The best Dead Space games, ranked

The Dead Space remake features the return of Isaac Clarke, his trusty armor, and classic Plasma Cutter. Since the original Dead Space was released in 2008, the series continued with an entire trilogy and a pair of spin-offs. This guide will rank all the Dead Space games from worst to best.

Related: How to play the Dead Space series in order

Which are the best and worst Dead Space games?

6: Dead Space Ignition

Dead Space Ignition was the second spin-off Electronic Arts released for its popular horror franchise, and it was designed as an attempt to move Dead Space into a different genre entirely. It was billed as a choose-your-own-adventure game and featured extensive puzzle-solving and motion comic cutscenes. Narratively, it serves as a prequel to Dead Space 2, but this game doesn’t hold a candle to the rest of the series.

The game doesn’t do much in terms of gameplay, as it consists of bland and uninspired puzzles without an actual game to break up the monotony. Without the gameplay to back it up, the narrative is weak and leaves Ignition as an experience only the most hardcore fan should seek out.

5: Dead Space: Extraction

Dead Space Extraction was a 2009 spin-off title initially released for the Wii, then was included with Dead Space 2 on the PlayStation 3. This title featured on rail shooting mechanics and began its life during the original Dead Space games development. Despite being well received, sales of the game never took off, and it never received a direct sequel. The on-rails shooting also removed much of the tension Dead Space was known for. Extraction is worth checking out if you’re a big fan of the series, but it doesn’t hold a candle next to the trilogy.

4: Dead Space (2008)

Dead Space, the original that started it all, is a bonafide classic horror game that redefined space terror in gaming. Isaac Clarke’s iconic look and weapons were a perfect foil for the necromorphs. It takes place in one location, the USG Ishimura, and kickstarted a trilogy of great games. Despite its position as a classic, later games in the series pushed the story forward and innovated upon its core gameplay concepts. If Isaac could speak, this game would rate higher, but it still holds up reasonably well.

Related: How to Solve the Centrifuge Puzzle in Dead Space Remake via The Escapist

3: Dead Space 2

Dead Space 2 is the Aliens to Alien. It takes the original’s initial concept, themes, and plot, then cranks it to 11. Isaac Clarke returns in a much bigger, more action-packed game that expands the lore and world beyond Isaac and his time on the USG Ishimura.

Isaac is a fully-voiced and well-realized character. This change brings the narrative with Nicole and his connection to the Marker to exciting places and serves as a perfect bridge between the tension of the first game and the all-out action of the third.

2: Dead Space 3

Dead Space 3 is the conclusion to the Dead Space trilogy. It leans further in the action direction, featuring an extensive weapon modding system and story co-op campaign. The story takes place in various locations and features multiple sequences where players can embark on a ship, and free roam in multiple hub locations in deep space.

The unique take on the cooperative experience elevates the moment-to-moment action. One person plays Isaac, and your partner plays John Carver, a soldier who experiences hallucinations that the other player can’t see or hear. The trilogy’s conclusion doesn’t end with a bang, but the ride to get there is riveting.

Dead Space 3 has many features that remind everybody of the late Xbox 360 era. It had an online pass, Kinect voice commands, and microtransactions galore for weapon upgrades. Thankfully, these features can easily be ignored and don’t do anything except serve as a reminder of a weird era in gaming.

1: Dead Space (2023)

The Dead Space remake is a fantastic reimagining of the classic that started it all. It features a comprehensive list of additions to the original game without compromising its creative vision and intent. Isaac Clarke can speak, every weapon has alternate firing modes, and the USG Ishimura is fully rendered and can be explored in depth.

The Frostbite engine powers the visuals, and cosmic horror has never looked so good. It even features a new ending, deeper ties into the Dead Space trilogy, and overall brings modern aesthetics and design to an impressive game. This makes Dead Space remake the best Dead Space game and serves as the perfect entry point for new players.