Looking for some spooky and fun games to get you in the Halloween spirit this year? Whether you want to battle monsters, solve mysteries, or just decorate your virtual home for the holiday, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top Halloween games to play in 2023!
Key Takeaways:
- Costume Quest 2 offers turn-based combat and trick-or-treating fun.
- Inkle’s 80 Days is an interactive novel with spooky unlockable content.
- Decorating your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is perfect for the season.
- Little Nightmares provides creepy puzzles and a dark story.
- Layers of Fear is a first-person psychological horror game.
Best Halloween Games for Various Platforms
Costume Quest 2 (PC, Console)
This lighthearted RPG lets you battle enemies while trick-or-treating as different costumes. The turn-based combat keeps fights from getting too intense, making it a great pick for all ages. Explore spooky environments and collect candy while taking down baddies in clever ways based on your costume.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)
The charming life simulator is perfect for living your best Halloween life. Update your island with pumpkin patches, hay bales, and more fall decor before donning costumes with your villagers on Halloween night. There are even special items and diy recipes that only appear for the holiday.
Little Nightmares (PC, Console)
This eerie puzzle platformer boasts uncanny doll-like characters and creepy environments. Unravel the disturbing secrets of The Maw while overcoming puzzles and stealthily sneaking past enemies. With a dark story and scary moments, it’s a great pick for older gamers.
Layers of Fear (PC)
For fans of psychological horror and mystery, Layers of Fear offers a sinister experience. You play as an insane painter trying to complete your life’s work while exploring a constantly shifting mansion. Surreal visuals and chilling atmosphere make this a truly haunting game.
Best Multiplayer Halloween Games
Dead by Daylight (PC, Console)
This asymmetrical multiplayer game pits a killer against survivors as they try to evade gruesome demise. With Halloween DLC characters like Michael Myers, Ghostface, and Laurie Strode, you’ll feel like you’re in your favorite slashers. Just beware the jump scares!
Phasmophobia (PC)
Team up with 3 other ghost hunters to gather evidence and identify the type of ghost haunting haunted locales. With proximity chat, this coop game gets intense as you ask the ghost questions or anger it into attacking. Just be sure to bring enough spare pants!
Vigor (Console)
This post-apocalyptic online shooter adds Halloween flourishes like creepy music, foggy weather, and jack-o-lanterns. Fight rival players in the Nora region, gathering supplies and completing objectives. But keep an eye out for themed enemies only found during the Halloween event!
Best VR Halloween Games
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted (Multiplatform VR)
Experience the terrifying Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise first-hand with the official VR game. Fend off killer animatronics like Freddy Fazbear in original levels or replay classic scenes from the series. The immersive jump scares are not for the faint of heart!
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners (PC VR)
Set in the Walking Dead universe, this action RPG has you scavenging supplies and crafting weapons to survive zombie hordes. Use stealth and strategy to complete missions without becoming walker bait. With intense combat and a gripping world, it’s zombie chaos in VR.
More Halloween Gaming Options
- Play horror classic remakes like Resident Evil 2 or the upcoming Dead Space.
- Emulate scary retro games like Silent Hill or Eternal Darkness.
- Explore horror game mods like Enderal: Forgotten Stories for Skyrim.
- Try horror game demos on Steam to test out new frightening worlds.
FAQ
What are some kid-friendly Halloween games?
For younger gamers, the Costume Quest series combines silly costumes and turn-based combat for a fun Halloween vibe without being too scary. Spooky platformers like Skelly Selest and pumpkin-themed Mario Party minigames can also be good picks.
What makes a game feel truly “Halloweeny”?
Creepy environments, sinister music, uncanny characters, jump scares, and dark stories help create an immersive Halloween atmosphere. Bonus points for incorporating classic monsters or letting you dress up for the holiday!
Do I need to play horror games to enjoy Halloween gaming?
Not at all! There are lots of lighter, family-friendly games that get you in the spirit of Halloween without going overboard on horror elements. Focus on games that let you decorate for the holiday or dress up your character.
Conclusion
With thrilling horror, multiplayer mayhem, and virtual decorating, there are lots of ways to celebrate the Halloween season through gaming. Whether you want heart-pounding scares or just some holiday whimsy, you’re sure to find festive picks from our list of the top Halloween games to play in 2023. Just grab your preferred frightful game, put on your virtual costume, and enjoy all the creepy fun!
