Explore 18 spine-chilling games like Dead by Daylight, from Deceit to Emily Wants To Play. Survive, escape, and uncover the horror!
Since its 2016 debut, Dead by Daylight has enthralled players with its heart-pounding gameplay, and now, we invite you to explore a curated selection of titles that offer the same level of suspense, strategy, and cooperative gameplay. Whether you’re a survivor seeking escape or a relentless hunter, these games promise to keep your adrenaline pumping and your wits sharp. Let the nightmare begin!
1. Phasmophobia
- Developed by: Kinetic Games
- Published by: Kinetic Games
- Release Date: September 2020
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
Phasmophobia is a multiplayer horror game that takes the fear factor up a notch, similar to Dead by Daylight. In Phasmophobia, your mission is to track down and identify the type of ghost that your client, who has hired you as a ghost hunter, is dealing with. Much like Dead by Daylight, there’s a sense of tension as you navigate eerie environments. Whether you’re playing solo or diving into the multiplayer mode, where you can cooperate with friends or strangers, Phasmophobia is sure to give you chills.
2. Secret Neighbor: Hello Neighbor Multiplayer
- Developed by: Dynamic Pixels
- Published by: TinyBuild
- Release Date: October 2019
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Secret Neighbor: Hello Neighbor Multiplayer is a fantastic addition to the survival horror genre, much like Dead by Daylight. It shares similarities with Dead by Daylight by allowing players to step into the shoes of both the good guys and the bad guy. The twist? One player is secretly Mr. Peterson in disguise, while the rest of the players work to defeat the neighbor. If you enjoyed Dead by Daylight, you’ll find Secret Neighbor’s mix of teamwork and deception intriguing.
3. In Silence
- Developed by: Ravenhood Games
- Published by: Ravenhood Games
- Release Date: October 2021
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS (on Steam)
In Silence offers a unique spin on survival horror, reminiscent of the movie “The Quiet Place.” In this asymmetrical multiplayer game, one player becomes a terrifying monster that relies on hearing rather than sight to track down the survivors. The survivors must remain silent to evade the monster’s grasp. The game’s turn-based approach to being the monster adds a fresh layer of strategy that fans of Dead by Daylight may appreciate.
4. Project Winter
- Developed by: Other Ocean Interactive
- Published by: Other Ocean Group
- Release Date: May 2019
- Platform: Microsoft Windows (on Steam)
Project Winter is an intriguing deception-based multiplayer game, perfect for fans who enjoyed Dead by Daylight’s competitive elements. In a frozen, polluted world, players must work together to survive and complete objectives. However, traitors are among them, and they must eliminate as many survivors as possible to achieve their goals. Project Winter’s complex gameplay and teamwork are sure to appeal to Dead by Daylight enthusiasts.
5. GTFO
- Developed by: 10 Chambers
- Published by: 10 Chambers
- Release Date: December 2021
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
GTFO takes the survival horror genre to a new level. Set in the terrifying underground world of the Chicxulub Crater, this first-person shooter involves cooperation, strategy, and facing mysterious monsters. Much like Dead by Daylight, teamwork is essential to overcome challenges, making it a great choice for fans looking for a cooperative PvE experience.
6. Last Year: The Nightmare
- Developed by: Elastic Games
- Published by: Elastic Games
- Release Date: December 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
Last Year: The Nightmare offers a horror survival experience focused on high school students fighting evil forces on Halloween night. If you’re tired of waiting for respawn in multiplayer games, you’ll appreciate Last Year’s approach. When killed, you’re left behind in a hidden location. If your teammates find you in time, you can rejoin the game after being revived, providing a unique twist for Dead by Daylight fans.
7. Deceit
- Developed by: World Markers, Automaton Games
- Published by: World Markers, Automaton Games
- Release Date: March 2017
- Platform: Microsoft Windows (via Steam)
Deceit adds an exciting twist to the cooperative first-person shooter genre. Four players must work together, while the other two are secretly “infected.” The infected players can transform into flesh-eating monsters when the lights go out, adding an element of deception and suspense. It’s essentially the horror version of Among Us, and its active Steam community ensures constant challenges and fun with friends.
8. Among Us
- Developed by: Innersloth
- Published by: Innersloth
- Release Date: June 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows (via Steam), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S
While Among Us isn’t a horror game, it offers a social deduction experience similar to Dead by Daylight. Crewmates must work together to complete tasks while trying to identify the imposters among them. Imposters, on the other hand, are trying to deceive and eliminate crewmates. Despite the hype settling down, Among Us remains a popular choice for fans of social deduction games, offering a different type of thrill.
9. Friday the 13th: The Game
- Developed by: IllFonic, Black Tower Studios
- Published by: Gun Media
- Release Date: May 2017
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Friday the 13th: The Game is an open-world survival horror game that can be played in both singleplayer and multiplayer modes. It lets you take on the roles of counselors working at Camp Crystal Lake and the iconic killer, Jason Voorhees. The game’s variety of objectives and win conditions, along with the asymmetrical gameplay, make it an exciting choice for Dead by Daylight fans.
10. Devour
- Developed by: Straight Black Games
- Published by: Straight Black Games
- Release Date: January 2021
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS
Devour is a cooperative PvE game where players must work together to stop a cult leader from raising a demon. With challenging mini-bosses, exorcism rituals, and a vast world to explore, Devour offers an intense and thrilling experience. The ability to play with up to four players makes it an ideal choice for fans of Dead by Daylight who are looking for cooperative gameplay with friends.
11. Hunt: Showdown
- Developed by: Crytek
- Published by: Crytek (PC)
- Release Date: August 2019
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Hunt: Showdown is a first-person shooter with a unique blend of horror and battle royale elements. Set in the late 19th century, players take on the role of bounty hunters tracking down monstrous creatures. The catch is that multiple players are after the same bounty, leading to intense and unpredictable encounters. If you enjoy the thrill of competing against both monsters and other players, Hunt: Showdown is a game to consider.
12. Identity V
- Developed by: NetEase Games
- Published by: NetEase Games
- Release Date: 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
Identity V is not just similar to Dead by Daylight; it’s even licensed by the developers of DBD. In this 4v1 multiplayer horror survival game, players can take on the roles of Survivors or Hunters. Much like DBD, the goal is clear – Survivors must outwit the Hunter and escape. The game offers an intriguing storyline, adding depth to the horror experience.
13. Dead Realm
- Developed by: Section Studios
- Published by: Section Studios
- Release Date: August 2015
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
Dead Realm adds a supernatural twist to hide-and-seek. One player becomes the Ghost, while others take on the role of Humans. If the Ghost catches you, you become one too and can scare other players. It’s a game of cat and mouse, much like Dead by Daylight, offering suspenseful moments and thrilling chases.
14. Killing Floor 2
- Developed by: Tripwire Interactive
- Published by: Tripwire Interactive
- Release Date: November 2016
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Killing Floor 2 offers a cooperative first-person shooter experience, making it a great choice for fans of Dead by Daylight. Players work together to fend off waves of enemies and collect loot. The game’s fast-paced action and teamwork make it a great alternative for those who enjoy working together to survive challenging situations.
15. The Evil Within
- Developed by: Tango Gameworks
- Published by: Bethesda Softworks
- Release Date: October 2014
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
The Evil Within provides a survival horror experience where you must carefully choose when to fight and when to run. In contrast to Dead by Daylight, it features a variety of different enemies, adding complexity to the gameplay. This game offers a tense atmosphere and constant fear, making it suitable for horror enthusiasts.
16. Dead Space
- Developed by: EA Redwood Shores
- Published by: Electronic Arts
- Release Date: October 2008
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Dead Space combines survival horror with a sci-fi setting. Players become Isaac Clarke, tasked with navigating a spaceship infested with monstrous beings called necromorphs. It’s a game that emphasizes resource management, exploration, and strategic combat, much like the tension found in Dead by Daylight.
17. Evolve
- Developed by: Turtle Rock Studios
- Published by: 2K Games
- Release Date: February 2015
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Evolve is an asymmetrical multiplayer first-person shooter that offers a different twist to the genre. Four players take on the roles of Hunters, while one becomes the Monster. The goal is to attack the Monster before it becomes too powerful. If you’re intrigued by the idea of hunting or being hunted, Evolve offers an engaging experience.
18. Emily Wants To Play
- Developed by: Shawn Hitchcock
- Published by: Shawn Hitchcock
- Release Date: December 2015
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS
Emily Wants To Play places you in the shoes of a pizza delivery person trapped in a creepy house. You must survive the night from 11 PM to 6 AM, learning the mechanics of scary dolls. The game provides jump scares and a sense of dread, similar to the suspense found in Dead by Daylight.
Conclusion
These 18 games like Dead by Daylight offer a variety of horror experiences, ensuring that fans of the game can find thrilling alternatives to keep them entertained. Whether you prefer cooperative gameplay, stealth, or intense battles, there’s a game on this list that will suit your preferences.
