Games

The Best Movement In Horror Games

Published

45 seconds ago

January 17, 2025

Christoph Rediske

Summary

Table of Contents

Horror games focus on disempowering players for fear, with unique movement systems for immersive experiences.
The Last of Us Part 2 improves movement from the first game, offers fluid action, and distinct character-driven gameplay.
Dying Light 2 incorporates heightened parkour movement, while Left 4 Dead 2 stands out for simple yet effective movements.

Horror games rely on disempowering their players, and vulnerability and helplessness are key to building fear. Consequently, a lot of these games have intentionally terrible movement systems. Player characters may be painfully slow, easily disorientated, or suffer from extreme head bobbing or camera shaking.

9 Horror Games With Unique Combat Mechanics, Ranked

Horror games have given players numerous ways to combat monsters, but these games have the most unique combat mechanics.

As a result of these conventions, many of the horror games that allow for fluid movement have a distinct action-adventure element. Additionally, sequels and remakes often improve upon the movement systems of their predecessors. This list includes horror games with the most fluid and satisfying movement and those that have less intuitive movement that adds something special to the game.

Not all of these games are horror-first, but that’s in large part because of the power granted to the player by their movement systems. However, each game still leans heavily on the horror genre.

6

The Last Of Us Part 2

Switching It Up

Systems

Released: June 19, 2020
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Coming off the back of the beloved first game, The Last of Us Part 2 needed to improve some of the movement issues of the series’ previous entry, where Joel essentially controlled like an old boat. When traveling through a post-apocalyptic landscape littered with enemies, the ability to move between stealth and confrontational scenes continues to be vital. The player plays as two distinct protagonists, and their movement is distinctive and further develops the personality of each character.

The Last of Us Part 2 has intuitive third-person action that affords improvisation and adaptable approaches. And it has a jump button, something missing from the first game. While there is still a distinct vulnerability to the characters, their skill and determination shine through in the combat.

5

Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Get Back Before Dark

Action

RPG

Survival Horror

Released: February 4, 2022
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

Dying Light 2 Stay Human is a post-apocalyptic first-person action horror game that follows the protagonist, Aiden, through a decaying urban environment. The sweeping parkour and almost slapstick approach to combat makes for a game that has heightened movement, sometimes to the point of ridiculousness. Combat is diverse, with most situations being able to be confronted through stealth or action approaches.

While many things about Dying Light 2 didn’t capture the feel of the original, the parkour is considerably better. The player can traverse the city by a variety of means, sticking to rooftops to stay away from the enemies below. The movement when it was first released was extremely glitchy and stilted due to several bugs, but it has improved dramatically since then.

4

Left 4 Dead 2

The Zombies Are Coming

Systems

Released: November 17, 2009

Left 4 Dead 2 has stood the test of time like no other horror-themed multiplayer game of its kind. It is a cooperative team-based game that sees players dropped into zombie-infested areas to complete pre-determined goals. There are different types of enemies with different characteristics, and the “director,” which determines the game space, adds an element of unpredictability.

Batman: Arkham Knight, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Assassin's Creed Syndicate

5 Open-World Games Worth Playing Just For Their Movement

The following open-world games are admirable for a variety of reasons, not least of which is their fun movement mechanics.

Unlike some of the games on this list, Left 4 Dead 2’s movement is simple – there is no rolling, flying, or complex parkouring through the game space. In a lot of ways, it is a simple run and gun game. This is perhaps why the movement has aged so well. The diversity of the environments is what adds complexity and variability to the movement.

3

Bloodborne

Dodge Through It

Systems

Released: March 24, 2015
OpenCritic Rating: Advertisement

Mighty

Bloodborne has what may be one of the most satisfying movement systems in video games. Many who have given up before leaving Central Yharnam may find this baffling, because it can be a steep learning curve if players aren’t used to this style of game.

2:40

Lady Maria sitting in throne next to Bloodborne Hunter

Bloodborne: Most Powerful Weapons, Ranked
Advertisement

Bloodborne always proves to be a challenge, no matter how much you familiarize yourself with it. But these weapons certainly make things easier.

However, by the time the player gets to Rom the Vacuous Spider at the game’s midway point, they should be deft enough at avoiding attacks to survive her AoE attacks and get back in close to deal damage. Unfortunately, the camera struggles to keep up with the Hunter’s leaps and charges at crucial moments in boss fights, but even that is a minor frustration when all of Bloodborne’s mechanics come together in perfect harmony.

2

Control

Just The Janitor’s Assistant

Action

Third-Person Shooter

Supernatural

Released: August 27, 2019
OpenCritic Rating: Advertisement

Mighty

Control sees Jesse Faden starting her new job as the head of the Federal Bureau of Control when she becomes almost instantly aware that something is very wrong. What follows is a surreal third-person action horror game in which Jesse must subdue all manner of strange supernatural phenomena.

Sprinting actually feels fast in this game, and flinging objects at enemies with telekinesis is a lot of fun. One of the most wonderful moments of movement is when Jesse unlocks the abil;it to levitate. She then flies through the Oldest House listening to the Old Gods of Asgard. The stopping abruptly may look a little strange, but is essential in a game in which objects begin to move on their own. The environment moves around Jessie and its malleability is part of what makes navigating through the space so satisfying.

1

Returnal

Traveling Through A Time Loop

Systems

Released: April 30, 2021
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Returnal is a sci-fi horror roguelike that rewards player dedication to long, difficult runs to uncover the narrative. The third-person combat is fast-paced, and the dash function is fantastic. Dodging is essential, as is using the grappling hook, so rapid and fluid movement is a key element of the game.

The evasive play is incredibly satisfying, but there is a steep learning curve further compounded by the extended duration of each run. Once players get the hang of it, traversing the environment becomes a joy. Players who find haptic cues helpful will also appreciate the way that it informs movement and combat.