The Spooky Season is upon us, and I know the horror game enthusiasts – like me – can feel their bones rattling from excitement. Some of you must’ve already started playing horror games as soon as Spooktober started. Whether you’re yet to dive into the darkness or seek new thrills, I’ve got you covered with some terrifying recommendations.
Here are some of the best Horror games to play this Halloween, whether by yourself or with friends.
1. The Ultimate Halloween Horror Games List 2024
Get ready to discover new favorites or revisit old classics! These titles may be familiar or completely new to you, and I’m excited to explore them with you—whether it’s your first time playing or rekindling cherished memories! Some of the titles mentioned in this list are Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Fatal Frame, Outlast, Amnesia, FNAF, Phasmophobia, and more!
2. Best Horror Game Franchises
Resident Evil Franchise
Step into the terrifying world of Resident Evil, a legendary horror gaming franchise born from the chilling halls of Spencer Mansion. You can pick from the eight numbered installations in the series, with some of the fan favorites being Resident Evil 2, 4, 7, and 8.
Silent Hill Franchise
Launched in 1999 by Konami, the Silent Hill franchise has become a landmark psychological horror series, transforming the survival horror genre with its groundbreaking storytelling and gameplay, earning widespread critical acclaim since its debut. With the 2nd installation recently receiving a remake, what better time to dive into this series than now?
Amnesia Franchise
The Amnesia series is known for its intense psychological horror, sanity mechanics, and immersive storytelling. This franchise has four main titles- Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Amnesia: Rebirth, and Amnesia: The Bunker – and you’re guaranteed to have a terrific time playing these stories!
Fatal Frame Franchise
Fatal Frame, or Project Zero, is a survival horror video game franchise known for its chilling atmosphere, engaging narratives, and innovative gameplay mechanics, making it a beloved horror series among gamers. The series has five main titles and revolves around spirit photography and exorcism, where protagonists use a camera to capture and repel vengeful spirits.
Five Nights At Freddy’s Franchise
Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) is a cultural phenomenon known for its horror gameplay and intricate storytelling. Players survive five nights as a security guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, where animatronic animals turn hostile at night. Take your pick from 9 titles in the series, with the first game and Sister Location being fan favorites!
Fears to Fathom Franchise
Fears to Fathom is an indie horror anthology franchise that presents terrifying and thought-provoking stories. The series explores darker aspects of human nature, delving into psychological horrors, supernatural mysteries, and unsettling revelations. Each installment offers a unique blend of frightening tales, often with twist endings. The game has five episodes, and all have been well-loved by indie horror fans.
Supermassive Entertainment Games
Supermassive Entertainment’s games focus on player choice, branching narratives, and immersive storytelling, often incorporating elements of horror and suspense. Some of their most renowned games are Until Dawn (which just got a super cool remake), Man of Medan, The Devil in Me, etc. Get ready to be spooked!
Chilla’s Art Games
Chilla’s Art is another indie game development studio known for creating horror games with unique, atmospheric, and often psychological horror elements. Jisatsu, Parasocial, The Karaoke, The Closing Shift, Okaeri, and more are some of their most thrilling titles.
3. Singleplayer Horror Games
Outlast
Outlast is a first-person survival horror game developed by Red Barrels and is considered one of the best horror games of all time. The game follows investigative journalist Miles Upshur, who breaks into Mount Massive Asylum to uncover evidence of the facility’s inhumane treatment of patients. The game features stealth gameplay, intense psychological horror elements, and a gripping narrative until the last moments. Get the game here.
Soma
SOMA is a first-person survival horror game that received widespread critical acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative, atmospheric tension, and frightening gameplay. You play Simon Jarrett, a scan technician who undergoes a brain scan experiment that goes catastrophically wrong. If you enjoy psychological horror and sci-fi, SOMA is definitely worth checking out! Get the game here.
The Evil Within
The Evil Within is a survival horror game that follows Detective Sebastian Castellanos, a veteran investigator with a troubled past, as he delves into gruesome and supernatural murders. Throughout the game, Sebastian navigates through terrifying environments, fighting monstrous creatures. Ensure you lock your doors and check under your beds if you plan to play this game! Get the game here.
Alien: Isolation
Fans of sci-fi and extraterrestrial life, prepare to scream for your life. Alien: Isolation is a survival horror game set in the Alien universe, where you play as Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley, who is searching for answers about her mother’s disappearance. Alien: Isolation received widespread critical acclaim for its immersive experience, faithful adaptation of the Alien franchise, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Get the game here.
Still Wakes the Deep
“Still Wakes the Deep” is a gripping psychological horror game set on a 1975 North Sea oil rig. You play Cameron “Caz” McLeary as he tries to escape the rig from catastrophic events and mutated creatures. The game excels in story, atmosphere, graphics, voice acting, and sound design, though some critics found gameplay a bit linear. Nonetheless, it’s a must-play for horror game enthusiasts. Get the game here.
Mouthwashing
“Mouthwashing” is a chilling first-person horror game. Stranded in space, the crew of the Tulpar freighter faces starvation, isolation, and descending madness. This retro psychological horror experience features an impeccable narrative, intense violence, gore, and disturbing imagery, so be warned. God is not watching. Get the game here.
4. Multiplayer Horror Games
Phasmophobia
Explore haunted locations with up to three friends in Phasmophobia, a chilling paranormal horror game. As ghost hunters, you aim to uncover evidence, survive, and escape with your sanity intact. Identify 24 unique ghost types, each with distinct behaviors and clues. Games similar to this title are Project Unknown (where you can exorcise the spirits) and Forewarned (if you’re more into mummy hunting than ghost hunting). Get the game here.
Outlast Trials
“The Outlast Trials” is a survival horror game set in the Cold War era. As an involuntary test subject, you must navigate terrifying trials and mind control experiments conducted by the Murkoff Corporation. Play solo or with friends to survive immersive story-driven challenges that push your morals, endurance, and sanity to the limit. This game contains graphic violence and mature themes. Get the game here.
Dead By Daylight
Dead by Daylight: a chilling multiplayer game where one killer hunts four survivors. The killer’s goal: sacrifice survivors to a dark entity. Survivors must repair generators and escape through gates, using stealth and teamwork to evade the killer’s unique powers. What better time to play the game of cat and mouse with your friends than this Halloween? Get the game here.
Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter that immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by a zombie-like pandemic. Players must join forces to survive treacherous levels, battling relentless hordes of infected humans and terrifying special mutant enemies. Another game similar to the title is Back 4 Blood. Get the game here.
Pacify
In Pacify, navigate a terrifying old house filled with paranormal activity. You aim to capture a supernatural entity – a little girl who switches between good and evil. As you explore, avoid detection and utilize items like keys, dolls, wood, and matches to pacify her evil persona. Play solo or with up to 3 friends in multiplayer, cooperating or competing against each other. Watch out, she’s right behind you. Get the game here.
5. Budget-Friendly/Free Horror Games
Poppy Playtime
Very reminiscent of FNAF, Poppy Playtime is a popular survival horror video game. The game occurs in an abandoned toy factory called Playtime Co., where the player assumes the role of a former employee invited back to the factory for a mysterious reason. But something’s strange about the toys. Their eyes almost look as if they’re… alive. Get the game here.
SCP: The Secret Laboratory
SCP: The Secret Laboratory is a free-to-play, multiplayer survival horror video game based on the popular SCP Foundation creepypasta project. Play as the Scientists, SCPS, or the Foundation Personnel. Each role offers distinct gameplay, blending survival, strategy, and chaotic terror. Get the game here.
Call of Cthulhu
In 1924, Private Investigator Pierce is summoned to unravel the eerie and tragic demise of the Hawkins family. Delve into a realm of escalating dread and ancient, eldritch horrors, confronting cryptic clues, ominous forces, and unspeakable terror. If you’re a fan of Lovecraftian horror, you can also try out Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft, a horror visual novel. Get the game here.
It’s Just A Prank
It’s Just A Prank is a chilling first-person horror game where seemingly harmless pranks among kids take a dark and terrifying turn. Prepare for heart-pounding suspense, shocking twists, and a jaw-dropping conclusion that will leave you shaken. Content warning for Blood, Gore & Abuse. Get the game here.
Egg Fried Rice
Egg Fried Rice is a 10 to 20-minute chilling, retro-style indie horror game with multiple endings developed by Grainwood Games. A rumbling stomach threatens to keep you awake, so you venture out to the local takeaway for a satisfying Egg Fried Rice. Will your cravings be satisfied, or will the midnight adventure take a nightmarish turn?
Get the game here.
It upsets me that I cannot add all the fantastic horror games out there to this list, or else I’d be writing until the 31st. Apologies if your favorite horror game didn’t make it to this list; feel free to let everyone find them through the comments!
Alas, I hope you discovered some spine-tingling new games here. Have a hauntingly good Halloween, gamers!
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