The Japanese horror genre has created some of the most iconic franchises in the gaming industry, like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Even though it might look like there’s not much room for uniqueness when it comes to scary games, this genre showed this not to be true, with numerous different formulas and ways of telling these spooky stories.

From psychological horror with jump scares to survival horror experiences where you have to fight for your life, there are endless possibilities, and each horror game is unique. If you’re looking for the scariest game, you came to the right place.

Here, we will show you some of the best Japanese horror games you can find. Take a look at each one and prepare yourself for many scary moments.

We will also cover multiple game types and platforms to ensure you find exactly what you want. Whether you’re playing on a PC or console, there’s always a perfect pick for you.

Before we find out some of the scariest games, let’s clarify one of the main doubts about the Japanese horror genre and its games. What is the difference between survival horror and psychological horror?

To start, psychological horror games don’t depend that much on action. In fact, there are titles where you never actually see what is haunting you.

The main objective of this kind of game is to create a scary atmosphere that makes the player afraid of what comes next. Psychological titles usually don’t feature combat and rely on supernatural elements and events to scare the player, like doors opening by themselves and other classic events of the horror experience.

On the other hand, survival horror games are much more similar to adventure games, relying a lot on combat and action moments. You typically not only see the monster or entity you’re fighting against, but you directly deal damage to them with different kinds of weapons.

This becomes very clear when you analyze two of the classic titles of the survival horror genre: Resident Evil and Silent Hill.

There are different types of creatures, and you constantly engage in combat with them, using pistols, knives, and many other weapons. This doesn’t mean a survival horror game is not scary.

It can be as scary as a psychological horror title. The difference is that the game doesn’t need to rely much on creating an intimidating atmosphere where you don’t know what to expect next.

Now it’s time to see some of the best games you can play right now. Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced survival horror game or a Japanese folklore-inspired title, we will cover different gameplay styles to ensure you find the perfect addition to your game library.

Take a look at all options to see which one best suits you. Here are the best Japanese horror titles you can play right now:

• Release Date: March, 2023

• Developer: Capcom

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows

The Resident Evil series was one of the first survival horror games in history, creating numerous mechanics and elements that are now standards in the gaming industry. Each Resident Evil title is full of action and packed with many monsters that will haunt you wherever you go.

The Resident Evil remake era has shown to be very successful for the Japanese developers of Capcom, relaunching almost every single title from the franchise's main series. The remake of the fourth game is the first one after the release of Resident Evil Village, the most recent game of the main franchise that ends the story of the mysterious character Ethan Winters.

This remake will take you back to the role of Leon S. Kennedy on his mission to rescue the president’s daughter, who was kidnapped and taken to a remote village in the middle of Spain. The young girl is your top priority, and you have to do anything to rescue her. Even though you were sent to this mission alone, you’ll find numerous friends during the gameplay, some of whom you are very familiar with if you played the previous titles from the cult classic franchise.

The eerie atmosphere is filled with zombies and other creatures infected with a new virus called “Las Plagas,” an infection never seen before in other franchise titles. Along with rescuing the presidential daughter, you will fight for your life, trying to discover who’s behind this entire biological threat.

This is a must-play if you’re a fan of the saga and are familiar with characters like Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield. Grab your gun and prepare to survive this overwhelming hell that awaits you.

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• Release Date: October, 2014

• Developer: Tango Gameworks

• Platforms: Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows

If you are a fan Resident Evil, you’ll love this survival horror game. Both franchises have several similarities, and that’s expected since it was Shinji Mikami's first project after leaving Capcom.

The creator of RE built this horrifying experience based on the roots of the survival genre, where not only is your life constantly in danger, but you also have to worry about resources. Finding bullets and healing items will not be as easy as in Resident Evil, so each action must be carefully thought out, as every bullet counts.

If you’re looking for creepy enemy design, you have also come to the right place. Every creature and boss has a grotesque appearance that takes the game's gore element to the next level.

Fighting against dreadful monsters, you’ll control detective Sebastian Castellanos. After a cruel mass murder happened at the Beacon Mental Hospital, you and your crew are called to investigate the scene and try to find who’s behind all of this. Suddenly, you and the other members get teleported to a dark dimension with cruel enemies and violent creatures that will attack you at first sight.

Now, you must investigate this parallel dimension while fighting for your life. Be careful. Everything is a possible threat and can kill you.

To fight against the enemies, you’ll find a variety of weapons, including pistols, shotguns, and other options. Make sure to save your bullets for real threats. They are not easy to find.

Get The Evil Within Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: September, 2008

• Developer: Konami

• Platforms: Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows

The Silent Hill series is another classic of the survival horror genre, with numerous titles that became true references for game developers. Konami created a distinguishable design for its series, whether regarding the foggy map or the gore scenes with the creatures.

Silent Hill focuses on combat, but unlike Resident Evil, it is always a better option to avoid these encounters since resources are limited. It is the perfect experience for those looking for a scary title and those who love solving puzzles since the entire franchise is filled with some of the most iconic riddles and puzzles of video game history.

Silent Hill Homecoming follows this same formula, but this time, you control the character Alex Shepherd, a man who goes back to his hometown of Shepherd’s Glen after finding out his brother has mysteriously disappeared.

What once was your hometown is now the barrier between this world and the horrifying dimension of Silent Hill. You must try to find your brother while staying sane and alive in this depicted dark world. Your actions and progress will determine what awaits you since the game features multiple endings.

Every creature in Silent Hill is a reflection of the protagonist’s mind, with every design representing something from their past or personality.

But in this game, you’ll also be able to see a friend again. One of the most iconic monsters ever created, Pyramid Head, is back in its first appearance since Silent Hill 2.

It is a great game that perfectly balances combat and exploration. If you’re into classic games with tank controls, make sure to give this one a try.

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• Release Date: September, 2014

• Developer: Koei Tecmo

• Platforms: Playstation 2, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows

If you like Japanese folklore and horror tales, you’ll definitely love Fatal Frame. It takes the concept of capturing spirits through camera lenses and immerses it in a survival horror setting, catering to the discerning tastes of even the most demanding horror enthusiasts.

In Maiden of the Black Water, just like in the other Fatal Frame games, your primary way to defend yourself from the ghosts is through the special item: Camera Obscure. This camera can see the ghosts and kill them by taking pictures, allowing you to defend yourself.

In the fifth title, you head to Mount Hikami, a spiritual and religious place where water is a divine entity. Recently, many supernatural events have happened in this place. As you explore it, your spiritual trip becomes a nightmare.

You’ll discover the story of three different protagonists and how they connect to each other. Using the Camera Obscura, you’ll not only be able to see the ghosts trying to kill you but also find out what happened in the past and why this place became a realm for cruel entities.

The game received a remastered version to celebrate 20 years of the franchise. You can play it in the most recent console generations with better graphics and new items to use during gameplay.

It is one of the best picks if you like Japanese folklore and are looking for a game with this kind of environment and world-building. Grab the Camera Obscura and start fighting for your life in this cursed religious ground.

Get Fatal Frame: Maid of Black Water Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: April, 1996

• Developer: Team GrisGris

• Platforms: Playstation Portable, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Microsoft Windows

Psychological horror and visual novels are a great combination, and Corpse Party is the perfect example. The anime-style graphics might look cute, but the plot and story are macabre, with numerous mysteries to solve and evil spirits taking the lives of your friends one by one.

Everything starts after you and your friends lock yourselves in an alternative universe version of a high school after accidentally performing an occult ritual. Now, to survive and find a way out of this dark world, you must find the spirits of old students who were murdered there, trying to solve what happened to them.

Even though Corpse Party is a simple RPG Maker title, it has one of the best storytelling ever seen in a horror title. If you’re looking for a mystery to solve and get some terrifying jump scares, this is the title to go for.

I played Corpse Party dozens of times, and every run feels fresh since the actions you take directly impact how the story goes and, more importantly, who lives. Make sure to think several times before doing anything. It’ll impact everything that happens after that.

• Release Date: December, 2012

• Developer: Sen

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, macOS, and Nintendo Switch

Another classic from the RPG Maker era is Mad Father. The pixel graphics remind a lot of other games of this kind, like Corpse Party and Ao Oni.

It’s a title for gamers who thrive on exploration and immersive storytelling. There are several secrets and mysteries to unveil, not only about your past but also those around you.

Here, you’ll play Aya Drevis, an 11-year-old girl on her mission to discover what is happening at the Drevis residence. From secret experiments on the underground to a terrible incident that happened in the past, there are several things you need to know about before it’s too late.

You’ll have a series of weapons to defend yourself from the numerous threats that’ll appear along the way. But remember. Direct combat is not always the best option.

Even though it’s a pixel art game, the horror atmosphere is constantly present and can definitely immerse the player in this haunting mansion.

This classic also received a remake, adding brand-new items, scenes, and even an extra mode called Blood Mode. It provides a second playthrough that alters the story and presents new points of view for what happened in the main campaign.

If you’re looking for a great story with an immersive atmosphere and exploration, this title has everything you want. Grab your flashlight and start exploring all the secrets this mansion offers.

• Release Date: May, 2021

• Developer: Capcom

• Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows

The latest release from Resident Evil’s main saga is another must-have for any survival horror fan. It takes place after the events of Resident Evil 7 and continues the story of Ethan Winters after he and his wife, Mia, get rescued from the Bakers’ residence.

After peaceful years with your family, someone breaks into your house and kidnaps your daughter. Now, you must do anything to get her back and discover why she is vital to this mysterious cult.

Similar to RE4, your adventure unfolds in Spain, though in a distinct location. However, one constant remains — every area teems with creatures hell-bent on ending your existence.

There are several secrets to unveil, from the cult’s real intentions regarding Mia to what Mother Miranda really is. To help with this dangerous mission, you’ll have the support of well-known characters from the saga and an arsenal of weapons to destroy anything in your path.

The game has a first-person perspective, but if you acquire the gold edition, you can also activate a third-person mode to make it look more like the traditional Resident Evil titles. There are also lots of other options to adapt the game to your style, including accessibility features.

If you already played the seventh title, this is a must-have on your games library. It is not only a great sequence but also the conclusion of Ethan’s story.

Get Resident Evil: Village Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.

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Japanese horror games are among the best titles in the industry, with numerous experiences that became references in mechanics, storytelling, and many other aspects. From first-person adventures where you explore castles to pixel-art games where every decision decides who lives and who doesn’t, there are several different games to choose from, and you’ll surely find the one that best suits you.

We showed you some of the main options, but there are hundreds of options to choose from. Visit RoyalCDKeys to check out the latest deals.

Now, it’s time to choose which horror experience will be your next one. Prepare your flashlight and face the numerous dangers that await you.