Revenge fuels fear and intensifies the terror in some of the most unforgettable horror games ever created. Horror can be driven by all sorts of different things, from meaningless violence to care for loved ones. Many horror games use revenge as the main driving force of their plot, though. From psychological thrillers to brutal, action-packed adventures, these games often deal with dark themes, which make horror even more intense.

The titles that utilize revenge to drive their horror vary widely. In some, the revenge feels called for. In others, it seems like a blindfold worn by the villain. All of these games use revenge as a means to drive the fear, though.

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8Alice: Madness Returns

This dark, twisted reimagining of Wonderland sees Alice on a brutal quest for vengeance against the forces that stole her family and shattered her sanity. You’ll be immersed in a gothic, nightmarish world where you’ll need to survive in surreal environments full of nightmare creatures and psychological puzzles. These encounters mirror Alice’s own torment and dark memories, which the game also explores.

The combat is visceral and disturbing, adding even more psychological horror into the game. However, the game is also cathartic as Alice works her revenge in a world that wronged her.

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7The Last Of Us Part 2

The Last of Us Part 2is a very popular horror game that has a revenge-driven plot. You’ll follow Ellie, who is on a journey regularly marked with loss, heartbreak, and a desire to retaliate against those who have harmed her. Amidst infected horrors and brutal human foes, every encounter forces you to confront complex moral dilemmas as the boundaries between justice and cruelty blur.

The environment is richly detailed and immersive. Every action feels like it has real impacts on Ellie and those around you. Your actions have consequences, and the right path isn’t always clear.

Wolf uses a Mikiri Counter to throw an enemy samurai off balance in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

6Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twiceis a soulslike game with some spooky elements. It isn’t a traditional horror game and is made unique by beingreally hard. Revenge plays a central part in the storyline, as you play a lone shinobi trying to recover your stolen lord and avenge a betrayal. The game’s combat is extremely fast-paced and challenging, and the stealth mechanics are difficult to master.

You’ll probably diea lot. However, every victory brings you a step closer to retribution. The atmosphere of the game is spot-on, too.

Killing an enemy with a stealth kill katana strike in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

WHERE TO PLAY

Bringing classic FromSoftware gameplay to feudal Japan, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice sees a lone shinobi, Wolf, seek revenge. You must take on formidable bosses along the way, using all your skills to survive and conquer.

5Until Dawn

Until Dawndelivers a cinematic horror experience where a remote mountain lodge conceals many secrets. You’ll play several friends who reconnecting but quickly get sucked into a nightmare. The game has abranching narrative, and the choices you make have a huge impact. As a result, there’s a lot of replayability, especially if you play the game without guides. Even the smallest choices can make a difference.

Revenge plays a key part in the game’s story, as you’ll discover. There are many other themes explored, too, like trust and friendship.

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4Butcher’s Creek

Butcher’s Creek is an extremely violent indie horror game that is unapologetic in its approach. You’ll play as an antihero who is stopping a gang of serial torturers. Yes, they are bad guys, but the way you go about handling them isn’t exactly ‘good’ either.

It’s ahack-and-slash horror gamethat isn’t for anyone looking for a relaxing experience. The game also has a great deal of dark humor, which not everyone will find funny. It’s recommended to watch some gameplay before deciding to dive into this game, as it can be quite intense.

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3Remothered: Broken Porcelain

Remothered: Broken Porcelainis a psychological horror game where you’ll play as Rosemary Reed. You’ll discover the secrets of Ashmann Lodge, which you’ll explore while avoiding the threat of stalkers. Survival isn’t just about quick button mashes. It’s about strategically using resources. There is a hugesurvival elementto the game, which involves scouring resources as you explore.

While this game is part of a series, there is no need to play the earlier games before diving into this one. It’s a good starting place for new fans who want to explore the game’s lore.

Butchers Creek screenshot of player holding a hammer while looking at a masked killer.-2

2Carrion

Carrionis areversehorror game. In other words,you’rethe scary thing. You’ve been imprisoned and are now escaping, devouring those that stand in your way. This game’s big selling point is its smooth, physics-based movement. The combat flows nicely and is appropriately gory; you are eating things, after all.

The pixel-style art and spooky sounds do a good job of setting the scene and bringing out the horror aspect of the game. All that said, this game isn’t that spooky since you’re in control of the scary thing. However, it is an interesting idea that’s done nicely.

Remothered Broken Porcelain

1Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrificehas a strong focus on storytelling and atmosphere, though there is a smattering of traditional RPG mechanics, too. You’ll travel through Helheim as Senua on a quest to rescue your lover’s soul. The gameplay itself is a mixture of simple combat, environmental puzzles, and exploration. All the mechanics are pretty straightforward and accessible for even new gamers.

Senua’s psychosis throws a wrench into the simple exploration and combat, though. Constant whispers surround you, and you’ll regularly be immersed in binaural 3D combat.

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