Halloween is almost upon us, and that means it’s the perfect time of year to play some horror games. And you’re in luck: 2023 has had some seriously excellent horror games land on PC and consoles; some of the best ever, you might say. So if you’re looking for something new and scary to play this Halloween, we’ve got you covered.
From atmospheric exploration games to full-on survival horror, the horror releases of 2023 have had something for everyone. Narrowing down this list of the best horror games of 2023 has been no easy feat, let us tell you. But we’re confident that, if you’re after something spooky to play this Halloween, you won’t be disappointed by picking up any of these games.
Happy Halloween, everyone!
1. Resident Evil 4
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
It should come as no surprise that the remake of Resident Evil 4 features on our list of best horror games of 2023. Whether or not you’ve played the original, it doesn’t matter: taking control of Leon in this fraught action-horror packs in enough changes that it feels fresh whether you’re a newcomer or a stalwart Resi fan. It looks fantastic, it feels great to play, and there are enough scares here to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Read our review of Resident Evil 4
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2. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC
We’re all familiar with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, right? Released this summer, Gun Interactive’s take on the classic horror film turns it into an asymmetric multiplayer horror. With some players taking on the role of Leatherface and his family, and others playing as survivors, no matter which side you’re on, you’re in for a tense experience. As a survivor, you never know when you’re going to run into a killer, but even as a killer, equipped with a weapon, making your way through tight corridors keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Read our review of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
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3. Layers of Fear
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
Essentially a remake of the original Layers of Fear from 2015, also incorporating its DLC and its sequel, 2023’s Layer of Fear is undoubtedly one of the best-looking horror games of the year thanks to its use of Unreal Engine 5. It’s downright creepy, too: it sits more in the ‘walking simulator’ camp of horror games, but you’ll constantly be on the edge of your seat as you never know what’s going to be waiting for you around the next corner. A new, free chapter has also just been released in time for Halloween.
Read our review of Layers of Fear
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4. Alan Wake 2
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
We’ve been waiting a reaaaaally long time for a sequel to Alan Wake, and it’s finally here. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Alan Wake II is bigger and better in just about every way, not only continuing Alan’s story but introducing us to a new character, FBI Agent Saga Anderson. Playing as both characters, you’re faced with endless shadowy nightmares as you get embroiled in a dark world whether nothing is quite as it seems. The newest game on this list of best horror games of 2023, it’s also amongst the best of all time. It really is that good.
Read our review of Alan Wake II
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5. Kona II: Brume
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC.
Kona II: Brume isn’t technically a horror game. But it kept us so far on the edge of our seats while playing that it’s earned itself a place on this list. This atmospheric investigation game sees you playing as Karl Faubert, a private detective sent to a small, snowy mining town in Northern Canada. Except when he gets there, the man who hired him is found dead in his home, there’s been an explosion in the mine, and some really weird stuff is happening in the area. You’ve got your work cut out for you, then, but as Kona II’s story unfolds, you won’t be able to put it down.
Read our review of Kona II: Brume
6. Dead Space
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
Another remake of a classic game, Dead Space started the year off as it meant to go on. Released in January, Dead Space is undoubtedly one of the best horror games of 2023. It packs in everything that made the original so good, but somehow makes it even better, partly down to just how fantastic it looks. An atmospheric location, freakish enemies and some really cool weapons: what more could you want from a survival horror game, really?
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7. Dead Island 2
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC
We absolutely loved the original Dead Island, and were overjoyed when a sequel was announced. After going through development hell, however, we thought it was as dead as the zombies it was set to feature. But, proving that miracles do happen, Dead Island 2 actually released this year, and it’s good. Very good, in fact, which is why it’s made this list. Dead Island 2 may not be the scariest of games, what with its comical nature at times, but it does have its moments. Sneaking around in the dark, only to suddenly come face-to-face with a zombie that quickly grabs and tries to eat you isn’t a pleasant experience, after all.
Read our review of Dead Island 2
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8. My Friendly Neighborhood
- Available on PC
Imagine being stuck on the set of Sesame Street but the puppets have gone wrong. That’s basically the premise of My Friendly Neighborhood. The gameplay here borrows a lot from the likes of Resident Evil, with you exploring environments, seeking out the items required to progress while solving puzzles and dealing with hostile puppets eager to stop you. Your unusual surroundings and the cute nature of your adversaries make the experience feel fresh, however, making this first-person scarefest definitely one of the best horror games of 2023.
Read our review of My Friendly Neighborhood
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9. Killer Frequency
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC
Chances are you’ll have never played a horror game quite like Killer Frequency before, so it just had to make our list of the best horror games of 2023. Assuming the role of a radio host, Killer Frequency finds you fielding calls from local residents. Some will just want to plug their businesses, others waste some time. With a killer on the loose, however, the calls that will really grab you are those where your help is a matter of life and death. So, can you keep calm under pressure and provide assistance to those in need? Check out Killer Frequency this Halloween and find out.
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10. Slender: The Arrival 10th Anniversary
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC
Originally released in 2013, Slender: The Arrival has just received an update to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The real reason it’s on this list, however, is that it’s also just been released on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Play it on one of these current-gen consoles or PC and you’ll find that it sports a graphical overhaul, making it prettier – and spookier – than ever before. There’s new content to discover too, in the form of a brand new chapter. And this is just the start of a fresh wave of support for the game, which will see a multiplayer mode being added and more going ahead.
Read our review of Slender: The Arrival
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11. Amnesia: The Bunker
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC
Horror fans are likely to be familiar with the Amnesia series. It’s provided plenty of scares over the years, after all. The latest entry, Amnesia: The Bunker, is perhaps the scariest of them all, however. As its name suggests, Amnesia: The Bunker finds you trapped within a bunker during WW1. It’s not enemy soldiers or going over the top that you need to be worried about here, though. Instead, it’s a creature that’s mercilessly hunting you down. To survive and hopefully escape, you’ll need to employ stealth, effectively manage your resources and solve numerous puzzles. One of the best horror games of 2023, Amnesia: The Bunker has just been on the receiving end of an update that makes it even better, too.
Read our review of Amnesia: The Bunker
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12. Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
- Available on Switch and PC
Do you like reading and getting invested in a gripping story? Scare yourself silly with Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. This visual novel forces you to make some seriously hard decisions, putting you in numerous scenarios where it’s kill or be killed. You’ve found yourself in possession of a cursed stone, you see, and you need to track down others also in possession of one if you wish to not only survive, but also potentially bring a loved one back from the dead. It’s dark stuff, then. And with multiple twists and turns along the way, it makes for a compelling experience.
Read our review of Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
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