I don’t let them wander forever. Every nightmare has a clear exit, a hidden safe zone or a mechanic that forces them to make a choice before they’re consumed. I build in content warnings so players know what’s coming, and I use adjustable difficulty so the horror can scale with their comfort level. Monitoring is key – I track where they’re stuck, patch it, or give them a subtle cue. In the end, the thrill comes from the danger, not from leaving them lost or hurt.

Exactly. Tight feedback loops, precise pacing, and a dash of unpredictability keep the line razor‑thin. If they’re always on the verge, they stay engaged; if the line breaks, the whole experience shatters. That’s how I balance dread with deliverable thrill.