Top 5 upcoming survival horror games lurking around the corner

With Halloween right around the corner, there isn’t a better time than now to play some horror games. While this year already produced some great survival horror titles like Scorn and The Mortuary Assistant, there are even more terrifying titles set to launch in the coming months. So, even with spooky season nearing a close, the thrills and chills of these five games will keep the spirit of Halloween alive months after the date’s passing.

5. The Chant (Nov. 3, 2022)

The first survival horror game keeping us at the edge of our seats comes out in just a couple days. The Chant centers around a cult based on the remote Glory Island. After protagonist Jessica Briars visits the island upon some convincing by her old friend Kim Mallari, things quickly take a dark turn.

During the Prismic Science Spiritual Retreat on the island, the cult unleashes an ancient dark force known as The Gloom. As The Gloom rises, an event promised by cult leader Tyler Anton as a great spiritual healing and transformational journey quickly becomes an haunting rollercoaster of life and death.

Featuring a stylistic map filled with deep forests that are equally as beautiful as they are chilling, and enemies that look like they came from the deepest depths of Hell, The Chant promises for an engaging and immersive horror experience. Like other survival horror titles, gameplay generally centers around both enemy encounters and resource management. However, The Chant also adds a psychological component, where taking care of Jessica’s mental health is equally important to keeping her physically safe. You can enter Glory Island when The Chant launches on November 3, 2022 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

4. The Devil in Me (Nov. 18, 2022)

Also launching in November, The Devil in Me is a narrative-driven survival horror game part of Supermassive Games’ Dark Pictures anthology series. As the fourth and final entry for Season One, the new game kicks off when a group of documentary filmmakers head to a modern-day replica of serial killer H.H. Holmes’ Murder Castle. However, the group soon learns that their gracious invitation to stay at the attraction bears a much darker secret.

Like Supermassive’s other titles, the game relies heavily on player choice as its core mechanic. Everything you say and do matters and drastically changes the outcome for the entire game. This time around, you’ll also have to think on your feet to solve tool-based puzzles in order to survive the tortuous ‘killing rooms’.

In addition, The Devil in Me also returns its critically-acclaimed multiplayer as well. In both online co-op and local ‘pass-the-pad’ mode, you can test the loyalty of your friends as their choices will also shape your fate—as yours will theirs. The Devil in Me launches on November 18, 2022 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC.

3. The Callisto Protocol (Dec. 2, 2022)

Then, in December, legendary horror game designer Glen Schofield returns with a brand new terrifying tale in The Callisto Protocol. This game’s story places players in a distant future where criminals are sent to prisons in outer space. However, at Black Iron Prison, an even darker reality exists below the surface.

As prisoner Jacob Lee, your story will go from one of pure survival to a deeper narrative uncovering the horrifying truths of Black Iron and the dead moon Callisto. As brutal, ever-evolving monsters continue overrunning the facility, a chaotic nightmare of intensity ensues. Can you escape Jupiter’s Dead Moon? Or will you too fall victim to these ravenous creatures?

In combat, players will need to master both melee and ranged attacks in an environment where adaptation is crucial to handle anything thrown at you. In addition, the game also incorporates stealth, as Jacob can sneak up behind some enemies to perform a takedown. Just be prepared to die… a lot. The Callisto Protocol breaches our atmosphere on December 2, 2022 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC.

2. Dead Space (Jan. 27, 2023)

For those itching for even more intergalactic horror, Schofield’s breakout hit Dead Space will see an impressive remake. While the original designer isn’t involved this time around (due to his involvement on Callisto Protocol), the remade version of this iconic survival horror title keeps much of his vision in tact, while expanding even further as well. In fact, the development team’s first step in developing the remake involved personally speaking to longtime Dead Space fans to make sure the new game featured what diehard fans would want.

From there, the team took the original game and rebuilt it from the ground with an expanded story that takes into account Dead Space 2, 3, and even the comic books to build upon the lore from the first game. Notable changes include giving Isaac a voice to keep in line with later entries, as well as giving side characters like Dr. Cross screen time and additional backstory.

Another huge enhancement is the interconnective nature of the Ishimura ship. This time around, players can walk the whole ship without any camera cuts or loading screens with the exception for when you die. Apart from these changes, the remake also features modernized controls, physics and mechanics that make the game feel familiar yet fresh. Dead Space floats out to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on January 27, 2023.

1. Resident Evil 4 (Mar. 24, 2023)

Speaking of remakes, you cannot forget about the highly-anticipated remake of one of the most iconic survival horror games of all time in Resident Evil 4. Following in the same vein as Capcom’s other Resident Evil remakes, RE4 retains the general plot of the original 2005 title, while adding a ton of modern enhancements and changes. One notable difference is the deeper emphasis of how the events of Resident Evil 2 in Racoon City changed Leon.

Additionally, the president’s daughter Ashley gets more depth and a much-needed redesign to her character. At one point, trailers alluded to moments where she becomes infected, as well as a moment that appears as though she will have playable parts of the story. In terms of the game’s baddies, Salazar appears to have a major updated interpretation. Where the 2005 original game made the character appear young and child-like, our look at Salazar here shows someone more mature, though he does retain the 18th-century European outfit.

For those who played the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3, gameplay should mostly feel familiar. However, Leon brings with him some cool new mechanics this time around as well. One cool detail is Leon’s new ability to crouch. In addition, the combos from the original RE4 will make a comeback for the remake, so players can certainly employ the classic stun-kick-kill combo. Resident Evil 4 crawls out to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S and PC on March 24, 2023.

A great time for survival horror

Overall, it’s definitely a great time to be a survival horror fan. From the all-new nightmares to the reimagining of some all-time classics, there’s a lot to look forward to.

But which upcoming survival horror game are you most excited for? As always, let us know what you think down in the comments. Oh, and happy Halloween!