Survival Horror Games That Are Actually Just Action Shooters

Survival horror games usually focus on carefully managing limited supplies and feeling helpless against scary threats. However, a new type of game has become popular that still looks frightening, but plays more like an action game. Instead of hiding or running, players in these games have powerful weapons and can fight off hordes of enemies. The challenge isn’t about being under-equipped, but about surviving waves of attackers. This creates a blend of horror and fast-paced shooting, making it different from classic survival horror.

‘Resident Evil 4’ (2005)

In ‘Resident Evil 4,’ Leon S. Kennedy is sent to a Spanish village to save the President’s daughter. The game changed action games with its new camera angle, letting players see over the character’s shoulder. Players fight hordes of hostile villagers who attack as a group. Unlike earlier ‘Resident Evil’ games that focused on puzzles, ‘Resident Evil 4’ emphasizes accurate shooting and improving your weapons. This combination of scary themes and fast-paced action had a big impact on the gaming world.

‘Resident Evil 5’ (2009)

In Resident Evil 5, Chris Redfield teams up with Sheva Alomar to tackle a bio-terrorism crisis in Africa. The game is built for teamwork, encouraging players to support each other in challenging combat situations. You’ll find plenty of ammo, and enemies use everything from guns to vehicles. Unlike previous games, Resident Evil 5 focuses on large-scale battles and fast-paced action sequences. While horror elements are present, the game delivers a big, action-packed experience.

‘Resident Evil 6’ (2012)

This latest game offers four separate storylines that play differently and feature unique characters. Players can shoot while running, as well as perform melee attacks or slides to dodge enemies. Expect thrilling action, including high-speed chases and huge explosions – it’s comparable to a military shooter in terms of spectacle. ‘Resident Evil 6’ focuses more on over-the-top action and less on creating a scary atmosphere, marking the furthest the series strayed from its survival horror origins before returning to them later on.

‘Resident Evil 3’ (2020)

In ‘Resident Evil 3,’ Jill Valentine fights to escape the doomed city of Raccoon City while constantly hunted by the powerful Nemesis. This updated version of the classic game is faster-paced with improved shooting. Players can now dodge attacks and quickly retaliate with strong weapons. Unlike the original, this game emphasizes action and direct combat, moving players forward on a straightforward path without much exploration or revisiting old areas. It feels less like a traditional, suspenseful horror game and more like an intense action movie.

‘Resident Evil Village’ (2021)

In ‘Resident Evil Village,’ Ethan Winters embarks on a desperate search for his daughter, leading him to a creepy European village overrun by terrifying creatures like werewolves and mutants. The gameplay shifts between suspenseful, atmospheric horror and fast-paced, action-packed combat. Players can buy weapons and improvements from a shopkeeper to create a powerful collection of gear. The game eventually evolves into a more intense, military-style shooter featuring powerful weapons. The combat system rewards players for actively fighting enemies, as defeating them earns you money.

‘Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City’ (2012)

As a Resident Evil fan, I was really intrigued by ‘Operation Raccoon City’! You play as a special Umbrella Corp. team sent in during the outbreak, and it’s a third-person shooter where you work together as a squad. It’s not really about being scared by monsters, though – zombies and B.O.W.s are more like obstacles in the environment. Honestly, it’s all about the action and taking cover, with a focus on intense gunfights. It’s a cool ‘what if?’ take on the Raccoon City story, putting tactical combat first instead of just trying to survive.

‘Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles’ (2009)

‘Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles’ is a fast-paced, on-rails shooter that revisits classic moments from past games. Players aim and shoot at waves of enemies as characters move automatically through the levels. Unlike other ‘Resident Evil’ games, this one focuses purely on action – there’s no exploration, puzzle-solving, or complex interaction, just intense shooting and a spooky atmosphere.

‘Dino Crisis 2’ (2000)

Regina and Dylan Morton journey through time to save people trapped in a dinosaur-infested facility. Players earn points by quickly defeating enemies, which they can use to buy more powerful weapons. Unlike the first game, ‘Dino Crisis 2’ prioritizes fast-paced, arcade-style combat over survival horror. Ammo is readily available, and the gameplay centers around achieving long combo streaks. This change transforms the series from a dinosaur-themed ‘Resident Evil’ into a high-octane action experience.

‘Dead Space 3’ (2013)

In ‘Dead Space 3,’ engineer Isaac Clarke joins forces with Sergeant John Carver to combat the Necromorphs on the icy planet of Tau Volantis. Unlike previous games, this installment lets you play with a friend in cooperative multiplayer. Players can also craft incredibly powerful weapons, making enemies easier to defeat. The game simplifies resource management with a unified ammo system, and introduces human enemies armed with guns, turning some parts of the game into more traditional cover-based shooting sequences.

‘The Callisto Protocol’ (2022)

In ‘The Callisto Protocol,’ players control Jacob Lee as he attempts to break out of a high-security lunar prison amidst an alien invasion. Combat is intense and focuses on close-quarters fighting, skillful dodging, and shooting. Players can also use a special gravity weapon to instantly eliminate enemies by throwing them into dangerous surroundings. The game is a straightforward, action-packed experience that prioritizes brutal, gory combat over the slow-burn tension of classic survival horror.

‘F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin’ (2009)

In F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, you play as Michael Becket, a highly trained soldier who battles both human enemies and terrifying supernatural forces. The game mixes intense, action-packed first-person shooting with scary psychological horror, including disturbing hallucinations. Players can slow down time to get an edge in combat against smart enemy squads. You’ll also get to control powerful mechs for explosive battles. The game alternates between these intense firefights and frightening horror sequences.

‘F.E.A.R. 3’ (2011)

F.E.A.R. 3 brings back Point Man and Paxton Fettel with a co-op campaign built for two very different playstyles. The game rewards fast-paced, action-packed gameplay with a new scoring and leveling system. With improved cover and unique character abilities, the combat feels like a modern military shooter. While it doesn’t focus as much on horror, F.E.A.R. 3 prioritizes smooth, cooperative action, and the story mainly connects the exciting combat encounters.

‘Doom 3’ (2004)

In ‘Doom 3’, you play as a space marine battling demons within a research facility on Mars. A key element of the game is managing light – you have to decide when to use a flashlight and when to wield a weapon. While the game creates a scary and tense atmosphere with frightening moments, it’s fundamentally a fast-paced shooter. You’ll have access to powerful weapons like chainguns and rocket launchers to fight the demonic forces. Compared to other shooters, ‘Doom 3’ is slower and uses horror elements to control the flow of combat.

‘Left 4 Dead’ (2008)

In this game, four players team up to survive against waves of fast-moving infected. The game dynamically adjusts the difficulty and number of enemies based on how well the players are doing. ‘Left 4 Dead’ focuses on fast-paced action, teamwork, and quickly navigating levels. Because there are so many enemies, players need to constantly shoot and share limited supplies. It’s a landmark title in the action horror genre, swapping traditional slow zombies for relentless, sprinting hordes.

‘Left 4 Dead 2’ (2009)

The sequel takes place in the Deep South and features new survivors and zombie types. Players can now use melee weapons, adding another dimension to the fast-paced combat. Like the original, ‘Left 4 Dead 2’ keeps you constantly moving – slowing down usually means certain death. The game emphasizes working together and using powerful weapons over creating a scary atmosphere. While scavenging modes and realism settings change how hard the game is, it’s still fundamentally an action-packed experience.

‘Back 4 Blood’ (2021)

Back 4 Blood is a cooperative zombie shooter inspired by classic games in the genre. Players take on the role of cleaners battling the Ridden, and can customize their characters using a card system that provides perks and stat upgrades. Success depends on carefully choosing your gear and working as a team to overcome challenging boss mutations and unique, powerful infected. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed shooter set during a zombie apocalypse.

‘World War Z’ (2019)

In this game, players battle huge hordes of zombies – sometimes hundreds at once – that can even climb over walls. You choose a character class, which unlocks special gear and powerful weapons. ‘World War Z’ emphasizes building defenses and using explosives to control the massive zombie crowds. The game is scary because of the overwhelming sight of the swarm itself, not because you feel particularly fragile. Expect to defeat thousands of enemies during each mission.

‘Days Gone’ (2019)

In ‘Days Gone,’ players control Deacon St. John as he navigates a dangerous, post-apocalyptic Oregon overrun by creatures called Freakers. The game is known for its huge swarms of enemies that require powerful weapons to overcome. Gameplay blends sneaking around, third-person shooting, and setting traps. As you improve Deacon’s motorcycle and arsenal, the focus shifts from simply surviving to engaging in intense action, culminating in massive battles against hundreds of enemies using weapons like machine guns and napalm.

‘Dead Island’ (2011)

Dead Island follows four characters who survived a zombie outbreak and are trying to escape a tropical resort. The game is played from a first-person perspective, focusing on close-quarters combat. Players will spend a lot of time crafting weapons and improving their character’s stats. It uses RPG elements like visible health and damage numbers, and while it starts focused on melee combat, players will eventually find guns, shifting the gameplay towards a more standard shooting experience. The game’s atmosphere mixes intense survival horror with over-the-top, sometimes comical, violence.

‘Dead Island 2’ (2023)

Dead Island 2 takes place in a Los Angeles under quarantine, letting players choose from a variety of characters. Combat is brutal and visually detailed thanks to the FLESH system, which realistically shows damage to enemies. The game emphasizes inventive and over-the-top combat, letting players use both the environment and special weapon upgrades to take down foes. Unlike typical zombie games, it’s more humorous and energetic than frightening. You play as a uniquely powerful character, essentially the biggest threat in the city.

‘Dying Light’ (2015)

In ‘Dying Light,’ you play as Kyle Crane, an undercover operative sent into the dangerous, quarantined city of Harran. The game combines fluid parkour movement with intense hand-to-hand combat, and later, gun battles. A key feature is the changing day-night cycle; nighttime brings out more dangerous and aggressive enemies. As you progress, you’ll master agile movements for quick navigation and combat, eventually becoming strong enough to turn the tables on the creatures hunting you.

‘Dying Light 2 Stay Human’ (2022)

In ‘Dying Light 2 Stay Human,’ Aiden Caldwell journeys to the city of Villedor in search of his sister. The game builds upon the original’s parkour system, adding a paraglider for gliding through the city. It features intense fighting, both against zombies and other people, and lets players shape Villedor through their choices. As an open-world action RPG with a horror theme, players can also unlock helpful combat abilities by aligning with different groups.

‘The Evil Within 2’ (2017)

In ‘The Evil Within 2,’ Sebastian Castellanos returns to the STEM world on a desperate mission to rescue his daughter. This installment features larger, more open areas to explore, complete with optional side quests. Compared to the first game, the shooting and stealth have been greatly enhanced. Players can now create their own ammunition and significantly upgrade their weapons, resulting in a more dynamic and action-packed experience that feels less restrictive than the original.

‘Alan Wake’s American Nightmare’ (2012)

Okay, so in ‘Alan Wake,’ things get seriously weird. I’m stuck in this crazy time loop, and it feels like I’ve been dropped into my own TV show! This new version of the game is way more action-packed than the original story-focused thriller. They even added this mode called ‘Fight Till Dawn’ where I’m battling endless waves of those creepy Taken enemies. And get this – I can use automatic weapons and nail guns now! It’s a lot faster-paced and way more forgiving than the first game, which is a nice change of pace.

‘Alone in the Dark’ (2008)

Edward Carnby’s investigation takes him to Central Park, where strange events are happening. The game boasts realistic fire and physics, making the world feel dynamic. Players can switch between playing in first-person, for shooting, and third-person, for exploring. As the game progresses, players will also drive vehicles and witness widespread destruction. Overall, ‘Alone in the Dark’ aims to update the classic series with exciting, big-budget action.

‘Alone in the Dark: Illumination’ (2015)

‘Alone in the Dark: Illumination’ is a fast-paced, cooperative shooter where four players, each with special skills, battle their way through a spooky town. Unlike previous games in the series, this one emphasizes quick action and uses light as a key mechanic – players must illuminate areas to weaken enemies. The game features straightforward levels packed with monsters, and is best described as an action-focused spin-off that shares a name with the original horror series.

‘Silent Hill: Homecoming’ (2008)

In ‘Silent Hill: Homecoming,’ Alex Shepherd goes back to his hometown only to discover his brother has disappeared. As a trained soldier, Alex is well-equipped for intense combat. The game features a dynamic fighting system with dodging, counter-attacks, and the ability to precisely aim at enemy limbs with firearms. Unlike previous games, ‘Homecoming’ focuses more on fighting monsters head-on rather than trying to avoid them.

‘Silent Hill: Book of Memories’ (2012)

‘Silent Hill: Book of Memories’ is a dungeon crawler where you create and customize your own character. You’ll battle enemies and collect loot in dark, dreamlike worlds, using an isometric perspective. The game offers cooperative multiplayer, letting you team up with others to defeat enemies. While it’s still set in the Silent Hill universe, it focuses more on action RPG elements like stats and gear than the series’ usual psychological horror.

‘The House of the Dead: Overkill’ (2009)

Agent G and Isaac Washington battle hordes of mutants in a game that feels like a classic, low-budget horror movie. ‘The House of the Dead: Overkill’ is a fast-paced, on-rails shooter with a deliberately over-the-top, gritty visual style. Players can choose to use a standard controller or a unique typing mechanic, but both emphasize quick reactions and eliminating enemies. The game is intentionally cheesy, full of over-the-top dialogue and strong language, making it a comedic action experience wrapped in a horror setting.

‘Shadows of the Damned’ (2011)

Demon Hunter Garcia Hotspur embarks on a dangerous journey to the Underworld to rescue his girlfriend. Developed by the team behind several popular action games, ‘Shadows of the Damned’ is a third-person shooter with a unique twist: a talking gun named Johnson that can change into various weapons. Players weaken enemies using a ‘light and dark’ system before finishing them off with gunfire. It’s a fast-paced, over-the-top action adventure set in hell.

‘Cold Fear’ (2005)

Okay, so I recently played ‘Cold Fear’, and it’s pretty intense! You play as Tom Hansen, and you’re stuck on this Russian whaling ship and oil rig during a massive storm. The way it’s shot is similar to a lot of action games from back then – it’s over-the-shoulder, so you see the action right behind your character. What really makes it unique is how much the ship moves. It’s constantly rocking, which throws off your aim and makes everything way harder. But you can actually shoot stuff around the environment – like crates or barrels – to create traps and take out enemies. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed game that feels a lot like other shooters I’ve played, but with that cool rocking ship mechanic.

‘The Thing’ (2002)

Okay, so I’m super excited about this game! It’s set after the events of the movie ‘The Thing,’ and you play as a military team sent to clean up the mess. It’s not just about shooting aliens, though – you have to manage your squad carefully. Your guys can get scared or even infected, which is intense! Thankfully, you’ve got powerful weapons like flamethrowers and machine guns to fight these shape-shifting creatures. But here’s the really cool part: you have to earn your squad’s trust. If they don’t trust you, they might not follow orders when things get crazy, or worse, turn on you in a firefight! It’s a really interesting mix of tactical squad management and blasting aliens.

‘Clive Barker’s Jericho’ (2007)

In Clive Barker’s Jericho, a team of seven special forces operatives journeys to a hidden city to stop the end of the world. Players control the squad and can instantly switch between members, each with unique magical and weapon-based abilities. This first-person shooter features automatically replenishing health and focuses on fast-paced military action despite its disturbing horror visuals. Success relies on coordinating with your team and combining abilities to defeat tough, resilient enemies.

‘Darkwatch’ (2005)

Darkwatch puts you in the boots of Jericho Cross, a former outlaw who’s now a vampire battling supernatural threats in the Old West. This fast-paced, first-person shooter blends western and horror elements, letting you use vampire abilities like blood shields and improved sight. You’ll fight with a variety of weapons – from quick-firing revolvers and crossbows – and even take to the roads in a steam-powered car armed with a gatling gun.

‘Condemned 2: Bloodshot’ (2008)

Ethan Thomas is battling alcoholism and living on the streets while running from a troubled past. ‘Condemned 2: Bloodshot’ builds on the intense, close-quarters combat of the first game, adding combo moves. Later in the game, players gain access to firearms, switching to a first-person shooter style. Players can also disorient enemies by shouting before delivering the final blow. By the game’s climax, Ethan develops extraordinary sonic abilities, becoming a powerful, almost superhuman figure.

‘Zombie Army 4: Dead War’ (2020)

Okay, so I’m playing this game where Hitler’s zombies are back, and it’s a blast! It’s a third-person shooter where you team up with other players. The coolest part? When you get a sniper kill, you see this x-ray view of the damage, kinda like in those stealth games. Basically, the whole game is about racking up points and keeping your kill streak going. You can set traps and add elemental effects to your weapons to mow down tons of undead. It’s not really about being scared, it’s just pure, arcade-style action and fun!

‘Killing Floor 2’ (2016)

In ‘Killing Floor 2’, players battle waves of enemies called Zeds across Europe. The game is known for its realistic and detailed gore system, M.E.A.T., which shows characters being realistically dismembered. Players choose from different classes, each with unique weapons like explosives and close-combat tools. The goal is to survive each wave and ultimately defeat a powerful boss with strong firepower. It’s a game built for repeated playthroughs, offering a lot of replay value.

‘State of Decay 2’ (2018)

In ‘State of Decay 2,’ you lead a group of survivors building a community and searching for supplies in a vast, open world. While characters can permanently die, you can always recruit new ones to replace them. The game centers around building and defending your base, and clearing out zombie threats using vehicles and weapons. Combat is fast-paced and action-oriented, emphasizing careful planning and skillful execution, creating a realistic and thrilling zombie survival experience focused on managing resources and strategy.

‘Aliens: Fireteam Elite’ (2021)

In ‘Aliens: Fireteam Elite,’ you play as a Colonial Marine responding to a distress signal and battling hordes of Xenomorphs. It’s a third-person shooter where you choose a class and use cover and special abilities to survive. The game aims to capture the intense action of the movie ‘Aliens’ by throwing wave after wave of enemies at you. Missions can be customized with challenge cards to keep things fresh and difficult. Expect a fast-paced, action-packed experience where overwhelming firepower is key.

‘Aliens vs. Predator’ (2010)

The game features three separate campaigns where you can play as a Marine, an Alien, or a Predator. The Marine campaign is a tense, survival-horror experience focused on using a motion tracker. Playing as the Alien or Predator emphasizes quick movement and stealthy takedowns. Multiplayer matches are wild, unpredictable fights that highlight the unique strengths of each species. Marines primarily use weapons like pulse rifles and smart guns.

‘GTFO’ (2019)

In GTFO, players team up to venture through a huge underground facility and collect valuable artifacts. Success depends on careful coordination and staying hidden to avoid disturbing the terrifying monsters that lurk within. One wrong move turns the game into a chaotic firefight. To survive, players need to strategically place automated turrets and conserve their limited ammunition while fighting off relentless waves of enemies. It’s a challenging, cooperative shooter with a truly frightening atmosphere.

‘Remnant: From the Ashes’ (2019)

In this game, players explore different dimensions and battle a spreading alien threat called the Root. It’s a challenging shooter known for its tough boss fights. ‘Remnant: From the Ashes’ creates unique experiences with levels and enemies that change each time you play. You’ll gather resources to improve your gear, making your weapons and armor more powerful. The gameplay combines third-person shooting with quick, evasive dodging.

‘The 3rd Birthday’ (2010)

Aya Brea is back in a new handheld game based on the Parasite Eve series. This game introduces the ‘Overdive’ ability, letting you take control of allies during combat. ‘The 3rd Birthday’ is an action-packed, third-person shooter where you must keep track of the health of several characters. Unlike previous games, it focuses on improving your weapons and skills rather than role-playing elements. The game is a fast-paced action experience set in a distorted version of New York City.

‘Extermination’ (2001)

In this game, you play as a Marine Special Forces officer exploring a hidden facility in Antarctica. A key feature is a health system where getting treatment wrong can actually decrease your maximum health. You can customize your main rifle with attachments like a shotgun or flamethrower to help you survive. Gameplay focuses on navigating dangerous landscapes and fighting off mutated monsters. It was one of the first games to try blending the intense action of shooters with the scary atmosphere of survival horror on the PlayStation 2.

‘Deep Fear’ (1998)

In ‘Deep Fear,’ players take on the role of a former Navy SEAL battling a strange outbreak while trapped on a submarine. This Sega Saturn game was unique for letting players move and fire their weapons at the same time – an uncommon feature back then. To promote fast-paced action, the game provides unlimited ammo for the standard pistol. Players also need to carefully monitor oxygen levels as they explore different parts of the ship.

‘Singularity’ (2010)

In ‘Singularity,’ you play as a soldier who uncovers a mysterious Soviet island where time is distorted. The game lets you use a special device to instantly age enemies or objects, and blends the fast-paced action of a first-person shooter with a creepy horror atmosphere. You’ll battle time-altered mutants and soldiers throughout a straightforward story campaign, experiencing a game that feels like a blend of action and survival horror.

‘Metro: Last Light’ (2013)

I’ve been totally hooked on ‘Metro: Last Light’! You play as Artyom, exploring the Moscow metro and the dangerous, ruined city above. It’s not just about shooting though – you’re facing both humans and terrifying mutants, and you really have to change up how you fight each one. The game gives you awesome weapons, and you can choose to go in guns blazing or try a stealthier approach. Ammo can be tight sometimes, which makes every fight feel intense, but there are definitely plenty of opportunities for action. What I really love is how it mixes creepy, atmospheric moments with really well-designed, fast-paced shooting sections.

‘Prey’ (2017)

In ‘Prey’, you play as Morgan Yu, who awakens on a space station invaded by the Typhon. The game lets you approach challenges in many different ways – you can fight directly using weapons and alien abilities, or get creative with unique powers. You’ll be able to transform into objects, unleash kinetic blasts, and even freeze enemies solid with the Gloo Cannon before destroying them. Ultimately, ‘Prey’ is a deeply immersive experience that blends action with a high-tech shooter feel.

‘Parasite Eve II’ (1999)

In ‘Parasite Eve II’, players take on the role of Aya Brea, now an FBI agent investigating Neo-Mitochondrial Creatures. Unlike the first game’s turn-based battles, this sequel features real-time action controls. The gameplay is closer to a classic survival horror experience, reminiscent of early ‘Resident Evil’ titles, where you directly control aiming and dodging while using magic and shooting enemies. It’s an action RPG with a strong focus on direct control and tense encounters.

Share your favorite action-heavy horror game recommendations in the comments.

2026-02-06 02:21