The key elements of a survival horror game typically include:

• Scarce Resources
• Puzzle-Solving
• Limited Combat
• Having to Evade Enemies
• Playing as a vulnerable character compared to the enemies you are fighting
• Maze like environments

• Vulnerability: Characters are often vulnerable and not heavily armed, making encounters with enemies more frightening and challenging.
• Limited Combat: Combat is often not the main focus; when it does occur, avoidance is encouraged due to the protagonist’s vulnerability and limited resources.
• Maze-like environments: Survival horror games often feature intricate, labyrinthine settings designed to disorient players, heighten tension, and create a sense of claustrophobic unease.
• Puzzle Solving: Often includes significant exploration and puzzle-solving elements, requiring players to navigate complex environments and solve challenges to progress.
• Slower Paced: Generally slower-paced, emphasizing methodical exploration and careful planning.
• Examples: “Alone in the Dark”, “Resident Evil”, “Silent Hill.”

• Less Emphasis on Vulnerability: Protagonists may be more powerful or well-equipped, capable of dealing with threats more effectively.
• Intense Combat: Players are equipped with more weapons and resources, allowing for frequent and intense combat scenarios.
• Linear Progression: The narrative is typically more linear, focusing on action sequences and less on exploration.
• Limited Puzzle Solving: May focus more on straightforward action or narrative progression with fewer puzzles.
• Faster Paced : Often faster-paced with a focus on continuous action and immediate threats.
• Examples: “Resident Evil 5,” “Dead Space.”

There are 2 possible reasons

1. We are always working on the list and there maybe be some hidden gems we are yet to discover. If you can think of a game we are missing please contact us on Discord
2. Your game may not qualify as a survival horror (see golden rules) if this is the case your game will be on the “Action Horror List” or the “Games Mislabeled as Survival Horror” lists.

1992 is the year Alone in the Dark was released and it set the standard for 3D survival horror games. Anything before then is unrecognisable as a survival horror today and anything after was influenced by Alone in the Dark.

Yes, keep an eye on our “Upcoming Games” section for the latest news on anticipated survival horror titles.

To submit your indie game, please visit our Discord server and give us details about your game. We are always looking for new survival horror games and will be happy to share yours.