8 Video Games That Seem Innocent but Turn Terrifying

Some video games draw you in with bright visuals or simple premises, making you think they’re all fun and games. Then, out of nowhere, they hit you with chilling moments that leave your heart racing.  

I’ve rounded up eight games that start off looking harmless but reveal a darker side as you play. From eerie atmospheres to shocking twists, these titles prove that appearances can be deceiving.  

Little Nightmares (2017)

At first glance, ‘Little Nightmares’ looks like a quirky platformer with its tiny protagonist, Six, navigating a strange, oversized world. The art style feels almost whimsical, like a child’s storybook gone wrong.

But as you progress, the game’s creepy undertones surface. Grotesque creatures with distorted features stalk you through a nightmarish ship, and the unsettling sound design keeps you on edge. It’s a haunting experience that sticks with you long after you put the controller down.  

Spooky’s Jump Scare Mansion (2015)

‘Spooky’s Jump Scare Mansion’ starts off almost comically cute, with cartoonish ghosts popping out in a maze-like mansion. It feels like a lighthearted take on horror, perfect for a quick laugh.

Don’t be fooled—things get grim fast. As you explore deeper, the ‘cute’ scares give way to bloodier, more intense encounters. The game’s 700-plus rooms ramp up the dread, turning a playful premise into a genuinely unnerving adventure.  

Omori (2020)

‘Omori’ charms you with its colorful, retro-inspired art and RPG mechanics, following a boy named Sunny and his dreamworld alter ego, Omori. It feels like a cozy nod to classics like ‘Earthbound’.

Beneath the surface, it tackles heavy themes like grief and trauma. The dreamworld shifts into something far darker, with eerie visuals and psychological horror that hit hard. It’s a slow burn that leaves you rattled by the end.  

Eversion (2010)

‘Eversion’ presents itself as a cheerful, retro platformer where you hunt for a missing princess in a vibrant Flower Kingdom. The bright colors and simple gameplay feel like a throwback to old-school Mario.

Then the world starts to warp. Each ‘eversion’ flips the environment into something darker—colors fade, enemies turn grotesque, and the music grows sinister. It’s a masterclass in subverting expectations, making you question what’s real.  

Little Inferno (2012)

‘Little Inferno’ seems like a quirky puzzle game where you burn toys in a cozy fireplace to earn coins for more toys. The concept is simple, and the warm visuals feel oddly comforting at first.

But the story takes a disturbing turn. Creepy letters from a mysterious stranger and unsettling hints from your neighbor build a sense of dread. What starts as a mindless time-waster becomes a chilling commentary on consumption and isolation.  

Five Nights at Freddy’s 4 (2015)

The ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ series is known for jump scares, but the fourth game looks tamer at first, set in a child’s bedroom with a flashlight as your only tool. It feels like a kid’s spooky adventure.

That innocence crumbles fast. The animatronics are more aggressive, their decayed forms and sharp teeth looming in the dark. Playing as a vulnerable child heightens the terror, making every creak and shadow feel like a threat.  

Doki Doki Literature Club (2017)

‘Doki Doki Literature Club’ masquerades as a cute dating sim with charming anime girls and poetry-writing sessions. It’s all pastel colors and lighthearted romance at the start.

Then it pulls the rug out. The game breaks the fourth wall, diving into psychological horror with disturbing visuals and manipulative twists. It’s a gut-punch that transforms a seemingly sweet story into something deeply unsettling.  

Until Dawn (2015)

‘Until Dawn’ kicks off like a teen slasher flick, with a group of friends gathering at a snowy lodge for a fun getaway. The cinematic vibe and choice-driven gameplay feel more dramatic than scary.

But the tension builds fast. Supernatural threats and brutal consequences emerge, and every choice can lead to death. The game’s unpredictable twists and eerie atmosphere make it a gripping horror experience that catches you off guard.  

Which of these sneaky horror games creeped you out the most, or is there another title that surprised you with its scares? Drop your thoughts in the comments!