Many people think that horror games are mostly about cheap thrills, jump scares, blood and gore. At the same time, others feel that they are more about exploration, frightening environments, eerie details, mind-numbing wild stories, puzzles, etc. However, the horror genre is much more than just a few cliches.
One good proof of that is the 2D horror games that have redefined how players have consumed the genre over the years. Even in 2022, many must-play 2D horror games break the genre's stereotypical aspects and give players something new to experience. Here's a look at some of the best two-dimensional horror games on current-gen consoles.
10 Limbo
Limbo is a 2D puzzle platformer that originally came out in 2010 on the seventh-generation consoles. However, the game’s popularity over the years has caused the developer Playdead to release it on various other platforms, such as current-gen consoles, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, and more.
In Limbo, players assume control of a little boy traversing through eerie environments in hopes of finding his sister. Throughout the journey, the child will encounter some of the most horrifying creatures, like giant spiders and cannibalistic enemies.
9 Inside
Inside is more or less a spiritual successor to Limbo and is the second main game by developer, Playdead. The puzzle platformer has a very similar dark art style to its spiritual predecessor, but 3D visuals that stand out compared to many other games on the list.
Inside is a game about an unnamed boy running away from enemies trying to capture him. On his journey, he has to travel through desolate urban environments and facilities and dive underwater using a submarine to unveil the truth that awaits him.
8 Carrion
Carrion is an action-horror game that originally came out in 2020 on various platforms such as Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and more. However, the game has since been released on other major platforms thanks to how well players received it during launch.
In Carrion, players assume control of the antagonist creature, which has somehow broken free of its captivity. The creature's goal is to create more chaos while trying to escape the science facility. The game has a stunning 2D art style full of gore and blood and utilizes it as a main part of the gameplay.
7 Detention
Detention is a 2D horror game that does atmospheric storytelling through stunning environments. It’s a 2017 title that came out in 2017 on all major platforms, including mobile phones. The game is made by independent developer Red Candle Games and is one of the recent highest-rated side-scrolling horror games.
In Detention, players assume control of school students Wei and Ray and explore the ominous Greenwood High School, isolated in a mountainous region. Their goal is to reveal the dark history of the cursed school and unveil the unsettling mystery.
6 Little Nightmares 2
Little Nightmares 2 is a 2021 puzzle-platform horror game that is a sequel to the 2017 title of the same name. The title comes from Bandai Namco Entertainment and is one of their best horror games, according to high review scores and popularity.
In Little Nightmares 2, players assume control of a nine-year-old kid traveling through an eerie 2.5D world full of unique locations. Throughout the journey, players must solve puzzles and uncover the scary mystery behind the distorted world.
5 Lone Survivor
Lone Survivor is a survival horror game that utilizes beautiful 16-bit style pixel graphics and 2D side-scrolling gameplay to give players the ultimate retro experience. The game came out in 2012 on Windows and later on all major consoles, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and others.
Lone Survivor features a story of a masked protagonist stuck in a city full of scary monsters and a deadly disease. The goal is to escape using one of the two unique paths while uncovering a truly interactive storyline.
4 Oxenfree
Oxenfree is a 2D story-rich game that mixes atmospheric storytelling and supernatural drama with mystery horror and graphic adventure genres. It’s a 2016 game widely available on all major platforms, including iOS, Linux, Android, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and other major consoles.
In Oxenfree, players take control of Alex, a young adult who’s visiting an overnight island party with his new stepbrother Jonas. Unfortunately, things go south for the duo when a ghostly rift opens up, leading to a story full of supernatural thriller drama and choices.
3 Knock-Knock
Knock-Knock is an adventure game that mixes survival and horror using 2D visual design and platformer-style gameplay. It’s a side-scroller where players must solve puzzles while navigating through a bizarre world that seems to be inspired by the iconic cartoon series, The Addams Family.
Knock-Knock features a story of a lodger staying in an unusual cabin in the woods. In the game, players must maintain their sanity until morning while uncovering scary things and evading the unknown by playing hide and seek with their nightmares.
2 The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters
The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters is one of the newest 2D survival horror games on the list, as it came out two years ago. It’s one of the highest-rated horror games on Steam and extremely popular on most platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, and more.
The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters mixes anime-style visuals and throws players into a deserted school packed with dark secrets. The game’s Steam bio states, “Use everything at your disposal to avoid a demoness hellbent on killing you!”
1 Worse Than Death
Worse Than Death is a 2D horror game with action-style gameplay mechanics, lots of violence, and gore. The indie title came out in late 2019 and is available on various platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, iOS, and more.
In Worse Than Death, players witness a high school reunion that turns scary and chaotic when things go wrong. The game features handcrafted challenges, truly immersive puzzles, fast-paced gameplay, and multiple difficulty modes. It also offers 3D positional audio, sure to send chills down the spine of players who dare to play it.