In the world of indie horror games, the simplest experiences often bring the deepest fears. “Take Out the Trash,” a short but haunting horror game from Milos, is proof of that. Don’t let the seemingly harmless title fool you—this is a short but chilling adventure that you won’t soon forget.
You play as a lone man in an ordinary apartment. The mission is simple: clean up the trash and take it outside. There are no giant monsters, no grand conspiracy—just a man and a trash bag. But that monotony is the perfect foundation for carefully built tension.
As you start to pick up the rubbish, you hear footsteps in the corridor, the lights flicker, and someone appears to be watching you. You'll feel the atmosphere alter every time you go into the flat, even if it's only a little bit.
“Take Out the Trash” doesn’t require much skill or complex puzzle solving. The simple gameplay—interacting with items, taking out the trash—is key to its effectiveness in creating fear. It’s the slow pace, the repetition of daily behavior, and the micro-changes over time that trigger the sense of unease.
Sound plays a big part in the experience. Wind, vague noises behind doors, and sudden knocks create a dark, oppressive, and tense atmosphere.
Graphics and Environment Design: Haunting Simplicity
The game's visuals are crude and black and white, like something from a terrible dream in the 1990s. The cramped rooms, lengthy corridors, and low lighting make it seem extremely genuine like you are stuck in a small place.
Each time you go back to the hallway or kitchen, it seems new—scarier and more distorted—because you use the same tiny space but add features that alter with time.
With a playtime of only about 5-10 minutes, “Take Out the Trash” is a fantastic choice for those who love short horror games but have psychological depth. It exploits your inner fears, the trivial thoughts when you are alone at night, and turns ordinary moments into something inexplicable.
If you’re looking for a short, accessible indie horror game that packs a long-lasting chill, “Take Out the Trash” is a must-play. It shows that horror doesn’t need to be flashy—just a trash bag and darkness are enough to keep you from turning around.