Summary
Having multiple playable characters is a common feature in gaming, serving various purposes. Some games use multiple characters to provide different perspectives on events, adding depth to the narrative. Others introduce multiple playable characters to prioritize cooperative play, offering players the chance to team up with friends. Horror games, in particular, have embraced this feature,often including two or more playable characters. This approach has been significantly popularized by developers like Supermassive Games, where characters can meet unexpected deaths based on player choices, creating extra tension.
While many horror and narrative-driven games include more than two playable characters, it’s more typical for players to alternate between two protagonists. Often, players can choose one of two characters at the start of the campaign, or the game may shift focus between the characters at key moments to serve the plot. This dual-character approach is especially prevalent in survival horror, as it allows developers to tell interconnected stories from distinct perspectives. Let’s explore some of the best survival horror games that feature exactly two major playable characters, examining how these titles deliver shared narratives in compelling ways.
Dead Space 3marked a significant shift for the franchise, moving toward a more action-oriented style and introducing cooperative play through the addition of John Carver as a second playable character. While the game can be completed solo with Isaac Clarke as the main protagonist — where Carver plays only a minor role — opting for co-op deepens the narrative and gameplay, and is simply more fun.
In co-op mode, players must navigate the story together, often traveling, fighting, and solving puzzles side by side. However, the game includes several moments where the characters split up, creating tension and allowing each player to tackle exclusive horror segments alone. Adding to the psychological depth, Carver’s exposure to the Marker leads to unique hallucinations that only he can see,further immersing players in theDead Spacelore. These visions not only intensify the horror but also reveal more about Carver’s struggles, providing a distinct layer to the game’s cooperative storytelling.
The recent reboot of the iconic horror seriesAlone in the Darkintroduces two playable protagonists: Edward Carnby, portrayed by David Harbour, and Emily Hartwood, brought to life by Jodie Comer. Unlike other games with dual protagonists, this title does not feature a cooperative mode. Players must choose their characters at the beginning and stick with them throughout the entire playthrough.
While Edward and Emily share similar overall campaigns, Chapter 4 diverges significantly, delving into each character’s troubled past and personal memories. This difference not only adds narrative depth but also encourages multiple playthroughs, as players cannot obtain every collectible orget every ending in a single run.Alone in the Darkleans more toward the adventure genre, focusing on puzzle-solving with an atmospheric and eerie tone. However, it doesn’t shy away from occasional scares and intense action-horror moments, such as evading the menacing Dark Man who relentlessly stalks the player.
Resident Evil 5marked a pivotal moment for the franchise as itsfirst foray into cooperative play, reflecting the co-op trend of its era. Players can tackle the game solo, with Sheva Alomar acting as an AI-controlled partner, or experience the campaign in co-op mode with a friend. The cooperative mode is where the game truly shines, thanks to its many mechanics, puzzles, and scenarios specifically designed to encourage teamwork, making it far more engaging with a real human partner.
AlthoughResident Evil 5leans heavily into action, similar toDead Space 3, it still delivers moments of horror tension, particularly in certain atmospheric episodes. Many sections require players to split up and navigate separate paths, often relying on each other for support — like covering a partner with a sniper rifle. Additionally, the game incorporates strategic co-op elements, allowing players to share weapons and consumables freely and revive each other during tough encounters. These mechanics are especially crucial when facing some of the game’s most challenging bosses for some shared moments of pure thrill.
Resident Evil 2 Remakeis widely regarded as one of the finest entries in the series andone of the most celebrated modern remakes, earning praise for its balance of honoring the original while introducing modern improvements. The game features two distinct campaigns, one for Leon Kennedy and another for Claire Redfield, each equipped with unique weapons and perspectives on the unfolding events. The order in which players complete the campaigns impacts certain details, encouraging at least four playthroughs to fully experience the story and its variations.
UnlikeAlone in the Dark, Leon and Claire’s campaigns offer significantly different gameplay and narrative, despite taking place in the same overarching environment. Each character encounters unique NPCs, gains access to different areas within the Raccoon City Police Department, and faces key events at varying times, maintaining a sense of freshness and discovery with each playthrough. True to its survival horror roots,RE2 Remakedelivers relentless tension through its scarce resources, dimly lit environments, and eerie sound design. It leans far more into atmospheric horror than the action-heavyRE4orRE5, providing a truly nerve-wracking experience that not every player can endure.
Alan Wake 2stands as a remarkable sequel that honors Remedy’s signature storytelling while marking the studio’s first full venture into the survival horror genre, drawing clear inspiration fromResident Evil. The game features dual protagonists: Saga Anderson, an FBI agent investigating a string of murders, and Alan Wake, a writer trapped in the supernatural Dark Place — a shifting reality shaped by dreams and nightmares.
One of the game’s standout achievements is its dynamic approach to the two protagonist feature. Saga and Alan’s gameplay sections feel distinctly different, with unique skillsets, weapons, environments, and enemies tailored to their respective narratives. Beyond gameplay,their stories are intricately connected, with each character influencing the other’s journey in surprising and meaningful ways. Adding to its impact,Alan Wake 2may be the most terrifying entry on this list. The game leans heavily on unsettling atmosphere and intense jump scares — so much so that even the developers have acknowledged pushing the boundaries of fright and tension too far.
