Horror films often derive their tension from protagonists needing to stay silent to avoid an untimely demise, and this is no different when it comes to horror games. Utilizing players' microphones as a central game mechanic is a relatively recent phenomenon, but an increasingly popular one nonetheless.
The followinghorror games use players' microphonesnot only for in-game chat but as an actual control. Whether players are advised not to make a noise for fear of something untoward hearing them, or to use sound to aid their adventure, one thing is for certain; these games will provide immersive experiences that bring the game to life as the player becomes part of the narrative.
Updated Jun 15, 2025, by Rachael Phillips:As the gaming industry gets ever more innovative, developers are constantly looking for new ways to keep their works interesting and refreshing. A.I. is constantly being improved to turn once unrealistic-looking games startlingly true to life and better the efficiency of stalker enemies. However, some of the best mechanics remain those that can make the player feel as if they are truly involved in the story. Alongside virtual reality, horror games that pick up, use, and integrate players' sound through their mic remain among the most terrifying in the genre.
30Don’t Scream
Explore An Expansive Forest, But Don’t Stand Still
InDon’t Scream, the player is dropped into the middle of a forest and must survivethe terrors of the woodsfor 18 minutes (without making a sound). If they make too much noise, they will have to start again.
This found-footage-style game has a horrifying soundscape, from snapping branches to distant screams, and there are many places to explore, including a cemetery, a crashed plane, and a gas station. However, idling stops the countdown and prolongs the fear. Overall,Don’t Screamexplores an intriguing idea in a terrifying way.
29Silent Breath
This Find-And-Collect Game Will Have Players Holding Their Breath
Silent Breathis a hyperrealistic psychological horror game. The player begins at a cabin-slash-crime scene in the woods. As night falls, they must find the five missing people before the evening is over, while deformed beings roam the forest.
This game detects sounds that the player makes and restarts if they are too loud. With randomized body locations, jumpscares designed to make players scream, and multiple different threats,Silent Breathis an intense experience that makes staying quiet a challenge.
28Lurking
The Literal Dark Side Of Science
There are plenty of titles in the horror genre revolving around experiment-gone-wrong plots, andLurkingis no exception. In this game, the player must navigate an entirely dark facility while finding audio logs that reveal the truth about what transpired there.
Plunged into complete darkness, the player must use “audio pulses” to visualize where they are. This can be done by using in-game objects and real life sounds via the player’s microphone. Unfortunately, there are enemies waiting in the darkness, listening.
Stifledis a psychological horror mystery game and spiritual successor toLurking. The player follows Dave Ridley, navigating between flashbacks and the present after his return from the Vietnam War. They uncover the story of his marriage to Rose and their child.
The player can use their mic to make sounds, which function as a way to echolocate and detect the surroundings in darker areas. But other things can hear them in the shadows. This game deals with darkerthemes such as PTSD and grief.
26Supernormal
Mystery Meets Horror In A Twisted Story
InSupernormal,the player takes on the role of Detective Wyatt, investigating the disappearance of Masato Sakomoto’s 14-year-old daughter, Sophia. They must search for and find clues to piece together the truth about her fate.
The player can use their microphone to interact with the paranormal by using commands such as “show yourself” or “are you friendly?”, to which the answers can assist their investigation.Supernormalis a longer experience and there are two endings dependent on the number of clues the player finds and the paths they take.
25Rotten Flesh
The Search For A Four-Legged Friend Uncovers A Beast Much Worse
Rotten Fleshis an action-adventure horror game. The player must find their dog, Roy, after following him into an ominous sewer system. But there is something else lurking down there searching for human flesh.
The player must call out for Roy using their microphone, with the catch that whatever stalks the tunnels might hear instead. With puzzle, shooter, and inventory organization elements, a deepening plot, andclaustrophobic environments,Rotten Fleshhas something for all horror gamers.
24Psychopath Massacre
Solve Puzzles To Escape A Murderous Kidnapper
InPsychopath Massacre, the player awakes in a dingy room of a decaying house. They must find and use items to escape but need to be quiet or risk alerting the killer that hunts them down every step of the way.
This game has certain commands that the player can use out loud to attract the killer or communicate with the ghosts of the victim-littered house with a spirit box.Psychopath Massacreis perfect for fans of theGrannyfranchise who are looking for a similar but scarier experience.
23Tales Beyond The Tomb: The Farm’s Secret
A Terrifying Tale Based On True Events
There is no shortage of horror games based on true stories.Tales Beyond the Tombis an episodic horror inspired by real experiences.The Farm’s Secretfollows Samantha, a young woman complicit in a string of crimes and stuck in a situation that seems impossible to escape. As the player begins to uncover the true scope of their circumstances, they must take risks to break free.
While this game is largely a walking simulator, there are occasions where being quiet is necessary, otherwise they will be detected and caught (with dire consequences). Considering this is based on a real case,The Farm’s Secretis a genuinely uncanny experience, made more so by the VHS graphics.
In Silenceis aco-op horror game. The players must escape the wrath of the rake - an unnaturally tall, pale creature with a hunger for human flesh. They can either find components to escape in the car, or gain access to the armory and take the monster on.
Fortunately, the rake has poor eyesight. Unfortunately, it is hyper-sensitive to sound, and the players must remain as quiet as possible to avoid an early demise.In Silenceoffers players different perks, modes, and the chance to play as the monster, making it perfect for fans of asymmetrical titles likeDead by DaylightandFriday the 13th.
21Escape The Ayuwoki
A Creepypasta Parody Where Noise Must Be Used Tactically
Escape the Ayuwokiis equal parts silly and terrifying. Awaking in a decrepit house, the player must find a way to escape. They will also simultaneously uncover lore about the immortality-seeking, child-sacrificing cult, and how the “Ayuwoki” came to be.
Inspired by the creepypastaof the same name, the “Ayuwoki” crawls around with superhuman speed and can hear the player via their mic activity. This can prove useful in luring it somewhere to open an escape route, but deadly if the player isn’t careful.
