A cursed object, like an old mirror. Whenever someone looks into it, they see a distorted version of themselves that slowly takes over their mind. The horror builds as the person loses their sanity bit by bit, and those around them start to notice the strange changes.
A small, idyllic town that seems perfect on the surface. But in reality, there's a cult living beneath it. People start disappearing, and the main character discovers that the cult is sacrificing them to an ancient evil. They have to find a way to stop it before they become the next victim.
One idea could be a haunted house that was built on an ancient burial ground. Strange noises come from the basement, and every night the shadows on the walls seem to move on their own, forming grotesque shapes. People who enter the house start to experience vivid nightmares and slowly lose their sanity.
A possessed doll makes for a great horror story idea. It moves on its own, has an evil glint in its eyes, and seems to have a mind of its own. It could start by causing small annoyances like moving around the room at night, but then escalates to more dangerous things like attacking people. Also, the idea of a group of people getting lost in a fog - covered forest where the trees seem to have a life of their own and there are strange noises all around can be very terrifying.
There is a forest that has always been avoided by the locals. It is said that within the forest, there are trees that can move and voices that whisper disturbing things. A group of hikers decides to explore the forest. As they enter, they are gradually separated. Each hiker then experiences a series of terrifying illusions related to their past traumas. The forest seems to feed on their fear and pain.
One great idea could be a world where people can swap memories at will. It could lead to all sorts of complex relationships and mysteries. For example, a detective might have to solve a crime where the memories of the suspects are all jumbled up due to memory swapping.
How about a story set in an abandoned asylum? A group of urban explorers break into the long - closed asylum. As they wander through the dark, musty hallways, they hear the screams and moans of the former patients. They find old patient records that hint at inhumane experiments. Then, they start to be chased by an unseen force that seems to know every nook and cranny of the building.
How about a small town that has been cursed? The townspeople start to transform into grotesque creatures at night. Their eyes turn yellow, and their teeth become long and sharp. The main character, a newcomer to the town, has to figure out how to break the curse before they too are transformed. Every night, they hide in their attic, listening to the howls and screams outside as the cursed townspeople roam the streets in search of victims.
One idea could be a haunted house where the spirits have a specific agenda. Maybe they're trying to reveal a hidden truth about the property's past.
How about a story where a person starts having recurring nightmares that seem to predict real-life horrors? As the dreams intensify, they find it harder to distinguish between the dream world and reality.
Look at your own fears. For example, if you're afraid of heights, you could write a story about a skyscraper that has a malevolent presence at the very top. The character has to climb it for some reason and faces terrifying encounters on the way up.
The 'Amnesia: The Dark Descent' is also a top pick. In this game, you play as Daniel, who has lost his memory and is trapped in a dark, haunted castle. The story unfolds as you explore, with notes and events revealing more about Daniel's past and the horrors that lurk in the castle. It's a game that really builds on atmosphere and a great story to create a truly terrifying experience.