Supermassive Games has carved out a niche in the gaming world with its signature brand of interactive horror, cinematic choices, and butterfly effect consequences. Two of the studio’s standout titles, Until Dawn (2015) and The Quarry (2022), have become pillars of the genre. Both games showcase intense survival scenarios, high-stakes decision-making, and ensemble casts trapped in remote locations with deadly secrets.

But which one truly reigns supreme? Let’s break it down.

Story and Setting

Until Dawn is set on the snowy, secluded Blackwood Mountain, where a group of friends reunites a year after a tragic accident. What begins as a prank gone wrong spirals into a terrifying night filled with supernatural threats, secrets, and Wendigos. The story leans heavily into slasher tropes early on, then flips into psychological and supernatural horror, offering a deeper mystery as players uncover Native American legends and the dark history of the mountain.

The Quarry, on the other hand, takes place at Hackett’s Quarry Summer Camp. A group of camp counselors find themselves stuck on the last night of the season, forced to survive against vicious creatures and unravel the dark legacy of the Hackett family. Unlike Until Dawn’s supernatural focus, The Quarry leans more into folk horror and lycanthropy (werewolf mythology), with a stronger emphasis on grounded horror mixed with gore and suspense.

Verdict: Until Dawn wins in terms of mystery and tension, but The Quarry provides more emotional depth and lore-based horror.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Both games feature Supermassive’s trademark mechanics: dialogue choices, quick-time events (QTEs), character switching, and branching narratives. However, there are a few key differences.

Until Dawn emphasizes exploration and consequences. Small decisions can drastically change the outcome of the game. Clues and totems hint at future dangers, giving observant players an edge. The game also features a unique “don’t move” mechanic using the DualShock controller’s motion sensors to avoid enemy detection—often during life-or-death moments.

The Quarry refines many of Until Dawn’s mechanics. The addition of accessibility options like “movie mode,” simplified QTEs, and the ability to rewind and retry deaths (in deluxe versions) makes it more forgiving. It also includes collectible tarot cards used to gain prophetic hints between chapters.

Verdict: Until Dawn offers a more raw and tense experience, while The Quarry provides more polish and accessibility. It depends on whether you prefer challenge or control.

Characters and Performances

Until Dawn stars a now-iconic cast including Rami Malek (pre-Mr. Robot) and Hayden Panettiere. While some characters begin as stereotypes, their development throughout the game is notable, and the branching outcomes allow for deep character arcs—or untimely ends. The performances are solid, though the animation now shows its age.

The Quarry brings in a star-studded cast including David Arquette, Brenda Song, Justice Smith, and Ted Raimi. The motion capture and facial animations are significantly more advanced, giving it a more cinematic look. The characters feel more relatable, and the game allows more time for them to interact and develop dynamics before the horror kicks in.

Verdict: The Quarry wins on acting and presentation, though Until Dawn had a more memorable cast arc and character tension.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Being seven years apart, it’s no surprise The Quarry looks better. Built with updated motion capture and next-gen lighting, it’s a visual treat—especially in cutscenes and facial detail. The camp setting shifts between cozy and horrifying, with dynamic lighting and rich color palettes.

Until Dawn, despite being older, still holds up well. Its snow-covered mountain and dark mines create a chilling, claustrophobic atmosphere. The environmental storytelling is stronger in some ways, with locations that feel interconnected and packed with lore.

Verdict: The Quarry looks better, but Until Dawn arguably has stronger atmosphere and dread.

Replayability and Choice Impact

Both games boast high replay value due to their branching narratives. However, Until Dawn’s butterfly effect system feels more impactful. Small decisions—like which path to take or whether to pick up a clue—can change the fate of multiple characters. Its “everyone can live, everyone can die” approach is brutal and satisfying.

The Quarry offers a more cinematic replay experience, and its “Death Rewind” feature allows players to redo fatal mistakes (in the deluxe edition). However, some players felt that many choices didn’t change the outcome significantly until later chapters.

Verdict: Until Dawn feels more responsive and rewarding for decision-based gameplay.

Final Verdict: Which Is Better?

Choosing between Until Dawn and The Quarry depends on what you value more in your horror experience.

If you want raw tension, harder choices, and supernatural suspense, Until Dawn still holds its place as a horror gaming classic. It was groundbreaking for its time and still manages to unsettle players a decade later.

If you prefer cinematic polish, refined mechanics, and character-driven horror, The Quarry is the clear evolution of the formula, offering a more modern and accessible experience.

Winner: Until Dawn, by a narrow margin.

While The Quarry is technically superior in visuals and performance, Until Dawn’s tighter narrative, stronger atmosphere, and impactful decisions still make it the more memorable horror experience.

But in the end, both games are must-plays for fans of interactive horror. And with Supermassive continuing to push boundaries, the best may still be yet to come.