Any MMO can quickly turn into a horror story if you step into a dungeon with a newbie tank, a lazy healer, and under-performing damage dealers. The mobs will do unspeakable things to your little party and you’ll never want to see that place again.
But if you are looking for another kind of terrifying experience, check out the titles below. Since this is a quite limited genre of games, we have included some games that might not technically be MMOs in the true sense, but will still deliver some great multiplayer horror action.
In Development
First, let’s start off with a few games that are still in development but will hopefully be released soon.
Camelot Unchained
- Developer: City State Entertainment
- Released: In development
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Old School MMORPGS
Designed by Mark Jacobs, the man behind the widely-acclaimed now slightly-defunct Dark Age of Camelot, this dark fantasy MMO features hardcore PvP and the familiar mythology-based character system.
Players can become Arthurian knights, fierce Viking warriors, or god-like Celtic beings. Fight for your faction and rebuild the One True City according to your vision.
The game focuses on the tri-faction war with massive PvP battles as a central element.
Camelot Unchained also features an interesting building system based on blocks.
Once Human
- Developer: Starry Studio, NetEase Inc
- Released: 2024
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Shooter MMOs
This game plunges players into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity faces extinction from monstrous creatures and environmental catastrophes. Developed with an eye for intense survival mechanics, “Once Human” offers a grim and immersive experience.
Gameplay in “Once Human” emphasizes survival, with players needing to gather resources, build shelters, and defend against increasingly terrifying creatures that roam the landscape.
Available Now
14. Requiem: Rise of the Reaver
- Developer: Gravity Interactive
- Released: 2008
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Old-School MMOs
Requiem: Rise of the Reaver has blood and gore, a spine-chilling atmosphere, creepy monsters, and everything you could want from a horror MMORPG.
This game came out in 2008 and it never was a big hit. However, that is not really an issue as the developers seem to be happy with keeping the game going for their loyal player base.
Frequent updates and events are a good indicator that Requiem: Rise of the Reaver is doing well. It’s free so you can give it a go anytime you want.
13. Dark Eden
- Developer: Softon Entertainment
- Released: 2002
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Isometric RPGs
Dark Eden is an old title but don’t be too quick to dismiss it on this account. This horror free-to-play MMO features deep character customization.
Players can become Vampires, Slayers, or Ousters. Each race has a unique playstyle with its own skills, spells, progression system, and equipment.
The day and night cycle affects characters’ stats. For example, Vampires are more powerful at night while the other two races benefit from the daylight.
The three races are at war and you know what that means. PvP!
12. Dead Frontier 2
- Developer: Creaky Corpse Limited
- Released: 2018
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Zombie Games
You can play it alone or you can play with others. No matter how you choose to experience Dead Frontier 2, it won’t be easy. Zombies are out to get you and they come in hordes. If you think that you can rely on guns and ammo, think again. This is a horror survival game in which consumables are scarce.
The economy is player-driven so, in true MMO fashion, players depend on each other. When you’re tired of hunting zombies, give your fellow players hell in PvP fights. Dead Frontier 2 is free to play so you can try it right now.
11. Stay Out
- Developer: Mobile Technologies, LLC.
- Released: 2019
- Platform: PC
- For fans of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
A S.T.A.L.K.E.R. inspired free-to-play MMORPG? Yes, please! Stay Out comes with a warning for mature content, violence, and blood. Sign me up!
The game is set in a desolated urban environment. As Stalkers, players will adventure into forgotten places, uncover mysteries, and investigate anomalies.
They will also face the dangers of the Alienation Zone in an attempt to retrieve powerful artifacts and treasures.
Survival elements make each consumable count. And to make things even more challenging, PvP is part of the gameplay.
10. Mad World
Developer: Jandisoft
Released: In development
Platform: PC
For fans of ARPGs
Mad World – Age of Darkness is a horror MMO that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. The game features a unique art style and is sure to be a hit with fans of the genre.
Mad World features a top-down isometric view and ARPG looter elements, similar to games such as Diablo and Path of Exile, but with cartoony graphics.
9. Hellgate: London
- Developer: Flagship Studios, T3Entertainment
- Released: 2007
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Diablo
Hellgate: London is a classic in mulitplayer horror action, but the official servers were turned off a long time ago. Thankfully the game is available as a singleplayer experience on Steam.
A fan-made private server named London 2038 is also available for those of you that want to experience the multiplayer version of the game as it was back in 2007.
In Hellgate: London you play as a survivor of the apocalypse, tasked with fighting back the demons that has taken over the world.
8. DayZ
- Developer: Bohemia Interactive
- Released: 2013
- Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
- For fans of Survival MMOs
There are many zombie-themed survival games out there but if you’re looking for a hardcore experience then you must try DayZ. This game has what most MMOs are lacking, harsh death penalties.
Massive interaction is achieved with 60-player scenarios. Team up, fight against others, and do what you can to stay alive.
PvP is the main focus of this survival game. Watch out for other players, but don’t forget that the environment can also kill you. DayZ is not free to play, however, the Very Positive Steam reviews indicate that it’s worth the money.
7. Diablo 4
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Released: 2023
- Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
- For fans of ARPGs
Diablo 4 continues the venerable tradition of the Diablo series, delving deeper into its dark fantasy roots with a fresh installment. This latest entry elevates the horror elements that the series is known for, presenting a grim, open-world that players can explore with a sense of dread and anticipation.
The game’s world is vast and interconnected, allowing players to traverse five distinct regions, each brimming with demonic enemies, hidden dungeons, and unspeakable horrors. The environmental design in “Diablo 4” is meticulously crafted to enhance the eerie atmosphere.
6. Age of Conan
- Developer: Funcom
- Released: 2008
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Classic Fantasy
Age of Conan is an MMO that is set in the brutal and savage world of Conan the Barbarian.
In this game, players will have to fight for their lives against all sorts of enemies, including monsters, bandits, and even other players.
The game is filled with dark and gritty content, making it perfect for fans of horror and dark fantasy.
5. Broken Ranks
- Developer: Whitemoon Games
- Released: 2022
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Baldur’s Gate and Heroe’s of Might and Magic
Broken Ranks burst onto the MMO scene in 2022 with its unqiue turn-based combat and isometric graphics inspired by old-school RPG titles such as Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale.
Broken Ranks puts you in the middle of a dark and dangerous world, where you’ll have to face off against all sorts of horrifying creatures. From vampires and werewolves to ghosts and ghouls, there is no shortage of things that go bump in the night in Broken Ranks.
4. Mortal Online 2
- Developer: Star Vault
- Released: 2021
- Platform: PC
- For fans of PvP MMOs
Mortal Online 2 is not for the faint of heart. The world of Nave truly is grim, but the scariest part is not the monsters, it’s the other players. Mortal Online 2 is a full loot sandbox MMO with an emphasis on PvP.
The game features a unique, player-driven economy. In the game, players can harvest resources and craft items to sell to other players. The game also features an in-depth combat system that rewards strategic thinking.
If you’re looking for a dark and brutal MMO with a lot of player interaction, then Mortal Online 2 is definitely worth checking out.
3. The Secret World Legends
- Developer: Funcom
- Released: 2012
- Platform: PC
- For fans of H.P. Lovecraft
One of the best horror MMOs out there is The Secret World. This game has a dark and twisted plot, and it’s sure to keep you on your toes. The game is set in the modern-day, but it’s full of conspiracy theories, monsters, and other creepy things.
Start with H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King, add some Edgar Allen Poe, throw vampires and zombies into the mix, creepy urban legends are a must, sprinkle ancient mythology all over, and that’s The Secret World for you.
All things horror come together in this MMORPG by Funcom. The result is a catchy story that will take at least 100 hours to complete. You can work with others to experience this free-to-play story-driven horror MMO as a team.
2. New World
- Developer: Amazon Games
- Released: 2021
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Survival Elements and a mix of PvE and PvP
Set in a dark and dangerous world of monsters, magic, and mayhem, New World is an MMO that is sure to please horror fans and traditional MMO fans alike.
An open-world MMO with a medieval flavor, New World transports players to a fictional location in the 17th century.
The game features a dark atmosphere and supernatural elements. The classless system gives players the chance to create unique builds by mixing weapons, attributes, and trade skill talents.
Defeat the monsters that inhabit the Eternal Isle and go against other players in massive guild wars. Either way, the fight never stops. New World has a one-time purchase business model with microtransactions.
1. Path of Exile
- Developer: Grinding Gear Games
- Released: 2013
- Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
- For fans of ARPGs
The core of “Path of Exile” lies in its expansive skill system, which is represented visually by the sprawling Passive Skill Tree that offers players near-limitless ways to develop their character. Coupled with the Skill Gem system, players can modify and enhance their abilities in a myriad of ways, allowing for a high degree of personalization and strategic depth. This level of customization is a key draw for players who enjoy tinkering with builds to optimize their performance in both solo and group play.
The game’s setting, Wraeclast, is a dark, foreboding continent that serves as the perfect backdrop for the narrative. The environment is a rich tapestry of desolate landscapes, haunted ruins, and menacing dungeons, each beautifully crafted to enhance the eerie, oppressive atmosphere. “Path of Exile” frequently updates its world with expansive content updates and new leagues, which introduce fresh challenges and novel mechanics, keeping the gameplay engaging and dynamic.
So, there you have it – a few of the best horror and dark fantasy MMOs available online. If you’re looking for a good scare, then these are the games for you. So, what are you waiting for? Start playing today! And, who knows, maybe you’ll be the one who ends up staying up all night. after all, that’s half the fun!
Do you have a favorite horror or dark fantasy MMO? Let us know in the comments below!
Andre M. Pietroschek
Saturday 27th of August 2022
Thanks for the overview!