Horror games with the best safe modes, rated

summary

  • These horror games offer unique, non-threatening experiences with a focus on atmosphere, environment, and exploration, aside from the traditional life-threatening enemies.
  • Games like Layers of Fear, SOMA, and Year Walk offer thrilling narratives and eerie settings without the risk of character death.
  • Phasmophobia and Amnesia: Rebirth offers customizable gameplay that allows players to adjust the difficulty for intense challenges or leisurely exploration.



For those who prefer their scares without constant threat, the easy or adventure modes offer a more comfortable ride than the often story-driven setting. In horror games, the central mechanic often involves escaping or fighting a dangerous creature. From ghosts and zombies to creatively terrifying monster like monsters Five nights at Freddy's or Papi broadcast timethese threats increase the tension by jeopardizing the player's survival or making resources scarce.

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However, not all horror games rely on this formula. Many titles manage to create intense fear without life-threatening enemies, offering players amazing experiences that focus on exploration, atmosphere, and minimal chance of death.


8 Layers of fear

A picture of horror


was published
June 15, 2023

OpenCritic rating
strong

in Layers of fearplayers take on the role of an unstable painter trying to complete his magnum opus. As players navigate the painter's terrifyingly transformed mansion, they discover his dark secrets and the horrors that plague his soul.

The game features plenty of jumping, but no enemies actively chase the player in the original game (although there are two small sections in the remake). Instead, the haunted environment itself keeps players entertained. With a combination of psychological horror and a very beautiful art style, Layers of fear It stands out as a harrowing exploration of a broken mind.

7 SOMA

It is safer under the sea


was published
September 15, 2015

OpenCritic rating
strong

SOMA is a survival horror classic that challenges players with a deep, existential narrative and gruesome encounters. However, the 2017 “Safe Mode” update introduced a version of the game without enemies, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in its thought-provoking story. Unlike modes that render monsters harmless, safe mode alters their behavior to create a unique and risk-free experience.

This mode emphasizes the game's unsettling setting and philosophical questions, retaining the core elements of horror while removing the need to fight or flee.

6 Walk of the year

Scarier than IKEA

Walk of the year

was published
February 21, 2013

Developers
Simugo

Walk of the year It offers a short but unforgettable journey steeped in Swedish folklore. In this hour-long adventure game, players embark on a mysterious “Sally Walk,” a traditional ritual said to offer a vision of the future. As players wander through a dark forest, they encounter eerie supernatural creatures and solve puzzles to progress.


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8 best horror games that play with the fear of death

Fear of death is a strong fear. These horror games play with this fear in both their story and gameplay to give players a memorable experience.

Although the game lacks enemies, its haunting atmosphere and thrilling lore create an unsettling experience that stays with you for a long time.

5 Phasmophobia

friendly soul

Phasmophobia Co-op ghost hunting is brought to the fore, with players investigating haunted locations and gathering evidence of paranormal activity. The game's custom difficulty settings allow players to customize their experience, including the ability to disable ghost hunting entirely by setting the ghost to “friendly”. This mode can reduce activity, slow down ghosts – or even remove them entirely!

This creates the settings Phasmophobia is a versatile horror game that offers both intense challenges and more relaxed exploration for those new to the genre. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, the game offers endless replayability and thrills without necessarily putting the player character in danger of death.


4 Oblivion: rebirth

Forget being scary

Systems

PC-1 PlayStation-1

was published
October 20, 2020

OpenCritic rating
strong

While Oblivion: rebirth Typically featuring terrifying creatures hunting the player, its adventure mode removes these threats and turns the game into a puzzle-based exploration experience. The unsettling atmosphere remains intact, but without the fear of death, players can focus on exploring the game's narrative and solving environmental challenges.

This story mode highlights the game's rich story and immersive world while making it accessible to those who shy away from traditional survival horror mechanics.

3 Alien: Isolation

Sci-fi horror with training wheels


Alien: Isolation

was published
October 7, 2014

OpenCritic rating
strong

What is this doing here? Widely regarded as one of the best sci-fi horror games ever, Alien: Isolation Captive nature of alien Film franchise with extreme atmosphere and unpredictable xenomorph encounters. While the game does not have a true Safe Mode, IsolationRookie Mode lowers the alien's intelligence and aggressiveness, offering players a less punishing experience.

With more abundant resources and easier escape from enemies, Novice Mode allows players to explore the game's intricately designed environments while feeling the weight of its terrifying atmosphere.

2 Summer 58

Not as good as the summer of 1969

  • let go: July 21, 2021
  • platform(s): Computer
  • Developers: EMIKA_GAMES


In an abandoned Soviet summer camp, Summer 58 It immerses players in a terrifying tale of restless ghosts. Players assume the role of a blogger who investigates paranormal phenomena at the scene of a tragic accident.

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The focus of the game is on exploring and uncovering the dark history of the camp – without posing any physical threats. The eerie setting and psychological tension make it a great choice for slow horror fans.

1 The disappearance of Ethan Carter

Explore the mystery

was published
September 26, 2014

Developers
Astronauts

OpenCritic rating
strong

Although The disappearance of Ethan Carter Not a traditional horror game, its unsettling atmosphere and horror story elements provide a haunting experience. Players take on the role of a detective who explores a beautiful, deserted world and collects clues to uncover the mystery of Ethan Carter's disappearance.

With no threat to player safety, the game allows for immersive exploration, making it a compelling option for those looking for a lighter yet eerie adventure.


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