Best Cult-Themed Horror Games

When it comes to horror, few things are as unnerving as a mysterious cult. The sheer creepiness of blind devotion, secret rituals, and ominous leaders create a deeply unsettling atmosphere that resonates in many of our favorite games. Check out our list below for the best cult-themed horror games that promise thrills, terror, and lots of unsettling moments.

Top 15 Cult-Themed Horror Games

Each of these games uses cults in their narratives, making them central to the story in some way. The cultists you'll encounter range from eerie followers to dangerous leaders with dark, sometimes supernatural, ambitions. Let's jump right in:

15. Helltown

Though it starts innocently enough, the town of Little Vale soon reveals its dark side, where cult-like behavior and strange occurrences hint at something far more sinister. As you try to uncover the mystery behind the town's residents, the game steadily ramps up the tension until you find yourself ensnared in a web of nightmarish cult dealings.

14. The Church in the Darkness

Set in the 1970s, The Church in the Darkness takes you to Freedom Town, an isolated religious colony in South America. Led by the charismatic Isaac and Rebecca Walker, the Collective Justice Mission seems to offer salvation to its followers - but their socialist utopia hides sinister secrets. The game challenges players to infiltrate the cult and discover the truth about its seemingly idyllic compound, while the cult's dangerous control over its members slowly unravels.

13. The Last Door

This point-and-click horror adventure takes you deep into a cult's secrets, as Jeremiah Devitt investigates a cryptic letter from his childhood friend. As the game progresses, Devitt uncovers a dark and ancient cult that delves into forbidden knowledge, and their terrifying rituals bring the supernatural horror to life.

12. Condemned 2: Bloodshot

Former FBI agent Ethan Thomas finds himself battling not just his personal demons but also a dangerous cult bent on wiping him out. This cult is at the center of a larger conspiracy, and as the violence escalates, Ethan must navigate a web of fear and manipulation. The game's dark atmosphere and the ever-present threat of cult members create an oppressive and gritty experience.

11. Blood: Fresh Supply

In Blood: Fresh Supply, players face off against the Cabal, a group of cultists that worship the dark god Tchernobog. As Caleb, you battle through hordes of cult followers and grotesque creatures, all in the name of vengeance against the deity who betrayed you. The game's macabre aesthetic and relentless action make it a must-play for fans of cult horror.

10. Cultic

Step into the shoes of a protagonist clawing their way back from death to take on a twisted and mysterious cult. In Cultic, the focus is entirely on blasting your way through the ranks of devoted followers, armed with old-school weapons that make you feel powerful but never safe. The story behind the cult's dark rituals and lore unfolds as you fight your way through its ranks, uncovering the eerie truths behind the mask of fanaticism.

9. Forbidden Siren

In the eerie village of Hanuda, the cult-like Mana religion is central to the terror that unfolds. Persecuted in the past, this religious group's strange rituals and dark beliefs permeate the town, giving rise to the shibito, the undead-like creatures that haunt the Forbidden Siren's characters. The game's unique sightjacking mechanic allows you to see through the eyes of these fanatical followers, deepening the sense of dread as you uncover the cult's secrets.

8. Silent Hill

The original Silent Hill introduced us to the Order, a creepy religious cult bent on reviving their god. The town of Silent Hill is a manifestation of their dark rituals, and as you wander through its foggy streets, you'll encounter unsettling figures linked to their twisted beliefs. The cult's devotion to their deity is a driving force behind much of the horror that envelops the town, creating a constant sense of dread as you try to uncover the truth.

7. Dead Space 2

Few things are more unsettling than cults in space, and Dead Space 2 nails this perfectly with its exploration of the Church of Unitology. This fanatical religion is at the heart of the necromorph outbreak, manipulating followers into believing in rebirth through grotesque transformation. As Isaac Clarke, players explore the horrifying depths of this space station, all while battling the zealous followers of Unitology and uncovering their disturbing connection to the infestation.

6. The Last of Us Part II

In post-apocalyptic Seattle, Ellie finds herself caught in a deadly conflict between two factions: the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the Seraphites, a deeply religious cult. The Seraphites, or Scars, practice brutal rituals and follow strict, cryptic teachings of their mysterious prophet. Their cult-like devotion and terrifying methods of enforcing their beliefs add to an already emotional journey, forcing players to confront both the horrors of survival and blind faith.

5. Alan Wake 2

In Alan Wake 2, the Dark Presence looms large, controlling the minds of the residents and pulling them into a shadowy, cult-like state of worship. As Alan delves deeper into the mystery, the cult of darkness becomes a major antagonist, with followers performing bizarre rituals to summon and strengthen their supernatural leader. This mind-bending horror game masterfully intertwines cult elements with psychological horror for a truly chilling experience.

4. Devour 

In Devour, players take on the role of cult members trying to stop their possessed comrades from dragging them to hell. With each map centered around a different demonic possession, players must perform rituals to banish the evil and break free from the cult's curse. The escalating difficulty and terrifying chase sequences make this co-op horror game a frantic and creepy experience for groups of players.

3. Cult of the Lamb

This charming yet unsettling indie horror game puts you in the role of a lamb saved from death by an ominous deity. In exchange, you must form and lead your own cult, performing rituals, battling monstrous entities, and guiding your followers in increasingly dark ways. Despite its cutesy visuals, Cult of the Lamb is filled with cult horror themes, from ritual sacrifices to forcing your followers to stay awake as you please.

The reason this is so high up in this list is because it's ridiculously popular (over 76k reviews on Steam), and still meets the criteria of the list. It's a horror game, and you play the leader of a cult. For people who don't want to play grotesque horror games that are sure to give them nightmares, Cult of the Lamb is the perfect choice.

2. Resident Evil Village

A hidden village. Strange, unwavering devotion. And terrifying, monstrous leaders. In Resident Evil Village, Ethan Winters stumbles into a tight-knit village where the residents have pledged their lives to grotesque, supernatural forces. The game's cult-like figures - Mother Miranda and her four "lords" - control the community through fear and rituals, leading to a horrifying fight for survival. The deep, cultish devotion found here amplifies the tension, making each encounter with the locals as chilling as it is exciting.

1. Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

In this fan-favorite Resident Evil title, Leon S. Kennedy faces the terrifying Los Illuminados cult in a secluded European village. Their worship of a parasitic creature, Las Plagas, turns the entire village into hostile followers who will stop at nothing to defend their leader, Saddler. With chilling imagery and twisted beliefs, this game masterfully combines cult horror with survival mechanics, making every confrontation feel like you're unraveling a deeply disturbing mystery.

Want to read more about horror games at Pro Game Guides? Check out the 20 First Person Horror Games To Play and 10 Best scary games to play this Halloween.