Frights for Every Age: The Best Video Games to Play This Halloween
The leaves are turning, the candy aisle is overflowing, and there’s no better time to turn off the lights and grab a controller. Whether you want to be scared out of your seat or just want some spooky fun the whole family can share, there’s a Halloween game out there for you.
We’ve split this list into two parts. The first is for teens and adults who want genuine scares. The second is packed with kid-friendly picks that deliver ghosts, goblins, and giggles without the nightmares.
Scary Picks for Teens and Adults
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2014)
The original that launched a phenomenon. You’re a night security guard at a pizza restaurant, stuck in an office with limited power, watching security cameras while animatronic mascots creep closer. The gameplay is simple, but the tension is unbearable. Every flicker of the camera and every sound in the hallway could mean it’s game over. It’s short, cheap, and perfect for a group taking turns in the hot seat.
Dead by Daylight
One player is the killer. Four players are survivors trying to repair generators and escape. This asymmetrical multiplayer game turns classic slasher movies into a nightly game of cat and mouse, and it features licensed horror icons alongside its own original monsters. It’s a blast with friends, and the developers usually run a special Halloween event every October.
Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake)
A modern retelling of the survival horror classic. You explore a zombie-infested police station in Raccoon City while conserving ammo and dodging the relentless, trench-coated Mr. X. It’s polished, terrifying, and one of the best places to start if you’ve never played a Resident Evil game.
Alien: Isolation
One alien. No way to kill it. You play as Amanda Ripley, hiding in lockers and under desks on a crumbling space station while the creature hunts you. It’s a slow burn that nails the dread of the original 1979 film, and many fans still call it the scariest game ever made.
Silent Hill 2 (2024 Remake)
A psychological horror masterpiece rebuilt for modern consoles and PC. James Sunderland receives a letter from his late wife asking him to meet her in the fog-covered town of Silent Hill. What follows is less about jump scares and more about creeping, unforgettable unease.
Phasmophobia
Grab up to three friends and become paranormal investigators. You use EMF readers, spirit boxes, and thermometers to figure out what kind of ghost is haunting a location, all while trying not to get caught when it turns hostile. You can even talk to the ghost using your real microphone, and sometimes it answers.
Lethal Company
Part horror, part comedy. You and your crew scavenge abandoned moons for scrap while avoiding monsters that lurk in the dark. The proximity voice chat means you’ll hear your friends’ screams fade away as they wander off. It’s scary, chaotic, and often hilarious.
Kid-Friendly Spooky Picks
Goosebumps: Dead of Night
R.L. Stine’s beloved book series comes to life in this spooky-but-safe adventure. You’re trapped in the author’s house after Slappy the Dummy frees a crew of classic Goosebumps monsters. You sneak around, solve puzzles, and hide from creepy creatures. It has a few jump scares, so it’s best for older kids who loved the books and want a little thrill.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi may be a scaredy-cat, but he’s a great ghost hunter. Armed with the Poltergust vacuum, he explores a haunted hotel floor by floor to rescue Mario and friends. It’s funny, gorgeous, and packed with secrets. Best of all, a second player can join as Gooigi, Luigi’s gooey green twin, making it perfect for parents and kids to play together. Fans of the series can also check out Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD on Nintendo Switch.
Plants vs. Zombies
The zombies are coming for your lawn, and your only defense is an army of peashooters, sunflowers, and exploding cherries. This tower defense classic is easy to learn, endlessly replayable, and full of goofy zombie humor. It’s a great first strategy game for younger players.
Costume Quest
A charming RPG about trick-or-treating. When a monster kidnaps your sibling, you set off through the neighborhood collecting candy and costumes. Each costume transforms you into a giant hero in battle, so a cardboard robot suit becomes an actual robot. It’s sweet, silly, and pure Halloween spirit.
Pumpkin Jack
Play as a mischievous pumpkin-headed hero in a colorful 3D platformer. You run, jump, and battle your way through spooky graveyards, swamps, and haunted mines. The monsters are more cartoony than creepy, making it a good fit for kids who like action.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed
Who you gonna call? Team up as Ghostbusters to catch mischievous ghosts, or play as the ghost trying to haunt a location. It’s light on real scares and heavy on slime, proton packs, and teamwork. It’s a great pick for families with older kids.
Tips for the Perfect Halloween Game Night
- Set the mood. Dim the lights, light a candle or two, and put on a spooky playlist between rounds.
- Check the ratings. ESRB ratings and parent reviews help you pick the right scare level for younger players.
- Take turns. Single-player horror games like Five Nights at Freddy’s are more fun when everyone passes the controller and watches each other jump.
- Stock the snacks. Candy corn, popcorn, and pumpkin treats make every jump scare a little easier to survive.
Whether you’re hiding from Mr. X or vacuuming up ghosts with Luigi, these games will make your Halloween unforgettable. Which spooky game is your family’s favorite? Let us know in the comments. Happy haunting!
