5 Biggest Horror Games Releasing in January 2026

A new year means a fresh wave of terror approaches in the form of new horror games releasing in January 2026, with a bonus entry to set the tone for what looks to be a solid year of horror gaming. This month we have zombie action in Quarantine Zone: The Last Check and The Midnight Walkers, classic horror influences can be found in Perished Truth, or you can visit a supernatural wildlife reserve in The 9th Charnel. We can also look forward to experiencing a comic book style world in I Hate This Place, and explore the psychological effects of social media in BrokenLore: Unfollow.

If you got caught up in the merriment of December, you can catch up with last month’s picks here. If you’re up to date, as ever we have more in store to make sure you have a spooky start to your New Year. 

1. 5 Biggest Horror Movies Releasing in January 2026
2. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Review – A Darker, Bolder, and Surprisingly Emotional Sequel 

1. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check releases on 12th January for PC.

If you’re someone who finds yourself shouting at the screen due to the stupid decisions of post-apocalyptic protagonists, then it is time to prove your prowess in Quarantine Zone: The Last Check. Here your leadership skills will be put to the test, as you’re responsible for the lives of those in camp; ration food and medicine supplies, identify contraband, and control drones which provide protection against the infected.

As newcomers approach, you must use the tools provided to decide who may enter camp. Healthy survivors can head straight in, but those who are showing symptoms must be quarantined for monitoring or potentially, fatal experimenting. You can start testing survivors early with a demo available on Steam.

2. Broken Lore: Unfollow

BrokenLore: Unfollow will be available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on January 16th.

The next instalment in the BrokenLore franchise follows the story of Anne, haunted by bullies and personal demons, while also exploring the dark side of social media and its negative impact on mental health. Throughout BrokenLore: Unfollow Anne will rely on her phone while confronting the monstrosities manifested by her own traumas, your choices deciding whether she is able to come to terms with her past and escape the nightmare.

3. The Midnight Walkers

The Midnight Walkers releases in early access for PC on January 29th.

Delayed from its initial release date to implement player feedback and fine tune the game, The Midnight Walkers will release in early access later this month. A PvPvE extraction shooter with a zombie theme, you can play solo or team up in trios to take on the infected and other survivors. Scavenge the halls of Liberty Grand Centre for loot and gear, making your way through the various floors and avoiding the poisonous gas which spreads over time. Making it out alive means you can utilise materials for upgrades – death means losing it all. 

4. I Hate This Place 

I Hate This Place release on January 29th for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

Inspired by the graphic novel of the same name, I Hate This Place is an isometric survival horror game presented in a comic book art style. Use the light of day effectively by gathering resources, crafting gear and building bases to prepare for nightfall. When the darkness comes, your torch is your only light as you attempt to stumble silently through the dark to evade the monsters and their sharp hearing. I Hate This Place has a demo available now on Steam.

5. Perished Truth

Perished Truth releases for PC on January 30th, with a demo available now on Steam.

Influenced by iconic horror franchises Saw and Resident Evil, Perished Truth has you play as Shinji Ueda, who is desperately searching for a cure to his daughter’s terminal illness. But in a twisted turn of events, Shinji wakes up to find himself among a group of strangers being held captive on a remote island, all of who face a series of gruesome trials – and each other – to make it off the island alive. 

There will also be a customisable control scheme, allowing you to choose between tank controls or a more modern approach. It is also important to note that purchasing Perished Truth on release will only include the first act, with free updates bringing more gameplay in the future. You can start your trials early with a demo available on Steam.

6. The 9th Charnel 

The 9th Charnel will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S from January 30th.

The 9th Charnel places you in the role of genetic scientist Michael J. Jones. Following field research gone wrong at a local wildlife sanctuary, Michael finds himself separated from his colleagues and stranded in a secluded valley. You will need to alternating between stealth and combat to avoid the claws of the not so cute creatures as you make you make your way through the nature reserve to regroup, while solving puzzles to piece together the dark lore behind the disturbing happenings.