The Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNaF) franchise has grown immensely since its debut in 2014. Created by Scott Cawthon, the series has captivated players with its unique blend of horror, storytelling, and strategic gameplay. Over the years, numerous titles have been released, each adding to the intricate lore and terrifying experiences that fans have come to love. In this article, we rank the ten best games in the FNaF series, using data and fan feedback to determine their standing.
1. Five Nights at Freddy’s (2014)
The original Five Nights at Freddy’s is often hailed as the best in the series. It introduced players to the terrifying world of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, where animatronic characters come to life at night. The game’s simplistic yet nerve-wracking mechanics set the stage for the franchise’s success.
Gameplay and Impact
Players must survive five nights while managing limited power and monitoring security cameras. The minimalistic gameplay, combined with intense jump scares, created an unprecedented horror experience. According to Metacritic, the game holds a score of 78/100, reflecting its critical acclaim. Additionally, the original FNaF has over 30,000 reviews on Steam, with a positive rating of 96%, showcasing its popularity among gamers.
2. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Sister Location (2016)
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Sister Location brought significant changes to the series’ formula. Unlike its predecessors, this game introduced a more narrative-driven approach, complete with voice acting and a deeper storyline.
Story and Mechanics
Set in Circus Baby’s Entertainment and Rental, players must complete various tasks each night, adding variety to the gameplay. The game’s intricate story reveals more about the FNaF universe, making it a favorite among lore enthusiasts. With a Metacritic score of 62/100 and over 20,000 reviews on Steam, Sister Location maintains a strong fan base, with 87% of reviews being positive.
3. Five Nights at Freddy’s 4 (2015)
Five Nights at Freddy’s 4 took a different approach by moving the setting from a pizzeria to a child’s bedroom. This installment is considered one of the scariest in the series due to its atmospheric tension and psychological horror elements.
Horror and Atmosphere
Players must defend themselves against nightmarish versions of the animatronics using only a flashlight and their hearing. The game’s focus on sound cues and the claustrophobic environment heighten the horror experience. FNaF 4 has a Metacritic score of 51/100, reflecting mixed reviews, but it is highly regarded by fans, with over 15,000 positive reviews on Steam out of 20,000 total.
4. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2014)
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 expanded on the original game’s mechanics while introducing new characters and challenges. This sequel is known for its increased difficulty and new gameplay elements.
New Animatronics and Mechanics
The game features more animatronics and removes the security doors, requiring players to rely on a Freddy Fazbear mask and flashlight to survive. The introduction of the music box mechanic added another layer of strategy. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 holds a Metacritic score of 62/100 and has received over 30,000 reviews on Steam, with 94% being positive.
See also: HOW DOES FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S END？
5. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted (2019)
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted is a VR game that reimagines iconic moments from the series in a virtual reality format. It offers a new level of immersion and is praised for its innovative use of VR technology.
VR Experience and Reception
The game includes remastered versions of the original games, new mini-games, and an overarching storyline. It has a Metacritic score of 80/100, the highest in the series, and over 5,000 reviews on Steam, with a positive rating of 95%. The VR aspect brought a fresh and terrifying experience, making it a standout title.
6. Five Nights at Freddy’s 3 (2015)
Five Nights at Freddy’s 3 is set 30 years after the events of the first game and introduces a single animatronic antagonist, Springtrap. This installment focuses more on the lore and story of the series.
Story and Gameplay Changes
Players must manage different systems to keep the animatronic at bay while dealing with hallucinations from phantom animatronics. The game’s deep lore and unique antagonist make it a significant entry in the series. It has a Metacritic score of 68/100 and over 20,000 reviews on Steam, with 90% being positive.
7. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Pizzeria Simulator (2017)
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Pizzeria Simulator is a hybrid game that combines tycoon-style management with classic FNaF survival mechanics. Players run their own pizzeria while defending against animatronics at night.
Unique Blend of Genres
The game’s unique blend of management simulation and horror elements set it apart from other entries. It has a Metacritic score of 73/100 and over 15,000 reviews on Steam, with a positive rating of 92%. The innovative gameplay and deeper lore aspects make it a fan favorite.
8. Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery (2019)
Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery brings the FNaF experience to mobile devices using augmented reality. Players must defend themselves from animatronics that appear in their real-world environment.
AR Integration and Gameplay
The game uses mobile AR technology to deliver a unique and immersive experience. While it has a lower user rating on the App Store, with an average of 4.0 stars from 50,000 reviews, its innovative use of AR and the ability to bring animatronics into the real world make it a notable entry in the series.
9. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach (2021)
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach is the most recent mainline entry in the series. It shifts away from the traditional point-and-click gameplay, offering a free-roaming experience in a large, open environment.
New Gameplay Style
Set in the vast Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex, players explore and survive against new animatronics. The game has a Metacritic score of 64/100, reflecting mixed reviews due to technical issues and changes in gameplay style. However, it remains popular among fans for its ambitious scope and new direction, with over 10,000 reviews on Steam, 85% of which are positive.
10. Five Nights at Freddy’s World (2016)
Five Nights at Freddy’s World is a spin-off RPG that deviates from the horror genre, offering a colorful and whimsical adventure with FNaF characters.
RPG Mechanics and Reception
While initially criticized for its incomplete state at launch, updates improved the game significantly. It has a Metacritic score of 44/100, reflecting its rough start, but has gained a cult following among fans who appreciate its unique take on the FNaF universe. The game has over 5,000 reviews on Steam, with a positive rating of 70%.
Conclusion
The Five Nights at Freddy’s series has evolved significantly since its debut, exploring various gameplay styles and platforms. Each game brings something unique to the table, contributing to the rich and terrifying world that Scott Cawthon has created. From the original game’s pioneering horror mechanics to the innovative use of VR in Help Wanted, the FNaF series continues to captivate and scare players worldwide. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the series, these ten games represent the best of what Five Nights at Freddy’s has to offer.
Related topics:
TOP 5 REASONS WHY FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S IS SO POPULAR
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
DO THEY KILL ABBY IN FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S?