Highlights:
* Many horror games feature mic-detection and proximity voice chat features, which add another dimension to gameplay.
* Phasmophobia, In Silence, and Silent Breath are among some of the great titles featuring microphone-detection.
Over the years, video games have become more than a medium for keeping the mind busy. Many titles these days offer an immersive experience with nail-biting narratives, fascinating environments, innovative gameplay mechanics, and much more. Still, nothing gets one’s heart racing like a good old horror game. Regardless of their sub-genre, the horror games let players experience the thrill of bone-chilling storylines while stepping into the victims’ shoes. To top that experience, some titles even offer a premise where the in-game monsters or enemies can detect players’ microphones.
- Also Read: 10 Games That Should Be Made Into Films
What Are the Best Horror Games That Listen To Your Microphone?
In horror games, listening to one’s voice via microphones is quite an intriguing concept, which adds another dimension to an already-terrifying experience. In such a setup, players will also have to remain silent to avoid detection while maintaining their calm. If you are looking for such horror games, here are some of the notable titles that can use the input from one’s mic:
Phasmophobia
| Initial Release | September 4, 2020 (Early Access on Windows) |
| Developer(s) | Kinetic Games |
The first title on this list is the highly impressive Phasmophobia. It is a psychological indie horror game where players assume the role of a paranormal investigator. They can go solo or co-op in a four-member team to detect the type of ghost at a specific haunted location. During their investigation, players will have to gather physical and photo evidence, while ghosts can also hear them.
Thus, ghost hunters can communicate with ghosts or cursed possessions. It will allow them to determine the ghost type and complete the contract for in-game cash, XP, and other rewards. However, the game also features threats in the form of falling sanity levels. In such cases, one will have to outrun the ghosts to survive.
In Silence
| Initial Release | October 16, 2020 |
| Developer(s) | Ravenhood Games |
In Silence offers quite a simple setup where one of the players plays the role of a monster, namely Rake, while the others serve as survivors. The monster has significantly diminished levels of sightedness, which seems like an advantage for the survivors. However, despite being almost blind, Rake can detect the survivors based on their voices. Hence, In Silence forces the players to remain mute to avoid being detected.
The survivors can either go solo or play in teams to escape Rake. They can try repairing the car or use the secret armory to defeat Rake. The game also features proximity voice chat, which means the voices will become quieter with distance, giving survivors a chance to interact when Rake is far away. Interestingly, the game also allows players to return as a mouse after an elimination to help their friends escape.
Don’t Scream
| Initial Release | October 27, 2023 (Early Access on Windows) |
| Developer(s) | Digital Cybercherries |
Don’t Scream is meant for the fans of jump scares and can prove to be a nightmare for the players who despise them. The sole purpose of the game is to explore the mysterious Pineview Forest for 18 minutes. At the same time, players will have to avoid screaming; otherwise, the exploration will restart.
Now, the game requires players to move continuously to keep the timer ticking. Don’t Scream also features The Blair Witch Project–like 90s camcorder found footage graphics created using Unreal Engine 5. Thus, the hyper-realistic visuals can prove to be triggering for many who are looking to take up the challenge of exploring the Pineview Forest.
Escape the Ayuwoki
| Initial Release | November 26, 2019 |
| Developer(s) | DeadlyCrow Games |
Another great horror game that can detect players’ voices and movements is Escape the Ayuwoki. The first-person adventure horror game features a hideous monster named Ayuwoki, who can send chills down anyone’s spine. Thus, to avoid the monster, players must focus on remaining stealthy.
The game is filled with jump scares, loud noises, screaming, and a lot more horror movie tropes that can overwhelm the players. The only way to overcome the threats in Escape the Ayuwoki is to find a way out of the mansion while avoiding garnering any attention from the titular monster.
Silent Breath
| Initial Release | April 5, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | EXODIAC STUDIOS |
Like Don’t Scream, Silent Breath best uses VHS-styled found footage graphics reminiscent of horror movie classics like Paranormal Activity, V/H/S, The Blair Witch Project, and more. At the same time, microphone detection makes it harder for players to escape various lurking all over the place.
Silent Breath follows a horror movie-styled narrative where players, who woke up in a forest, will have to look for the missing people. During their search, the game throws several jump scares and random threats that are highly unpredictable. On top of that, the photo-realistic environment makes it a lot scarier to explore the massive forest.
Honorable Mentions
After exploring the above-mentioned horror games, players can also try out the following titles that offer mic-detection to a great degree:
- Alien: Isolation (specific mods with mic-detection)
- Stifled
- The Classrooms
- Welcome To The Game
That concludes our list of the horror titles that listen to one’s microphone, but fans should also check out the best games in which players are Vampires.
