Discover the top upcoming horror games in 2026 that horror fans are excited about…….
If you’ve been playing horror lately, you’ve probably noticed something. The genre has been on fire. Whether we talk about the eerie beauty of indie games like Little Nightmares or the immersive and creepy horror of games like Resident Evil 7, or whether we talk about remakes of psychological horror masterpieces like Silent Hill 2, or cinematic interactive movies like The Quarry, we’ve today entered a new golden age of fear. Game developers have finally learned that horror doesn’t always mean cheap jump scares; it’s about tension, atmosphere, psychological creepiness, and storytelling that crawls under your skin. And looking ahead, the trend only gets stronger.
2026 is shaping up to be an absolute feast for horror lovers. Here we have dug deep into official sources and hands-on previews to bring you the seven upcoming horror games in 2026 that deserve a spot on your radar. From cosmic nightmares to cursed dolls, each one promises to twist the genre in its own terrifying way. So grab your flashlight, take a deep breath, and let’s count down from #7 to #1.
#7. The Sinking City 2
Frogwares | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | First half of 2026
The follow-up to Frogwares’ cult hit is swimming back into the shadows. The Sinking City 2 dives deeper into Lovecraftian madness, pulling players into a decaying coastal world where every whisper hints at something monstrous lurking beneath. This time, the focus leans more on survival elements such as scavenging for scarce supplies, managing sanity, and facing creatures that should not exist. If cosmic horror is your thing, this will be one of the horror games best suited to leave you sleepless.
#6. Welcome to Doll Town
Bad Wish Games | PC (consoles likely) | February 13, 2026
It’s hard to imagine anything creepier than a town full of dolls that move when you’re not looking. Welcome to Doll Town is an indie title that embraces that nightmare completely. As you explore the cursed village, you’ll uncover the disturbing legends behind its porcelain inhabitants. The developers promise psychological horror over action, with puzzles, exploration, and a thick sense of dread that feels straight out of a folk tale gone wrong. It’s a standout among horror games upcoming for its originality and slow-burn terror.
#5. Directive 8020
Supermassive Games | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | First half of 2026
Supermassive is back to remind everyone why they rule cinematic horror. Directive 8020, part of The Dark Pictures Anthology, takes the tension into deep space. Imagine Until Dawn mixed with Alien: Isolation, with branching storylines, brutal consequences, and claustrophobic corridors where every decision can end in tragedy. Expect movie-quality visuals, emotional writing, and the kind of multiplayer tension that makes you scream at your friends for making the wrong choice.
#4. ILL
Team Clout | PC | Release TBA (expected 2026)
Few horror games have generated as much buzz from a single trailer as ILL. The Unreal Engine 5 showcase was so realistic that it looked like a live-action short. The developers promise grounded, disturbing body horror inspired by classics like The Thing. You’ll play in first-person, scavenging weapons and tools while dealing with grotesque transformations and environments that feel sickly alive. This is why ILL is one of the most anticipated upcoming horror games in 2026. If done right, ILL could easily become one of the horror games best remembered of this new generation.
#3. End of Abyss
Section 9 Interactive / Epic Games Publishing | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | 2026
End of Abyss blends science fiction with pure terror. Set in an underground facility gone dark, it invites players to uncover what really happened in its depths. Expect dimly lit corridors, a minimal HUD, and an atmosphere that feels suffocating. Stealth, survival, and puzzle elements combine with moments of raw panic. It’s one of those horror games upcoming that looks both gorgeous and deeply uncomfortable, exactly what fans want. If you love indie experiences like Little Nightmares, you will love this one.
#2. Resident Evil Requiem
Capcom | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2 | February 27, 2026
The kings of survival horror are back. Resident Evil Requiem marks the next evolution in Capcom’s legendary and hugely popular Resident Evil franchise, continuing the mix of action and fear. The story remains under wraps, but early hints suggest a return to isolated locations and more traditional survival gameplay. With its release date already locked, this is easily one of the upcoming horror games in 2026 that fans can start counting down to right now.
#1. Reanimal
Tarsier Studios / THQ Nordic | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2 | Q1 2026
Yes, put this above Resident Evil above, because of how creative and unique this game is, especially coming from an indie studio. From the original studio behind Little Nightmares, Reanimal looks hauntingly original. Set in a surreal world of decaying beauty, you and a partner navigate environments filled with twisted creatures and strange rituals. It combines puzzle-platforming with cooperative survival mechanics, wrapped in the same eerie tone that made Tarsier famous, due to the original Little Nightmares games. Every trailer so far screams artistry and unease in equal measure. For many fans, this might not just be the most creative of the upcoming horror games in 2026, it could be the one that defines the genre’s next chapter.
The demo of ReAnimal is already available to play on Steam.
Final Thoughts
The horror genre isn’t slowing down, it’s thriving. From psychological tension to cosmic dread, 2026 is stacked with experiences that prove fear can still evolve. Whether you are looking forward to the unsettling atmosphere of Reanimal, the creeping mystery of The Sinking City 2, or the pulse-pounding survival in Resident Evil Requiem, there’s something for every type of fan.
If you’ve been searching for the horror games best suited to test your nerves, make sure to keep your eye on these seven. The year ahead looks terrifying in the best possible way, and our list of upcoming horror games in 2026 only prove it!
If you are an indie horror fan, check out 10 horror games similar to Little Nightmares.
