Horror games have been scaring gamers for years, and now the fear has been left in our pockets. It might not be exactly where you want to be scared, but when the best mobile horror games are this good, you have to put this aside for five minutes.
Our selection of the best mobile horror games ranges from classic horror games to games that will creep into your dreams at night and make you wonder if the statue just moved into your house or if it was just a trick of the night light. So without further ado, here are our top mobile horror games… enjoy.
1. Five nights at Freddy’s
Available on: Android, iOS
Developer: Scott Cawthorn
Price: $2.99 / £2.99
If you like jump scares and creepy animatronic animals, this is the game for you. While the term “game” should be used generically, the night watchman-like control of the cameras adds interactivity. The characters and their surreal appearance make this title stand out. With aesthetic shades of SAW and Child’s Play, this is one to keep you on your toes. Interestingly, this could be considered a kid-friendly title, as the fear is based on tension rather than violence or gore. But we still recommend parents play it first.
2. Slayaway Camp
Available on: Android, iOS
Developer: Blue Wizard Digital
Price: $2.99 / £2.99
Granted, Slayaway Camp won’t keep you up at night, but this puzzler that puts you in the shoes of a serial killer hunting teenagers at a summer camp certainly hits the mark. The action goes out the window here as you must find the ideal path of least resistance around obstacles to reach your unwitting victims. The assassin can only move in a straight line, which makes this game very tactical. The theme song of old VHS horror movies is charming and nostalgic. Full of laughter and terror.
3. Stranger Things: The Game
Available on: Android, iOS
Developer: Netflix / BonusXP!
Price: Free
This game isn’t that scary, but it does a great job of keeping the feel of the TV show and putting you in a scary situation. A throwback to the days of 8-bit and 16-bit gaming, Stranger Things is a top-down scrolling adventure where you control the kids and Hopper to solve a hair-raising mystery full of government agents. There are puzzles, fistfights, and some light RPG mechanics that go a long way toward recreating Hawkins and the cast around him which makes the show so engaging.
4. Distraint
Available on: Android, iOS
Developer: Jesse Makkonen
Price: $4.99 / £4.99
Distraint takes the idea of a side-scrolling adventure and throws in its share of visual novelties. The puzzles are easy, the dialogue is short and snappy, and the story is as unusual as it gets. What sets Disstraint apart from the rest is the creative use of sound. Played with headphones and hissing TVs and abstract sounds bounce from ear to ear while the in-game pixelated visuals do their best to accompany the auditory functions. Lights flicker, walls bleed, and insects dance to create a sense of desolation. Moreover, the concept is one of the smartest.
5. Oxenfree
Available on: Android, iOS
Developer: Night School Studio
Price: $4.99 / £4.99
Like The Goonies and Stranger Things combined, Oxenfree tells a very spooky story about a group of friends breaking the dark world. An adventure game with heart and character and stunning visuals, and great voice acting, Oxenfree bridges the wonderful gap between horror and childish fantasy. This narrative-driven title feels more like Allen Poe than Wes Craven and uses mood rather than shock to scare you. There’s a definite ’80s adventure feel to it, and the story will keep you hooked for hours before replaying it.
