Horror fans are a unique group of individuals who require a certain level of fear and excitement to truly immerse themselves in a game. The wrong monster or a lackluster experience can ruin the immersive experience that horror gamers crave. That’s where the rise of asymmetric multiplayer games in the horror genre comes into play. One such game that stands out is DEAD BY DAYLIGHT, a game that allows players to step into the boots of iconic horror movie villains and experience the thrill of being the villain themselves. But, if you’ve played too much DEAD BY DAYLIGHT and are looking for something new to scratch that same itch, we have a list of 10 games that you should definitely check out!
Slap Subscribe Kings: Last Year - The Nightmare
Last Year - The Nightmare is a cheeky multiplayer game that revolves around the most generic horror tropes. Players take on the roles of five teenagers, each representing a different archetype - the brutish jock, the proud nerd, the savvy leader, the animal-loving dog, and the valedictorian prom queen. Together, they must defeat the supernatural evil that haunts their high school on Halloween night. The game features a one versus many dynamic, similar to DEAD BY DAYLIGHT, where one player takes on the role of the killer, and the rest must work together to complete objectives and escape from the pursuer. However, unlike DEAD BY DAYLIGHT, death is not permanent in Last Year, and players have the chance to be rescued and rejoin the fight.
Deceit
Deceit is a game that puts players in an isolated facility where they are kidnapped and forced to adhere to the whims of a Jigsaw-like psychopath. Two players are infected with a mutant virus, which transforms them into monstrosities that crave human flesh when the lights go out. However, when the lights come back on, they return to their human form. The uninfected survivors must work together to complete objectives and weed out the secret betrayers to escape the facility. What sets Deceit apart is its clever use of social deduction elements. The infected players must convince the uninfected that they’re on their side to successfully murder them, creating a thrilling and tense gameplay experience.
Identity V
Identity V is a free-to-play mobile horror game for Android and iOS that combines elements of DEAD BY DAYLIGHT and Coraline. The story revolves around James Reichenbach, whose daughter goes missing. He hires a detective with severe amnesia to investigate the mansion where she was last seen. Players can choose to play as either the hunter or a survivor in 4v1 matches. The survivors must find a way to escape the hunter’s trapped-filled dungeon, while the hunter must capture and eliminate them. The game’s desaturated colors and creepy button-eyed characters create an unsettling atmosphere that complements the tension-filled gameplay. Identity V incorporates some monetization elements, but they are purely cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay.
Secret Neighbor
Secret Neighbor is a spin-off of the popular Hello Neighbor franchise that combines asymmetrical multiplayer with social deduction party game elements. In Secret Neighbor, a group of kids must sneak into their creepy neighbor’s home to rescue their friend from his basement. However, one of the kids is secretly the neighbor himself, with the ability to shapeshift and take the form of any child in the group. The neighbor’s goal is to sow distrust among the team and pick off the children one by one. The game offers a simple yet fun take on the asymmetric horror gameplay of DEAD BY DAYLIGHT, and it has a large player base, making it easy to find matches.
Crawl
Crawl is a gothic, local multiplayer dungeon crawler where four players compete to hold on to their humanity and defeat the final boss. One player starts as the hero, while the others play as ghosts. The hero must navigate a randomly generated dungeon filled with monsters and traps, while the ghosts try to kill the hero and take his place. The ghosts can possess traps, monsters, and objects in the dungeon, allowing them to emulate or dismember the hero in creative ways. The game is a comical and violent take on asymmetric multiplayer games, reminiscent of the heyday of local multiplayer games.
Friday the 13th: The Game
Friday the 13th: The Game is set in the world of the iconic horror movie franchise. One player takes on the role of Jason Voorhees, the master murderer, while the others play as camp counselors trying to survive his murderous rampage. Jason has special powers and abilities that allow him to hunt down and kill the counselors in creative ways. The counselors must work together to slow down Jason’s pursuit and find a way to escape. The game captures the unpredictability and tension of the movies, making it a great choice for fans of DEAD BY DAYLIGHT.
Predator: Hunting Grounds
Predator: Hunting Grounds is an asymmetric multiplayer game where players can take control of the cold-blooded killer from the Predator franchise. The game is more action-oriented than other games in the genre, with players taking on the role of elite soldiers deployed to remote jungle locations. Their primary goal is to complete objectives while fending off waves of guerrilla soldiers. The Predator adds a disruptive element to the gameplay, as the soldiers must deal with the threat while also completing their mission. The game strikes a balance between the power of the Predator and the combined firepower of the soldiers, creating a thrilling gameplay experience.
White Noise 2
White Noise 2 offers a unique take on asymmetric horror gameplay with its light-centric mechanics and RPG elements. Up to four survivors must collect clues and perform an ancient ritual to prevent the awakening of a primordial evil. The survivors carry flashlights, which not only reveal the dark pathways but also act as their primary means of defense against the monster. The monster player controls one of eight different creatures, each with unique powers and abilities. The game’s variety of monsters, characters, and equipment allows for endless replayability and strategic depth, making it a great alternative to DEAD BY DAYLIGHT.
Depth
Depth is an underwater asymmetric multiplayer game where four divers must protect their robot companion as it collects treasure from the ocean floor, while two players control sharks and do whatever they can to stop them. Playing as the man-eating shark is an exhilarating experience, as you have stealth and speed on your side. The divers must navigate the ocean depths while defending themselves with various weapons and tools. Unlike many other games in the genre, Depth offers a physicality and local multiplayer experience that harkens back to the days of playing games on the couch with friends.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of DEAD BY DAYLIGHT and looking for similar games that offer thrilling and immersive asymmetric gameplay, these 10 games are definitely worth checking out. Each game offers a unique twist on the genre, with different scenarios, mechanics, and gameplay experiences to keep you entertained for hours. Whether you’re hunting down survivors as a ruthless killer or working together to outsmart the villain, these games will satisfy your craving for fear and excitement. So, grab your controller and prepare for a heart-pounding adventure in the world of asymmetric horror gaming!
