Few genres in entertainment affect people in the same way horror does. From classic literature and movies to modern-day video games, horror delves deep into the psyche and forces people to confront their darkest fears. However, the true beginnings of horror didn’t start in literature, but in the folk tales passed down through the generations.

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These ancient fears are rooted in our collective unconscious. Stories that tell of the mystery and danger of the natural world and of monsters that lurk in the darkest woods. In recent years, developers have begun to incorporate these folk tales into their horror games, creating terrifying game worlds that bring some of humanity's most ancient traditions into fun, interactive settings.

8 Through The Woods

Metascore: 63

• Platform: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, MacOS
• Released: 2016
• Developers: Antagonist
• Genre: Adventure, Horror

This Norwegian horror game follows the story of Karen, a mother who has been led to a mysterious island after her son was kidnapped by a dangerous being known as Old Erik. The game uses ancient Norwegian folktales and legends to craft a story dealing with the all-too-real themes of abuse and guilt.

The game is played from a third-person perspective and was praised for its excellent use of sound design and lighting. The horror elements of the game could have been scarie, but the atmosphere and lore of the setting make it a worthwhile title to spend a few hours with. While this isn’t a perfect game by any standard, Through The Woods is a good attempt by the developers to blend ancient folklore and real-life issues into an engaging narrative.

7 Blair Witch

Metascore: 69

Blair Witch is a survival horror game based on the 1999 hit found footage horror filmThe Blair Witch Project. The game revolves around a detective venturing into the woods to find a missing boy, but discovering darker secrets lurking within. Much like the movie, the game is rooted in ancient legends of witchcraft where supernatural powers toy with unsuspecting victims.

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While the game failed to reach an audience beyond the genre and series fans, Blair Witch creates a creeping atmosphere which rarely lets the player rest. Like with many folk horror games, the setting is a character itself, which creates an unnerving tension, like the woods are always watching and readying to strike. While the game never rises above its cinematic predecessors, Blair Witch is a solid survival horror game that fans of the genre will enjoy.

6 Mundaun

Metascore: 72

Taking influence from Swiss folklore, Mundaun is a first-person survival horror game bursting with atmosphere. With its hand-drawn art style, the game revolves around the player character Curdin, who must solve the mystery of his grandfather’s death. As the game progresses, the player slowly ascends the mountain, avoiding different enemies while uncovering dark secrets.

Like many folk horror titles, the landscape of Mundaun is a central part of the game, with the mountain being an ever-present foe to overcome. Set in the rural Swiss Alps, the bleak style, strange locals, and unfolding mystery create an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of the classic folk horror film The Wicker Man. While combat is an option in the game, the mechanics are far better suited for stealth. Mundaun is a unique indie title that will appeal to horror fans looking for something different from the average horror game.

5 Fatal Frame

Metascore: 74

Taking much of its influence from ancient Japanese ghost stories, Fatal Frame revolves around a girl searching for her missing brother in an abandoned haunted mansion. Using a Camera Obscura, which can exorcise spirits, players battle ghosts and search for clues to the unfolding mysteries.

Fatal Frame was a landmark entry in Japanese horror gaming. It followed in the footsteps of popular films like Ringu and Ju-On, which both feature vengeful spirits that haunt unsuspecting people. The game features an assortment of malevolent ghosts, and creates a lasting and oppressive atmosphere throughout. The second game in the series would go on to be considered one of the scariest games ever made. Fatal Frame stands as a benchmark for Japanese horror games, using ancient traditions to create its memorable and terrifying setting.

4 Saturnalia

Metascore: 80

• Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Nintendo Switch
• Released: 2022
• Developers: Santa Ragione
• Genre: Survival Horror, Roguelike, Puzzle.

This third-person survival horror game is steeped in Italian folklore, and has a style that pays homage to the classic Italian horror movies of the 1970s. The game keeps players on edge with its hand-drawn style and Roguelike elements, which change the orientation of the village when all characters become lost. Players control four different protagonists, each with unique skills required for the game’s puzzles.

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Saturnalia is set within a Sardinian village, where ancient rituals have taken place and awoken a beast. As players are hunted, they will become increasingly lost within the maze-like streets. The culture of Sardinia is on full display in Saturnalia, from the traditional masks, pagan rituals, or local monsters. The game is a celebration of style and atmosphere, and was praised for its excellent concept, world design, and characters. Horror fans will love the neon aesthetic and dark enclosed streets depicted here.

3 Bramble: The Mountain King

Metascore: 80

Heavily based on Scandinavian folklore, Bramble: The Mountain King follows the story of Olle as he searches for his big sister Lillemor. This linear narrative game plays out like a fairytale. As the character travelers through different locations, he must overcome an assortment of enemies taken directly from ancient Nordic tales. The game gets very dark, with its themes growing more disturbing as it goes along. While Bramble: The Mountain King may at first seem childlike in its presentation, it soon becomes anything but, with some truly haunting imagery that will stick with players long after.

Each new area in the game brings new puzzles and dangerous enemies, each with unique mechanics to overcome. Bramble is the perfect game for fans of horror and fantasy. Its engaging narrative, fun gameplay, and memorable character design make it a must-play indie title.

2 Darkwood

Metascore: 80

This atmospheric survival horror game is not for the faint-hearted. With unforgiving gameplay and constant foreboding permeating the entire setting, Darkwood is an underrated horror gem. Highly influenced by Slavic folklore, the game revolves around a main character who is trapped in a mysterious and dangerous forest.

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Darkwood is filled with disturbing sounds, hidden threats, and unnatural enemies, who can be just out of sight waiting to attack. Played from a top-down perspective, Darkwood forces players to explore the surrounding forest during the day, while preparing for the oncoming night, when unseen horrors hunt those venturing out too late. Genre fans will love the atmosphere and challenge of this game, which dares players to travel further into the gloom in order to survive another day.

1 Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Metascore: 81

Hellblade is a fantasy action game that blends psychological horror and Norse mythology. The game’s narrative and gameplay are metaphors for the central character’s battle with psychosis. Critics applauded Hellblade’s depiction of mental health, and it went on to win multiple awards.

The game follows a Pict warrior named Senua on her journey to save the soul of her murdered lover from the Goddess Hela. As she travels toward Helheim, she battles horrific creatures, solves puzzles, and overcomes the challenge of her perceived curse, a malevolent entity known as the Darkness. The game’s influence comes primarily from ancient Celtic culture, with many themes coming directly from historical research.

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