In a franchise known for its unsettling horror and psychological torment, Silent Hill f is already making history — this time, with its rating. The upcoming mainline installment has been rated CERO:Z (18+) in Japan, making it the first Silent Hill game to receive an adults-only rating in its home country.
For longtime fans, this might come as a surprise. Silent Hill games have often been rated 18+ in the UK and US, but in Japan, they’ve consistently landed in the CERO:C (15+) category. Despite their reputation for being deeply disturbing, they’ve somehow managed to avoid the highest rating, until now. So, what makes Silent Hill f different?
More Gore, More Horror?
Japan’s CERO ratings system has historically had a high tolerance for psychological horror, which might explain why past games like Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 3 didn’t receive the highest classification. But Silent Hill f seems to be pushing boundaries in a way that even previous entries didn’t.
Konami has already issued a content disclaimer, warning players of gender discrimination, child abuse, bullying, drug-induced hallucinations, torture, and graphic violence. That 18+ rating suddenly makes a lot more sense. It’s not just about the scares — it’s about the themes, the brutality, and the sheer psychological weight of what Silent Hill f is setting out to explore.
A Fresh Yet Terrifying Vision
Adding to the intrigue, Silent Hill f shifts the series to a 1960s Japan setting, a major departure from the usual fog-covered American towns. The game also carries a cryptic endorsement from its writer, Ryukishi07, a well-known horror storyteller, who stated:
I don’t think I would mind if it was the last thing I ever wrote.
If that doesn’t scream disturbing, I don’t know what does.
While series veteran Masahiro Ito, the creator of Pyramid Head, confirmed he had no involvement, Silent Hill f still promises some of the most grotesque monsters yet. The latest trailer features horrifically twisted, human-like creatures, the kind that move in unnatural, bone-snapping ways — aka, nightmare fuel.
Ratings aren’t always set in stone. Developers sometimes tweak content to avoid harsher classifications, and there’s always a chance Konami could appeal the decision or make edits to push the game back into CERO:C territory. It’s happened before (Balatro famously had its rating changed post-release), but given the subject matter, Silent Hill f might be staying firmly in the adults-only category.
Regardless, one thing is clear: this is shaping up to be one of the darkest, most intense Silent Hill experiences yet.
