Sandbox and horror games are two categories that don’t often seem to mix, however when sandbox horror is pulled off, it can make for the most exhilarating horror experiences in gaming. Sandbox by definition are games that give the player complete freedom in how they want to play the game, often set in an open world. They can choose which tools and weapons to use and which routes to follow, and which quests to do in which order.
Horror mixed with sandbox elements often leads to the unexpected as players aren’t constantly following a linear path, pre-designed by the developers. Instead, anything can happen, and it’s up to the player’s decisions and actions that affect how playthroughs pan out. This mix of genres can create some of the most atmospheric and memorable moments in gaming.
A complete sandbox game by definition, theDead Risingfranchise is all about using creative freedom to have fun and create absolute chaos. Yes, there’s a campaign and something of a story, but the main feature ofDead Risingis its sandbox design that allows players to kick back, relax and explore the multitude of ways to kill some zombies, includingmaking weapons out of everyday objects.
The only drawback fromDead Rising, and the reason it’s not ranked higher, is that because of its silly nature, it’s just not scary. So yes, it’s technically a horror game because it’s all about zombies, but it lacks a horror-filled atmosphere.
We Happy Fewis an interesting entry because it started its development as a pure sandbox-survival horror. However, towards the end of its development, the devs decided to listen to some early-access feedback and implement a more story-focused and linear campaign. Despite this, a few months after its release, Compulsion Games unveiled a DLC that added a sandbox mode which was more aligned with its original focus.
The horror aspects follow a psychedelic drug known as Joy, which many citizens of its Victorian-Londonesque setting are addicted to. It’s a horror themeinfluenced by the dystopianaspects of Orwell’s 1984or Huxley’sBrave New Worldand successfully explores a sub-genre of horror not often featured in video games.
State of Decay 2is asurvival horror gamedeveloped by Undead Labs which was released in 2018. Players jump into a vast sandbox open-world where they have the creative freedom to gather resources and supplies to help build a base and community. One of the best elements toState of Decay2is the co-op feature which creates a fantastic co-operative sandbox experience.
The combination of horror elements and having the freedom to explore a world ridden by zombies and use various weapons to protect yourself is a classic setup, butState of Decay 2executes things excellently. Whether exploring the open world or running into dangerous Ferals or Juggernauts,State of Decay 2is pure sandbox-horror fun.
Shadow of Chernobylis a classic sandbox horror title which released back in 2007. It’s a hugely atmospheric experience and features some super dark horror elements. From mutated creatures to Lovecraftian flora and extraterrestrial artifacts,Shadow of Chernobylcan be a disturbing experienceat times but rewarding at others.
There’s an incentive to explore inS.T.A.L.K.E.R.due to its non-linear storyline. It provides players with a real, creative sandbox feeling all whilst effectively maintaining its brooding horror ambiance. Gamers should just remember to watch their back when they trudge through the barren wastelands of Chernobyl.
One of the best indie-horror releases in years,Don’t Starve(and its great sequelDon’t Starve Together) are fantastic sandbox horror experiences where the player has to survive in a desolate, empty land. Featuringa 2D perspectivethat makes the player feel incredibly small, the enemies inDon’t Starvetruly feel threatening and menacing.
The main game is played in a sandbox mode where players are simply tasked with surviving for as long as possible and maintaining a source of light. However, there is also an adventure mode which includes a small story. Despite being an indie title,Don’t Starveis one of the most disturbing sandbox horror games.
7 Days To Dieis a voxel-based, sandbox-horror, open-world game where the player can virtually do whatever they please. Whether they want to focus on building, fighting, scavenging or defending, the options available to the player in7 Days To Dieare pretty much endless.
The mechanics behind the game are deep and players can dive into leveling and crafting from the start. It’s a great creative game that offers so many opportunities for the player. And, not to mention the zombie hordes which truly make the game feel like a full-blown horror experience.
Looking at the cover art,Subnauticadoesn’t even look like a horror game, let alone a sandbox. However, it’s this deceptive trick that propelledSubnauticainto popularity as it’s one of the most terrifying experiences in gaming, especially if you’re a victim of thalassophobia (fear of the deep ocean).
Subnauticagives complete freedom to the player to explore the open ocean of an alien planet, with the main goal being to find a way to escape. Players will need to find resources and survive for as long as possible, all whilst exploring and learning about this foreign environment. Oh, and they also need to avoidmassive leviathan creatures.
The Forest, and its sequelSons of The Forest,are two excellent survival-horror sandbox experiences where players are thrown into a forest setting with some definitely-not-creepy cult-like creatures who are definitely not cannibals or anything.
Players control Eric LeBlanc who is the sole survivor of a plane crash as he searches for his son somewhere in the forest. It’s a pure sandbox experience as there are few tutorial elements and no set directions or objectives to follow. Instead, players are simply tasked with creating a shelter, crafting weapons, exploring, and surviving. It’s a fantastic horror experience set in a great sandbox world.
