Multiplayer Horror Games: No Motion Sickness Guide

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of multiplayer horror games but worried about motion sickness ruining the fun? You're not alone! Many gamers experience motion sickness, which can be a major buzzkill when you're trying to enjoy a spooky gaming session with friends. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic multiplayer horror games out there designed to minimize motion sickness while maximizing the scares. In this guide, we'll explore some top suggestions, delve into what causes motion sickness in games, and offer tips to make your gaming experience more comfortable. So, grab your controllers, and let's get started!

What Causes Motion Sickness in Games?

Before we jump into game suggestions, it's essential to understand why motion sickness occurs in the first place. Motion sickness, also known as simulator sickness or cybersickness, happens when there's a disconnect between what your eyes perceive and what your inner ear senses. In the real world, your eyes, inner ear, and brain work together to maintain balance and spatial orientation. However, in video games, the visual cues can clash with the lack of physical movement, leading to confusion and discomfort.

Think of it this way: Your eyes see intense movement and rapid camera changes on the screen, simulating a rollercoaster ride, but your body remains stationary. This sensory mismatch triggers a cascade of physiological responses, including nausea, dizziness, headaches, and cold sweats. Several factors can contribute to motion sickness in games: a narrow field of view (FOV), excessive head bobbing, jerky camera movements, and low frame rates. Games with these characteristics can exacerbate the sensory conflict and make players feel unwell.

Key Factors Contributing to Motion Sickness:

• Field of View (FOV): A narrow FOV can create a tunnel vision effect, making the on-screen movement feel more intense and disorienting. Imagine looking through a pair of binoculars – your vision is restricted, and any movement feels amplified.
• Excessive Head Bobbing: Some games simulate realistic head movements, which can be visually jarring and contribute to motion sickness. The constant up-and-down motion can be particularly nauseating.
• Jerky Camera Movements: Rapid, unpredictable camera movements can throw off your sense of balance and trigger motion sickness. Games with shaky camera effects or frequent cuts can be especially problematic.
• Low Frame Rates: A low frame rate (frames per second or FPS) can cause the game to appear choppy and stuttering, making the visuals feel less smooth and more disorienting. Aim for a frame rate of 60 FPS or higher for a more comfortable experience.

Understanding these factors is the first step in finding games that are less likely to cause motion sickness. Now, let's explore some fantastic multiplayer horror games that prioritize player comfort.

Top Multiplayer Horror Games That Minimize Motion Sickness

When choosing multiplayer horror games that minimize motion sickness, it's essential to look for titles that offer adjustable settings, smooth camera movements, and a wider field of view. Here are some of the top recommendations that fit the bill:

1. Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game where four survivors face off against one killer. This game is renowned for its thrilling gameplay and strategic depth, and it's designed in a way that reduces motion sickness. The third-person perspective for survivors and the first-person perspective for killers both contribute to a more stable visual experience. The survivor gameplay involves strategic maneuvering and stealth, which avoids the rapid, disorienting movements that can trigger motion sickness. Killers, while in a first-person view, generally have more controlled movements and focus on tracking and hunting, which tends to be less prone to causing discomfort.

One of the key reasons Dead by Daylight is less likely to cause motion sickness is its emphasis on controlled movements and strategic gameplay. Survivors spend a significant amount of time planning their moves, repairing generators, and evading the killer, which often involves slower, more deliberate actions. The game's design also prioritizes clear visual cues and a stable camera, further reducing the risk of motion sickness. The developers have also consistently optimized the game's performance to ensure smooth frame rates, which is crucial for a comfortable gaming experience. Additionally, the game's maps are designed to provide visual landmarks and clear paths, helping players maintain their sense of orientation and reducing disorientation.

Dead by Daylight also offers a variety of settings that players can adjust to their preferences. While it doesn't have a specific FOV slider, the third-person view for survivors naturally provides a wider field of vision compared to many first-person games. The game's lighting and environmental effects are designed to create a spooky atmosphere without being overly jarring or visually disorienting. Overall, Dead by Daylight strikes a great balance between thrilling horror gameplay and player comfort, making it an excellent choice for gamers who are sensitive to motion sickness.

2. Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia is a cooperative horror game where you and your friends investigate haunted locations to identify paranormal entities. This game is designed with a slower pace and emphasizes strategic teamwork, which helps reduce the likelihood of motion sickness. Phasmophobia requires players to communicate and coordinate their actions, often spending time setting up equipment, observing ghost behavior, and gathering evidence. This slower, more methodical gameplay style contrasts with fast-paced shooters, where rapid movements and constant camera adjustments are common.

One of the reasons Phasmophobia is considered motion sickness-friendly is its immersive yet controlled environments. The game's haunted locations are meticulously crafted, providing a sense of realism without overwhelming visual clutter. Players spend a significant amount of time walking through these environments, using tools like EMF readers and spirit boxes, which encourages slower, more deliberate movements. The game also features a variety of lighting effects, but they are generally subtle and atmospheric rather than jarring or disorienting.

Phasmophobia also benefits from its cooperative gameplay. Players often work together in the same room, communicating and sharing information, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and disorientation. The game's voice recognition feature adds an extra layer of immersion, making the experience feel more grounded and less abstract. Additionally, the developers have been proactive in addressing motion sickness concerns, regularly updating the game to improve performance and optimize visual settings. While Phasmophobia doesn't have a specific FOV slider, the game's default FOV is generally comfortable for most players, and the focus on slower, strategic gameplay minimizes the risk of motion sickness.

3. GTFO

GTFO is a hardcore cooperative horror shooter that emphasizes stealth, strategy, and teamwork. While it's a first-person shooter, GTFO is designed with a slower, more tactical pace than many other games in the genre, which can help reduce motion sickness. The game requires players to move cautiously, conserve resources, and coordinate their actions to survive. This deliberate gameplay style contrasts with the fast-paced, run-and-gun action of many other shooters, where rapid movements and constant camera adjustments are common.

One of the key factors that make GTFO more motion sickness-friendly is its focus on tactical gameplay. Players spend a significant amount of time planning their moves, scouting ahead, and communicating with their team, which often involves slower, more deliberate movements. The game's environments are also designed to encourage cautious exploration, with dark, claustrophobic spaces that require players to proceed slowly and methodically. The developers have also paid close attention to the game's visual design, creating a gritty, atmospheric world that is immersive without being overly jarring or disorienting.

GTFO offers a variety of settings that players can adjust to their preferences, including FOV options and motion blur settings. The ability to customize these settings can significantly improve player comfort, allowing individuals to find the configuration that works best for them. The game also features a robust sound design that enhances the sense of immersion without relying on excessive visual effects. Additionally, the cooperative gameplay in GTFO fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and disorientation. Overall, GTFO is a challenging and rewarding horror game that prioritizes player comfort through its tactical gameplay, adjustable settings, and immersive design.

4. Remnant: From the Ashes

Remnant: From the Ashes is a third-person shooter with a unique blend of action, exploration, and survival horror elements. The third-person perspective and deliberate combat system make it less likely to cause motion sickness. Unlike many first-person shooters that involve rapid, disorienting movements, Remnant emphasizes strategic positioning, precise aiming, and tactical maneuvers. Players spend a significant amount of time exploring the game's diverse environments, which are designed to be visually interesting without being overly cluttered or jarring.

One of the reasons Remnant: From the Ashes is considered motion sickness-friendly is its emphasis on controlled movements and deliberate combat. Players must carefully manage their stamina, choose their attacks wisely, and use cover effectively to survive. This tactical gameplay style encourages slower, more deliberate actions, which reduces the likelihood of motion sickness. The game's third-person perspective also provides a wider field of view compared to first-person games, which can help players maintain their sense of orientation. The developers have also paid close attention to the game's visual design, creating a world that is both beautiful and immersive without being overly disorienting.

Remnant: From the Ashes offers a variety of settings that players can adjust to their preferences, including FOV options and motion blur settings. The ability to customize these settings can significantly improve player comfort, allowing individuals to find the configuration that works best for them. The game also features a robust crafting system and a deep progression system, which encourage players to experiment with different builds and playstyles. Additionally, the cooperative gameplay in Remnant: From the Ashes fosters a sense of teamwork and camaraderie, which can enhance the overall experience. Overall, Remnant: From the Ashes is a fantastic choice for gamers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding horror game that prioritizes player comfort.

Tips to Reduce Motion Sickness While Gaming

Besides choosing the right games, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize motion sickness and enjoy your gaming sessions to the fullest. Here are some effective tips:

1. Adjust Your Field of View (FOV)

As mentioned earlier, a narrow FOV can contribute to motion sickness. Increasing your FOV can help reduce the tunnel vision effect and provide a more natural sense of perspective. Many games offer FOV settings that you can adjust in the options menu. Experiment with different FOV values to find what works best for you. A wider FOV can help align your in-game vision with your real-world peripheral vision, reducing the sensory mismatch that triggers motion sickness.

2. Tweak Motion Blur and Head Bobbing Settings

Motion blur and head bobbing can both exacerbate motion sickness. Disabling or reducing these effects can make the game feel smoother and less disorienting. Motion blur can create a smeary effect during fast movements, which can be visually jarring. Head bobbing, which simulates realistic head movements, can also be nauseating for some players. Check the game's settings menu for options to adjust or disable these effects. Turning them off can significantly improve your comfort, especially in fast-paced games.

3. Ensure a Stable Frame Rate

A low frame rate can cause the game to appear choppy and stuttering, which can contribute to motion sickness. Aim for a frame rate of 60 FPS or higher for a smoother and more comfortable experience. If your frame rate is consistently low, try adjusting your graphics settings to reduce the visual load on your system. Lowering the resolution, reducing texture quality, and disabling advanced graphical effects can all help improve your frame rate. Additionally, ensure that your computer meets the game's recommended system requirements to ensure optimal performance.

4. Take Breaks Regularly

Long gaming sessions can increase the likelihood of motion sickness. Take frequent breaks to give your eyes and brain a rest. Get up, stretch, and look away from the screen for a few minutes every hour. This can help reset your senses and reduce the build-up of motion sickness symptoms. During your breaks, try focusing on a distant object or looking out a window to help reorient your vision.

5. Improve Your Gaming Setup

The physical setup of your gaming environment can also impact your susceptibility to motion sickness. Ensure that you're sitting in a well-ventilated room and that your monitor is positioned at a comfortable distance. Sitting too close to the screen can strain your eyes and increase the likelihood of motion sickness. A comfortable chair and proper posture can also help reduce physical discomfort. Additionally, consider using a monitor with a high refresh rate, as this can help reduce visual flicker and improve the smoothness of the image.

6. Consider Using Motion Sickness Remedies

If you're prone to motion sickness, you might want to consider using over-the-counter remedies or natural solutions. Ginger, for example, is known to help alleviate nausea. You can try sipping ginger tea or taking ginger supplements before gaming. Additionally, motion sickness medications like Dramamine can be effective, but be aware of potential side effects like drowsiness. Acupressure wristbands, which apply pressure to specific points on your wrist, can also help reduce motion sickness symptoms. Experiment with different remedies to find what works best for you.

Final Thoughts

Motion sickness doesn't have to keep you from enjoying thrilling multiplayer horror games. By choosing games designed to minimize motion sickness, adjusting in-game settings, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can create a more comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience. Remember, the key is to find games that suit your preferences and adjust settings to match your individual needs. So gather your friends, dive into the spooky world of multiplayer horror, and have a blast without the nausea! Happy gaming, guys!