Originally published October 26th, 2017

Happy Halloween, gamers! It’s the season where we can shamelessly consume candy, re-watch all our favorite horror movies, and heck yeah: play our favorite spooky games.

The most frightening time of the year is coming up quick, and gaming is another great way to revel in the season. This is in no way a definitive list of spooky games! Just a couple quick suggestions for a few games players can pop in right now. Before we get started, maybe check behind you and under your closest furniture? Also, if you hear young children singing nursery rhymes or “ch-ch-ch-ch-ah-ah-ah-ah” behind you, please desist reading this article and quickly head for your nearest exit.

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Resident Evil VII

Resident Evil VII taps into deeply imbedded human fears of mold and the deep south. The game feels like a fresh take for fans of the series, and was a jumping on point for new players as well. The Louisiana setting and disgusting monsters and décor feel at home in a Resident Evil game, as much as a sequel to the Hills Have Eyes or Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Bring a stapler for any injuries that may occur during your stay, and maybe brush up on southern etiquette as well. “Welcome to the family son.”

Amnesia Collection

I make no secret that I harbor a preference for my PlayStation 4. Seeing as PS Plus subscribers received the Amnesia Collection for free this month, I felt it needed a quick mention. This game draws inspiriations from H.P. Lovecraft and dares you not to go insane. The atmosphere drips with shadows and gamers will find it hard keeping their heart rate reasonable through this game’s anxious plot. Amnesia is available for gamers on PC and Xbox as well, but PS Plus subscribers should definitely check this one out; ‘tis the season after all.

Overwatch

Overwatch: the game we can’t say no to. Just when you think you’ve finally gotten over this sultry vixen, she coaxes you back in for Halloween Terror. The limited timed event for this first person team shooter is oozing with all the season’s best imagery. The Overwatch team has reskinned maps for that extra layer of spookiness, heroes have themed costumes ranging from monstrous C’thulu-Zenyatta to glam-rock Zarya. The cooperative mode “Junkenstein’s Revenge” as made its return, and the quirky B-movie atmosphere is pretty fun to play.

Fallout 4

It’s probably been awhile since gamers have popped in Fallout 4. This post-apocalyptic RPG/shooter from Bethesda seems to have a love-hate relationship with its community. Despite the controversy, Fallout contains some great levels for getting a little dose of fright this Halloween. Explorers are highly recommended to probe the deeps of Dunwich Borers – this former quarry has some surprises in store. Not to mention one of the game’s major hub areas, Diamond City, gets decorated for Halloween if players visit on that in-game day.

There are plenty of other moments in the game that feel right at home in October. There’s the trail of a serial killer in downtown Boston, the ruins of Jamaica Plain, and even something going bump in the night near the ruins of Salem, Massachusetts. Thrills wait for brave wasteland wanderers.

Arkham Knight

Arkham Knight is another game that may have been relegated to the back of the collection. The miserable launch on PC upset too many players, and RockSteady and WB’s response was abysmal. Nonetheless, this game sets players in Gotham City on Halloween, and offered up a compelling and lengthy experience for fans of the Dark Knight. Gotham by the light of orange pumpkins has never looked better in a game. Developer Rocksteady’s design and rendering of Batman’s villains looks incredible. Besides a few jump scares, Arkham Knight is one of the best ways to celebrate the Halloween spirit while avoiding the spooks of traditional horror games.

There we go! Just a few suggestions for gamers looking to get a little extra atmosphere out of this October. We also want all gamers to be especially aware this season to never say “I’ll be back” when leaving a room. Also, should a serial killer break into your home, please try not to run upstairs. Happy Halloween!

As always, let us know what you think! What are your suggestions for Halloween games? What older games have been your go to? What’s your – did you guys hear that? It’s probably nothing. Anyways, be sure to check out our physical love for physical games, and the case for NieR: Automata. Let Handsome Phantom know your thoughts and you could get a shout out on the Adventure Mode podcast!