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For a free, short introduction on PS5, start with SILENT HILL: The Short Message. For a self-contained story in a new setting, choose SILENT HILL f. If you want a modern remake of the 2001 game, look at SILENT HILL 2. The right pick depends first on your platform, then on whether you want a brief independent story, a new standalone chapter, or a remake of a classic.
Which Silent Hill game should you play first?
There is no single best starting point for every player. The three clearest current options serve different purposes: The Short Message is a free PS5 sample with an independent short story; SILENT HILL f offers a new story and setting; and the SILENT HILL 2 remake reworks the 2001 game.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Silent Hill 2 (PS5) | $29.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER TACTICAL ED – PS5 | $37.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Hell is Us – PlayStation 5 | $45.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 PS5 | $46.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| What you want | Game to investigate | What is established |
|---|---|---|
| A no-cost, short entry on PS5 | SILENT HILL: The Short Message | PlayStation describes it as free to play and PS5-exclusive; Konami says its short, complete story is independent of other entries. Konami |
| A fresh, self-contained story | SILENT HILL f | Set in 1960s Japan, it has a new town, story, and characters. Konami |
| A modern remake of the 2001 story | SILENT HILL 2 | Konami describes it as a full remake; the Xbox listing notes the shift from fixed-camera viewpoints to an over-the-shoulder perspective. Konami |
Which Silent Hill games are available on your platform?
Check the live store listing for your country and edition before buying. Konami’s product pages and support information establish the platform fit below, but storefront availability and stock can change by region.
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|---|---|---|
| SILENT HILL: The Short Message | PS5 only | PlayStation describes it as free to play and exclusive to PS5. Konami |
| SILENT HILL f | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC | Konami lists Steam, and GOG separately lists the game; verify the live regional store page. Konami also announced a physical PS5 Day One Edition alongside digital Standard and Deluxe editions. Konami GOG |
| SILENT HILL 2 remake | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC | Konami lists Steam, Epic, and GOG on its U.S. product page; its support page also lists Xbox Series X|S. Konami Konami support |
| SILENT HILL 4: The Room | PC listing on GOG | GOG lists the game with offline play and an offline installer. This confirms that listing, not broad compatibility or availability for every older game. GOG |
If you play on PS5
Choose The Short Message if you want to try the series without paying. Pick SILENT HILL f for a new, self-contained story, or the SILENT HILL 2 remake if the 2001 story and its new camera perspective appeal to you.
#1 Best Overall
- Fully Remade to terrify modern audiences
- KONAMI's intense psychological horror masterpiece SILENT HILL 2 is made exclusively for PlayStation 5
- The main protagonist James Sunderland searches for clues in the namesake town, after receiving a mysterious letter from his wife Mary… who has long been dead
- Experience the eerie monsters and other manifestations of James' consciousness reworked after 20 years
- Made with state-of-the-art technology to play on modern entertainment systems in 4K
If you play on Xbox Series X|S
The current choices established here are SILENT HILL f and the SILENT HILL 2 remake. The Short Message is PS5-exclusive, so it is not an Xbox option.
If you play on PC
Both SILENT HILL f and the SILENT HILL 2 remake have PC storefront listings. Konami lists the remake on Steam, Epic, and GOG, and f on Steam; GOG also lists f. Check your regional store page for current availability.
Rank #2
- The story, characters, voice acting, gameplay, and music that made the original a sensation return, remade for modern consoles
- This evolutionary leap breathes new life into every cutscene, and rebuilds every corner of the world
- Incredible new graphics bring the wild growth of the jungles, forests, and swamps to life in exquisite detail
- Characters are rendered in fine detail so that facial wrinkles, pores, & separate eye & iris movements are visible, allowing for rich animations
- Any injuries to his actual body will leave their mark permanently, telling a story of each player's unique journey
Is Silent Hill f a standalone story?
Yes. Konami presents SILENT HILL f as a new story with a new town and characters, set in 1960s Japan. That makes it a strong choice if you want a fresh setting rather than a remake of an earlier game. Konami’s launch announcement describes it as a “new psychological horror title set in 1960s Japan.” Konami
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What changes in the Silent Hill 2 remake?
The remake retells the 2001 SILENT HILL 2 as a full remake. One notable change is perspective: the original used fixed-camera viewpoints, while the remake uses an over-the-shoulder camera, according to the Xbox listing. Choose it if you specifically want that story in a modern remake; it is distinct from choosing a brand-new story such as SILENT HILL f. Konami Xbox
Rank #3
- A HOSTILE WORLD: In addition to the civil war dividing the country, the region is suffering from a mysterious calamity, which has given rise to supernatural creatures that no modern weapon can defeat. Your drone and sword from a different age are your faithful allies as you cut a path through lands infested with terrifying chimeras and try to unravel the mystery of their appearance.
- A UNIQUE EXPLORATION SYSTEM: No map, no compass, no quest markers. Following your instincts is part of the adventure. Enjoy a unique experience that uses innovative writing and level design to let you make your own decisions and follow your instincts as you explore. Your discoveries are yours alone.
- COMBAT AGAINST ORIGINAL CREATURES: Swords, spears and axes. A wide range of weapons forged specially for fighting these supernatural creatures is available. You must learn how to fight these monsters and use your drone wisely to stay alive.
- 'The central theme of Hell is Us is that human violence is a perpetual cycle fueled by human emotions and passions.'' – Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, Creative Director
Difficulty settings to know about
Konami support says combat difficulty can be adjusted later in the Setting menu, but puzzle difficulty cannot be changed mid-playthrough because it affects game content. If puzzle challenge matters to you, choose that setting with care at the start. Konami support
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy a bundle or a physical edition?
Compare the Dual Pack with the games you already own
PlayStation and Xbox list a SILENT HILL 2 and SILENT HILL f Standard Dual Pack. Before choosing it, compare its current price with buying only the title you still need. Xbox warns that someone who already owns either included game could otherwise make a redundant purchase. Bundle contents and pricing can vary by region and change over time. PlayStation Xbox
Rank #4
- Reactive Turn-based Combat: Craft unique builds for your Expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and &character synergies
- Dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system
- With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, & fellow Expeditioners as they embark on a desperate quest to break Paintress’ cycle of death
- Explore an enchanting realm populated by adversaries; Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield
- Experience the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, fully realized in Unreal Engine 5 with stunning graphics and a heartbreaking soundtrack
Choose physical only after checking local stock
Konami confirmed a physical PS5 SILENT HILL f Day One Edition, as well as digital Standard and Deluxe editions. That confirms the edition’s existence, not current retailer inventory in every country. Check the listing and contents for your region before ordering. Konami
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Can you play older Silent Hill games on current platforms?
Some legacy options have current storefront listings, but the available evidence does not establish a complete catalogue or hardware compatibility for every older release. For example, GOG lists SILENT HILL 4: The Room with offline play and an offline installer. Treat that as a specific PC listing, not proof that every classic entry is readily available on modern consoles or computers. GOG
Quick Recap
Quick decision checklist
- Want a free introduction and own a PS5? Start with SILENT HILL: The Short Message.
- Want a self-contained story in a different time and place? Investigate SILENT HILL f.
- Want the 2001 story remade with an over-the-shoulder camera? Choose the SILENT HILL 2 remake.
- On Xbox Series X|S? Consider SILENT HILL f or the SILENT HILL 2 remake; the Short Message is not available there.
- Buying on PC or in a bundle? Confirm the live regional storefront listing and whether you already own one of the included games.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
