Top Scary Visual Novels You Should Try

The visual novel 'Fate/stay night' is a must - try. It has multiple story routes, each with its own distinct plot and character relationships. The battles and magic system are interesting. 'Umineko no Naku Koro ni' is known for its complex mystery. It challenges the player to solve the mystery of a series of murders on an island. 'Narcissu' is a more emotional and thought - provoking visual novel that deals with heavy themes like terminal illness and the meaning of life.

Another one is 'Higurashi When They Cry'. It starts off seeming like a normal rural story but quickly turns into a horror - filled mystery. The psychological horror elements are really strong and keep you on the edge of your seat. There are multiple arcs that all tie together in a really interesting way.

One of the top harem visual novels is 'Clannad'. It has a great story with multiple female characters that the protagonist forms relationships with. The character development is deep and the art style is appealing. Another good one is 'Date A Live'. It features a unique concept where the main character has to go on dates with different spirit girls to save the world. There's also 'The Fruit of Grisaia', which has an engaging plot full of mystery and a harem of interesting female characters.

One great dating sim visual novel is 'Doki Doki Literature Club'. It has an interesting storyline and engaging characters. However, be aware that it contains some disturbing themes later on. Another good one is 'Amnesia: Memories'. It offers multiple storylines based on different love interests. You can choose the character you like and experience a unique love story with them.

Another great one is 'Code: Realize - Guardian of Rebirth'. It combines steampunk elements with a romantic story. The main character is a young girl with a 'poisonous' touch, and she gets involved with a group of handsome and interesting men on an adventure. The art style and character development are really appealing.

One great horror mystery visual novel is 'Danganronpa'. It has a unique setting where students are trapped and forced to participate in a deadly game. The mystery unfolds as you try to figure out who the killers are among them. Another is 'Zero Escape: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors'. It offers a complex and mind - bending mystery with elements of horror. 'Corpse Party' is also a well - known one. It's set in a haunted school and has some truly terrifying moments and a deep mystery to solve.

Another good one is 'Hades'. While it's more of an action - roguelike game with strong visual novel elements. The story is about Zagreus trying to escape the underworld, and the dialogues with various characters, like his father Hades, are really well - written and add depth to the overall experience.

Some of the best English visual novels include 'To the Moon'. It has a beautiful and heart - wrenching story about two old men traveling through memories. The art style is simple yet effective in conveying the emotions. 'Katawa Shoujo' is also popular. It deals with the lives of students with disabilities in a high school setting, exploring themes of friendship, love, and self - acceptance. 'VA - 11 HALL - A' is set in a post - cyberpunk world where you play as a bartender, interacting with various interesting characters and getting involved in their stories through the drinks you serve.

One great female - centered visual novel is 'Clannad'. It has well - developed female characters with deep and touching storylines. The art style is also very appealing, which helps bring the female characters to life. Another one is 'Katawa Shoujo'. It features unique female characters, each with their own distinct personalities and backstories. These visual novels not only provide interesting stories but also give a great insight into the female characters' worlds.

One of the best is 'Choices: Stories You Play'. It offers a variety of stories in different genres like romance, mystery, and adventure. You can make choices that shape the story's outcome. Another great one is 'Episode - Choose Your Story'. It has a large community creating different storylines, so there's always something new to explore. And 'Mystic Messenger' is also popular. It combines a unique chat - based gameplay with an engaging visual novel - style story, often with elements of mystery and romance.