5 Best Horror Games on the PlayStation 5 in 2023 – Ranked

The best horror games to play on the PlayStation 5 based on gameplay, VR support, game resolution, and quality. PS5 is Sony’s most powerful PlayStation.

Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console

Image source: playstation.com

Sony launched PlayStation 5 in 2020 with VRR support for 1440p resolution and transferring data between PS5 consoles feature. The PlayStation 5 has been immensely popular for immersive gaming because of the high quality VR simulation. This feature has been a game changer in the world of horror gaming. Now your favourite horror simulation is in 3D all around you!

The Best Horror Games on the PS5

Some horror games on the PS5 are super popular, while some are still underrated gems. This list of the best horror games is based on how immersive the game is, gameplay, storyline, and horror rating according to the players. So let’s jump in!

1. Little Nightmares 2

Little Nightmares 2: The nightmares continue with new characters, locations, and new puzzles

Image source: tarsier.se

Little Nightmares 2 is a puzzle-platformer horror survival game developed by Tarsier Studios and released under Bandai Namco Entertainment in 2021. The unique storytelling and immersive gameplay of the first Little Nightmares game gathered quite a dedicated fanbase since its release in 2017. The second installation of the game adds to the original story and introduces new characters, locations, and unlocks new fears.

The player plays as the new character called “Mono” and traverses through Pale City, solving puzzles and defeating new villains. Mono is joined by Six, the character from the original game, and the two face the dark nightmarish world together.

Little Nightmares 2 tells a haunting and mesmerising tale about a mysterious city with strange creatures. The game atmosphere, background soundtrack, and animation will make this an unforgettable experience that you’ll keep coming back to.

System requirements for Playing Little Nightmare 2 according to Steam:

OS: Windows 10. Processor: Intel Core i5-2300 | AMD FX-4350. Memory: 4 GB RAM. Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 570, 1 GB | AMD Radeon HD 7850, 2 GB.

Little Nightmares 2 can be played on the platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Google Stadia.

Owners of the PS4 version of the game can update to the PS5 version without purchase. Simply insert the PS4 disc copy into the PS5 and download the PS5 digital version.

Does Little Nightmare 2 support VR?

Yes, Little Nightmares 2 can be played in VR on the PS5!

2. Martha Is Dead

Psychological first-person horror survival game Martha is Dead is one of the most popular horror games in 2022

Image source: @MarthaIsDead on twitter.com

Martha is Dead was released in February of 2022 by studio LKA and is widely regarded as one of the most disturbing horror games. The game is a psychological slow-burn survival horror with a heart-touching storyline. The plot is set at the end of the Second World War and follows the story of a young girl named Martha and her twin sister Giulia.

According to Steam, Martha is Dead is compatible with: Windows 10 64bit. Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent AMD. Memory: 8 GB RAM. Graphics: Nvidia GTX 670 or AMD R9 270X. It can be played on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X, and Series S, Amazon Luna.

Martha is Dead can be played in a full 2160p (4K) at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps on the PS5. The 4K version is highly recommended by players. The game does not have VR mode though so you’ll have to focus on the story for full immersion. Sony released a censored version of Martha is Dead for PS5 removing some disturbing scenes like face peeling, womb cutting, and others. The gripping plot of the game compiled with the high quality in PS5 makes this narrative horror adventure game an incredible adventure for horror fans.

How disturbing is “Martha is Dead”?

The game contains gruesome and graphic acts of violence and abuse. The incredible 4K quality of the game really burns these images into the player’s memory for a long time. If you wish to avoid the more gory images, it’s best to play the censored PS5 version rather than the original.

Is “Martha is Dead” based on true events?

After release, the creative director Luca Dalco confirmed that he took inspiration for the game from real-life events that occurred during World War 2 and the Ardeatine Caves massacre in Italy. The game story, however, is original and not related to any real-life characters.

3. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Capcom releases remaster of 2005 Resident Evil 4

Image source: playstation.com

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a 2023 remaster of the 2005 Resident Evil 4 game by CAPCOM. The game uses modern animation and higher picture quality with a reimagined storyline for Resident Evil fans. RE4 is set to be compatible with VR mode in the Winter of 2023.

According to Steam, the minimum system requirements to play RE4 are:

• a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 10 (64 bit)
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 1200 / Intel Core i5-7500
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 560 with 4GB VRAM / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB VRAM
• DirectX: Version 12

Resident Evil Remake is available to play on PS5, PS4, and XBOX Series X|S. When playing the game on PS5 you will be asked to select the game mode. The resolution mode is built to provide higher picture quality while framerate mode offers optimum gameplay. If you choose resolution mode the game runs at 2160p and 60fps on the PS5. For framerate mode, the resolution may drop if there is intensive gameplay involved. From a gaming perspective, the framerate mode might be more favourable for PS5 players.

Resident Evil 4 2023 is a reimagined version of the 2005 game that sticks true to the essence of the original. It is modified to include modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and intense graphics to make a highly enjoyable third-person perspective horror that Resident Evil fans will enjoy.

The plot follows Leon S. Kennedy 6 years after the biological disaster in Raccoon City. Leon must rescue the kidnapped daughter of the President of the United States. He tracks down the girls’s location to a secluded European village which is home to some pretty strange people. The player uncovers various cult mysteries and occurrences in the village while trying to rescue the president’s daughter. The game includes many violent and gruesome scenes which is why it has an 18+ age rating.

4. Visage

Visage is a highly immersive atmospheric horror with a gripping story and nerve-wracking jumpscares.

Image source: sadsquarestudio.com

Visage is regarded as the scariest game of 2020 and it was enhanced for PlayStation 5 in 2021 to incorporate 4K 60fps. It is an Indie-style first-person psychological horror game developed and published by SadSquare studio. And it supports VR mode! Time to fuel your nightmares.

The game is heavily inspired by Silent Hills P.T where you explore the halls of a house and creepy things happen. Some random puzzles are the only distraction for your mind. The game creators have confessed they also drew inspiration from Alien: Isolation, Amnesia, and the movie The Grudge. Well, a culmination of these terrifying sources was bound to produce a game as horrific, immersive, and enjoyable as Visage. Explore the seemingly empty rooms while solving puzzles to discover your escape route but remember, you are not alone.

According to Steam, the minimum system requirements for playing Visage are:

• OS: WINDOWS® 7, 8, 8.1, 10.
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i3 or AMD Ryzen™ 3.
• Memory: 6 GB RAM.
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 950 or AMD Radeon™ R7 370.
• DirectX: Version 10.
• Storage: 10 GB available space.

The game is supported on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows.

Visage was designed to look hyper-realistic, so the game quality on the PS5 is every gamer’s dream. The background sound in the VR and sudden jumpscares as well as the change of music makes Visage one of the most visually and aurally simulating horror games.

5. Madison

Madison is a first-person horror game where you use an instant camera to take pictures and connect the real world with the one beyond.

Image source: madisongame.com

Madison(styled as MADiSON) game was developed by Bloodius Games and released in 2022. The game is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox and Nintendo. Madison supports VR gameplay which adds to the game’s immersion and realism. In the game, the player plays as Luca who finds himself locked in a dark room with blood covering his hands. The player must use an instant camera to take pictures of surroundings and develop those images to solve the mystery. What’s happening? How to escape this world? It all unfolds in the Madison game.

According to Steam, the minimum requirements for the Madison game are:

• OS: WINDOWS® 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i3 or AMD Ryzen™ 3
• Memory: 6 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 950 or AMD Radeon™ R7 370
• DirectX: Version 10
• Storage: 10 GB available space

Madison uses atmospheric music, sudden noises, and a slow-paced storyline to keep the player hooked till the end. On PS5 the game can be enjoyed in 4K at a 60fps rate. Madison gameplay is smoother on the PC. The VR version of Madison plunges you deep into the unsettling world of the game. You will be uncomfortable and claustrophobic but soon distracted by the strange happenings around you.

Honourable mentions

Here are some amazing games that are more suited to a list of horror games on the PS4 but just deserve mentioned when we’re talking about the best horror games. All these games can be played on the PS5 but some features may be unavailable.

The Evil Within 2

This first-person horror survival game was developed by Tango Gameworks and released in 2017. The Evil Within 2 can be played at 60 fps speed on the PS5. It’s super smooth and the VR quality is incredible. But on PS5 you may lack certain features of the game as it is more compatible with the PS4. You’ll need the software in the latest version as The Evil Within 2 is backwards compatible with the PS5. The game opens with a little backstory where the main character Sebastian has lost his family to a house fire. The Evil Within 2 has a gripping and emotional backstory with heartstopping jumpscares that have you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

Outlast 2

The original Outlast was dropped in 2014 by Red Barrels and it quickly became a horror fan favourite due to its terrifying atmosphere, chilling characters, and abundance of well-timed jump scares. The whole concept of Outlast is that you’re in an unfavourable place where everyone who sees you wants to kill you. And all you can do is run and hide. Outlast 2 carries the similar concept but adds a paranormal spin to it. Now you’re Blake Langerman, a journalist with a video camera investigating a weird hill-billy village. Outlast 2 is highly enjoyable on the PlayStation and the PC.

Little Nightmares

The original Little Nightmares is a third-person perspective puzzle horror game released by Tarsier Studio in 2017. The game follows Six, a tiny character dressed in yellow through a mysterious world where strange creatures live. Some of these creatures try to murder the tiny child while some help. Little Nightmares has amazing storytelling and animation. The pacing is just right so the player gets enough time to get attached to Six and other characters in the game. The Little Nightmares series has an active fan following who constantly theorize on the game’s story and also make beautiful fan art.

2024 will see more games added to the PS5. Horror fans are looking forward to Little Nightmares 3, Dark Fracture, S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2, and other horror game releases in 2024.