In the realm of gaming, it is often the non-horror titles that deliver the most unsettling experiences, catching players off guard in ways that traditional horror games cannot. While horror games prepare us for scares, non-horror games weave a subtle tapestry of unease, allowing discomfort to build quietly until it culminates in a moment of chilling realization. This phenomenon has been echoed by members of the PC Gamer team, who shared their own eerie encounters in games that linger in memory, even if the specifics have faded into the background.
🍃 The whispers of Black & White
In the 2001 god game Black & White, players encounter a spectral whisper of ‘deeeeeeeeeath’ each time a villager meets their end. The sound, barely audible amidst the game’s other effects, burrows into the subconscious, leading to an unsettling sensation that persists long after gameplay. This haunting echo can unexpectedly surface in everyday life—at the grocery store, in the classroom, or even during therapy sessions—creating a disconcerting connection between the game and reality. —Tim Clark, Brand Director
🪦 The woman in The Graveyard
The Graveyard, an experimental art game by Tale of Tales, invites players to guide an elderly woman through a cemetery. While the free version offers a serene experience, the paid version introduces a morbid twist: the woman may die while resting on a bench. After purchasing the game, one player experienced a moment of profound reflection when, distracted by a cat, they returned to find the woman lifeless on the bench. This led to contemplations on the fleeting nature of life and the distractions that can cause us to miss significant moments. However, upon replaying the game, they were met with the shocking sight of the woman already deceased, prompting a visceral reaction and a swift uninstallation. —Chris Livingston, Senior Editor
🕵️ The stalking of Creepy Watson
In the detective game Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis, players encounter a peculiar behavior from Dr. Watson, who silently edges closer when not observed. This eerie NPC behavior, while amusing to some, evokes a sense of discomfort, reminiscent of unsettling moments in other games. Although updates have since altered Watson’s movement to be more conventional, the original ghostly presence remains a memorable aspect of the game’s charm. —Tyler Wilde, Editor-in-Chief US
👻 The phantom fifth friend in The Forest
During a session of Sons of the Forest, a group of friends encountered an inexplicable phenomenon while exploring a dark cave. Amidst their adventure, they heard an eerie screech that seemed to emanate not from the game but from an external source, coinciding with the appearance of an extra player tag linked to one of their friends. Despite their friend being physically present, the mysterious tag persisted for several minutes, leaving the group in a state of confusion and intrigue. This incident, whether a glitch or a collective hallucination, remains a vivid memory for the players involved. —Lauren Morton, Associate Editor
🧟♀️ The tragedy of Edda Pureheart
In Final Fantasy 14, the character Edda Pureheart presents a narrative that straddles the line between creepy and tragic. Initially introduced as a healer mourning her fiancé, Edda’s story takes a dark turn as she becomes consumed by grief and necromancy, culminating in a haunting dungeon encounter. The chilling cutscene that concludes her questline, featuring her reanimated fiancé’s head, delivers a jarring shock that lingers long after the game is turned off. This unexpected twist highlights the capacity for emotional depth and horror within a non-horror game framework. —Harvey Randall, Staff Writer
💀 Down in the Bonehoard
In the classic stealth game Thief, players navigate a world steeped in atmosphere and tension. While not primarily a horror game, its environments evoke a sense of dread, particularly in the mission titled Down in the Bonehoard. As players traverse claustrophobic crypts and encounter the undead, the oppressive atmosphere and unsettling encounters create a memorable experience that lingers in the mind. The juxtaposition of stealth mechanics with moments of genuine fright showcases the unique ability of non-horror games to evoke fear and unease. —Ted Litchfield, Associate Editor
