10 PS5 Games That Aren’t “Horror” But Feel Terrifying

As the year winds down, I’ve been thinking about games that really messed with my head – games that were super intense and scary, even if they weren’t supposed to be horror games. I’m talking about titles with creepy environments, terrifying creatures, and stories that genuinely frightened me. Some of them just kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, and other moments have stuck with me long after I stopped playing. They really got under my skin!

We’ve collected some of our most exciting and unforgettable moments from that project. A few of them are quite intense, so be prepared if you check them out!

Let’s get started.

1. Elden Ring

Even though the world of Elden Ring and its new Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is often visually stunning, it also hides deeply unsettling stories. These are revealed through details found in dungeons or simply by exploring the world. The lore surrounding the people trapped in pots within the Shadow of the Erdtree dungeons, for example, reveals a disturbing side of Queen Marika, making her motivations even more frightening. Other encounters with monsters show just how dangerous her kingdom truly is.

You’ll encounter terrifying creatures, often in unexpectedly lovely settings. The bleakest areas of The Lands Between, or the haunted grounds around the Shadow Tree, conceal sad stories and incredibly dangerous enemies that can defeat even powerful characters. Players of Bloodborne will likely recognize this – it’s similar to how the Madness gauge works in that game.

For players interested in the game’s darker side, there’s the tragic and impactful story of Mohg, filled with disturbing lore that connects to events throughout the game.

2. Demon’s Souls (Remake)

Bluepoint Studios excelled with the Demon’s Souls remake by faithfully rebuilding the original game’s environments, but also enhancing them with impressive realism, making the already daunting levels and dangers even more immersive.

Even though we’d seen them before, the bosses were much more frightening thanks to their updated appearances, which added a new level of intimidation. This also applied to many of the regular enemies, and the whole experience – including the tense moments between boss fights – was well worth revisiting.

3. Lies of P

One of the strengths of Lies of P is how it subtly integrates horror into its story, creating a disturbing atmosphere that explains the strange chaos and its consequences. The terrifying fights against enemies like Andreus and the Monster of the Swamp are particularly memorable.

The new DLC immediately raised the stakes, sending us to a bizarre and dangerous zoo. Lies of P has a dark and unsettling story, and it really pushes you to uncover the tragic extremes both the Alchemists and their enemies went to. We’re still haunted by what happened to Romeo and Arlecchino in Overture, and that story alone makes this DLC stand out.

4. Control: Ultimate Edition

Looking back, the fact that the game takes place in a dimension outside of time and space – a place causing reality-bending events – should have been a big clue. But Control is cleverly designed, masking its unsettling horror with a sci-fi aesthetic that can be genuinely startling when the game chooses to ramp up the tension.

This game delivers a chilling, SCP-inspired horror experience, putting you in charge as the new Director of the FBC. With twisted realities and unsettling mysteries, it was an easy pick for this list of scary games.

5. Death Stranding 2

Let me tell you about Beached Things – we call them BTs. These creatures are truly frightening when you come across them. Not only are they dangerous to fight, but every encounter carries the risk of a Voidout, a terrifying possibility that hangs over everything. Each BT is even more unsettling with its own unique attacks and horrifying look.

These frequent occurrences make traveling across the world of Death Stranding feel constantly shadowed by the terrifying disaster that began everything.

6. Returnal

Housemarque expertly blended psychological horror into Selene’s journey at Atropos. The alien creatures are frightening enough, but the unraveling mystery of the time loop creates a constant sense of unease, hinting at a potentially endless and terrifying fate for her.

The core idea behind Returnal immediately creates a genuinely scary and thought-provoking experience, one that will likely linger in your mind even after the game is finished.

7. Remnant II

No matter where you begin, this game quickly becomes strange and frightening thanks to its ever-changing world. Whether you’re caught in a time loop inside a burning building or hunting the Nightweaver within the Tormented Asylum, it really ramps up the tension and scares when it wants to.

The bleak and decaying worlds of Remnant II perfectly complement its story and the sense of uncovering secrets, especially when facing its impressively designed and intimidating bosses – bosses that could frighten even the most seasoned players.

8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition

As a huge fan, I always loved how CD Projekt Red blended folklore and monster contracts into these genuinely creepy stories and terrifying enemies. Especially in the third game, they really brought the monsters to life. It wasn’t just how they looked, though – it was the whole experience of tracking them, seeing the damage they could do, and really understanding what you were up against. It made everything so much more immersive and scary!

The game excels at creating a feeling of both excitement and unease, particularly if you delve into the hidden lore of the second expansion. You might also stumble upon side quests in the Skellige Isles that have surprisingly disturbing outcomes.

9. Metro Exodus (Enhanced Edition)

As a fan of post-apocalyptic shooters, I have to say that 4A Games really delivers on the tension! There are moments in this game where I was genuinely panicking, just frantically hitting buttons to survive. The world is full of dangerous, unforgiving places, and the creatures you encounter are truly terrifying. That feeling of desperately trying to breathe through a gas mask while being chased? It’s something I won’t soon forget!

It’s essentially a survival horror game, considering how difficult it is to navigate and endure the game’s world.

10. A Plague Tale: Innocence

The game places you in a frightening 14th-century world, dealing with both the Inquisition and the Black Plague. Asobo Studio didn’t stop there, adding supernatural creatures and horror elements to create a truly terrifying and impressive experience. It’s a story that consistently evokes both fear and wonder.

Hugo’s story, following him and his sister as he faces a serious illness and loses his innocence, is deeply moving and stays with you long after you finish it. It’s especially heartbreaking because of his youth, his sister’s desperate attempts to help them both, and the somber atmosphere created by a country ravaged by the Black Plague – all elements powerfully combined.

Bonus: Ghost of Yotei

Although Atsu’s frightening spirit form is a highlight, Sucker Punch also added some classic ghost story elements. The story of the Spider Lily General’s armor leads players on a journey through a haunted mansion, still stalked by his ghost.

He defeats other bounty hunters before you arrive, observes your struggles with his challenges, and his presence feels threatening as you enter his house. The final fight, and its outcome, are as memorable and unsettling as learning about his past.

Let me tell you, this guy’s story really stuck with me. It’s a super sad and messed up take on a father’s love, and it actually leads to some really intense conversations with the main villain later on. Honestly, figuring out what happened to him was just as creepy as the initial idea, and the whole place where he used to live? Totally run-down and just…suffocating. It really adds to the unsettling feeling.

So, that covers some of our most frightening moments in games that aren’t even supposed to be scary. Honestly, we think a few of them could easily stand alongside the best horror games out there!

2025-11-09 17:13