Itchy. Tasty. If you're looking for more games like Resident Evil, you're in the right place. 2018's Resident Evil Village is one of the most unique games in the Resident Evil timeline, but if it's given you a hankering for similar games that combine iconic characters, survival horror gameplay, and malevolent entities to lay waste to, we understand the appeal.
Many entries in Capcom's Resident Evil series are counted among the best horror games around, and the franchise's influence has spawned other experiences in the genre over the years. If you're ready to step away from the world of RE and try out something different, we've gathered together some of the very best games like Resident Evil across multiple platforms.
Some of the games in our selection certainly have their fair share of scares, but that will be old hat for anyone who's delved into the Resident Evil series. And if you're after action in a similar vein, there's lots on offer, too. From Dead Space to the Last of Us and more, here's our pick of the best games like Resident Evil that you can play right now.
Recent updates
This list of games like Resident Evil was updated on September 10, swapping the Dead Space Remake in for the 2008 original and Alan Wake 2 in place of The Medium.
10 games like Resident Evil, starting with...
10. Dead Space remake
Developer: Motive Studios
Platforms: Xbox Series X, PC, PS5
Kicking off our list of games like Resident Evil is Dead Space Remake, a third-person survival-horror game set in... well... space. Creepy monsters are scary enough, but when you have to deal with them in the blackness of space, the horror is amplified. Dead Space came out during a time when fans were starving for true survival horror in a modern sense, and now that we have a stunning remake that perfectly encapsulates and updates the original, there's no better time to discover it.
In 2008 when it first launched, there wasn’t anything quite like Dead Space. It updated the fixed camera angles and tank controls as popularized Resi while offering a distinctly horrific, tense atmosphere of its own, making it an instant classic. The remake pushes these factors further still, turning the necromorphs into the stuff of true nightmare fuel but never deviating from the harrowing heart of what Dead Space is. The Ishimura is as iconic as the RCPD, the plasma cutter as beloved as Leon's Matilda pistol...we could go on, but I'd rather you just play the thing and see what makes it so great.
9. Days Gone
Developer: Bend Studio
Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC
Days Gone sometimes gets a lot of hate, but most of it isn’t justified. Sure, it might not be of the same quality as the rest of Sony’s first-party line-up, but Days Gone is still a blast. It takes a lot of the shooting elements of the more recent Resident Evil games, but adds in a heartfelt story and a massive open world.
Regardless of how this game compares to other PlayStation exclusives, there’s no denying that its action gameplay is satisfying. It features an in-depth progression system, tons of missions, and a nuanced crafting system that makes it feel like a survival game. If you like the more action-oriented Resident Evil games, you should definitely give Days Gone a try.
8. The Last of Us
Developer: Naughty Dog
Platforms: PS4, PS5
When discussing iconic horror games, it’s tough not to mention The Last of Us. This game (and its sequel, The Last of Us Part 2) lean more into cinematic storytelling, and include survival mechanics that make every encounter feel dire.
In one moment, you’ll be scrounging around for ammo and supplies, and then the next, you’ll get hit with a massive story beat that changes the course of the game’s narrative. Everything from the acting, performances, writing, and combat in the Last of Us are impeccable, and a testament to Naughty Dog’s skills as a developer.
7. Dying Light 2
Developer: Techland
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC,
A gigantic sequel to the original Dying Light, Dying Light 2 is the newest game on this list. With hours and hours of playtime in its open area alone, Techland has delivered a giant world to explore freely. Dying Light 2 takes the open-world zombie game formula and expands upon it, offering you countless opportunities to pick up missions, discover collectibles, and decide whether or not you want to fight a horde or zombies or run off into the night.
The parkour mechanic that made Dying Light so special is still here and even better than before, and with your first-person view of the zombie-infested world, you'll viscerally feel every rooftop leap and grappling hook glide.
6. Alien Isolation
Developer: Creative Assembly
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch
As we’ve mentioned already, there’s something to be said about the creepiness of horror in space. That’s where Alien Isolation comes in, surprisingly taking an existing IP and becoming arguably the best in the entire franchise. Alien Isolation puts you in the shoes of Amanda Ripley, the daughter of Ellen Ripley, which gives it a canonical significance.
Aside from its story, the gameplay is tense, as the deadly Xenomorph is always lurking around. This raises the stakes and makes you have to approach every situation carefully. The game is less action oriented than others on this list, with an emphasis on running and hiding more so than all-out battle.
5. Silent Hill 2
Developer: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360
Resident Evil and Silent Hill often go hand-in-hand when it comes to horror. Both debuted for the original PlayStation around the same time, and pushed the limits on the hardware at the time.
Silent Hill 2 has practically an identical combat system as the earlier Resident Evil entries, allowing players to stop and shoot their foes with a variety of firearms. Of course, the creatures in Silent Hill are much more abstract, taking inspiration from what you’d see in your nightmares. With Silent Hill 2 Remake currently in the works from Konami and Bloober Team, watch this space for the next big Resi contender.
4. BioShock
Developer: 2K Games
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch
At first, saying BioShock is one of the games like Resident Evil might seem like a stretch, but the two have more in common than you might think. Though BioShock takes place in a fantastical world, horror is at the heart of the experience. The enemies known as Splicers are grotesque, and although they might not look like zombies, you’ll want to avoid them all the same.
BioShock has some of the most satisfying gameplay, encouraging you to explore and collect resources as you make your way through the world of Rapture. Much like recent Resident Evil titles, BioShock shines in its environmental storytelling, making its world feel like a real place.
3. Left 4 Dead
Developer: Valve
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Valve truly capitalized on an idea that other developers have struggled to replicate. Even Back 4 Blood the 2021 spiritual successor to Left 4 Dead, may not pop as much ass the original. Left 4 Dead somehow managed to combine satisfying first-person shooting with a challenging, yet comedic array of campaigns that all felt unique.
The flow of a campaign would vary due to the random placement of enemy zombies, but would usually offer a satisfying balance of difficulty and fun. Resident Evil is often remembered for being silly and wacky, so if that’s your thing, Left 4 Dead (and its sequel) will be up your alley if you're looking for one of the games like Resident Evil.
2. Alan Wake 2
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC
Alan Wake 2 might not have shambling zombies baying for your guts, but its slick blend of third person survival horror gameplay and puzzling narrative mystery will have you hooked. It's the kind of game like Resident Evil that makes you thankful for how much the genre has progressed over time, showing growth not only for the titular character but how he and FBI co-star Saga Andersen navigate a world of danger before them. Expect innovate mechanics, a time-bending storyline, and a fair share of jump scares when you embark on all that Alan Wake 2 has to offer.
1. The Evil Within
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC
The Evil Within series is a spiritual successor to Resident Evil. In fact, it was directed by Shinji Mikami, the creator of the Resident Evil series. After playing both series, you can definitely tell they come from the same creator. The Evil Within leans more into the psychological horror elements, presenting you with off-the-wall creatures and situations that don’t exist in reality as we know it.
But from a gameplay perspective, The Evil Within is a greatest hits representation of the Resident Evil games that came before it, combining stealth with action, all under the frame of survival horror. If you only play one entry on this list of games like Resident Evil, it has to be The Evil Within.
For more recommendations, why not check out our selection of the best zombie games you can play right now.
