What better way to spend Halloween than playing a game that can instill terror? Horror games (with the myriad of subgenres that they include) are certainly perfect for spending this day in the name of horror. However, there are plenty of scary, anxiety-inducing, macabre, etc. games.
For this reason, in this article, we will recommend five Halloween games (plus a bonus) that you should absolutely try! However, know that there will not be the usual titles in this article, so forget about cornerstones of the genre such as Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Dead Space, just to name a few (although, if you haven’t done so, the latest remakes are certainly valid and you should try them); but we will recommend more niche games that, probably, you don’t know.
Best Halloween Games
As the beginning of this article, we told you that you will not find the usual suspects, but there is another premise that we must make. In this article, you will find games that range greatly in terms of genre, so do not expect the classic survival horror. We have decided, in fact, to aim for unconventional choices that, however, in one way or another, can still instill terror for the most varied reasons.
The Bridge Curse 2
The Bridge Curse 2 immerses players in Taiwanese horror, drawing on a campus legend to create a haunting, hide-and-seek survival experience. Set within an eerie college, players explore as different characters, unraveling a tale punctuated by terrifying ghosts, with one of them being one of the most terrifying enemies ever created in a game, the Ballerina. The atmosphere, gameplay, and ghost lore make it a gripping game for horror fans, especially around Halloween.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a horror game based on the movie series, where players must stay silent to survive against noise-sensitive creatures. Players control a pregnant woman with asthma, adding unique challenges to movement and breathing. Inspired by Alien Isolation, creatures adapt to players’ actions, requiring stealth and careful strategy. The game incorporates a microphone feature, where real-life noise affects gameplay, increasing immersion. Despite some limitations, its eerie atmosphere and clever mechanics create suspense, creating a good experience for the fans of the genre.
Worshippers of Cthulhu
Worshippers of Cthulhu is a strategy management game rooted in H.P. Lovecraft’s cosmic horror, where players lead a cult dedicated to the deity Cthulhu. Acting as the High Priest, players manage followers, perform dark rituals, and construct buildings, balancing between devotion and sacrifice to summon the Old One. The game blends traditional strategy elements with supernatural themes, integrating Lovecraft’s lore deeply into its mechanics.
Autopsy Simulator
Autopsy Simulator is a realistic game where players take on the role of a coroner, investigating causes of death through autopsies. The story begins with the main character’s personal tragedy, which impacts their mental health. The gameplay is narrative-driven and guides players step-by-step, allowing minimal experimentation. However, the game’s dark and detailed atmosphere offers a strong sense of immersion, and the graphic, uncensored content may not be suitable for everyone.
Indika
Indika is a unique game where players explore self-discovery through the story of a young nun in dystopian Russia. This nun, accompanied by the Devil, uncovers mysteries and faces puzzles, adding a darkly humorous twist. The game’s focus is on its story and slower-paced gameplay, offering only a few action elements. While it’s not technically groundbreaking, its atmosphere and dark humor create an intriguing experience. Indika will likely appeal to fans of narrative-driven games like Life is Strange.
Bonus
Finally, before concluding this article, we decided to include a bonus title. It is not present in the main list for one reason only: the full game is not yet available, but it is possible to try a demo that left us with great feelings. For this reason, therefore, we decided to include it so that you too can try it before its actual release.
Karma: The Dark World
Karma: The Dark World is a psychological horror game set in 1984 Germany, focusing on detective Daniel McGovern’s encounters with mind-bending mysteries linked to Leviathan Corp, a powerful company controlling people through a dangerous drug. Blending elements from Silent Hill and The Evil Within, the game immerses players in eerie environments, intense soundscapes, and unsettling visuals. While still not out, its strong atmosphere and character design show promise for horror fans. Karma: The Dark World aims to stand out in the genre with a fresh take on classic horror themes.