Phasmophobia took the gaming world by storm thanks to its immersive and nerve-wracking gameplay that plunges players into haunted locations to investigate paranormal activity. If hunting ghosts as a paranormal investigator in Phasmophobia has left you wanting more, you're in luck! We've compiled a list of the top 5 alternative games to Phasmophobia that are sure to satisfy your cravings for chilling experiences and supernatural encounters. So, grab your EMF reader and crucifix as we dive into these spooky alternatives.
1. Dead by Daylight
Survival and Horror Combined
Dead by Daylight offers players a thrilling asymmetrical multiplayer experience, where a group of four survivors is pitted against one deadly killer. This game takes you into a nightmarish world filled with terror, suspense, and strategy. With this combination, players are bound to experience the same shivers that Phasmophobia evokes.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
Dead by Daylight is set in a world featuring various thematic and terrifying environments, from decrepit hospitals and spooky forests to haunted mansions and beyond. As the survivors, the objective is to repair generators scattered across the map to power the exit gates and escape unharmed. The killer, on the other hand, has a singular goal: hunt down and sacrifice the survivors before they can escape. Each killer has unique abilities and tactics, and the survivors must use their wits and work as a team to outmaneuver and outsmart the killer. The survivors can also equip various perks and items to increase their chances of survival. Dead by Daylight also offers players an extensive roster of characters, including classic horror icons like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Ghostface, as well as a host of original characters.
2. The Forest
Survive the Unknown in a Mysterious Forest
The Forest offers players an open-world survival horror experience, putting them in the shoes of a plane crash survivor who finds themselves in a mysterious forest teeming with cannibalistic mutant creatures. Armed with your wits and what scarce resources you can find, your goal is to escape the forest while uncovering its spine-chilling secrets.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
The Forest seamlessly combines many elements: exploration, crafting, survival, and horror. The game has a day-and-night cycle, with the cannibalistic mutants being more aggressive and hostile during the night. Throughout your adventure, you'll find scattered clues about the story, leading you to uncover more about the forest and the traumatic events of its past. Crafting is essential in The Forest, as players are required to create makeshift weapons, build shelters, and gather resources to survive. The game also boasts realistic graphics that amplify the sense of dread and vulnerability. Additionally, The Forest can be played in single-player mode or with friends in its multiplayer mode, allowing you to experience the gripping story together.
3. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
First-Person Survival Horror Revolutionized
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a must-play for fans of the horror genre and Phasmophobia alike. It takes the classic Resident Evil series and reinvents it for a new era by shifting to a first-person perspective, giving players a more personal and immersive experience as they delve into the horrifying world of the Baker family.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
In Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, you take on the role of Ethan Winters, who embarks on a terrifying journey to Louisiana in search of his missing wife, Mia. Ethan's search leads him to the seemingly abandoned Baker family estate, where he must face unspeakable horrors and unravel the mystery surrounding the family and their dark secrets. The game stays true to its survival horror roots, with limited resources, puzzles, and scares around every corner. The first-person perspective shrouds the player in fear, providing an intense, in-your-face fright factor. Classic Resident Evil mechanics, such as finding medkits to heal yourself and crafting ammunition to stay armed against the Baker family's horrors, are also present.
4. Outlast 2
A Deadly Game of Hide and Seek
Outlast 2 is the sequel to the acclaimed first-person survival horror game, Outlast. It escalates the stakes by introducing new characters and a fresh, horrifying story.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
In Outlast 2, you play investigative journalist Blake Langermann, who, along with his wife Lynn, is investigating the mysterious murder of a pregnant woman known only as Jane Doe. The search leads the couple to the Supai region of the Arizona desert, where a helicopter crash separates them. Blake's quest to find his wife and uncover the truth behind Jane Doe's murder leads him through a nightmarish world of dangerous cultists and horrifying specters. Armed with little more than a faulty video camera, the player must navigate the treacherous environment while avoiding the dangers that lurk in the shadows. Stealth and quick thinking are crucial to survival, as the player has no means of defense. The game's intense atmosphere and unique 'found footage' visual style are sure to leave players on the edge of their seats.
5. The Evil Within 2
Fight for Survival in a Twisted and Distorted Reality
From the mind of the legendary Shinji Mikami, creator of Resident Evil comes The Evil Within 2, a third-person survival horror title that takes players into a gruesome world of mind-bending nightmares.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
The Evil Within 2 follows Sebastian Castellanos, a former detective forced to confront his demons and return to the nightmarish STEM world to save his daughter, Lily. Sebastian must navigate this twisted reality and face unspeakable horrors lurking within the town of Union. Players are free to explore the game's open-ended world but be prepared for the unexpected, as the game constantly challenges your sanity through its bizarre and grotesque environments. Stealth, resourcefulness, and combat are all essential for navigating the dangers that will haunt you throughout your journey. As a blend of psychological horror and action-packed survival, The Evil Within 2 is sure to draw in those who love the excitement and terror Phasmophobia brings to the table. In conclusion, while Phasmophobia undoubtedly brings unique and heart-pumping experiences to the gaming world, these five alternative games prove that there are plenty of options for those who crave more spine-chilling, supernatural encounters. Step into these horrific and mysterious worlds to continue getting your fix on terror and suspense.
