Halloween is almost upon us and, for most of us, it’s time to crack open some awesome horror games for the holiday. There are many more than 10 awesome horror games to play on Halloween but in this list, I’m going to focus on having a good mixture to choose from. Although the games are numbered 10-1, you really can’t go wrong with any of these games for the spooky season. Without further adieu, here are the 10 best horror games to play on Halloween 2021.
10. Resident Evil 7
Resident Evil 7 remains one of the best horror games of the last generation of consoles and a return to form for the Resident Evil franchise. Unlike the previous two mainline entries into the series, Resident Evil 7 returned to the horror roots that made fans fall in love with the series in the first place. If you want a spooky, scary single-player experience this Halloween, you could do a lot worse than Resident Evil 7.
9. Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor doesn’t look like much of a horror game at a passing glance. The title, art style, and neighborhood aesthetic don’t exactly scream horror. But for those who don’t know, Hello Neighbor is actually a survival horror game. Players have to break into the neighbor’s house to find the dark secret in his basement, without getting caught. Let me tell you, being caught by Mr. Peterson is right up there in terms of scares in gaming. The AI also makes the game refreshingly replayable as it adjusts the method of catching you based on your previous attempts.
8. Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation is a must-play for any fans of the Alien franchise. The game perfectly captures the absolute terror of being in an Alien movie. The story of Alien: Isolation is also a direct continuation of the original film so movie fans will want to check it out. The gameplay doesn’t disappoint either. Alien: Isolation is up there with the very best stealth survival horror games. Avoiding the Xenomorphs throughout the game is an experience that you won’t soon forget.
7. The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series
Telltale’s The Walking Dead series is perhaps the pinnacle of Telltale’s style of story games. The original series was so successful, it spawned a wide range of other franchise-based Telltale games and there’s good reason for that. Even for people who haven’t watched The Walking Dead, the game series is excellent. It’s truly one of the best examples of storytelling in gaming. The fact that it’s set in The Walking Dead universe and therefore perfect for Halloween is just the icing on the cake.
6. The Evil Within
The Evil Within, despite releasing in 2014, is a classic horror video game. Probably, because the game was directed by the creator of the Resident Evil series, Shinji Mikami. Notably, the slip in horror quality that the Resident Evil franchise faced was after Shinji Mikami left to work on other projects. Luckily, The Evil Within was one of those projects. The Evil Within is a prime example of great horror in video games, much like the early Resident Evil games that Shinji Mikami worked on. If you’re a fan of the classic horror video-game experiences of the early 2000s, then The Evil Within is the game for you.
5. Blair Witch
The Blair Witch Project needs no introduction for horror movie enthusiasts. However, with how big of a cultural impact the movie had, it’s hard to believe that the 2019 Blair Witch game was the first in almost 20 years. Even the 2000 Blair Witch games were quick cash-ins that are best forgotten. 2019’s Blair Witch is a well-crafted survival horror game that sublimely nails the atmosphere of the original movie. Like the original movie, Blair Witch is sure to frighten you.
4. Friday the 13th: The Game
Friday the 13th is one of the all-time great horror movie franchises. There are many ways that Jason’s movies could have been translated into video game form. An asymmetrical multiplayer survival horror game is not what I would have predicted but four years after release, it works surprisingly well and still has a passionate community behind it. Gamers get to play as camp counselors trying to survive or as Jason himself, trying to kill everyone they can. It’s a fun multiplayer take on the traditional survival horror format, perfect for a group of friends on Halloween.
3. Dying Light
Dying Light, despite releasing in 2015, is still a refreshing take on the zombie survival horror genre. The dynamic day/night cycle where zombies are slow, docile, and clumsy during the day but like a Night of the Living Dead movie in the evening, is an inspired addition to the genre. The gameplay is also excellent, blending traditional zombie fighting mechanics with parkour and a co-op multiplayer mode that is still top tier. This Halloween is the perfect time to play Dying Light as the sequel Dying Light 2 Stay Human is scheduled for release in February.
2. Alan Wake: Remastered
Alan Wake is one of the best exclusives that the Xbox 360 ever had and the new remaster enhances the experience and brings it to more platforms. Alan Wake is heavily inspired by the books, movies, and TV shows of Stephen King. The atmosphere, story, and setting all ooze Stephen King. The original game was still worth playing, despite being over a decade old at this point. The remaster makes it an absolute must-play. For best results, be sure to play with the lights off and the sound up.
1. Back 4 Blood
Back 4 Blood is the latest release on this list and it rightfully takes the number 1 spot as the best game to play this Halloween. It’s no coincidence that Back 4 Blood was released during Halloween month. This game practically begs to be played on All Hallows’ Eve. The co-op zombie shooter from the makers of Left 4 Dead is the perfect Halloween party game. The gameplay is excellent, the zombies are terrifying, and the atmosphere is second to none. If you like Left 4 Dead, Back 4 Blood is it’s truly scary bigger brother.
No matter your plans this Halloween, any of these games are sure to give your night the ‘spooky factor’ that makes the holiday so fun. Are there any other games that you will be playing this Halloween? Let us know in the comments below.