As 2021 rolled in, we have witnessed some amazing horror titles being released despite still being in the middle of a pandemic.

We have compiled the top 15 horror games from 2021 that caught our attention. A great mix of indie and big-budget games have made the list.

Here is the list of our top 15 best horror games released in 2021 that is amazing.

15. Bloodwash (PC)

BLOODWASH Trailer 

Bloodwash is downright terrifying. Play through the darkest nightmare, being in a laundromat at midnight as a pregnant woman and finding out there is a serial killer roaming freely in your neighborhood who seeks for womb. 

The game's style screams classic horror, with PS1-style gameplay and visuals characterized by low poly models. Bloodwash effectively delivers the fright through its narrative and gameplay. It is a short but horrific journey that truly deserves your attention.

14. Inscryption (PC)

The First 19 Minutes of Inscryption Gameplay

Every card dealt is the key to breaking free and solving puzzles as the player is trapped and tries to flee from the ghostly figure. Inscryption is a card-based horror game that is an unusual combination. However, safe to say that Inscryption is the master of the deck for the genre.

The deckbuilding roguelike develops the tale and mysteries uniquely, making it possible for replayability as various playthroughs is required at some point. The sound design and environment created are both unnerving as if the player is face to face with the figure.

13. Forwarned (PC)

FOREWARNED - Official Gameplay Trailer

Forewarned takes an unusual approach to the co-op survival horror genre where players are not dealing with ordinary house ghosts. Build a team to start venturing into ruins teeming with relics and ancient mummies.

These ancient mummies are not happy that you are taking home what is theirs. As they become alive once again, players are required to determine the type of mummies haunting them to escape.

Instilled with a PvP mode, Forewarned allows players to recruit the help of the dead to aid them in their mission. Players can, on the other hand, choose to become one of the haunted mummies and haunt their former partners, trapping them forever.

12. Returnal (PS5)

Returnal - Gameplay Trailer 

Returnal sets its environment on an alien planet as Selene, the main character, tries to escape the loop of fighting the same alien enemies over and over again. A roguelike game that lets you strategize as you return from death to keep fighting until all is explored and uncovered.

This years-in-the-making game combines horror elements with looping mechanics while maintaining excellent storytelling. The striking atmosphere and visuals displayed are expected for a PS5 exclusive game. It certainly feels like a ride out of Earth, a thrilling one at that. 

11. Chernobylite (PC, PS4, Xbox)

Chernobylite - Exclusive Official Gameplay Trailer 

The developers went to the exact location and recreated the structures for this sci-fi survival horror game, which explores a real-life event of the Chernobyl disaster. 

Instilled with survival elements such as crafting and making use of gathered items, this is also a fantastic experience that is heavily reliant on the choices you make throughout the game. Although the shooter mechanic is not particularly pleasant, Chernobylite makes up for it with other elements that will keep you engrossed.

10. Mundaun (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox)

Mundaun Trailer

Mundaun follows the main character as he investigates his grandfather's death after discovering a burned corpse and an empty grave. Curdin, the main character, maneuvers through the village and to the top of the mountain.

Mundaun's most recognizable feature is its hand-drawn 3D art style. Introducing an interesting greyscale visual for a horror game, Mundaun captivates the player’s attention by making it looks like a personal journey read through a sketchbook. It is a breathtaking experience as much as it is intriguing.

9. If On a Winter’s Night, Four Travelers (PC)

If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers Trailer

A simple point-and-click game may not appear to be the genre in which a horror game would thrive. If On a Winter's Night, Four Travelers, on the other hand, successfully combines adventure, horror, and narrative elements in a less than two-hour experience.

As one of the best titles in its genre, this atmospheric adventure is a must-play. The game perfectly utilizes its short gameplay, from its storyline, character arcs, beautifully eerie environment, to its exceptional soundtracks. 

8. The Medium (PC, PS5, Xbox)

The Medium Gameplay 

The Medium follows the story of Marianne who interestingly can live and interact with two universes, the reality and the spirit realm. One who helps troubled souls to get away from their eternal sufferings.

The storyline of the game has a hook that will keep you engaged for a long time, followed by puzzles and enemies that will prevent the main character from assisting the spirit who summoned her. The ability to exist in two different realities makes the game enticing.

7. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm (PC, PS4, Xbox)

Happy Humble Burger Farm - Official Gameplay Trailer

The Happy's Humble Burger Farm franchise began as a prototype in 2020, quickly gaining recognition and positive feedback. Its eerily quirky gameplay and art style have resulted in its full-featured release. The game’s setting, working as a fast-food restaurant manager, introduces a unique experience in a horror game. 

Happy, the restaurant's cow, will not be happy if you don't stay focused and deliver the perfect order in this horror fast food simulator. The gameplay complements the situation perfectly, leaving a mysterious feeling that lingers as you progress through the game.

6. In Sound Mind (PC, PS5, Xbox)

In Sound Mind Gameplay

In Sound Mind provides a one-of-a-kind horror experience, exploring the environment that brings itself back to life, presenting the narratives of experimental incident victims haunting the game’s main character. 

In Sound Mind is a fantastic blend of psychological horror, narrative, and spine-tingling puzzles, as the developers aim to deliver classic horror gameplay. Reveal the terrifying backstory of each of Desmond's patients, as well as himself.

5. Tormented Souls (PC, PS5, Xbox)

Tormented Souls: The First 20 Minutes of Gameplay

Tormented Souls has proven to be the cure for those who have missed the nostalgic atmosphere and gameplay of games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. While remakes usually fail to capture the essential elements, the majority of fans think this indie game got it right.

While attempting to solve the disappearances of two twins, investigate a mansion full of mutants, hideous monsters and challenging puzzles. 

Aside from the suspenseful narrative to be experienced, players will enjoy the game's mechanics as well as the insidious atmosphere and sound design. Tormented Souls will transport you back to the golden age of classic horror games.

4. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach (PC, PS4, PS5)

Five Nights At Freddy's Security Breach Gameplay

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach comes back with its group of animatronic superstars who, when the clock strikes midnight, transform into the polar opposite of children's sweethearts. 

Move your way as Gregory who tries to outsmart a hoard of animatronics and evil robots by solving puzzles and utilizing the help of Freddy itself.

This new installment of the famous franchise introduces new gameplay but remains the horror elements, jumpscares and captivating storyline. The franchise’s first game to have a semi-open world environment has given fans a fresh look into the Five Nights at Freddy’s world.

3. The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox)

The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes - First 15 Minutes of Gameplay

For fans of narrative horror games, The Dark Pictures Anthology is a well-known franchise. House of Ashes is the third game from The Dark Pictures Anthology series and is deemed to be the best so far. Polished gameplay and a compelling storyline make this narrative survival horror game one of the best titles to come out in 2021.

As the third installment, the game mechanics are vastly improved over the previous game in the series. It's also more action-packed, with more exciting elements to complement the horror setting.

2. Little Nightmares 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox, Switch)

Little Nightmares II Gameplay

Little Nightmares quickly gained its deserved excellent reputation for its art style and unique story. Acts as the prequel to the first game, Little Nightmares 2 has left an incredible impact for horror games fans, describing it as an emotional ride that will not be forgotten.

The highly praised art style along with more refined gameplay compared to the first game are what make Little Nightmares 2 stand on its own. Meet new, scarier enemies as you revisit Pale City to uncover dark truths.

1. Resident Evil Village (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox)

RESIDENT EVIL 8 VILLAGE PC Gameplay

Resident Evil Village, also known as Resident Evil 8, is the sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard as fans celebrated the franchise’s 25th anniversary. Resident Evil Village continues the story of Ethan Winters with his wife, Mia, and their daughter. 

Ethan then finds himself in a Victorian-era-style village that is having a massive snowstorm. It just happens to be that the village is populated by monsters that are hungry for flesh and powerful beings like the famous Lady Dimitrescu herself. The art, building structures and the creation of the monsters in this game have stolen the spotlight for one of the best in horror games history.

This survival horror game is more action-packed this time around as Ethan is now equipped with combat skills. Player also needs to strategize their every move as well as to solve complicated puzzles. This Game of The Year winner for the Golden Joystick Awards deserves a spot as one of the best horror games in 2021. 

In conclusion, 2021 had been a good year for horror games fans. From PS5-exclusive to PS1 style horror games, the top 15 horror games released in 2021 that we have compiled are enticing in their own ways.

You may also be interested in:

• New Indie Horror Games Released in 2021
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• Best Indie Horror Games of 2019
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