No other medium can pull off bone-chilling horror quite like video games. That might come off as a hot take at first, but upon close examination, it’s easy to see why. The best horror games place you right in the shoes of the protagonist and force you to face hellish nightmares.
You also receive barely any time to get your bearings since these games task you with finding a way out immediately. The specific brand of horror also varies from title to title, often ranging from the most horrifying anomalies tucked away in dark corners to subversive scares that lull you into a sense of security before shaking you to the core.
The past few years have been great for the genre, and if you’re looking for recommendations, here’s our list of the best PS5 horror games to play in 2025.
1. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Image Credit: Capcom
- Developer(s) : Capcom
- Release Date : 24 March 2023
This entry was a toss-up between Resident Evil 4 (2005) and its faithful remake from two years ago. While the original holds up surprisingly well to this day, Capcom’s modern reimagining of one of the best games of all time takes the cake for several reasons. In it, you step into the tactical gear of Leon S. Kennedy once again as he arrives in a rural Spanish village in search of the President’s daughter. The events that ensue are equal parts thrilling and terrifying, with the one-man mission devolving into an all-out war with a religious cult.
As mentioned earlier, the remake is great for many reasons, chief among them being the reworked combat. Not only are the core mechanics well-executed, with every shot offering satisfying feedback, but the arsenal of weapons is also bigger and more extravagant. The same praise can be extended to the melee controls, as Leon can roundhouse kick his way through a horde of zombies or target individual enemies for a devastating suplex.
The game presents so many diverse scenarios for players to tackle without slamming the brakes on the narrative’s tempo, a remarkable achievement in itself. If you have never played Resident Evil 4 before, don’t starve yourself of an amazing experience any longer.
2. Dead Space
Image Credit: EA Motive
- Developer(s) : EA Motive
- Release Date : 27 January 2023
Originally released in 2008, Dead Space wowed audiences with its unique brand of sci-fi, claustrophobic horror, which remains just as captivating in the remake. Set aboard one of gaming’s most iconic locations, the USG Ishimura, the game sees starship engineer Isaac Clarke skulk through dimly lit corridors and metallic halls on a mission to uncover the mystery behind the station turning into a derelict ruin. Flickering lights and the ominous glow of computer screens serve as the only sources of illumination, while the station remains deathly quiet most of the time.
This uncomfortable silence gets interrupted by the scampering of dangerous Necromorphs out of nowhere. These disfigured creatures can drop down from the ceiling, break through vents, or surprise you by bursting through glass windows. And the only way to take them down? “Cut off their limbs.”
Dead Space gets our thumbs up due to the creativity baked into its setting, weapons, and combat system. It’s gory, tense, atmospheric, and spine-chilling, with audio design that is so unnerving that you might be forced to put the game down for a bit. We can only hope that the sequel also receives the remake treatment.
3. Silent Hill 2 Remake
Image Credit: Bloober Team, Konami
- Developer(s) : Bloober Team, Konami
- Release Date : 7 October 2024
Silent Hill 2 (2001) is universally known as one of the finest horror games ever made. The title is revered to such a degree that even its faults and technical limitations are heralded as accidental additions to the haunting atmosphere. So, imagine taking on a remake project as Herculean as this and nailing it in almost every way possible. Well, that’s exactly what Bloober Team has managed to do.
The Polish studio went beyond simply updating the visuals and fixing the combat, and instead demonstrated a deep understanding of the game’s themes and the intentions behind its story beats. As a result, the character redesigns are simply perfect, and the expansion of the original levels helps flesh things out in a meaningful way. While the OG soundtrack was already sublime, returning composer Akira Yamaoka reworked the OST from the ground up for the remake, breathing new life into the sonic landscape.
To sum things up, Silent Hill 2 will scare you in so many different ways before you get to its jaw-dropping conclusion. This is not a game for the faint of heart, something that is exemplified by the expression on James Sunderland’s face whenever you reach a save point — the guy looks like he just wants to be put out of his misery.
4. Alien: Isolation
Image Credit: Sega
- Developer(s) : Creative Assembly, Sega
- Release Date : 6 October 2014
Created as a continuation of the iconic 1979 Ridley Scott movie, Alien: Isolation is easily the best piece of media attached to the license, trumped only by the original film. The game caught everyone by surprise at launch, and it took years before its genius was universally recognized.
The secret sauce that makes Alien: Isolation so memorable is the incredibly intelligent Xenomorph AI. It doesn’t operate on your standard NPC logic, as the devs went above and beyond to make the monster truly menacing. It’ll learn your hiding patterns, double-check rooms, and even tank through damage after it experiences the heights of your firepower. Its supreme intellect is paired with invincibility, and the ability to kill you on sight creates a feeling of hopelessness few other games can manage. You can easily find the game on sale for as low as $5.99, which is a bargain for one of the best horror games on PS5.
5. Alan Wake 2
Image Credit: Remedy
- Developer(s) : Remedy Entertainment
- Release Date : 27 October 2023
On a surface level, Alan Wake 2 ( Review ) is a slick third-person, survival horror title featuring two protagonists with intertwined stories, who you can freely switch between at any time. It continues the tale of eponymous writer Alan Wake, as he pieces together the final draft of Return, his latest book, in an effort to escape the mysterious Dark Place. The core gameplay loop is filled with over-the-shoulder combat and intricate puzzles that have you writing scenarios on the fly to change the events around you.
All this might sound pretty standard at first, but as you dive deeper into the game’s story, you’ll likely be flummoxed by its narrative complexities and stylistic motifs. Alan Wake 2 is a deeply meta narrative story that runs circles around itself, forcing the player to unknowingly relive events again and again until they’re finally able to break the case. I’ll refrain from spelling things out any further for the sake of spoilers. But I’m happy to say that the game displays Remedy firing on all cylinders, be it the original OST, the neo-noir elements, or simply the stellar visuals.
Genre-bending experiences like Alan Wake 2 come along very rarely, making it a must-play for fans of survival-horror or even third-person action games in general.
6. Resident Evil 7
Image Credit: Capcom
- Developer(s) : Capcom
- Release Date : 24 January 2017
Resident Evil 7 was a bold new frontier for the legendary franchise, both in terms of the setting and the new first-person perspective. Naturally, players approached the title with skepticism, but these doubts eventually turned into critical acclaim. I was similarly blown away by the title, and it remains, in my opinion, the scariest Resident Evil game yet.
RE 7 wastes no time in getting started as our protagonist is viciously assaulted by his wife, who was presumed dead, before getting his hand chopped off and being abducted by the menacing figure of Jack Baker. After regaining consciousness, the player is forcibly initiated into the twisted Baker Family and fed a disgusting slug for good measure. All these events happen in just the first hour of the game, and things only get crazier from here on.
Despite the transition to first-person gameplay, the game feels inherently Resident Evil. Just like the original trilogy, there’s a strong emphasis on survival as the frightening family will constantly be on your tail while you’re solving puzzles and uncovering story beats to get out of this nightmare. Boss encounters are also just as punishing, and resources are similarly limited. All of this means that you’ll never feel comfortable throughout the game’s duration, which is something only the best horror titles can achieve without opting for broken mechanics.
Resident Evil 7 is sure to please all fans of the genre, regardless of their affinity for a specific kind of spooky.
7. Mouthwashing
Image Credit: Wrong Organ
- Developer(s) : Wrong Organ, Critical Reflex
- Release Date : Coming 2025
Mouthwashing is easily the smallest game here in terms of runtime, yet it has the highest potential to leave you scarred for weeks. Developed by Wrong Organ, this indie horror title burst onto the scene last year and gathered plenty of acclaim on Steam, with the devs eventually announcing a forthcoming port for the PS5 scheduled to release in 2025.
The game is set on board a freighter spaceship called The Tulpar, which suffers a catastrophic crash right at the beginning. The events that follow can only be described as a surrealist nightmare that blurs the lines between reality and hallucination.
Despite clocking in at just over 2 hours for full completion, Mouthwashing manages to delve into themes such as suicide, addiction, jealousy, subterfuge, and sexual assault. The core gameplay mostly involves walking around in the first-person perspective, interspersed with basic puzzle solving. Normally, this loop could prove to be bland, but Mouthwashing is anything but. Its small cast of characters is incredibly well-written, and the atmosphere it creates is so bleak and intentionally subversive that it’s impossible to predict what the game has in store for you next.
This unpredictability is also partly because of its unique narrative structure. The game will unceremoniously take you from flashbacks to months in the future, abruptly moving on to the next story sequence before players have even come to grips with the previous one. For all these reasons and more, I highly recommend giving Mouthwashing a chance when it finally lands on the PS5.
8. Resident Evil 2 Remake
Image Credit: Capcom
- Developer(s) : Capcom
- Release Date : 25 January 2019
Resident Evil 2 Remake is so good that it sparked a remake trilogy, which brought two more classic RE games to modern consoles. The first remake of the trilogy set the bar for the rest as it rebuilt the original from scratch while preserving its most important elements.
The game moves away from tank controls and fixed camera angles to a third-person perspective coupled with an over-the-shoulder combat system. It also recaptures the vibe of wandering around a zombie-infested police station perfectly, including all the strange puzzles you could ask for.
The combat at the heart of the game feels more satisfying than ever in the 2019 remake. Weapons are nice and crunchy to use, partly due to the tactical dismemberment system that sees zombie parts tear off after receiving constant damage. And for those looking for spooks, things don’t get much scarier than hearing the hulking footsteps of Mr. X reverberate through the room as you frantically attempt to complete a puzzle. RE 2 Remake goes on deep sales every two months or so, and for those prices, it’s a must-play.
9. Still Wakes The Deep
Image Credit: The Chinese Room
- Developer(s) : The Chinese Room
- Release Date : 18 June 2024
Speaking of creative settings, Still Wakes The Deep is a Lovecraftian nightmare set onboard a barely functional oil rig in the middle of the ocean. You play as Caz McLeary, an electrician on the vessel who’s about to have the worst day of his life, and that’s before the horrors even begin. In just the first 20 minutes, our protagonist unfurls a letter from his wife, who sounds like she wants a divorce. He is then reprimanded by his abusive boss before subsequently being fired. This is followed up by a parasitic spiral opening up beneath the rig, which slowly consumes his friends and threatens to capsize the vessel itself — Just your standard Monday morning at work.
Still Wakes The Deep remains just as tense and scary throughout the rest of its 4-5 hour runtime. It also features no combat, leaving you practically defenseless against the tendrilled monstrosities that were once your co-workers. The game’s first-person perspective furthers your immersion as every flooded corridor appears increasingly claustrophobic. So, if you’re all about atmospheric horror, Still Wakes The Deep should be right up your alley.
10. The Evil Within
Image Credit: Tango Gameworks
- Developer(s) : Tango Gameworks, Bethesda
- Release Date : 14 October 2014
Directed by legendary game maker Shinji Mikami, The Evil Within is a solid iteration of the Resident Evil formula, which manages to capture the franchise’s essence without being derivative. Players take the role of Sebastian Castellanos, a police detective, who’s called in to investigate a mass murder at a local hospital. Events transpire, including a seismic earthquake that levels the entire city, before our protagonist and his partners are sucked into a psychological nightmare.
This alternate plane of reality harbors all sorts of dangerous enemies who will attack you on sight. Aside from being terrifying to look at, some of them are also notoriously tanky. Resources are scarce, so you’ll spend a lot of time rummaging around in search of bullets and crafting materials, which creates a constant sense of desperation. Outside of this loop, the game features many action-driven setpieces, some of which are incredibly creative. While its visuals and combat mechanics felt a bit dated even by 2014 standards, The Evil Within remains an excellent horror title, especially for players looking for alternatives to Resident Evil.
11. Five Nights At Freddy’s
Image Credit: Scott Cawthon
- Developer(s) : Scott Cawthon
- Release Date : 8 August 2014
If you’ve never played the point-and-click horror game that spawned a billion-dollar brand, then this is your invitation to do so immediately. While every FNaF title is worth checking out at least once, the original remains the scariest in my opinion. You play as the nighttime security guard for Chuck E. Cheese…err, I mean Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a pizza joint for kids. While the restaurant has no human presence after hours, it is populated by four animatronic animals who are allowed to wander freely.
As it turns out, these furry friends have homicidal tendencies, and if you don’t stay vigilant at all times, they will stuff your mutilated corpse into a mechanical suit. To prevent this, you’ll need to manage a barebones power supply to strategically close doors and flash lights whenever one of the animatronics gets a little too close to the security room. Each level in the game gets considerably harder, culminating in a nightmarish final night that you’re likely to fail countless times. Don’t let its FNaF’s age deter you from one of the best PS5 horror games on the market.
12. Until Dawn
Image Credit: Supermassive Games, SIE
- Developers(s) : Supermassive Games, SIE
- Release Date : 25 August 2015
Until Dawn is a classic ’70s Slasher flick except in video game form. From the premise to the star-studded cast, this could’ve easily been a low-budget Hollywood production that eventually garnered a cult-following. But fortunately for players, it went the video game route instead and cemented its status as one of the best horror games available on PS5.
The plot reads like a standard B-grade horror movie setup, centered around a group of carefree teens who go vacationing in a cabin in the woods. Their interpersonal tensions are clear to see, ranging from fractured friendships to exes with unresolved issues. All the tension comes to a head when characters start disappearing and eventually succumb to gruesome deaths. As they struggle to make sense of what is happening, players are forced to make increasingly difficult choices that can have brutal consequences. All this makes for an interactive experience that is riddled with tropes and predictable jump scares but still packs plenty of surprises.
The game recently received a visual uplift for the PS5, so if you can find it on a discount, I highly recommend snagging it over the PS4 version.
13. Phasmophobia
Image Credit: Kinetic Games
- Developer(s) : Kinetic Games
- Release Date : 18 September 2020
Initially released into Steam early access, Phasmophoia quickly found success as a Twitch hit thanks to its co-op focus and unique premise. The game lets players form a group of four and take on audacious contracts that have them skulking around haunted homes and abandoned prisons in search of a ghostly presence. The objective is to simply identify the supernatural being instead of trying to capture it, meaning that your squad is defenseless if the entity decides to embark on a murderous rampage.
Nothing beats the first time you hear your buddies screaming at the top of their lungs when confronted by a Revenant, or the dread that overcomes you on seeing their bodies twist and contort before succumbing to a premature end. Unlike every other game on this list, Phasmophobia isn’t just about the spooks. You’ll frequently find yourself laughing along with your friends while trying to digest the sheer ridiculousness of what’s unfolding on the screen. If you’re looking for a horror game to experience with your buddies, it doesn’t get much better than Phasmophobia.
14. Outlast 2
Image Credit: Red Barrels
- Developer(s) : Red Barrels
- Release Date : 24 April 2017
The sequel to Red Barrel’s 2013 horror classic, Outlast 2, applies its predecessor’s formula to an even scarier location, ditching the dingy mental asylum in favor of the Sonoran Desert. Just like the first game, players take the role of an investigative journalist armed with a camcorder. On this occasion, the protagonist is forced to delve deeper and deeper into the affairs of a religious cult, with matters taking a turn for the worse almost immediately.
Outlast 2 is all about psychosocial torment. Don’t get me wrong, the game still features its fair share of gore and religious extremism. But above everything else, it manages to induce a strong sense of desperation at all times. The lighting, or lack thereof, plays a significant role in this, ensuring that players are caught off guard by patrolling enemies frequently. This, coupled with the character’s limited movement, can be extremely disorienting, which actually works in favor of the experience. If you aren’t afraid of some oppressive horror, Outlast 2 carries scares worth a few sleepless nights.
15. Amnesia: The Bunker
Image Credit: Frictional Games
- Developer(s) : Frictional Games
- Release Date : 6 June 2023
The Amnesia franchise has a rich history of claustrophobic horror games that have helped define the genre and inspire other titles. Amnesia: The Bunker successfully builds on this legacy with yet another petrifying experience set in the midst of World War 1.
Just like the name suggests, the game takes place within the confines of a dimly lit bunker, which could run out of power at any time and plunge into complete darkness. This doesn’t bode well for our protagonist, Henri, who’s trapped in this narrow space with a grotesque behemoth known only as The Beast. With just one way out of the bunker, players must navigate this stone-walled labyrinth using the humble tools at their disposal, all while staying out of the sightlines of the hulking monster.
The core premise works extremely well for Amnesia’s depressing and unnerving brand of horror. And just like Alien: Isolation’s Xenomorph, The Beast learns from your patterns and adapts accordingly, further raising the difficulty ceiling.
A massive gaming nerd who’s been writing stuff on the internet since 2021, Aryan covers single-player games, RPGs, and live-service titles such as Marvel Rivals and Call of Duty: Warzone. When he isn’t clacking away at his keyboard, you’ll find him firing up another playthrough of Fallout: New Vegas.
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With an illustrious history spanning almost three decades, Rockstar Games is among the greatest video game publishers of all time. The studio has an incredible catalog of genre-defining titles that have done wonders in terms of pushing the medium forward. It has also created some of the most popular IPs, including the highest-grossing media title of all time with GTA 5 . As the studio gears up for yet another mammoth release in GTA 6 , we thought this would be the perfect time to look back upon its history and pick out the best Rockstar Games to indulge in while we wait for the studio’s next title.
10. GTA 4: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : October 29, 2009
- Platforms : PS3, Xbox 360, PC
The Ballad of Gay Tony is technically a DLC add-on for GTA 4, but the game has enough of its own flourishes and motifs to earn a spot on the list. It was a stark departure from the more mature base game, as every subsequent mission embraced unrestricted absurdity. The 8-hour runtime is utilized to the fullest as players go from violent caddy chases to reaching the summit of the Empire State Building.
The core narrative prompting all this carnage is riddled with tropes but also consistently hilarious, making for a thrill ride from start to finish. Plus, it also features ‘Arab money’ Yusuf Amir himself, and every bit of screentime this facetious, filthy rich character receives is pure gold, much like his treasured buzzard.
9. GTA 3
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : October 23, 2001
- Platforms : PS2, PC, Android, iOS
GTA 3 is right up there with the likes of Pac-Man, Doom, and Metal Gear Solid as one of the most influential games of all time. Not only did it certify Grand Theft Auto’s status as a ground-breaking franchise, but it also triggered a wave of other games with 3D open worlds. The title offered unprecedented freedom, allowing players to freely explore a grimy rendition of New York City and cause all sorts of havoc within the sandbox.
It also delivered an innovative mission structure, which is still the template for GTA games today. That said, GTA 3 was pretty janky even for the time, and the shooting mechanics were downright horrid. In hindsight, the game’s story wasn’t all that great either. But for all the critiques I can levy at it, GTA 3 played a massive role in changing the trajectory of the industry.
8. Bully
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : October 17, 2006
- Platforms : PS2, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PC
Bully saw Rockstar apply their open-world formula to an academic setting, trading daring heists for high school hijinks, and lavish vehicles for a trusty skateboard. Given the nature of its gameplay and the juvenile setting, Bully was embroiled in controversy around the time of release. Fortunately, all the noise didn’t stop Bully from ascending to cult-classic status, and for good reason.
The central location of Bullworth Academy is incredibly well-realized, with all the facilities associated with a typical boarding school. The students who populate this institution are classified into cliques, each more cliche than the other, but that works in the game’s favor. The music to go along with all this is so perfectly playful, and it goes a long way in nailing the prankish vibe. There’s plenty to see and do outside of the academy’s walls as well, including a frustratingly difficult arcade game named ‘ConSumo’ that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
No other game has you delivering digital wedgies and exploding crap bags , intermixed with Chemistry lessons and Dodgeball practice. Bully is a schoolyard simulator executed to a sublime degree, and we will likely never see anything like it again.
7. Max Payne 3
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : May 15, 2012
- Platforms : PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Max Payne 3 (produced after Rockstar bought the IP from Remedy) was a massive departure from the first two games developed by Remedy, which resulted in it catching plenty of flak at the time. Rockstar ditched the original’s neo-noir approach almost entirely, getting rid of the comic-panel cutscenes, overindulgent dialogue, and even Sam Lake’s facial model for the titular character. It also took Max out of the crime-infested streets of New York City and plunged him headfirst into exotic Sao Paulo.
Back in 2012, it felt like the game was having an identity crisis. But now, more than a decade removed from its release, Max Payne 3 is properly recognized as a flashy, action-heavy, and mature third-person shooter that pulls off almost everything it attempts.
The series’ signature Bullet Time combat system feels more gravity-defying than ever, coupled with story-related slow-motion sequences that accentuate the game’s cinematic approach. The weapons have satisfying feedback, and pulling off outrageous combat maneuvers is as easy as pressing the dodge button. The mission variety is also the best in the series, kicking off with a chaotic shootout at an opulent party before transitioning to gunfights in a massive football stadium. There’s also a particularly memorable skirmish inside a nightclub that could put John Wick to shame.
Despite the character’s many complexities, Max Payne 3 is able to provide a satisfying conclusion for gaming’s favorite trauma-riddled cop — a massive achievement in itself.
6. GTA: Vice City
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : October 29, 2002
- Platforms : PS2, PC, Android, iOS
It’s impossible to describe exactly how cool Vice City was and still is. Few games are so ripe with style and finesse that it’s practically dripping through the screen. Yet, Vice City delivered exactly that despite being released just a year after the revolutionary GTA 3.
Its recreation of Miami, modeled after Miami Vice and Scarface, is pitch-perfect, featuring sun-soaked vistas, neon-lit motels, and dazzling discos . The streets are adorned by glamorous pedestrians at every turn, while luxurious sports cars zip by frequently. Just existing in this world, especially around Ocean Beach, felt like living in excess. Then there’s the soundtrack, packed with so many classics that recreating it today would rack up an obscene amount of money in licensing fees.
Experiencing Vice City and some of the other games on this list is pretty much a rite of passage for any gamer. While time hasn’t been kind to the story or the gameplay mechanics, there’s this ineffable quality baked into every square inch of its open world that cements Vice City’s timeless stature.
5. Red Dead Redemption
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : May 18, 2010
- Platforms : PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
Pivoting to a 20th-century Western set in the American Frontier, after years of producing urban crime simulators, was a pretty bold move even by Rockstar standards. At the time, the studio was also riding the highs of GTA 4’s success, which elevated expectations even further.
Despite the abundance of doubts, Red Dead Redemption ended up confirming that Rockstar could do no wrong.
With Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar Games was able to tell a more emotionally-driven and grounded story that didn’t have to incorporate the satirical fixings of GTA. They found the ideal protagonist in troubled cowboy John Marston, who’s desperate to escape his criminal past but quickly finds out that he can’t outrun his sins.
Watching this character wrestle against the system and lock horns with the outlaws he once rode beside is incredibly compelling. The acting talent behind our protagonist, and the many characters he encounters along the way, is top tier, making for a tale that not only feels like a Western but frankly outdoes some of the giants of the genre.
For many players, Red Dead Redemption is the finest game Rockstar has ever created. And while I can’t attest to that, I can certainly say that the title had a profound impact on my perception of storytelling in video games. It ended up as the yardstick I measure other narratives by to this day, and the fact that only three other games have cleared it speaks volumes about what Rockstar was able to accomplish with this title.
4. GTA 4
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : 28 April 2008
- Platforms : PS3, Xbox 360, PC
GTA 4 represented a transformational period for the franchise. Before its release, the series insisted on zany humor, sharp satire, and over-the-top scenarios being the focal point, while the open world took the backseat due to its sandbox nature. But in 2008, Rockstar flipped the script by opting for mature themes and characters , along with a gloomy rendition of Liberty City that packed a ton of personality in itself.
The final result was a heartbreaking tale of an immigrant crossing the seas in hopes of living the American dream, only to revert to his criminal ways before realizing that the star-spangled banner might be a bit of a facade.
The story’s events wouldn’t be nearly as effective if the setting didn’t complement them so seamlessly. Every corner of GTA 4’s Liberty City is perforated by urban decay as thick smoke fills its atmosphere with poverty running rampant on its streets. There’s that palpable feeling of hopelessness that you’d associate with a cutthroat metropolis, where a downtrodden slum sits mere miles away from a towering skyscraper.
For the first time in a GTA game, players had to contend with moral scruples that could alter the conclusion of missions or even the game’s ending. This, coupled with the realistic driving mechanics, drove the franchise forward from a technical standpoint, while its atmosphere and themes cemented its status among the greatest open-world games of all time.
3. GTA 5
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : 17 September 2013
- Platforms : PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
What more can be said about the aforementioned highest-grossing media title of all time? There’s a greater chance of most readers being familiar with every crevice of Los Santos than of my being able to contextualize the game’s impact on gaming and pop culture. The highest praise I can afford Rockstar’s evergreen cash cow is that its open world still feels incredibly modern to this day.
From driving and gunplay to NPC interactions and the satirical radio ads, GTA 5 represents a home run across all fronts. It’s slick, devilishly funny, incredibly addictive, and truly masterful. The story revolves around three protagonists who don’t face much in terms of moral consequences, but that alone encapsulates what the game is all about.
There’s a carefree, devil-may-care vibe oozing from every frame of GTA V. But it’s also capable of turning into a self-serious iteration of Michael Mann’s Heat, anchored by the cold concrete jungle in its backdrop, the audacious heists that rarely go off without a hitch, and the pulsating synth-heavy score that propels players forward.
Following up GTA 5 is a herculean task, but if there’s one studio equipped for the job, it’s Rockstar Games.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : 26 October 2019
- Platforms : PS4, Xbox One, PC
As we inch closer and closer to the summit of this list, you might’ve noticed that I’m getting increasingly hyperbolic. Such is the quality of these games that I can’t help but wax lyrical about their greatness and cultural impact. With that brief moment of self-awareness out of the way, Red Dead Redemption 2 is arguably the greatest open-world game of all time.
It features a gorgeous recreation of the Wild West in its dying embers, as the once lawless frontier is seized upon by civilization. The pace at which this region’s sprawling valleys and snow-capped peaks are turned into quaint towns is juxtaposed against the serendipitous nature of the game’s open-world emphasis, which calls for players to slow down and breathe it in. There’s no better game to approach in this manner, either, as simply trotting along on your horse through the murky bayou or untamed grasslands is more gratifying than entire video games.
This feeling is accomplished in part by stellar audio design, which includes intricate details such as the whistling winds, rustling leaves, and the fluttering of birds. All of it comes together to create a mellifluous blend that’s like a breath of fresh air for your eardrums. There’s so much more to be praised about Red Dead Redemption 2 , but since I don’t want this to turn into an impromptu review, I’ll briefly touch upon the story.
The game delivers Rockstar’s greatest narrative yet as it explores the gradual decline of the Dutch van der Linde gang, told through the eyes of Arthur Morgan. The many outlaws that populate this criminal outfit are all exceptionally well-realized, featuring distinct personalities and arcs that make it easy to create a personal connection with them.
This closely-knit group goes through hell and back together, but ultimately falls to subterfuge. It’s important to note that the game earns this conclusion by displaying the delirium of the gang’s leader . And even when this collapse is plain to see, the caliber of the storytelling is so high that it has players desperately clinging to the hopes of a resolution.
It follows this up with a riveting epilogue that is the very definition of ‘Redemption,’ and adds significant context to the events of the first game. For this and many other reasons, Red Dead Redemption 2 sits in the pantheon of video game stories and sandboxes.
1. GTA: San Andreas
Image Credits: Rockstar Games
- Release Date : 26 October 2004
- Platforms : PS2, Xbox, PC, Android, iOS
I will never forget the first time I found myself in Las Venturas. Over the past 30 hours or so, I had become acquainted with fog-ridden San Fierro and the urban melting pot that is Los Santos . But after setting foot in the glitzy Venturas strip, which is populated with casinos and extravagant hotels, I felt like I was playing an entirely new game. This was an unprecedented level of scale at the time, as Rockstar had managed to successfully cram an entire state into a video game.
While the illusion behind this perceived scale is now well-known, the feeling of being a tiny component in this massive world still remains. San Andreas is so huge and overstuffed with things to do that I’m still amazed by it today. Besides the main story and side missions, the game lets you participate in car dancing competitions, gorge down burgers like you’re Big Smoke, try your luck at the Blackjack table, and hit the gym to put on some muscle. Oh, and did I mention there’s even a dating minigame with several damsels to impress?
All this doesn’t even scratch the surface of what is available to the player outside the central narrative. Speaking of which, the story is as bonkers as it gets, starting with interpersonal tensions between a group of gangbangers and ending with city-wide protests against the corrupt police. The narrative is essentially a ’90s hood film with entertaining detours to super-secret government facilities and a casino run by a blind man.
To top this off, the game offers robust car customization and even purchasable properties, ensuring that players are hooked long after the 60-hour story comes to an end. GTA: San Andreas is a tour de force when it comes to scale and execution. And the fact that even Rockstar hasn’t been able to produce a GTA game this fleshed-out since is proof of its singular nature.
A massive gaming nerd who’s been writing stuff on the internet since 2021, Aryan covers single-player games, RPGs, and live-service titles such as Marvel Rivals and Call of Duty: Warzone. When he isn’t clacking away at his keyboard, you’ll find him firing up another playthrough of Fallout: New Vegas.
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Steam Next Fest is back, and it’s brimming with bold ideas and bite-sized previews of what’s to come. We dug through the chaos to bring you a dozen standout demos that deserve your time. Whether you’re into stylish action, twisted sci-fi, or pure comfy vibes, our list has something that will hook you fast. With that said, here are the best Steam Next Fest demos that you must try now.
1. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Image Credit: Team Ninja
Let us start with a sprinkle of nostalgia, and I am pretty sure that the old-school fans will eat this up. Ragebound is a blood-soaked return to brutal, high-speed ninja action . It’s tough, stylish, and full of rage-fueled momentum. As soon as you enter the platformer, you will notice that Team Ninja isn’t messing around.
2. Morbid Metal
Image Credit: SCREEN JUICE
Stylish, fast, and downright savage. Morbid Metal lets you shapeshift mid-combat between four killer androids, chaining attacks with style. It’s Devil May Cry with cyberpunk flair and just the right amount of attitude. Don’t believe us? Here’s a full Morbid Metal hands-on we penned down recently. Check it out and feel the action yourself.
3. Bullet Yeeters
Image Credit: YEETERS TEAM
Yes, that’s really the name. Bullet Yeeters is a topsy-turvy multiplayer mayhem where you yeet bullets, rockets, and each other. It’s dumb, chaotic, and ridiculously fun, where you bring friends or make enemies. And, there are more game modes in the demo than any AAA shooters have on their launch.
4. Robert on Earth
Image Credit: Remrofsnart
This mischievous alien-out-of-water story blends Untitled Goose Game-style mischief with heartfelt indie charm. You’re Robert, an alien who crash-lands on Earth, and you’re about to learn how weird humans really are. Yes, through farming, fishing, and doing human things, you will uncover the secrets of a new world.
5. Sparkball
Image Credit: Opti Games
Whether you are a fan of MOBAs like me, or a fan of soccer (also like me!), then voila! Sparkball can be the next entry in your library. This 4v4 sports brawler takes you on a rush of sweat, speed, and a lot of fun. If you love full-on, frantic MOBA with the best sports gameplay, then you cannot miss out on this Steam Next Fest demo.
6. UFL
Image Credit: XTEN Limited
Speaking of soccer, we finally have a new football game and I cannot be happier. EAFC domination is over, with a more crisp and technically better game in UFL. Unlicensed Football League kicks realism to the curb and brings arcade-style soccer fun back into fashion. It’s slick, responsive, and totally free of FIFA fluff. Just pure footie action.
7. Dead as Disco
Image Credit: Brain Jar Games, Inc.
GTA 6 is launching next year , and I feel it is the ideal time to soak some neon heat. Dead as Disco mashes martial arts with music video vibes in a neon-soaked Beat ‘Em Up where every hit moves to the rhythm. Step into the flashy shoes of Charlie Disco as he battles the wicked Idols to bring the band back together.
8. Starlight Re:Volver
Image Credit: Pahdo Labs
Starlight Re:Volver is a co-op action roguelite for 1-4 players, blending nostalgic anime aesthetics with an MMO universe. From its central city, connect with fellow Divers to embark on thrilling adventures across dreamlike biomes, enjoying minigames, fishing, and crafting together. It’s one of the cozy vibe games that many gamers miss in the 2025 gaming scene.
9. SFERA
Image Credit: SergioPoverony
In SFERA, you’ll experience a unique action platformer that fuses modern 3D environments with classic retro 2D character sprites. As an elite assassin for the shadowy SFERA Corporation, your mission is clear: obliterate a rogue robot syndicate. It’s like Mega Man grew up, got a trench coat, and started taking out contracts.
10. Jump Ship
Image Credit: Keepsake Games
Forge your fellowship, for a new journey awaits! In Jump Ship, a co-op PvE adventure for up to four, your fate is tied to your comrades and your starship. Work as one crew, seamlessly moving from piloting your vessel to exploring alien worlds on foot and braving the void on spacewalks. Engage in pulse-pounding battles on land and in the dark expanse, and forever strive to keep your ship’s systems humming and armor plating reinforced – for your survival depends on it!
11. The Masquerade
Image Credit: Chewa
I remember how Among Us swept across social media, and all gamers joined the SUS party. Since then, there haven’t been such fun party games. Well, developers Chewa are here to prove us wrong with The Masquerade.
The thrilling murder party game for 2 to 8 players is where you’re both the hunter and the hunted. Much like in Among Us, you’ll need to skillfully blend in by impersonating NPCs to hide from your pursuer, all while gathering crucial clues to unmask and eliminate your designated target.
12. Cameraman: The Pilot Episode
Image Credit: RAA Studios
Although Resident Evil 9 has me hyped up for its release, I must say indie games are always solid in the horror genre. And, in the Steam Next Fest, we got another one. Step into Cameraman: The Pilot Episode, a psychological horror game where you bend time and gravity to survive.
The game takes inspiration from 80s TV, M.C. Escher, and the Backrooms. What you’ll explore are unsettling, ever-changing spaces. Like in Outlast, you’ll uncover dark secrets with just a VHS camcorder, facing anomalies as reality unravels around you.
A gaming nerd who covers all things video games. Spending time playing games and writing about them was always a dream. Thanks to Beebom, I live it. Once I am done gaming, I write. Once I am done writing, I game. You feel me.
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