The Best-Selling Horror Games of All Time

If you love horror games, you probably already know some titles sell like crazy, but which ones have actually dominated the charts? In this article, we’re ranking the ten best-selling horror games of all time, based on the most up-to-date sales data available.

From indie hits to AAA blockbusters, these games prove that fear is big business. And don’t be put off by the early entries in the list, it’s not all Resident Evil (although it still firmly retains its status as the best selling horror franchise of all time).

A Note on the Data

Tracking horror game sales can be tricky. Publishers often stop sharing updated figures after launch or focus on player counts rather than actual unit sales. Some games have also appeared “for free” on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PS Plus, which can inflate player numbers without reflecting direct sales.

Since this list is just for fun anyway, try not to get bogged down in the exact numbers – only the publishers and developers truly know the final figures. If you come across sources with more up-to-date or official sales data, we’d love for you to comment below and let us know!

Here’s the list, ranked from lowest (but still a lot of sales) to highest.

10. Resident Evil 6 – 14.9 Million Units

Despite divisive reviews and its more action-focused gameplay, 2012’s Resident Evil 6 still sold 14.9 million copies, making it a very commercially successful title for Capcom.

9. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – 15.4 Million Units,

After a 5 year long break, and a shift to a first-person perspective, Resident Evil 7 was an overwhelming success (and one of my personal faves of the series). As of July 2025, it’s sold 15.4 million copies.

8. Resident Evil 5 – 15.8 Million Units

Resident Evil 5 has sold 15.8 million units globally. Its co-op gameplay and blockbuster presentation helped make it one of the franchise’s best-selling entries.

7. Resident Evil 2 (Remake) – 15.8 Million Units

Capcom’s 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 sold 15.8 million copies, modernizing the classic while retaining its survival-horror essence. When you add the sales for the original game, it takes Resident Evil 2 closer to 20 million.

6. 7 Days to Die – 20 Million Units

Finally, we’re out of the Resident Evil franchise!

Developer The Fun Pimps proudly shout about selling 20 million copies on the game’s Steam page, showing that consistent updates and community support can turn an early-access game into a hit.

5. Dying Light – 20 Million+ Units

Techland has confirmed over 20 million copies sold, making Dying Light one of the most successful horror-action titles ever. It’s got a dedicated fan-base, and its sequels Dying Light 2 (5 million+ sales) and Dying Light: The Beast (1.5 million sales already) are selling fast too.

4. Dead by Daylight – 22 Million+ Copies (Estimated)

Sensor Tower estimates 22 million copies sold for Behaviour Interactive’s multiplayer horror hit, though the game’s official player count exceed 60 million, which is thanks to its frequent inclusion on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus.

With its massive number of DLC – including licenses for every horror property under the sun – Behaviour Interactive is definitely raking it in.

3. Phasmophobia – 25 Million Units Sold

Kinetic Games confirmed 25 million copies sold on their X (Twitter) account. Its co-op ghost-hunting gameplay, VR support and recent console launch has made it one of the most successful indie horror games ever. They’ve even announced a Phasmophobia board game now!

2. The Last of Us / The Last of Us Remastered – 30 Million Units

Naughty Dog’s PS3 zombie game The Last of Us and its PS4 “remaster” a year later sold over 30 million copies, blending survival-horror tension with cinematic storytelling. The PS5 remaster (The Last of Us: Part 1) adds at least another 2 million units on top of those 30 million units.

With the HBO TV series, The Last of Us has truly become a gargantuan franchise in the horror genre.

1. Left 4 Dead 2 – 57 Million Units

When Valve releases a first-party game, it’s almost guaranteed to be a hit, and Left 4 Dead 2 is no exception. The game has sold over 57 million units. Building on the success of the original, it refined everything fans loved: intense co-op action, chaotic zombie-slaying gameplay, and a memorable cast of survivors. With long-lasting mod support and a thriving community, the franchise has sold around 70 million units total.

Honorable Mentions

Here’s some horror games that likely could make it into this list if the publishers or developers put out some up-to-date sales data.

The Walking Dead (Telltale Series)

The episodic series sold over 50 million episodes worldwide, showing just how influential narrative-driven horror can be. Unfortunately, we don’t know the split between episodes, but I’m sure Episode 1 is most likely over 10 million at this point.

The Outlast Series – 15 Million Units Sold

The first two Outlast games have sold over 15 million copies, making it one of the most successful indie horror series of the past decade. On top of that, The Outlast Trials has already accumulated over 3 million players. With how much of a classic the first Outlast is, it’s surely reached over 10 million units sold.

The Last of Us 2 – 12 Million+

The sales figures for The Last of Us 2 suggest that the sequel has reached over 12 million players, narrowly missing the number 10 position on this list.

Resident Evil 4 – 14.8 million

If you combine sales from the original Resident Evil 4 (14.8 million) and the 2023 remake (10.6 million), the franchise would easily slot into third place on this list. Individually, however, each game just misses making the top ten.

Conclusion

I find it super interesting that 8 out of the top 10 best selling horror games are zombie games – only Phasmophobia and Dead by Daylight – two multiplayers buck that trend.

If you see any updated figures for any of these games – or if any outsiders earn their way onto this list – please comment below and we’ll make sure to update our list.