If you’ve exhausted the Resident Evil series and crave more heart-pounding survival horror experiences, you’re in luck. The gaming world is filled with incredible games similar to Resident Evil that deliver the same perfect blend of tension, resource management, and terrifying encounters. If you love psychological horror, intense action scares, or immersive atmospheric stories, this expanded list has the perfect terrifying alternatives to haunt your nights.
1. The Evil Within 2 – A Masterclass in Survival Horror
When discussing games similar to Resident Evil, The Evil Within 2 stands out as one of the finest examples of modern survival horror. Developed by Shinji Mikami’s Tango Gameworks (the creator of Resident Evil), this sequel improves upon everything that made the first game great while introducing an innovative semi-open world structure.
Game Highlights:
- Brutal, strategic combat with limited resources
- Disturbing creature designs that rival RE’s best
- Psychological horror elements that play with perception
The game follows detective Sebastian Castellanos as he ventures into a nightmarish world to rescue his daughter. Unlike traditional linear horror games, The Evil Within 2 gives you freedom to explore its twisted environments, making the scares feel more organic and unpredictable.
2. Dead Space (2023 Remake) – Sci-Fi Horror Perfected
The Dead Space remake is arguably one of the best games similar to Resident Evil in terms of pacing, atmosphere, and sheer terror. Set aboard the doomed USG Ishimura, you play as engineer Isaac Clarke, fighting against grotesque necromorphs in zero-gravity horror scenarios.
Game Highlights:
- Revamped dismemberment system makes combat more tactical
- Enhanced audio/visuals create unparalleled immersion
- Seamless gameplay with no loading screens
- Expanded story elements that deepen the lore
The remake stays faithful to the 2008 classic while implementing modern quality-of-life improvements. Every corridor of the Ishimura feels alive (or rather, undead) with new lighting effects and atmospheric details that amplify the horror.
3. Silent Hill 2 – Psychological Horror at Its Finest
No list of games similar to Resident Evil would be complete without Silent Hill 2. While Resident Evil focuses on action-horror, Silent Hill 2 leans heavily into psychological terror, symbolism, and emotional storytelling.
Game Highlights:
- Deep, symbolic narrative about guilt and loss
- Iconic monster designs (Pyramid Head, anyone?)
- The oppressive fog-covered town that feels alive
- Multiple endings based on player choices
James Sunderland’s search for his deceased wife in the eerie town of Silent Hill remains one of gaming’s most haunting experiences. The recent remake announcement makes now the perfect time to revisit (or experience for the first time) this horror masterpiece.
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4. Alan Wake 2 – Survival Horror Meets Mind-Bending Mystery
Remedy Entertainment’s Alan Wake 2 takes the cult-classic original and transforms it into a full-blown survival horror experience, making it one of the most unique games similar to Resident Evil in recent years.
Game Highlights:
- Dual protagonist system (Alan Wake & Saga Anderson)
- Light-based combat mechanics
- Meta-narrative storytelling that plays with reality
- Stunning visual presentation
The game’s “It’s not a lake, it’s an ocean” tagline perfectly captures its deep, layered storytelling. Combat requires strategic use of light to weaken enemies before finishing them off, creating tense, methodical encounters.
5. The Last of Us Part I – Post-Apocalyptic Horror Done Right
While more narrative-driven than Resident Evil, The Last of Us Part I shares many survival horror elements that make it one of the best games similar to Resident Evil for fans of tense, resource-limited gameplay.
Game Highlights:
- Gritty, realistic infected enemies
- Emotionally charged story with unforgettable characters
- Strategic crafting/upgrade system
- Remastered visuals that enhance the horror
The Clickers remain some of the most terrifying enemies in gaming history, and the remake’s improved facial animations make the emotional beats hit even harder.
6. The Medium – A Psychological Horror Masterpiece with a Twist
If you’re looking for games similar to Resident Evil that focus more on psychological terror than action, The Medium offers a uniquely haunting experience. Developed by Bloober Team (Layers of Fear, Observer), this game differentiates itself with its innovative dual-reality gameplay and deeply unsettling atmosphere.
Game Highlights:
- Dual-Reality Gameplay
- No Combat, Pure Atmosphere
- Stunning Next-Gen Visuals
- Mature, Emotional Story
The game’s short runtime makes it an intense weekend playthrough. While its unique dual-world mechanics offer something truly fresh in horror gaming. While maybe not as replayable as Resident Evil, its haunting story lingers long after the credits roll.
7. Outlast – Found-Footage Horror at Its Most Intense
For players who prefer helplessness over firepower, Outlast stands as one of the purest games similar to Resident Evil in terms of creating constant, unbearable tension.
Game Highlights:
- No combat – only running and hiding
- Disturbing asylum setting
- Night-vision camera mechanics
- Unpredictable AI enemies
The game’s found-footage approach, complete with a shaky camcorder view, makes every chase sequence feel horrifyingly real.
8. Alien: Isolation – The Ultimate Cat-and-Mouse Horror
Alien: Isolation perfects the “unstoppable predator” horror concept better than almost any other game, making it essential for fans of games similar to Resident Evil‘s more tense moments.
Game Highlights:
- Xenomorph with advanced AI that learns from you
- Retro-futuristic art direction
- Heart-pounding stealth gameplay
- Perfect recreation of the 1979 film’s atmosphere
The alien’s unpredictable behavior means no two playthroughs are the same, creating endless replay value.
9. Signalis – A Love Letter to Classic Survival Horror
Signalis stands out among modern games similar to Resident Evil by perfectly capturing the essence of PS1-era survival horror while adding its unique twists.
Game Highlights:
- Retro visual style with modern polish
- Tight inventory management
- Mind-bending sci-fi story
- Excellent puzzle design
The game’s blend of Resident Evil and Silent Hill elements creates something familiar yet entirely fresh.
10. Tormented Souls – A Perfect Throwback to Classic Survival Horror
If you’re craving a modern game that captures the essence of early Resident Evil and Silent Hill, Tormented Souls is a must-play. This indie gem nails the retro survival horror formula with fixed camera angles, tank controls (optional), and puzzle-heavy progression, making it one of the best games similar to Resident Evil for fans of the PS1/PS2 era.
Game Highlights:
- Classic Fixed Cameras & Tank Controls
- Brutal Combat & Limited Resources
- Intricate Puzzles – Locked doors, cryptic clues.
While not as polished as AAA titles, Tormented Souls delivers an authentic old-school horror experience with a fresh coat of paint. If you miss the golden age of survival horror, this is your fix.
Final Thoughts: Which Will You Play First?
With so many incredible games similar to Resident Evil available across different horror subgenres, there’s never been a better time to be a survival horror fan. There’s something here for every type of horror enthusiast. The common thread? Each of these games will leave you glancing nervously at dark corners long after you’ve turned off your console (Hopefully Not).
