The best action games with horror elements

Key takeaways

• Good action games balance gameplay and atmosphere to create unforgettable experiences.
• Some action games integrate subtle horror elements to enhance the player's experience.
• Immersive action games like BioShock, Prey, and Bloodborne are great for creating horror experiences.

Great action games rely on everything from gameplay to atmosphere to make a lasting impression on fans. These titles nail the idea of ​​taking on enemies in style and making the player regret trying to take them out. However, there's only so much the gameplay itself can do to carry the experience before players demand more. It is equally important for these games to nail elements such as art style, enemy AI, level design, and story elements, to name a few.

Some games immerse players in action games by integrating subtle horror elements that do a great job of elevating the experience. This can be a challenge, especially if some players don't like the idea of ​​enjoying a power fantasy to be scared out of their wits in an unexpected and unnecessary bait-and-switch. However, gamers who understand the role of environment in enhancing their experiences love to play through action games that lean towards horror elements.

5 bioshock

An atmospheric, claustrophobic first-person shooter

bioshock One of the greatest first person shooters of all time. This immersive action-adventure introduces players to the underwater city of Rapture in a memorable opening sequence that sets the stage for a generational game. It only takes a player's first encounter with Splicer to realize that Ken Levine wasn't pulling any punches to scare players at unexpected moments.

These terrifying enemies become more advanced as the game progresses. This is a proof bioshockEven with a relatively low level of enemy variety compared to many other action shooters, it keeps players engaged. Rapture's claustrophobic halls make players feel isolated, guided by voices with their own agendas that aren't revealed until players progress.

4 hunting

Talos 1 is haunting to explore

Arkane Studios is known for developing a litany of great immersive sims, and hunting There are no exceptions. This incredible sci-fi adventure does a great job of making players feel uninspired every step of the way, and their first encounter with a Mimic will show. hunting Doesn't hesitate when it comes to kicking out players. These enemies essentially serve as mini-jumpscares and a taste of the horrors to come, but players will eventually gain enough weapons and powers to take out these Typhoons without breaking a sweat.

However, the strongest moves in Morgan Yu's arsenal won't make the encounter against Nightmare any easier. This mighty Typhon is no joke and will randomly seek out the hero, forcing players to hide or take everything they have from this enemy. No matter how many times they avoid or defeat this enemy, the Nightmare will return, adding to the tension of one of the most underrated immersive sims of all time.

3 blood borne

Arguably one of the software's scariest titles to date

blood borne Needs no introduction, and it's easy to see why fans are clamoring for a re-release or remake of this incredible action RPG. After taking a step back from Dark spirits After its massive success, Miyazaki shifted his focus to Gothic and Lovecraftian horror. The result was a fun journey where players fought against eldritch creatures and slowly discovered the secret behind an eternal nightmare that could not be lifted from the Chosen Hunter.

fight in blood borne is much faster and more aggressive Dark spiritsForcing players to engage enemies head-on without prolonging encounters. It is a great action game that can scare players with its skillful enemy placement and fear of the unknown. As players delve deeper into the nightmare, the title's Lovecraftian roots become more apparent and twisted. blood borne In a terrifying experience that can throw players off their game.

2 The last of us

A stealth-action game that is rife with scary moments

Despite the nightmare being populated with zombies, there's no denying it The last of us First and foremost is the job title. Items and ammunition are relatively plentiful on normal difficulty, while stellar gunplay and stealth mechanics ensure that players won't be too afraid to face enemies as long as they're prepared. However, there are times when The last of us Flexes its fearsome muscles and deftly scares the players.

The infamous clickers will leave players gasping for breath after every close save. And of course, everyone remembers the moment when they turn on the generator and start a terrifying encounter where Joel is attacked by a bunch of infected, including the dreaded Bloater. These moments abound in a game where players must carefully approach each encounter if they don't want to be cut, shot, or clubbed to death.

1 Half life 2

A great showcase of Valve's incredible, Nightmare's level design

It's always impressive when action games execute horror themes expertly, and Half life 2 is a great example. Combine may be relatively straightforward to take down, but players are always terrified of the prospect of fighting headcrabs, zombies, and other such enemies that they remember from the first game. For the most part, these encounters are frustrating at best, but the scare factor ramps up once players reach Ravenholm.

The game is a perfect demonstration of how to integrate horror levels into an action game. The city is full of traps and enemies that will really surprise the players. On top of that, this level introduces a new enemy called the Poison Headcrab which is a nightmare to deal with. It's easy to see why Ravenholm is considered the pinnacle Half life 2 And a definitive gaming experience. This shows why Valve is hailed by the public as one of the greatest video game developers of all time.