I enjoy the cheerful family-friendly Nintendo Switch games, but I’m not alone in recognizing the commendable catalog of horror games. The portable console has the versatility to deliver immersive experiences, making it ideal for hair-raising journeys. Horror games are a cathartic outlet for dark thoughts and emotions because they tap into anxieties and primal fears. A sense of accomplishment takes over after successfully conquering a fear. With this in mind, I’m here to talk you through the 27 of the best Switch horror games.

Is there a selection of horror-themed video games available for the Nintendo Switch console?

The Nintendo Switch horror library continues to grow strong, but here are some of the most popular horror titles and hidden gems:

• Resident Evil 4. 
• Layers of Fear: Legacy. 
• Luigi’s Mansion 3. 
• Little Nightmares II. 
• The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. 

These are only a small snapshot of the many horror-themed games available for the Switch. No matter what horror subgenre you enjoy, you will find an enjoyable gaming experience.

Top Horror Games for Nintendo Switch

Alien: Isolation

Release Year: 2014. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3. 

Alien: Isolation is a survival horror game taking place 15 years after the 1979 film Alien. The game follows Amanda Ripley, the daughter of Ellen Ripley from the original film. Amanda is an engineer working for Weyland-Yutani, the same company that employed her mother. When she receives a message claiming her mother’s flight recorder has been found, she heads out on a terrifying mission to retrieve it from the Sevastopol space station. 

I grew up watching Alien movies and was excited to get my hands on Alien: Isolation. Even though I experienced it upon initial release, the Switch version has better graphics. The Xenomorph AI is what makes this game truly terrifying because it’s unscripted. This game set the benchmark for horror game antagonists. 

Alien: Isolation was praised for its faithful recreation of the Alien universe, its tense atmospheres, and the Xenomorph AI. The game was nominated for several awards and has a rating of 82 on Metacritic.

Amnesia Collection

Release Year: 2014. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC. 

The Amnesia Collection is three survivor horror games developed by Frictional Games. Each game tells a standalone story within the same fictional universe. The collection dropped on Switch in September 2019. 

Amnesia: The Dark Descent follows Danial, a man who wakes up in a castle with no memories. As Daniel explores the castle, he uncovers the secret of his past and must confront the horrors that await him. 

Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs follows Oswald Mandus, a wealthy industrialist suffering from a mental breakdown. As Oswald explores his own laboratories and factories, he confronts the monstrous machines he created. 

Amnesia: Justine is a short but intense horror experience following Justine, a young woman being tortured by a sadistic scientist. Players use available tools and wit to escape the tormentor. 

My experience playing the Amnesia Collection was positive. I was captivated by the non-linear storytelling because it gives the game replay value. Much of the gameplay mechanics involve sneaking past enemies and solving puzzles. 

Fans love the Amnesia Collection because of its psychological depth, atmospheric horror, and non-linear storytelling. The game was nominated for Game of the Year and has an average score of 84 on Metacritic.

Blair Witch

Release Year: 2019. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4. 

The Blair Witch is a psychological horror set in 1996. Ellis Lynch is a police officer searching for a missing boy in Black Hills Forrest, which is where the whole game takes place. The game is inspired by the 1999 horror movie “The Blair Witch Project”. The narrative structure is similar as we discover Ellis’ story through the first-person.

The Blair Witch Project is one of my favorites because it popularized the found-footage genre. When I got a chance to play the Blair Witch game, I felt fully immersed in Ellis’ search for the missing boy. The sanity meter is a standout feature because it makes the dread and paranoia more believable. 

Gamers received the Blair Witch relatively well, with many commending the incredible sound effect work – keep a headset on for this one. The game was nominated for Use of Sound at the NAVGTR Awards 2020. The Metacritic score averages 76.

Dark Souls: Remastered

Release Year: 2018. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC. 

Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, Entertainment, the beloved Dark Souls franchise got a much-needed upgrade. Dark Souls: Remastered takes us to the world of Lordan. As a Chosen Undead, we must journey to link the First Flame and save the world from darkness. 

Dark Souls is one of the most influential games of our generation. These games are known for challenging combat, with some gamers claiming it’s too difficult. In my experience, the Souls games are designed to help gamers improve. I may die a lot in my playthroughs but I’m satisfied when I finally slay the evil creatures standing in my way.

Dark Souls: Remastered has been lauded for its rewarding gameplay, unique multiplayer, and immersive world. Dark Souls won the Ultimate Game of All Time at the Golden Joystick Awards in 2021. The Metacritic rating currently averages 84.

Darkwood

Release Year: 2017. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC. 

Darkwood is one of the best survival horror games on the Switch. An unnamed protagonist wakes up in an unforgiving and mysterious forest with no memory of how they got there. Controlling the character, we explore the forest, scavenge for supplies, and defend ourselves against the creatures lingering in the darkness.

Darkwood is a challenging game that involves resource management and smart decisions. There is a day/night cycle to add to the realism, but the forest turns into a playground for the wicked at night. I found a lot of the immersion came from sound effects, so I recommend playing this one with a headset. If I’m honest, the controls and game style felt a little off, but that doesn’t distract from the horror elements.

Destructoid digs “Darkwood’s unique and insidious brand of horror”. This seems to be the general reception for the game. The game was nominated for several awards and it has a current Metacritic score of 80.

Dead by Daylight

Release Date: 2016. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, and PC. 

Dead by Daylight is a 4v1 multiplayer horror from Behaviour Interactive publisher. The game features various scenarios and a catalog of original and licensed killers including The Demogorgon (Stranger Things), The Executioner (Silent Hill), and the Xenomorph (Alien). The game pits the killers against a co-op team of four Survivors. The killer must appease a malevolent force called The Entity by impaling Survivors on sacrificial hooks, while the Survivors must work together to fix generators to power up the exit gate. 

I fall in love with Dead by Daylight each time I jump in. Playing as the killer, I feel invincible as I snatch victims and sacrifice them to The Entity. Becoming a Survivor fills me with anxiety and it is the perfect contrast. All of the odds are stacked against the Survivors because each killer has a unique power to enhance their hunt.

The game is kept fresh with new content being added, keeping horror fans on the hook. Horror icon Chucky has just been added (28th November). I feel like such a fanboy right now because I can’t wait to see Chucky climbing over walls and dragging Survivors to the hook. 

The Metacritic average sits at 64, which is relatively low for a game of this stature.

Detention

Release Year: 2017. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Android. 

Set in 1960s Taiwan during the White Terror period, Detention is a 2D horror puzzle game that follows the story of two high school students. Ray Shin and Mei Lin must find their way out of Greenwood High after a mysterious power leaves it closed off. As they explore the school, they discover the dark secrets that led to the closure. 

Instead of relying on jump scares, indie developer Red Candle Games created a game that understands the effectiveness of brooding horror. When I played this game on Steam, it was the unique art style that caught my attention. The entire game is a glimpse into Taiwanese history and culture, which sets it apart from other games on this list.

If you enjoy playing games from the Resident Evil series and Silent Hill, then Detention should be your next Switch horror experience. The Metacritic score averages 83, which is a great feat for an indie game developer.

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water

Release Year: 2014. 

Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC. 

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is a survival horror game set on Mount Hikami, a sacred mountain in Japan said to be haunted by vengeful spirits. Following Yuri Kozukata, a young woman searches for her missing sister, Miku. As Yuri explores the mountain, she uncovers the sinister evil responsible for Miku’s disappearance. 

Japanese games always impact me differently because the storytelling is on another level. When I played Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water, I was fully gripped by the stealth mechanics and overall mysterious aura of the game.

Horror fanatics flock to this game because of its Japanese setting, unique gameplay mechanics, and the developer’s ability to create a scary game. The game received countless award nominations, including Game of the Year. The Metacritic average is currently 67.

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2

Release Year: 2019.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS. 

Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF): Help Wanted is a virtual reality (VR) horror game set within the fictional Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. If you’re not familiar with the games or haven’t seen the movie yet, Freddy Fazbear’s is home to animatronics that come to life at night and attack anyone left in the building. The premise is simple – last five nights as a security guard at Freddy Fazbear’s.

I love great horror games and have been returning to FNAF since the first horror game was released in 2014. I get on well with the stealth mechanics, especially the surveillance cameras used to track the animatronics. However, FNAF: Help Wanted took my passion for the franchise and took it up a notch. Being a VR game made me feel like I was at Fazbear’s, making jump scares more terrifying. 

Gamers and horror fans love Five Nights at Freddy’s. There’s a huge buzz for the franchise right now because the movie adaptation was recently released. The Metacritic score of the Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted is 80, which puts it up there with some of the best switch horror games.

Friday the 13th: The Game

Release Year: 2017. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC.

Friday the 13th: The Game is an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game based on the Friday the 13th film franchise. One player takes on the role of legendary Jason Voorhees, while the other seven players take on the role of counselors at Camp Crystal Lake. In a similar style to Dead by Daylight, the counselors must escape while Jason Voorhees is hunting them down. 

I played Friday the 13th: The Game for the nostalgia factor and it ticked every box. The fun was immediate and the gameplay was decent. However, the replay value isn’t there like it is with Dead by Daylight because I didn’t invest in the Ultimate Slasher Edition.

Publisher Gun Interactive announced that Friday the 13th: The Game won’t be available to purchase after 31st December 2023 because the license ran out. If you buy this game now, you’ll have a year to enjoy the game before the servers are shut down forever. I recommend getting your hands on the Ultimate Slasher Edition because it includes offline gameplay and much more. 

Slasher fans found Friday the 13th: The Game thrilling because it immerses them completely in one of the best franchises. The Metacritic score averages at 61, a relatively low rating for a game with so much potential.

Hollow

Release Year: 2017. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC.

Hollow is an action-adventure horror game set in a derelict mining facility in orbit around Jupiter. Taking the role of an unarmed pilot, the player’s mission is to find out how they got there and uncover the secrets of the Shakhter-One mining operation. 

I found that Hollow does an excellent job of creating an atmospheric horror game. I felt isolated and had to use my brain to complete each chapter. Additionally, going back to the game will provide a completely different experience because of the non-linear storytelling.

Opinions on Hollow have been very mixed. Most gamers praise the overall aesthetic of the game. However, many people struggle to get used to the controls. Some user reviews report serious bugs ruining their experience, but it seems to run smoothly on the Switch. The Metacritic average score is 36, but the critics aren’t always right.

Layers of Fear: Legacy

Release Year: 2018. 

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One. 

Layers of Fear: Legacy is a remaster of “Layers of Fear”, released in 2016. This psychological horror follows the story of a troubled painter who embarks on a dark descent into madness as he tries to complete his magnum opus. Taking place in a deteriorating Victorian-era mansion with an ever-changing environment, players must discover the painter’s past. 

I had a positive experience with Layers of Fear: Legacy, but I can’t get enough of first-person horror games. The gameplay is mostly mansion exploration, solving puzzles, and interacting with the environment to move on with the game. I felt unsettled all the way through the game because I never knew what was coming next. This is the sign of a horror game done well.

Layers of Fear: Legacy has pleased fans with its brand of horror and its unraveling narrative. The current Metacritic score is 80, which goes to show how well put together this game is.

Little Nightmares

Release Year: 2017. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Android, Google Stadia. 

Little Nightmares is a puzzle-platformer horror game from Tarsier Studios publisher set in an underwater vessel called The Maw. We take control of Six, a small girl with a yellow raincoat who must escape the dangerous inhabitants of The Maw. The environment features grotesque creatures, dark secrets, and horrifying traps. Rather than fighting the Maw’s residents, the idea is to keep off their radar.

In my experience, platformers have a tendency to feel monotonous. I didn’t feel this when I played Little Nightmares. The design is stunning, the controls feel right, and the story is compelling. The best part about this game is it’s suitable for kids over 9, meaning there’s plenty of play value for the whole family. 

The Metacritic score for Little Nightmares is a respectable 78. Gamers like this game because of its unique world and use of 3D spaces, allowing them to forgive the often-awkward controls.

Little Nightmares 2

Release Year: 2021.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S. 

The Little Nightmares franchise contains two films to date, but fans are eagerly awaiting the third installment. The follow-up to 2017’s success takes place in Pale City, a grim and oppressive metropolis. This time around we take control of Mono, a young boy who must brave the terrifying dangers to find his lost friend, Six. 

Rather than being a gore fest, Little Nightmares II plays on our curiosity, apprehension, and fear that we feel as a child and carry with us as an adult. In my experience as a horror film critic, it feels like the Little Nightmares game franchise is replicating the shift within the horror genre. Most notably, the move away from jump scares and the welcome entry into slow-burning suspense.

This game received positive reviews for its unique perspective, quirky puzzles, and twisting narrative. The second film in the franchise raises the bar with an impressive 82 average on Metacritic.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Release Year: 2019.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch. 

The vibrant world of Mario has been a staple for Nintendo players since Super Mario Bros. was released in 1985. Set within the popular universe, Luigi’s Mansion 3 takes players into a haunted hotel. Luigi, Mario, Peach, and the Toads are invited to a luxurious hotel by an unknown host. Before long, they discover it’s haunted by ghosts. Once again, Luigi must use his Poltergust G-OO vacuum cleaner to capture the ghosts and save his friends. 

I have fond memories of playing Mario games. This is why Luigi’s Mansion will always be my favorite Switch-exclusive horror game. Like other Mario-based titles, gameplay revolves around solving puzzles. However, Luigi’s Mansion 3 introduces a new game mechanic called Gooigi, a slime-like doppelganger of Luigi who can pass through walls and other obstacles. If you play this game with a friend, one of you will control Gooigi.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 has been celebrated for standing between the worlds of horror and comedy. Luigi isn’t a brave soul, so watching him suffer brings the laughs. The game has a Metacritic rating of 86, which places it higher than most games on this list.

Observer

Release Year: 2017. 

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S. 

Observer is a horror cyberpunk game set in 2084 Kraków, Poland after the nanophage (digital plague) that killed thousands and led to drug use and war. Players take control of Observer Daniel Lazarski, a detective hacking into suspects’ minds to retrieve evidence and clues. His goal is to investigate the brutal murder of a high-ranking executive found dead in his apartment.

Bright neon lights of cyberpunk Kraków drew me into this game, but I stayed for the interesting gameplay. For example, the Dreamhack system is an innovative mechanic used to explore the minds of suspects, which adds a layer of depth and immersion to the game. 

The Metacritic rating for this game is 78. Critics give this good horror game praise for its slow plot development, which is captivating enough to keep people gripped.

Outlast: Bundle of Terror

Release Year: 2018. 

Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One. 

Outlast: Bundle of Terror brings together the first Outlast game and its DLC expansion Outlast: Whistleblower. Both games are set in the Mount Massive Asylum, a remote psychiatric hospital overrun by unhinged patients. Players control investigative journalists who must escape the asylum and unravel the mystery. 

Experiencing Outlast: Bundle of Terror sent shivers down my spine. It’s a simple first-person puzzler set in one of the most cliche horror settings of all time. I love the cheesiness of classic horror tropes, and this game allowed me to become the star of the “movie”. 

Outlast: Bundle of Terror is a good horror game because it gets the adrenaline pumping with fast-paced evasive action, unsettling backstory, and unique gameplay mechanics. The average rating on Metacritic is 77.

Oxenfree

Release Year: 2017. 

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS. 

Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller adventure game brought to life by Night School Studio publisher. The game follows a group of friends exploring an abandoned island when they open a ghostly rift. Players control teen rebel Alex, who must use her supernatural abilities to save her friends and unlock the island’s secrets. 

Oxenfree was a change of pace for me because of its point-and-click mechanics. Dialogue and decision-making help drive the story forward, and there are plenty of puzzles to complete. The ability to choose my dialogue responses was the best feature for me because it boosted the replay value. However, I’m preparing to jump into Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals (2023). 

The average Metacritic score for Oxenfree is 80, which makes it one of the best horror games on this list.

Resident Evil Revelations Collection

Release Year: 2017

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch. 

Capcom publisher released the first influential Resident Evil Game in 1996 for Sony’s original PlayStation. It wasn’t the first zombie apocalypse game, but it’s often credited with setting the trend for modern walker horror games. Before long, the infectious Resident Evil franchise spawned successful sequels, movies, and comic books. 

The Resident Evil: Revelations Collection is a compilation of Resident Evil Revelations 1 and 2. Both games take place between the timeline for the core collection and follow different groups as they fight against bioterrorist threats.

I always jump at the chance to play a Resident Evil game because they know how to do horror properly. Revelations focus on exploration, evasion, and survival instead of fast-paced combat. Movement speed, health, and ammunition are limited. This forces you to think carefully about how you’re playing the game. I believe Revelations set out to bring the horror in line with the original Resident Evil games but with modern gameplay elements. 

The Resident Evil: Revelations Collection has been hailed for its commitment to retaining the best features of the franchise. The current Metacritic score is 78, which shows how much influence the series still has over the horror gaming world. 

The Coma: Recut

Release Year: 2017

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One. 

Devespresso Games created an indie masterpiece with The Coma: Recut – a remaster of the original “The Coma: Cutting Glass”. The game follows a hapless Korean student called Youngho, who falls asleep during finals and wakes up trapped in a twisted version of his school. In true horror style, he’s not alone.

Niche horror titles are always a must-play for me because they often explore the reaches of the genre overlooked by mainstream games. Sehwa High is an overwhelming school complex consumed by darkness. The lack of combat is a great change of pace. The selective dialogue is intuitive and there are 5 endings in total (1, 2, 3, 4, true). 

First-person gamers with a thirst for unsettling narrative are drawn to this game because of its ability to truly immerse and terrify players. The Metacritic rating is 62, which doesn’t do the game justice.

The Long Reach

Release Year: 2018. 

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC. 

The Long Reach is a horror-thriller game that’s out to screw with your perception of things. The game manipulates stunning pixel artwork to create frightening images of a broken dream state. The player character is Calvin. The story focuses on a malfunctioning experiment that causes nightmares to become real. 

I find The Long Reach interesting because of the way it throws back to 8-bit classics like Beyond Castle Wolfenstein. Much of the gameplay involves solving puzzles and exploring the 2D landscape. Painted Black Games did a wonderful job with the narrative and overall style of the game.

Even though The Long Reach stands out for its unique format, it only has an average Metacritic score of 58. Unfortunately, the majority of horror fans are expecting new games to make the most of next-gen technology.

World War Z

Release Year: 2019. 

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia. 

World War Z is a cooperative shooter game based on the novel of the same name by Max Brooks. The game follows a group of survivors as they make their way through a zombie apocalypse. The game includes various engaging maps from locations like Tokyo, New York City, and Jerusalem.

Post-apocalyptic zombie games like Dayz Gone are among my top horror games. I was fully captivated by playing World War Z. The size of the hordes and the scope of the maps fully immersed me in this high-octane shooter.

Given the success of the book and the movie, it makes sense that gamers would fall in love with this title. The Metacritic score may only be 67, but that’s likely because the game market is saturated by shooter titles.

Yuppie Psycho: Executive Edition

Release Year: 2019. 

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One. 

Yuppie Psycho: Executive Edition is a first-person psychological horror game developed by Baroque Decay. The game follows a young man named Brian Pasternack, who has just been employed by a mysterious corporate firm called Sintracorp. As Brian explores the harrowing corporate halls, he learns of the dark secrets being kept by the company. 

I had the pleasure of entering this quirky indie horror game shortly after its release. The game is set in a dystopian society where corporations run the world. Imagery in the game can be disturbing, but it’s beautiful at the same time.

Much of the gameplay involves stealth, resourcefulness, and puzzle-solving. While many titles on the list follow this trend, the puzzles in this game involve outside-the-box thinking that many players will enjoy. 

This game was a hit among critics and users, with an admirable score of 81 on Metacritic. Many reviews mention its well-balanced gameplay and satire of the corporate daily grind.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch continues to increase its rich library of horror titles. From classics like “Resident Evil” to indie hits like “The Long Reach”, the handheld console provides a diverse range of terrifying experiences that can be enjoyed by all. 

For those seeking an unsettling journey in immersive worlds, Outlast: Bundle of Terror and “Hollow” both stand out as the best horror game for their niche. If cooperative gameplay is more your style, “World War Z” and “Dead by Daylight” deliver exhilarating experiences. Alternatively, you can dose up on nostalgia by playing “Friday the 13th”, a horror classic, and “Luigi’s Mansion 3”.

The Switch is a real haven for horror fans, offering something for everyone. Grab your controller, switch off the lights, and get ready to be chilled, thrilled, and terrified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Silent Hill have a remake on Nintendo Switch?

Kanomi is reviving its Silent Hill franchise with a highly anticipated remaster of Silent Hill 2 for PlayStation 5 and PC. At the time of writing, there are no plans for a Switch version being developed, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible in the future.

Why do the 3DS and Switch have almost no horror games?

The are many reasons why finding horror games for the 3DS and Switch can be challenging. For starters, Nintendo markets its consoles to families and casual gamers. Secondly, the technology is limited when compared to other consoles. Finally, third-party developers are less inclined to make horror games exclusively for the Switch and 3DS because of the smaller player base.

What is the scariest horror game available for Nintendo Switch?

Horror is subjective depending on player fears, but these are common features on lists of scariest horror games available on the Switch:

• Alien: Isolation. 
• Layers of Fear. 
• Resident Evil. 
• Dead by Daylight.

Which indie horror gems can be played on Nintendo Switch?

I mentioned a few indie horror gems that can be played on Nintendo Switch, but there are plenty more. Here are some of my favorites:

• Oxenfree. 
• Bulb Boy.
• Darkwood. 
• Detention.

What are some co-op and multiplayer horror games for Nintendo Switch?

There are plenty of co-op and multiplayer horror games for Nintendo Switch, but here are my top recommendations:

• Luigi’s Mansion 3. 
• World War Z. 
• Resident Evil: Revelations. 
• Dead by Daylight.