The survival horror genre has been exciting and terrifying gamers for decades. One of these is Outlast, a first-person psychological horror video game that provides an adrenaline rush like no other. However, if you have already exhausted this gem and are looking for similar games that can give you the same thrill and chills, here are five alternatives that will not disappoint.
1. Amnesia: The Dark Descent
An Intro to Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Regarded as one of the most influential titles in its genre, Amnesia: The Dark Descent offers a chilling and immersive experience much like Outlast.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
Amnesia: The Dark Descent puts players in control of Daniel as he explores a dark and foreboding castle while avoiding monsters and other obstructions, as well as solving puzzles. The game features a health system, but instead of hit points, it makes use of sanity—represented by an "amount" meter, which can be increased by completing puzzles or decreased by witnessing unsettling events. The story begins with Daniel awakening in a desolate Prussian castle with no memory about himself or his past. All he can remember is his name, where he lives, and that something is hunting him. As he delves deeper into the eerie castle, elements of his past start to unravel itself through gruesome discoveries.
2. Alien: Isolation
An Intro to Alien: Isolation
If you're after nerve-wracking tension and relentless fear, much like what Outlast presents, then Alien: Isolation might just scratch that itch for you.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
Alien: Isolation is set 15 years after the events of the original Alien film. Players take on the role of Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley, who is investigating her mother's disappearance. The game is set on a decommissioned trading station on the fringes of space. This first-person survival horror game truly captures the fear and tension evoked by Ridley Scott’s classic 1979 film as it places a deadly Alien on board with you that's relentless and brutal in its pursuit. Stealth and resourcefulness are your only real defenses as running or making too much noise will surely attract unwanted attention.
3. Condemned: Criminal Origins
An Intro to Condemned: Criminal Origins
For fans of Outlast seeking another deeply disturbing experience, Condemned: Criminal Origins could be your next port of call.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
In this psychological horror game, players step into the shoes of Ethan Thomas, an FBI agent in the Serial Crimes Unit (SCU). The gameplay combines first-person shooter mechanics with elements of hand-to-hand combat as Ethan investigates various gruesome murder scenes. Ethan's journey takes him through some incredibly unsettling locations, from decrepit buildings to dark subway tunnels – each filled with hostile enemies known as "addicts" who have been driven to insanity by a mysterious phenomenon.
4. Dead Space Series
An Intro to Dead Space Series
If you're looking for more games like Outlast that provide both fright and action-packed sequences, then look no further than the Dead Space series.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
The Dead Space series follows the story of Isaac Clarke, an engineer who battles reanimated corpses known as "Necromorphs" aboard various spaceship settings. The gameplay focuses on combat, puzzles, and exploration. This third-person shooter emphasizes "strategic dismemberment," where players must cut off limbs or sections of enemies to defeat them. The eerie sci-fi horror sets a chilling tone that will keep your heart pounding throughout.
5. Until Dawn
An Intro to Until Dawn
Until Dawn is another alternative for Outlast fans looking for a story-driven survival horror experience.
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
Until Dawn puts players in control of eight young adults who have to survive on Blackwood Mountain when their lives are threatened, the game is unique as it features a butterfly-effect system where choices made by the player can drastically alter the narrative. The gameplay primarily involves exploring environments, finding clues about the mysterious events on Blackwood Mountain, and making decisions that will affect the outcome of the story and the fate of each character. This chilling adventure will keep you on edge from start to finish.
In conclusion, if you've enjoyed Outlast's gripping atmosphere and intense gameplay, then these five games are well worth checking out. They all offer their own unique takes on survival horror while delivering plenty of scares along the way.