Holiday Hellscapes: Creepy Christmas Video Games

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!