Best PS5 Horror Games to Play This Spooky Season
The spooky season is upon us, and for gamers, that means dimming the lights, putting on a headset, and diving into the most chilling experiences the medium has to offer. The PlayStation 5 has quickly become the definitive console for horror fans, and not just for its ability to render terrifying creatures and eerie environments in stunning 4K. The true game-changer is the DualSense controller, a piece of technology that transforms virtual terror into a tangible sensation, putting the horror directly into your hands.
From the subtle pitter-patter of rain to the desperate tension of a trigger pull, the PS5’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers create a level of immersion that was previously impossible. You don’t just see your character’s fear; you feel their racing heartbeat and the heavy resistance of a door that refuses to budge. This guide highlights the best PS5 horror games that masterfully use this technology to deliver an unforgettable season of scares.
Alan Wake 2
A masterclass in psychological and survival horror, Alan Wake 2 is a must-play for anyone seeking a deep, atmospheric, and truly unsettling narrative. Players navigate the intertwined stories of the titular author and an FBI agent, Saga Anderson, as they investigate a series of ritualistic murders in the Pacific Northwest. The game’s genius lies in its use of light as both a weapon and a safe haven against the encroaching, shadow-like enemies.
On the PS5, the experience is heightened immeasurably. The DualSense controller provides distinct feedback for every weapon, from the sharp click of Alan’s revolver to the weighty charge of a flare gun. You’ll feel the subtle pulse of nearby threats through the haptics and the tense resistance in the triggers as you focus your flashlight beam to burn the darkness away from your foes.
Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
Capcom’s stunning remake of the 2005 classic is a masterwork of action-horror. As U.S. agent Leon S. Kennedy, you are tasked with rescuing the president’s daughter from a remote European village overrun by a violent cult. The game perfectly balances intense, high-stakes combat with moments of quiet, creeping dread.
The PS5 version makes every encounter feel more visceral and desperate. Each firearm has a unique feel thanks to the adaptive triggers; the R2 button offers heavy resistance for a shotgun blast and a lighter, more frantic pull for a pistol. The haptic feedback simulates the satisfying chunk of a successful parry with your knife and the unsettling thud of an approaching enemy, making every moment a pulse-pounding fight for survival.
Dead Space (Remake)
Step aboard the derelict mining ship USG Ishimura in one of the most celebrated sci-fi horror games ever made. The remake of Dead Space rebuilds the terrifying original from the ground up, delivering breathtaking visuals, a seamless single-shot camera, and an oppressive atmosphere that will stick with you long after you put the controller down.
The PS5’s 3D Audio is a star player here, turning every metallic groan of the ship and distant, unidentifiable skittering into a source of paranoia. The DualSense controller brings Isaac Clarke’s engineering tools to life. You’ll feel the mechanical whir of the Plasma Cutter in your hands and the intense magnetic pull of the Kinesis module. The haptics even simulate Isaac’s frantic heartbeat when his health is low, directly connecting you to his state of panic.
The Last of Us Part I
While often categorized as an action-adventure game, the world of The Last of Us is steeped in the purest survival horror. This ground-up remake of the PlayStation classic tells the harrowing story of Joel and Ellie’s journey across a post-apocalyptic United States. The true horror comes not just from the terrifying infected but from the desperate, often brutal, actions of human survivors.
The PS5 enhances the game’s signature tension in profound ways. Haptic feedback allows you to feel the texture of the world around you, from the gentle drops of rain on Joel’s jacket to the violent shudder of a nearby explosion. During crafting, the adaptive triggers provide satisfying feedback, and in combat, they simulate the tension of drawing a bowstring, making every arrow count.
Madison
For those who prefer their horror to be psychological and deeply disturbing, Madison is a terrifying first-person experience. Armed only with an instant camera, you must explore a claustrophobic house, solve devious puzzles, and survive a demonic presence that haunts your every step. The game excels at building an almost unbearable sense of dread.
The DualSense controller is your anchor to this nightmarish world. The controller will subtly vibrate when the entity is near, serving as a terrifying early warning system. The most ingenious feature is tied to the camera; you’ll feel the mechanical process of taking a picture and the slight jolt as the photo develops, often revealing something horrifying that wasn't there a moment before.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
This stunning sequel continues the heart-wrenching story of siblings Amicia and Hugo as they flee across 14th-century France. While a narrative-driven adventure at its core, A Plague Tale: Requiem delivers potent horror through its signature threat: a supernatural, all-consuming swarm of rats. Navigating dark crypts and ruined cities while millions of glowing red eyes watch from the shadows is an unnervingly tense experience.
The PS5’s haptics brilliantly convey the feeling of the swarm. As the rats get closer, the controller begins to skitter and vibrate with a terrifying intensity, making it feel as though the swarm is about to burst right through the screen. This sensory feedback makes keeping to the light not just a gameplay mechanic, but a desperate, tangible need.
Frequently Asked Questions About PS5 Horror Games
Q: What is the absolute scariest horror game on PS5? A: "Scary" is subjective and depends on what you find frightening. For pure psychological dread and jump scares, many players point to Madison or Visage. For intense, action-packed tension, Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space are top contenders. For atmospheric, story-driven horror, Alan Wake 2 is in a class of its own.
Q: Are there good multiplayer horror games on PS5? A: Absolutely. While this list focuses on single-player experiences, the PS5 has a great library of multiplayer horror. Games like Dead by Daylight, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Evil Dead: The Game offer fantastic asymmetrical horror where you can play as either a survivor or the menacing killer hunting them.
Q: Is it worth upgrading to PS5 for horror games? A: Yes. The combination of lightning-fast load times (which eliminate immersion-breaking loading screens), 3D Audio (which creates a realistic and terrifying soundscape), and the revolutionary DualSense controller makes the PS5 the premier platform for modern horror gaming. Feeling the horror is a completely different experience from just seeing it.