January 2026 is already shaping up to be a strong month for horror fans. Whether you’re into slow-burn psychological horror or chaotic multiplayer titles, the new year has kicked off with plenty to look forward to. Here are our top five horror games releasing in January 2026.
Pathologic 3 – January 9
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Developer/Publisher: Ice-Pick Lodge/HypeTrain Digital
Pathologic 3 is the long-awaited next chapter in this notoriously bleak medical horror series. Crazy to think that since it’s now 2026, it’s been a whole 7 years since the last entry! This time, the focus shifts to Daniil Dankovsky as he attempts to contain a deadly plague tearing through a remote town in only 12 days.
The game is a combination between psychological horror, deep narrative story and a medical management sim, with players forced to make difficult moral choices, treat patients with limited information, and manage quarantines and riots throughout the town. It’s safe to say that there’s a lot going on, and a hell of a lot to keep track of, in Pathologic 3.
BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW – January 16
Platforms: PC/PlayStation/Xbox
Developer/Publisher: Serafini Productions/Shochiku
BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW is a first-person psychological horror game that explores themes of trauma, bullying, and the darker side of online culture. It’s the third entry in the BrokenLore horror anthology series by Japanese studio Serafini Productions.
Players step into the role of Anne, who finds herself trapped inside a surreal nightmare where her fears take physical form. There’s multiple endings to discover based on your choices throughout the game, and Anne’s smartphone is going to be a really useful tool throughout your playthrough.
The Midnight Walkers – January 29
Platforms: PC
Developer/Publisher: One Way Ticket Studio
Tarkov with zombies
Blending zombie horror with PvPvE extraction gameplay, The Midnight Walkers (not to be confused with last year’s fantastic The Midnight Walk) drops players into a massive infected mega-complex where survival is never guaranteed. Scavenging for weapons and supplies is essential, but other players may prove to be just as dangerous as the undead.
Each run carries real risk, with death meaning the loss of everything you’re carrying. The constant push-and-pull between escaping safely and venturing deeper for better loot gives the game a relentless sense of pressure.
I Hate This Place – January 29
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Developer/Publisher: Rock Square Thunder/Feardemic
Based on the comic series of the same name, I Hate This Place is an isometric survival horror game set in a hostile open world where reality feels permanently unstable. Players control Elena as she scavenges resources, crafts equipment, and tries to stay alive against increasingly dangerous threats.
The game places a strong emphasis on preparation, with daytime exploration contrasting sharply with the heightened dangers that come with nightfall. Its bold comic-book art style helps it stand out, while its survival-focused design keeps tension high throughout.
For more information about the game, read our coverage of I Hate This Place.
The 9th Charnel – January 30
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Developer/Publisher: Saikat Deb/SOEDESCO
Rounding out the month is The 9th Charnel, a psychological survival horror game centered on three scientists trapped in a remote valley. As they investigate strange occurrences in the area, it becomes clear that something far more sinister is at work.
With limited resources and an emphasis on exploration and stealth, the game leans into slow-burn horror. Themes of isolation, cult activity, and the unknown give it a deeply oppressive tone that suits players looking for a more narrative-driven experience.
Plus, I’ve now learnt what the word “charnel” means!
Bonus: Dead by Daylight – Stranger Things Chapter 2
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Developer/Publisher: Behaviour Interactive
While not a full game release, January also brings the second Stranger Things chapter to Dead by Daylight. The crossover expands on the original collaboration (which included the Demogorgon, Steve and Nancy to the fog), introducing Henry Creel/Vecna as the killer, and Eleven and Dustin as survivors. Robin, in her iconic Skoops Ahoy outfit, and Eddie from Season 4 will appear as legendary skins for the characters too.
So that’s been our top 5 (and a half) picks for horror games releasing in January 2026. Are there any games that you’re super excited to pick up, or are there any titles that we’ve missed off our list?
