For many gamers, the adrenaline rush of horror games provides an extra thrill. However, people afraid of horror games may not feel the same way – the thought of embarking on a spine-chilling journey and facing the prospect of terrifying jump scares may stop these “scaredy cats” from exploring this excellent genre.
But don’t fear – there are many horror games suitable for people who hate scary games but want to experience the fantastic storytelling that the horror genre offers. In this article, we’ll explore nine of the best horror games for people who hate horror games. These “not-scary horror games” can still give you the thrill of gaming you’ve been seeking without the anxiety of too many scares!
1. Luigi’s Mansion
Ok, let’s start at the absolute tip of the horror iceberg with a game that isn’t even a horror game, but it’s the perfect choice for younger audiences and those who absolutely hate horror games: Luigi’s Mansion 3. If you found Haunted Mansion or Ghostbusters scary, this is definitely a great starting place for you.
In Luigi’s Mansion 3, you have to guide Luigi in exploring a haunted hotel, capturing ghosts and solving puzzles in a charmingly spooky adventure. But let’s be honest here, this game is more whimsical than terrifying, so you can rest easy knowing that you don’t ‘have to tackle anything too hair-raising!
2. Granny
The second game on this list is Granny. Granny certainly fits the conventional mold of what defines a horror game, with players finding themselves trapped by ‘Granny’ in her sinister and booby-trapped house.
The goal is to stealth around the house, solve puzzles, and eventually escape before she catches you. Granny definitely can be scary at times, but the graphics and Granny’s silly appearance make it feel far less scary, especially after playing a few times.
This definitely seems to be the case as it’s extremely popular with younger audiences.
3. Hello Neighbor
Similar to Granny, Hello Neighbor is suitable for (and extremely popular with) older children, thanks to its cartoony and colorful art style. Alongside Five Nights At Freddy’s – which I probably wouldn’t recommend for first-time horror players – it’s probably the most popular horror game amongst children and teenagers.
In Hello Neighbor, players must try to sneak into their creepy neighbor’s house and discover the secrets and mysteries within. The game employs some elements of horror – such as chases with the mysterious neighbor and a jumpscare if he catches you – but on the whole, it’s not designed to be too scary.
4. Telltale’s The Walking Dead
Next up is one of the most popular horror games of all time, The Walking Dead. Developed by Telltale Games, this was the first Walking Dead video game in the series to be published, and released in 2012.
This episodic, choice-based game has an expertly crafted narrative, focusing on deep character development and storytelling. Despite the seemingly terrifying zombie-infested setting, the game lacks excessive horror elements, instead leaning more into drama and action. I’d say that the scariest part of the game is making a wrong decision that ends up killing one of your favorite characters.
5. Inside
The award-winning Inside is a hauntingly beautiful puzzle platformer that immerses players in a dark and mysterious world. It’s critically acclaimed for its ambient music and moody art style, both of which add to the spooky nature of the game.
In Inside, players control a nameless boy who explores a monochromatic world, filled with dangerous enemies and larger-than-life environments. Yes, this game does have its eerie moments, but Inside never leans too far into the realm of horror and jumpscares, making it perfect for players who appreciate fantastic atmospheric storytelling.
6. The Quarry
Now we’re upping the scare meter a little further with The Quarry. Whilst the game does offer a compelling horror experience through its supernatural themes and odd jumpscares, it’s definitely on the more tame end of the horror spectrum. If I had to compare it to a horror movie, it’s basically Scream in terms of its scares.
In The Quarry, you control 9 characters trapped in their summer camp with mysterious and dangerous foes. Each playable character can die in multiple ways throughout a playthrough, so you must be careful with your decisions and reaction times! The game does throw around some jumpscares and intense chase sequences, but the game’s real focus lies with quick-time events and its branching storyline. And if you’re playing with friends, The Quarry can quickly turn from scary into funny thanks to its quirky cast of characters.
Until Dawn is also a great choice for players who enjoy this cinematic type of game.
7. The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a survival horror game set in a post-apocalyptic world brimming with infected creatures and psychopathic gangs of human survivors.
The game does include some elements of horror and its fair share of scares, but the game prioritizes its compelling storytelling, character development, and emotional depth.
There are definitely some spookier parts of the game, especially the sequences with the “Clickers”, but the game undeniably leans more into action and drama, similar to Telltale’s The Walking Dead.
8. Bioshock
Bioshock lies in that grey area of the horror genre – some people class it as a horror game, and others see it more as an action-adventure. The first game especially uses some horror elements, such as its dark atmosphere and haunting sound design, but the game places more emphasis on world-building, storytelling and combat.
In Bioshock, players explore an art-deco underwater city, filled to the brim with mechanical enemies – including the iconic Big Daddy. The plot is thoroughly engaging and is packed with unexpected twists.
There are only a few minor jump scares throughout, so I think that people who don’t like horror games will find Bioshock a blast.
9. Inscryption
Last but not least, we’ve got the indie gem Inscryption. This is a deckbuilding roguelike, where gamers have to play against a creepy gamemaster. Whilst the card mechanics takes center stage in Inscryption, the beaming eyes of the “dealer” still help to create a creepy atmosphere.
I don’t want to say too much about Inscryption, as it’s just one of those games you need to experience for yourself. And don’t worry about being too scared, as its creepiness is mostly confined to the atmosphere.
So, there you have it! Whilst (most of) these games are classed as horror games, they’re definitely at the top of the horror iceberg. Not every horror game is as terrifying as Outlast or Resident Evil, and there are plenty of games in the genre suitable for younger audiences and people who hate jump scares!
Whether you enjoy puzzle-solving games, first-person shooters, or narrative-driven storytelling, there’s something for everyone in the genre – even for people who hate scary games!