Indie horror games stand out for their creative liberty and psychological depth. These titles, with their multiple endings, not only offer high replay value but also challenge players’ decision-making skills. Each choice can lead down a different path, making these games a fascinating exploration of narrative possibilities.
1. Warm Snow
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
Release Date: 19 January 2022
Developer: BadMudStudio
Steam Rating: 9/10 (30,275 Reviews)
Set in the Chinese Longwu era, “Warm Snow” is a roguelike slasher where players control Bi-An, a warrior unraveling the mystery behind a bizarre phenomenon that turns people into monsters. The game offers a standard ending and a ‘true’ ending, each demanding specific actions like collecting lore items and defeating the final boss. The game’s high difficulty level makes achieving both endings a significant challenge.
2. The Letter – Horror Visual Novel
Platform(s): Various
Steam Rating: 9/10 (1,150 Reviews)
A horror visual novel inspired by Asian horror films, “The Letter” involves real estate agent Isabella Santos dealing with a haunted mansion. The game’s narrative unfolds across seven chapters, each with 3-4 possible endings influenced by player choices. The game’s focus on storytelling and decision-making offers a unique horror experience.
3. Duck Season
Platform(s): PC
Release Date: 14 September 2017
Developer: Stress Level Zero
Steam Rating: 9/10 (1,293 Reviews)
A VR survival horror game, “Duck Season” takes players back to the 80s, following a boy named David who discovers that his new game is more than it seems. With seven endings plus a special one unlocked after completing the others, the game’s outcomes hinge on players’ actions within the game.
4. Oxenfree
Platform(s): Various
Steam Rating: 9/10 (8,709 Reviews)
“Oxenfree” is a mystery adventure game where protagonist Alex, along with her stepbrother Jonas and friend Ren, unravels the secrets of Edwards Island. The game’s endings vary based on the dialogue choices made by players, focusing on the relationships between characters.
5. White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
Platform(s): PC
Release Date: 5 September 2005
Developer: Sonnori
Steam Rating: 9/10 (2,339 Reviews)
This Korean survival horror game set in a high school has nine different endings. Players control Hee-Min Lee, who finds himself trapped in the school and must escape while avoiding dangers. The game’s endings are influenced by players’ interactions and decisions throughout the game.
6. Roadwarden
Platform(s): Various
Steam Rating: 10/10 (2,557 Reviews)
In this text-based dark fantasy RPG, players assume the role of a Roadwarden, tasked with protecting a secluded peninsula. The game’s narrative and endings are shaped by the choices and dialogue selected by the player, with an Anniversary Update adding an additional ending.
7. Milk Outside a Bag of Milk Outside a Bag of Milk
Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux
Release Date: December 16, 2021
Developer: Nikita Kryukov
Steam Rating: 10/10 (12,206 Reviews)
A sequel to “Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk,” this visual novel features five endings based on text choices. The game continues from the previous installment and can be completed in a single sitting, allowing players to explore all endings quickly.
8. The Room Three
Platform(s): Windows, iOS, Android
Release Date: 4 November 2015
Developer: Fireproof Games
Steam Rating: 10/10 (10,054 Reviews)
As the third entry in “The Room” series, this puzzle game offers four different endings, each dependent on the items acquired by players. The game’s story continues from “The Room Two,” with the player character solving the mysteries of the Null on Grey Holm island.
9. Detention
Platform(s): Various
Steam Rating: 10/10 (9,430 Reviews)
Set during Taiwan’s White Terror period, “Detention” is a point-and-click horror game filled with Eastern religious references. The game’s narrative shifts between characters as they attempt to escape a haunted school, with the ending influenced by players’ puzzle-solving skills and choices.
10. Inside
Platform(s): Windows, macOS, iOS, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 29 June 2016
Developer: Playdead
Steam Rating: 10/10 (49,605 Reviews)
Created by the same studio behind Limbo, Inside is also a puzzle platformer following a boy exploring a surreal and mysterious world and has similar mechanics of using the objects and the environment in general to progress.
Inside has two endings, a regular one and a secret one. The regular one involves the protagonist being absorbed into a fleshy blob of human bodies, and the alternate one can only be unlocked by fulfilling a specific requirement – activating 14 light orbs. Neither ending can be considered ‘happy’ and they’ve led to a lot of theorizing and speculation among gamers.
Conclusion
Indie horror games with multiple endings offer a rich, psychologically engaging experience, encouraging players to explore every facet of the narrative. These titles not only provide scares but also delve into deeper themes, making them a must-play for horror enthusiasts.
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