Released in January 2017, this main game installment represents a significant shift for the series, moving from a third-person perspective to a fully immersive first-person view. This change, coupled with a refresh of its core gameplay systems, aims to elevate the survival horror experience. The focus is on delivering potent scares and emphasizing survival mechanics over constant combat.

The narrative unfolds in the southern United States in mid-2017. Players step into the shoes of Ethan Winters, a civilian on a desperate search for his missing wife, Mia. His investigation leads him to a dilapidated plantation mansion, the unsettling domain of an infected family.

Story, Setting, and Atmosphere

The game plunges players into a deeply unsettling environment. Set in a remote, decaying plantation in the American South, the atmosphere is thick with dread and isolation. The derelict mansion serves as the primary stage for the unfolding horror, its shadowed corridors and claustrophobic spaces contributing to a pervasive sense of unease. The narrative centers on Ethan's search for his wife, a quest that quickly devolves into a fight for survival against a hostile and seemingly supernatural presence.

Core Gameplay Mechanics and Unique Features

A defining characteristic of this title is its transition to a first-person perspective, which significantly enhances the feeling of vulnerability and immersion. This perspective change is central to the game's horror delivery, making encounters feel more immediate and personal. The gameplay loop emphasizes resource management, exploration, and puzzle-solving, with combat being a more deliberate and often desperate affair rather than a constant barrage of action. Players will need to carefully manage ammunition and health items, making each confrontation a calculated risk.

What Makes This Game Unique?

The game distinguishes itself through its radical shift in perspective and its deliberate focus on psychological horror and survival. It prioritizes creating a tense, fear-driven experience by limiting combat and emphasizing the player's vulnerability. The introduction of the Baker family as antagonists provides a unique and deeply disturbing threat, driving the narrative and the horror elements. Furthermore, the game offers an optional virtual reality mode for PlayStation VR, providing an even more intense and immersive way to experience its terrifying world.

Available Content

Beyond the main game, there are 4 downloadable content (DLC) packs available, offering additional experiences and story elements.

Platform Availability

This game is accessible on a wide range of platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Nintendo Switch 2, Google Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, and Xbox One.