 7.” Typically priced at $19.99 on Xbox, but for a limited time, Game Pass subscribers can get it for $4.00 less.

Alan Wake

In contrast to its 2010 predecessor, the eagerly anticipated sequel of “Alan Wake,” titled “Alan Wake II,” has moved more towards a full-blown survival horror genre. However, it’s worth noting that while the original game wasn’t particularly frightening, it did contain enough horror elements to pave the way for the 2023 sequel. In this new installment, Alan Wake is haunted by an ominous presence in Bright Falls as he hunts for his missing wife and brings to life the pages of a thriller novel he can’t recall writing. The remastered version may not be essential due to the original game holding up quite well, especially considering it is priced at just $19.99 on Xbox.

Resident Evil

2015 saw the return of the game that set the standard for survival horror – a high-definition remastered version of its 2002 GameCube remake titled “Resident Evil.” Despite the upgraded appearance, the chilling terror of the shuffling zombies remains as potent as ever. While graphics may not always be crucial, in the case of “Resident Evil,” improved shadow detail and a more intense sense of claustrophobia within the Spencer Mansion greatly enhance the experience. The game’s classic tank controls, combined with its erratic aiming, add to this suspenseful atmosphere. Typically available for $19.99 on Xbox, “Resident Evil” often appears in sales.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent

If you’re not one for the faint of heart, “Amnesia: The Dark Descent” is a game to consider. At first, it seems typical with your character, Daniel, dealing with amnesia in a spooky castle setting. However, the game quickly moves beyond memory recovery as you venture deeper into the disturbing depths of Daniel’s mind. As you advance, you’ll encounter psychological distress directly through a sanity meter, a unique fear-of-the-dark mechanic that was quite innovative when introduced. Regularly discounted, “Amnesia: The Dark Descent” typically retails for $19.99 on Steam.

Little Nightmares  

seldom does a horror game leave the player in such a helpless state as Little Nightmares; controlling a girl named Six who wears a yellow coat and possesses no combat skills whatsoever, players must cautiously navigate through the shadows of a dismal world to evade the sight of terrifying creatures. The fear experienced through her eyes is unsettling, but what truly haunts you is the game’s portrayal of real-world horror, making it feel as if these nightmares could be actual events – like an expression of someone’s dark imagination – that lingers with you long after playing. At this moment, Little Nightmares can be purchased for $19.99 on Xbox.

Limbo

Experience the timeless masterpiece, “Limbo,” a side-scrolling game set in a chilling, atmospheric world filled with ominous forests, perilous factories, and motionless marshes. You play as a young boy seeking your missing sister, whose fate might be life or death, depending on how you see it. Although the mechanics may be simple, the game effectively weaves an enigmatic tale using striking black-and-white visuals and outstanding sound design. Best of all, this captivating title can be purchased for around $9.99 on Xbox, making it accessible on nearly every platform.

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2025-04-04 16:12