The holiday season is upon us, but that doesn’t mean the horror has to take a break. In this post, we’ll delve into the darker side of Christmas video games, exploring the most unsettling and terrifying titles that’ll make your yuletide tremble with fear.
1. Amnesia: The Dark Descent – “Justine” DLC (2011)
- Platform: PC, Mac, Linux
- Description: This DLC expansion for the critically acclaimed survival horror game takes place in a haunting, snow-covered castle, where players must navigate the twisted mind of Justine.
- Why it’s creepy: The eerie atmosphere, combined with the psychological horror elements, makes for a chilling holiday experience.
2. Resident Evil 6 – “Christmas-themed” Mercenaries Mode (2012)
- Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
- Description: This DLC adds a festive twist to the game’s Mercenaries Mode, with Christmas-themed levels and enemies.
- Why it’s creepy: The contrast between holiday cheer and zombie-slaying action creates a delightfully unsettling experience.
3. Dead Rising 4 (2016)
- Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4
- Description: This action-adventure horror game takes place during the holiday season, with protagonist Frank West battling zombies in a Christmas-themed Willamette, Colorado.
- Why it’s creepy: The juxtaposition of festive decorations and gruesome zombie kills creates a darkly comedic atmosphere.
4. Doki Doki Literature Club! (2017)
- Platform: PC, Mac
- Description: This psychological horror game features a Christmas-themed segment that’s both adorable and terrifying.
- Why it’s creepy: The game’s cute exterior belies its dark, unsettling themes, making the holiday segment a standout example of creepy Christmas gaming.
5. Five Nights at Freddy’s 4 (2015)
- Platform: PC, Android, iOS
- Description: This survival horror game takes place in a child’s bedroom, where the player must fend off nightmarish animatronics, including a Christmas-themed mini-game.
- Why it’s creepy: The game’s eerie atmosphere and jump scares make the holiday-themed content especially terrifying.
6. Krampus (2016)
- Platform: PC
- Description: Based on the Christmas horror movie of the same name, this indie game puts players in the role of Krampus, terrorizing naughty children.
- Why it’s creepy: The game’s dark humor and twisted take on holiday mythology make for a uniquely unsettling experience.
7. We Happy Few (2018)
- Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4
- Description: This dystopian survival game features a Christmas-themed event, complete with twisted, Orwellian holiday cheer.
- Why it’s creepy: The game’s eerie atmosphere and dark themes make the holiday content a chilling addition.
8. Until Dawn: Rush of Blood (2016)
- Platform: PS4
- Description: This VR horror game features a Christmas-themed level, where players navigate a haunted, snow-covered mountain.
- Why it’s creepy: The immersive VR experience and jump scares make for a terrifying holiday thrill.
9. The Last Door (2013)
- Platform: PC, Android, iOS
- Description: This episodic psychological horror game features a Christmas-themed episode, exploring themes of mental illness and trauma.
- Why it’s creepy: The game’s atmospheric tension and emotional storytelling create a haunting holiday experience.
10. Silent Hill 2 (2001)
- Platform: PS2, PC, Xbox
- Description: While not exclusively Christmas-themed, the game’s eerie, snow-covered atmosphere and exploration of grief make it a holiday horror classic.
- Why it’s creepy: The game’s masterful storytelling and symbolism create a lasting sense of unease.
These creepy Christmas video games offer a unique way to celebrate the holiday season – with a healthy dose of fear. Whether you’re a fan of survival horror or psychological terror, there’s something on this list to make your yuletide tremble.
Recommended Games:
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent – “Justine” DLC
- Dead Rising 4
- Doki Doki Literature Club!
- Five Nights at Freddy’s 4
- Krampus
Happy Gaming… and sweet screams!
