Horror game subgenres listed and explained.
A lot of people get horror game subgenres wrong, especially when it comes to the term Survival horror. They either care too much and get offended if a game they like isn't survival, or they lump 70% of horror games under the title because they don't care. This list will explain what each subgenre is, and ranking 130 games I have played under them. This isn't about quality, it's just gameplay.
Action horror: These games not only encourage you to kill enemies, but you are expected to. Combat balance is in your favor, allowing you to kill groups of enemies at once. Enemies drop loot like ammo or gold for a store. You often get superpowers, or unique combat mechanics like parry, dodge, or dash.
Survival horror: The term was created by Capcom to describe Resident evil 1, and that's how it should play. Combat balance is an even playing field, meaning every 1 v 1 encounter is a real battle. Ammo and inventory are limited, and you must solve weird puzzles to progress.
Puzzle: The main gameplay is solving puzzles. More than what Survival horror does, this is the main event. Even surviving enemies are essentially puzzles.
Stealth horror: The main gameplay is sneaking around, hiding, and potentially running away. Combat balance is in the enemies' favor, and you have no weapons to defend yourself.
Online: You play with and or against other human beings.
Reverse horror: YOU are the monster, hunting down people.
Open world: Horror games where you are allowed to go around a large map, doing side quests and exploring.
Platformer: The main gameplay is platforming, Like in Mario, Sonic or Hat in time.
Survival horror for beginners/kids: So, this is a weird category I made up myself. These games all have survival horror mechanics, but they don't full commit to it. They have limited ammo, but you will never run out if you know what you are doing. Puzzles, but never too hard ones. Its like diet Survival
Walking simulators: The main gameplay is walking around. You escape enemies, if there even are any, by walking away.
Horde shooters: You and friends kill waves of enemies.
On rail: You shoot while the game controls the camera.
Story based game: The gameplay is secondary to the story they want to tell. The mechanics can change depending on what is needed, and aren't really what fans remember it for.
Survival action hybrid: Self explanatory
Maze: You are in a maze like pac man, being chased by monsters.
Hack and Slash. Use combos to mow throw crowds of enemies!
Other: Parasite Eve is a pseudo turn based rpg. State of Decay is a base builder. Idk what to call Zombi. Survivor is a weird light gun shooter. Idk what to call Siren either lol.
Obviously, not every game will fit neatly into every category. And games can have levels that change up the genre. This is just a way to show what games are similar, so you can recommend them to others.