Remember the glorious, gory chaos of 2023's The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game? It wasn't just another multiplayer horror title; it was a masterclass in asymmetrical terror, perfectly blending unique mechanics, distinct team perspectives, and a palpable sense of dread that kept players screaming and coming back for more. It carved its own bloody niche right next to genre giants. But where does a gamer go after they've survived (or been the cause of) the Sawyer family's hospitality? Fear not, fellow horror aficionados! The genre has been thriving, evolving, and producing some truly heart-pounding experiences. Let's take a look at nine other games that capture that same frantic, terrifying, and utterly addictive spirit.

The Undisputed King of the Hill: Dead by Daylight

Is there any name more synonymous with 4-vs-1 horror than Dead by Daylight? While it may not have been the absolute first, it's undoubtedly the one that turned the genre into a global phenomenon. It's the blueprint, the inspiration, the godfather that games like Texas Chain Saw Massacre respectfully nod to. The core loop is brilliantly simple yet endlessly replayable: four Survivors try to repair generators to power the exit gates, while one relentless Killer hunts them down. The magic is in the massive roster. Want to be chased by a silent, knife-wielding Shape? A teleporting, bell-ringing Nurse? Or perhaps a giant, chainsaw-revving Hillbilly? The variety is staggering. Each character comes with unique abilities (called Perks) that allow for deep strategic builds. For Survivors, it's a constant test of stealth, teamwork, and clutch plays. For Killers, it's a terrifyingly fun game of cat and mouse where you are the cat. It's addictively difficult, incredibly tense, and still receiving updates and new content years later. If you haven't experienced the terror of the Entity's realm, what are you even waiting for?

The Slasher Legend's Digital Playground: Friday the 13th: The Game

Before Texas Chain Saw Massacre let you play as Leatherface, another iconic slasher got his own (now legendary) multiplayer title. Friday the 13th: The Game is pure, unadulterated campfire horror. One player becomes the unstoppable Jason Voorhees, complete with his iconic kills and terrifying abilities like Shift (a short-range teleport) and Sense (to find hiding Counselors). The other players are the panicked Counselors, each with different stats for things like Composure and Stealth. The goal? Survive until the police arrive, repair a car and escape, or—the most difficult and satisfying option—work together to kill Jason for good. This game absolutely nails the atmosphere of the films. The dark woods of Camp Crystal Lake, the chilling soundtrack that kicks in when Jason is near, and the sheer panic of hearing his heavy footsteps approach made for unforgettable sessions. While official support has ended, dedicated servers keep the dream (or nightmare) alive for fans.

A Hunt in the Jungle: Predator: Hunting Grounds

Ever wanted to feel the thrill of the hunt from the other side? Predator: Hunting Grounds flips the script. Here, a team of four elite soldiers (the Fireteam) is dropped into dense jungles to complete military objectives. Sounds straightforward, right? Wrong. Stalking them is a single player controlling the Predator, a high-tech hunter from the stars. This creates a fascinating dynamic. The Fireteam must stick together, cover angles, and complete their mission under constant threat. The Predator player, however, is a solo powerhouse. They can cloak, leap through trees, and wield an arsenal of iconic weapons: the shoulder-mounted Plasma Caster, the razor-sharp Wrist Blades, and the deadly Smart Disc. The tension is incredible. As a soldier, every rustle in the leaves could be the Predator. As the Predator, it's a game of patience and picking off the weak links. It's a fantastic asymmetrical experience that truly makes you feel like you're in the classic 1987 film.

The Solo Terror Classic: Outlast

Okay, let's take a break from multiplayer mayhem for a moment. What if the core appeal of Texas Chain Saw Massacre for you is the sheer, pants-wetting terror of being hunted? Then you must experience Outlast. This single-player masterpiece is a masterclass in vulnerability. You play as investigative journalist Miles Upshur, armed with nothing but a camcorder (with night vision) and your own two legs. Your goal? Survive the night inside Mount Massive Asylum, a place overflowing with secrets and monstrosities. There is no fighting back. Your only options are to run, hide, and hope they don't find you. The game uses darkness, sound, and grotesque imagery to create an atmosphere of pure dread. It's a relentless, nerve-shredding experience that will have you peeking through your fingers at the screen. Think of it as the ultimate test of your survival-horror nerves. Can you make it through without screaming?

Teamwork Against the Supernatural: Phasmophobia

What if the horror isn't about fighting each other, but about facing an unknown entity together? Enter Phasmophobia, the co-op ghost hunting phenomenon. In this game, you and up to three friends become paranormal investigators. Your job is to enter a haunted location, gather evidence (like EMF readings, ghost writing, or freezing temperatures), and identify the type of ghost before it gets too... aggressive. The genius of Phasmophobia is in its simplicity and atmosphere. The maps are dark and creepy, the sound design is impeccable (hearing a ghost whisper your name through a Spirit Box is chilling), and the ghosts all behave differently. Some are shy, some are deadly. The game brilliantly uses proximity-based voice chat, meaning ghosts can hear you if you talk near them! This leads to hilarious and terrifying moments of whispered planning suddenly turning into screams as a ghost manifests. It's a perfect blend of slow-burn investigation and sudden, heart-stopping action.

Communication is Key (and Deadly): In Silence

In Silence takes the cat-and-mouse formula and adds a brilliant, nerve-wracking twist: realistic voice chat. In this game, a team of Survivors is hunted by a nearly blind, but incredibly sensitive, monster. The monster player relies almost entirely on sound to find its prey. This is where the voice chat comes in. Survivors can only hear each other when they are physically close. Need to warn your friend across the map? You'll have to get closer or risk making noise. The monster player, however, can hear everything. A whispered plan, a panicked scream, the sound of a door opening—it all feeds the beast. This creates an unparalleled level of tension. As a Survivor, you're constantly torn between the need to communicate and the paralyzing fear of being heard. It's a brilliantly designed game that proves sometimes, in horror, silence truly is golden.

Trust No One: Deceit

Remember the paranoia of wondering if that other Victim in Texas Chain Saw Massacre is actually going to help you? Deceit takes that feeling and builds an entire game around it. This is social deduction meets survival horror. Six players wake up in a sinister facility. Two of them are secretly infected with a virus that turns them into monstrous killers when the lights go out. The innocent majority must complete tasks to escape, all while trying to figure out who the traitors are. The infected, meanwhile, must sabotage, mislead, and pick off the innocents one by one. The game features a "Fear" system; innocent players who witness scary events or are near the infected will have their fear rise, making them more vulnerable. It's a game of lies, psychology, and sudden, brutal betrayal. Can you convince everyone you're innocent while secretly planning their demise? Or can you suss out the liar before it's too late?

Squad-Based Sci-Fi Horror: Aliens: Fireteam Elite

Sometimes, you don't want to be the helpless victim or the lone hunter. Sometimes, you want to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your friends, pulse rifles blazing, and face the horror head-on. That's Aliens: Fireteam Elite. This is a cooperative third-person shooter that perfectly captures the feel of being a Colonial Marine in the Aliens universe. You and two other players form a fireteam and dive into missions across infested spaceships and planets. You'll face hordes of Xenomorphs—from face-huggers and runners to the deadly Praetorians and Crushers. The game is all about tactical positioning, managing your ammo, and covering your teammates' backs. With multiple classes (Gunner, Demolisher, Technician, etc.), deep weapon customization, and intense, wave-based combat, it delivers a thrilling "us against the swarm" experience. It's the perfect game for horror fans who also love a good, strategic firefight.

So, What's Your Preferred Flavor of Fear?

The beauty of the asymmetrical and cooperative horror genre in 2026 is its incredible diversity. Whether you crave:

• The classic 4-vs-1 chase of Dead by Daylight

• The iconic slasher power fantasy of Friday the 13th

• The high-tech hunt of Predator: Hunting Grounds

• The pure, solo vulnerability of Outlast

• The cooperative ghost-busting of Phasmophobia

• The communication-based terror of In Silence

• The paranoid social deduction of Deceit

• The squad-based alien blasting of Aliens: Fireteam Elite

...there is a game out there to make your heart race. Each one takes the core thrill established by pioneers and hits like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre—that adrenaline rush of being hunted or the dark thrill of being the hunter—and presents it in a fresh, exciting way. The genre is alive, well, and waiting to give you your next great scare. Now, who's ready to play?