Best indie horror games of 2024

These indie horror games could challenge player's identity, and possibilities of life, or raise questions about an identity

Tech Desk - Sep 15, 2024

An undated image of Ten Bells poster. — Steam

Horror gaming has received massive popularity, with indie horror games providing something new and experimental that fans want. These provide a new setting, scarce resources, and vulnerability, making the player feel frightened and involved.

Some of the most prominent examples of indie horror games include Ten Bells, Siren Head Resurrection, Lethal Company, SOMA, and Inscription.

Indie horror games usually tend to focus more on psychological, open-world exploration, and realism, along with some creepy characteristics for the player.

These games could challenge a player's identity, and the possibilities of life, or raise questions about an identity and a life that might be possible. The innovative gameplay and eerie settings have placed indie horror games at the edge of one's seat.

Ten Bells

Supported Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
Key Features: Open-world exploration, Anomaly finding, Realistic setting based on a historic London pub
Genre: Horror, Action, simulation, adventure

Ten Bells revolves around a dark history London pub, associated with the victims of Jack the Ripper. The players are to explore the pub, documenting anomalies and experiencing horror firsthand.

Siren Head Resurrection

Released on PC: Yes
Key Features: Massive open-world exploration,
Number of ends, Hidden secrets and side quests
Genre: Open World, horror, action

Investigation of a missing brother in the wide open world of an abandoned park through Siren Head Resurrection. There are multiple endings, as well as hidden secrets, for the players.

Lethal Company

Platforms Supported: PC, Consoles (TBD)
Main Features: Co-op gameplay, Proximity chat, Fearful gameplay mechanics
Genre: Horror, co-op, survival

Lethal Corporation provides a co-op horror game where people come and get the assigned tasks done. Proximity chat and fearful gameplay give the game a real thrilling feel.

SOMA

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Key Features: Psychological storytelling of horror, 'Safe mode' feature, Existential themes
Genre: Horror, survival, adventure

SOMA bases its horror on an existential tale and asks what it even means to be human. A 'safe mode' exists so that players can follow the story without needing to escape.

Inscription

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Deckbuilding with cards, elements of Psychological horror, dark, unsettling atmosphere
Horror game with aspects of Deckbuild a List Adventure game

In this game, horror creates an alliance with card-based deck-building where the player has to sit in a dark room against an abhorrent creature. One of the main reasons Inscription makes for such an anxiety-provoking activity is due to distinctive and subtle elements.