Some of us have read about humans being hunted for game, a zombie apocalypse or two, or even a government from a faraway planet gone awry. Whether it be a group of people struggling to survive in an unknown environment, or an individual fighting against the mind of a madman, there’s a certain adrenaline that races through our veins whenever we read about these protagonists. We suddenly picture ourselves in their shoes, as we cheer them on while clinging to the ever fading hope that they will make it out alive. It’s this type of sub-genre in horror that invites thrill seekers and daredevils to read about these characters, even if horror isn’t their cup of tea. 

So what goes into survival horror anyway? What has made it successful over the years, and how is it different from the horror genre in general? For any writer thinking about dabbling in survival horror, there are a few things you need to take into account.

The lonely setting

In survival horror, the abandonment of any sort of civilization is usually a given. But although this is common, this doesn’t always have to be the case; what is unique is how physically and psychologically isolating it is. When being confronted with something, can the character get help from others? Can they get out of the situation without using any outside influences? Can they retain their morality in spite of the demands of the setting?

The moral horizon 

There’s always that mentality of predator versus prey. Whether it be from Mother Earth, other humans, or the supernatural, just how far would people go to save themselves or their allies? What are they willing to do? Will they even be themselves in the end? Will they be their own worst enemy? Will they fight themselves and the monsters festering inside their minds? It’s these kinds of questions that have made the survival horror genre as successful as it is. 

The absence of society 

The degradation of the characters, of course, can lead to the rejection of any values society has taught us. There are psychopaths hidden in polite company who follow the rules not of their own morality, but rather because it’s easier. Remove the barrier, and suddenly things get a bit messier. Obviously, the more interesting characters would either grapple with themselves, try to see the light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes even go a little mad. This breakdown is what allows predators to feed, to hunt. Things like Social Darwinism, and historical events like the lynchings and witch hunts, are merely a symptom of the feral beast we try to hide. Once that thin illusion of society is removed, how long will it take before a new one is formed? Or if not, how long will it be before the characters end up destroying themselves?

The survival horror sub-genre is a remarkable branch of horror. It creates a dark, escapist feel that all horror books have, but at the same time contains deep reflections that allow us to see what actually happens in the real world. It’s like a mirror, in that sense, one that everyone can look into and understand exactly how they themselves work.