5 Best SCP Games to Play in 2024

Patrick_Yu · 3:02AM

The SCP Foundation has long been a source of fascination for fans of horror, mystery, and the unknown. Its universe of anomalous objects, creatures, and phenomena that defy explanation has inspired countless creative projects, with video games being one of the most prominent. These games allow players to step into the role of researchers, survivors, or even SCP entities themselves, experiencing the chilling unpredictability of a world where reality is not always as it seems. In 2024, there are several standout titles that offer unique interpretations of the SCP universe, blending horror, survival, and action. Here are five of the best SCP games to dive into this year.

What is the SCP Foundation?

The SCP Foundation is a fictional organization responsible for securing, containing, and protecting anomalous objects, entities, and phenomena that pose a threat to humanity or challenge our understanding of reality. These anomalies, known as SCPs, range from dangerous monsters to mysterious artifacts with inexplicable powers. Examples include:

SCP-173: A statue that moves rapidly and lethally when not observed, requiring constant surveillance to prevent attacks.
SCP-096: A humanoid entity that becomes uncontrollably aggressive when someone views its face, pursuing the viewer until they are eliminated.
SCP-3008: An abandoned IKEA store that leads to a seemingly infinite labyrinth where people are trapped and pursued by faceless humanoids, especially when the lights are off.

Each SCP is given a designation and a unique file detailing its properties, containment procedures, and potential risks. This collaborative storytelling project has grown into a vast, ever-expanding universe with contributions from writers, artists, and game developers alike.

1. SCP: Containment Breach

SCP: Containment Breach is one of the earliest and most successful adaptations of the SCP universe into gaming. Originally released in 2012, it captured the tension and mystery of a facility overrun by dangerous anomalies. Featuring iconic SCPs like SCP-173, a statue that only moves when unobserved, and SCP-106, a Keter class monster that can phases through walls, the game keeps players on edge through strategic survival mechanics, such as the blinking feature that forces players to look away at crucial moments.

While the Unity remake was ultimately canceled, a remastered version is now available on Steam, offering updated visuals and mechanics that enhance the original’s gameplay. This remastered edition brings back the eerie atmosphere of the game while improving its overall presentation. It’s a welcome addition for both new players and long-time fans who want to revisit the classic horror experience with modern updates.

Despite its rough edges compared to bigger-budget horror games, Containment Breach continues to engage players with its randomly generated facility, unpredictable SCP encounters, and exploration-based horror. It remains a standout in the SCP gaming world, and the remastered version gives it a fresh life for today's audience.

2. SCP: Secret Laboratory

SCP: Secret Laboratory, originally released in 2017, is an online multiplayer game set in the SCP universe, blending horror, survival, and team-based elements. Over time, it has evolved to become a well-rounded game that prioritizes player agency, where individual decisions significantly affect outcomes.

The core gameplay features SCP breaches, with participants assuming roles as either SCP anomalies or human factions. The unpredictability of player actions keeps the experience fresh, making each match feel distinct. Strategic thinking, teamwork, and sometimes deception are critical as players navigate tense situations.

Despite its strengths, Secret Laboratory does have some drawbacks. Toxic player lobbies and occasional balancing issues, especially in certain inescapable scenarios, can disrupt the experience. Some older assets remain from its earlier iterations, which can feel dated compared to the more polished updates. However, the developers continue to release updates and patches, reflecting their commitment to the community.

Overall, Secret Laboratory stands out for its immersive multiplayer experience, where the SCP universe serves as a dynamic backdrop for player-driven storytelling. It remains a solid option for fans of survival horror looking for a game driven by strategic, unpredictable player interaction.

3. SCP: 5k

SCP: 5K is a tactical horror shooter released in Early Access on Steam in February 2022, initially called SCP: Pandemic. Developed by Afrey Interactive, the game takes a different approach compared to fast-paced shooters like Doom or World War Z, offering a more methodical and immersive experience.

With a focus on realism, the game’s atmosphere and gunplay are highly polished, making it appealing for players who enjoy milsim-style shooters. The cooperative gameplay is best experienced with friends, supporting up to four players in the main missions and eight in some modes. There's also a PVP mode for up to 14 players, which adds variety.

Currently, SCP: 5K offers two main missions that take around three hours to complete, but they are replayable due to the engaging enemy encounters and weapon mechanics. The game also features a wide range of weapons, including pistols, assault rifles, and shotguns, all customizable with different attachments.

While the game is still in Early Access with room to grow, the developers frequently release updates and add new content. For those interested in tactical shooters or the SCP universe, SCP: 5K offers an intriguing experience, even at this stage.

4. SCP: Fragmented Minds

SCP: Fragmented Minds offers an exciting and immersive experience that promises to capture the essence of the SCP universe. The game has undergone extensive development since its demo, with improvements to nearly every aspect of gameplay, ensuring a polished and thrilling experience for players. The developers have not only upgraded the models of iconic SCPs like 682 and 966, but they’ve also introduced new variants such as SCP 3199 Elder and Baby, which adds variety and challenge to encounters. These creatures each have unique abilities that force you to adapt your strategies, making the game feel unpredictable, just like the SCP lore.

The game also features a vast range of environments, from the eerie Site 113 to Martian caves, bringing a detailed and atmospheric world to life. Whether you’re exploring dark corridors or trying to outwit deadly anomalies, the game’s dynamic AI and reworked stealth mechanics will push you to think critically about how you approach each situation.

The combat and movement systems have been completely overhauled, with fluid melee attacks, dodge mechanics, and even hacking systems that allow for more strategic gameplay. You’ll have access to tools like the welder, which can shock enemies or manipulate power systems, deepening your interaction with the environment.

With the devs gearing up for Early Access in late 2024 to early 2025, this game is shaping up to be the most ambitious SCP title yet, blending action, survival horror, and intense SCP encounters. For those who want an early taste of the game, you can wishlist SCP: Fragmented Minds on Steam and play the demo.

5. SCP: Blackout

SCP: Blackout was originally developed as a non-VR horror game, with VR support added later, expanding its immersive potential. Set within a secure facility teeming with escaped anomalies, the game taps into the eerie unpredictability that fans of SCP lore will appreciate. However, SCP: Blackout has a mixed legacy.

Originally released in 2019, the game still gives off an incomplete feeling, with some modes labeled "under construction" even years later. The absence of a fully realized story mode, which is still being worked on, might disappoint players expecting a more polished narrative experience. Instead, most of the gameplay focuses on survival mode, which, while tense, can feel rough around the edges.

One of the game’s standout features is its expansive and well-detailed environment, which draws you into the unsettling SCP facility. However, performance issues, especially in VR, detract from the immersion. Glitches like disappearing menus or erratic sound effects during certain encounters can interrupt the flow. Some SCPs feel a bit underwhelming compared to more iconic characters from the SCP universe, making the horror hit-or-miss at times.

Despite its flaws, SCP: Blackout remains an intriguing title for those who enjoy the SCP mythos. The potential for atmospheric tension and surprising moments is there, and the game provides a glimpse into a vast, dangerous world. If you're willing to overlook some jank and are a fan of psychological horror, it’s still worth exploring—whether you choose to play in VR or not.

Secure, Contain, Protect

The SCP universe offers a rich and immersive backdrop for horror gaming, and 2024 continues to deliver exceptional experiences for fans of the genre. Whether you're drawn to classic titles like SCP: Containment Breach or looking forward to ambitious projects like SCP: Fragmented Minds, there's a game for every type of player. From tactical shooters to multiplayer survival and intense horror encounters, the SCP games on this list showcase the creativity and versatility of the community. For those looking to dive deeper into the lore of SCP anomalies, Dr Bob and SCP Explained - Story & Animation’s YouTube channel is a fantastic resource, offering engaging and well-animated videos that explore the mysteries of these anomalous entities.