It’s that time of the year again! The spooks and scares are out and about for Halloween, and 2025 brought the goods in video game form. From indie dark horses to returning nightmares, there were plenty of fantastic horror titles available. So, to help with the fear of deciding, Output Lag has put together the best games that are scary good and worth the sleepless nights.
This list contains some great new horror games from 2025, but we couldn’t include them all. That said, no matter what style of gamer you are, there are many scary games worth diving into this year. Still, we’ve selected seven excellent titles that bring the fright all year round, perfect for Halloween.
Silent Hill f
Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
If there is one pure horror game this year, NeoBards and Konami’s Silent Hill f is just that. Moving outside of the town of Silent Hill to 1960s Japan, you play as schoolgirl Hinako as she survives grotesque creatures and pure psychological torture. The title is not for the faint of heart. I have played and seen many horror titles and I’ll admit, I wince and recoiled at some of the scenes in the game. Not only is Silent Hill f a great horror game, but its genuinely one the best games this year. It’s terrifying and deep with its narrative, which grows with each playthrough, and keeps you on your toes the whole time. It’s a pitch perfect horror title and one I can personally recommend you play if you haven’t already. It’s one bloody good time for sure.
Dying Light: The Beast
Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
While more action than horror, Techland’s Dying Light: The Beast is not short of bringing the fear factor. A direct sequel to the original Dying Light and following the events of Stay Human, The Beast returns players to Kyle Crane. The first-person parkour survival gameplay still rocks and feels just as good as it looks. However, it’s the zombies that make this one for the horror fans, as they are gory and dangerous, even on their own. At night, you’ll be terrorized by hordes of them, including some big ones. It can lead to some adrenaline-filled races to a Safe Zone that were as fun as they were terrifying. It’s the least scariest game on the list, but it fits the Halloween bill perfectly.
Cronos: The New Dawn
Available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
If you read our review, you’d know that Bloober Team’s Cronos: The New Dawn excels at the creepiness factor. As the mysterious Wanderer, you’ll travel through time to figure out what happened to the now-desolate world. On your way, you battle gruesome Orphans and witness some vile stuff. You’ll be on edge the whole time, checking every corpse and still getting scared when they wake. While it doesn’t come close to the studio’s previous title, Silent Hill 2 Remake, it’s a promising new IP that captures the essence of classic Dead Space for the new age. Plus, the jumpscares are incredible, so if you like the thrill, Cronos: The New Dawn has you covered.
Luto
Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
P.T., despite being a demo, has gone on to be one of the best horror experiences of all time. Countless developers have tried to get the repetitive yet eerie loop down, but to no avail. This year, one got close: Broken Bird Studios’ Luto. In this game, you play as a recluse, someone unable to leave their home. Burdened by their past, the house starts to shift and change into something unrecognizable and downright terrifying. However, it’s scares, as plentiful as there are, serve a deeper meaning, touching upon mental illness and the human psyche. It’s a short yet thrilling experience that holds a “Very Positive” reception on Steam. If you’re looking for a quick, effective, and thoughtful scare session, Luto is the perfect bite-sized treat for you.
No, I’m Not A Human
Available on PC
Who can you trust during an alien invasion? In Trioskaz’ No, I’m Not A Human, well, the answer is one you have to figure out. Locked down in your home during a solar catastrophe, people will ask to be let into your shelter. It’s your job to interview and inspect them to make sure they are human or, worse, an alien called a “Visitor”. As you progress, you’ll learn more signs of the hostile being and ensure the safety of yourself and the actual humans. If you don’t? Well, let’s just say you’ve already lost. Expect to be unsettled the entire time and put your deduction skills to the test. Plus, with a unique 2D/3D artsyle and aethestic, it’s one of 2025’s most memorable titles and one you should enjoy on PC.
The Midnight Walk
Available on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR, and Xbox Series X|S
The Nightmare Before Christmas is technically a Halloween/Christmas film. Well, the heavily-inspired game The Midnight Walk is technically a horror/puzzle game and both are incredible. Handcrafted by the team at Moonhood, the claymation world they’ve created is as charming as it is haunting. You guide the adorable Potboy on a quest to relight the world at Moon Mountain. The Tim Burton-esque aesthetic brings the creep factor, especially when faced with some terrifying creatures. As you’ll be defenseless the whole time, its you and Potboy against the world and it’s one hauntingly beautiful journey. It’s a short title, so you can knock it out in one day, though it’ll stick with you far after that. Plus, if you’re really daring, it’s available in VR, putting you even closer to the action.
Bye Sweet Carole
Available on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Imagine if classic Disney made a horror film? Got it pictured? Well, it’s a reality with Little Sewing Machine’s Bye Sweet Carole. Bringing the 2D handdrawn artstyle of nostalgic animated films of yesteryear like Beauty and the Beast and Snow White, the game is already a joy to look out. However, this is a Halloween list and, luckily, the game packs a punch. As Carole, you’ll figure out your own disappearance from Bunny Hall and uncover a deeper personal narrative. Filled with jumpscares, it utilizes its cutesy visuals to crank the unsettling factor to 11. With a gorgeous soundtrack to boot, you’d be remiss not to check out Bye Sweet Carole on consoles and PC.
