As Halloween approaches, gamers are presented with an array of thrilling options to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season. For those with Game Pass on Xbox or PC, a selection of horror games awaits, offering everything from interactive narratives to intense first-person shooters. The following titles are accessible with Game Pass Premium or Game Pass PC, ensuring that players can indulge in some spine-chilling fun without needing the Ultimate subscription. Here’s a curated list to consider during those festive gaming sessions between handing out treats.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Co-op sci-fi shooter
Great for: Those eager to experience a thrilling adventure reminiscent of Space Marine 2, but with the added twist of battling Xenomorphs.
Not good if: You prefer a seamless experience without the hassle of loadouts or occasional glitches.
A Plague Tale: Requiem (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Cinematic stealth adventure
Great for: Enthusiasts of beautifully crafted landscapes and intricate narratives involving rats.
Not good if: You prefer to confront your enemies head-on rather than relying on stealth.
CARRION (Xbox, PC)
Genre: 2D pixel art adventure
Great for: Those who appreciate a Metroidvania experience with a unique twist reminiscent of David Cronenberg’s style.
Not good if: You dislike the concept of backtracking through levels.
Costume Quest (Xbox)
Genre: Turn-based comedy RPG
Great for: Those nostalgic for the joy of trick-or-treating, presented through whimsical battles.
Not good if: You thrive on complex buildcrafting mechanics.
Dead By Daylight (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Online survival horror co-op
Great for: Individuals who enjoy placing themselves in the midst of horror movie scenarios.
Not good if: You dislike the tension of being hunted or the pressure of teamwork.
Diablo IV (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Loot-based action-RPG
Great for: Fans who revel in annihilating hordes of demons and managing inventory.
Not good if: You find yourself easily disengaged during button-mashing sessions.
Doom 2016 (Xbox, PC)
Genre: First-person shooter
Great for: Anyone eager to unleash chaos and destruction in a hellish landscape.
Not good if: You prefer a more cautious approach, hiding behind cover.
Inscryption (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Deck-building horror adventure
Great for: Those who enjoy the thrill of chance and strategy at the gaming table.
Not good if: You’re averse to unexpected plot twists.
Inside (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Cinematic platforming adventure
Great for: Aficionados of emotional storytelling conveyed through striking visuals.
Not good if: You prefer narratives that rely heavily on dialogue.
Little Nightmares II (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Dark fantasy puzzle adventure
Great for: Those who value atmosphere, music, and mood in their gaming experiences.
Not good if: You become easily frustrated with intricate controls or trial-and-error gameplay.
Pacific Drive (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Haunted car sim
Great for: Those who enjoy scavenging and exploring eerie landscapes.
Not good if: You prefer a smooth ride without the hassle of vehicle repairs.
Redfall (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Co-op demon hunter
Great for: Players who appreciate quaint New England settings paired with vampire hunting.
Not good if: You seek a loot shooter or a traditional immersive simulation.
Resident Evil 2 (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Survival horror shooter
Great for: Anyone who has ever fantasized about surviving a night in a haunted police station.
Not good if: The idea of facing a trench-coated monster terrifies you.
State of Decay 2 (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Open-world base-building zombie survival game
Great for: Those who thrive on resource gathering and community building amidst constant zombie threats.
Not good if: You find repetition more daunting than the undead.
Still Wakes the Deep (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Lovecraftian walking sim
Great for: Viewers of oil rig TikTok videos who appreciate eerie atmospheres.
Not good if: You lack the patience for exploring unsettling environments.
The Evil Within (Xbox, PC)
Genre: Psychological survival horror game
Great for: Fans of horror that challenges the mind and pushes boundaries.
Not good if: You struggle with gameplay mechanics that can be jarring or frustrating.
The Walking Dead (Xbox)
Genre: Point-and-click zombie adventure
Great for: Enthusiasts of the comic series or television adaptation, who enjoy emotionally charged decision-making.
Not good if: You find yourself easily moved to tears.
