The Nintendo Switch is not a console that is known for its scary games. Most of what is on the system tends to be family-friendly, but that is not all that the console is about. Nintendo Exclusives are the main reason most people buy the console. However, there are enough players who would love a different kind of game from time to time.
Although the Survival Horror genre is mainly known for its most famous franchises, there are plenty of scary horror games out there. It would be a shame if players could not enjoy some of those games due to their console choice. Luckily, there are many horror games to be enjoyed by Switch owners.
10 Luigi's Mansion 3
This one might seem like a no-brainer that also isn't that scary. But yes: Luigi's Mansion, the series, counts as survival horror. For younger gamers, it can be their first entry into the genre given how friendly it is to those who scare easily.
Since the game is a Nintendo original, it's a natural fit for the Switch itself. People can play with Joy-Cons or a controller, enjoy the company of a ghost doggo, and save the day, too.
9 Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation is a game that made all franchise fans feel like they are in a movie. The game has this dark, claustrophobic atmosphere that makes anyone paranoid. It also mimics perfectly the technology that was imagined as futuristic when the first Alien movie came out.
When it comes to gameplay, Alien is great. It is not very innovative, but the scenario and the mechanics do fit the setting perfectly. It never lets players relax too much, and it also gives them many items to help them survive the xenomorph.
8 Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is the game that changed the franchise forever. It introduced a new camera angle, action-oriented gameplay, and basic enemies that are not zombies. In addition, the game has Leon Scott Kennedy returning as the main character. The story takes place in Spain where Leon is trying to rescue the president's daughter from a cult.
This game was designed to feel very different from the first three titles but keep their spirit in a way. Bioterrorism is present, but it has taken a completely different shape. Instead of a virus, Leon deals with the Las Plagas parasite in a small village.
7 Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Amnesia: The Dark Descent puts players in control of Daniel, a man from London who suddenly wakes up in a Prussian Castle. Besides his name, the man does not have any memories of his past. Players must explore the castle, find out what is going on, and try their best to get out of it alive. Surviving in this game is terrifying and quite challenging.
The game was designed to induce anxiety no matter what is happening. As one of the oldest survival horror games where players are completely helpless, it is surprising how the game mechanics build up fear and paranoia. For example, players cannot stay in the light for too long or they will be seen, but staying in the dark might cause them to go insane.
6 Inside
Another classic entry into the survival horror genre comes from the creators of the smash indie game Limbo. Inside takes on a similar tone and plot as the player must traverse dangers as a lone player. The game uses shadows to create an air of uncertainty and suspense. But it's the zombie-like people that make the game spooky.
This is a great option for the Switch because of its more casual nature. As with Limbo, the game has checkpoints, so each death just resets the player at the last checkpoint. They can work on the puzzle again and again with consequences that don't feel overwhelming. There's only one downside to German Expressionism and that's the lack of a happy ending.
5 Outlast: Bundle of Terror
Outlast is an acclaimed survival horror game in which players are defenseless against many threats. The game has an ominous setting, great jump scares, and a macabre plot that can keep players both thrilled and excited about what comes next. The Bundle of Terror comes with the base game and the Whistleblower DLC, too.
A game known for how players must use their camera's night vision to navigate dark places makes a great couch game. Worrying about your camera's battery adds another element of tension to the game as you safely play curled up on a sofa.
4 Friday the 13th: The Game
Friday the 13th: The Game is an interesting game in which players either control a camp counselor or the classic horror movie killer, Jason Voorhees. As the killer, players must stalk the victims and fill their hearts with fear to take them down as a true horror movie monster. As the counselors, players have to cooperate and distract Jason to find a way to survive.
Counselors have many different attributes, giving them a unique feel. Good team composition and teamwork might go a long way in surviving the killer. Players who control Jason can choose many different versions of him, each with different strengths and weaknesses.
3 Resident Evil Revelations Collection
Resident Evil Revelations is an acclaimed game from this beloved franchise. Although the second game was not as well-received, it still is a great survivor horror game. Resident Evil Revelations Collection puts the first and second game together for players to enjoy a long play on their Switch.
Players portray both Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield in the classic zombie genre games. It's definitely recommended to pick up a controller for this one as Joy-Cons can be a bit finicky with shooting mechanics.
2 Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark is a unique horror game. In this game, players control an amnesiac who bears a curse mark that will end up causing the death of its bearer at dawn. The main character wakes up in front of a mansion where he finds its owner's dead body. The owner also had a mark indicating that she had the same curse.
The game plays primarily as a visual novel with some adventure elements. Players need to investigate their surroundings to find out how to advance the plot, often eliminating a spirit to progress. It's a more methodical approach to survival horror which may suit Switch fans better than something like Outlast.
1 Darkwood
Darkwood is a top-down survivor horror game developed by Acid Wizard Studios. The game's setting is an isolated forest somewhere in soviet Poland. Darkwood has a day and night cycle, crafting systems, combat, and stealth mechanics. Players can choose the skills in which they will progress, directly affecting how the game is played.
The game does not have jump scares, so the game provides thrills through its atmosphere and setting. The game also changes with the choices made by players adding to its replayability value.