Autumn is upon us, which means it’s time for everything dark, scary and ghoulish. So, time to break out the candy and fire up your console or PC. Whether you want to hang out with friends or have some spooky me-time, here are the best video games to play at Halloween and over the whole season, in a variety of different genres.
The Quarry
Full of classic teen horror tropes, The Quarry is a cinematic game following a group of counsellors at a camp called Hackett’s Quarry. You can play solo or trade off a controller with friends. You navigate a web of storylines as the camp descends into chaos, collecting tarot cards and making difficult choices. But be careful, because not everyone may make it out alive! The game has 186 possible endings.
Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation is a first-person survival horror game. Set 15 years after the original Alien, you play as Ellen Ripley’s daughter, Amanda. In the search for your mother’s flight recorder, you find yourself facing against the xenomorph, which is a free-roaming AI. The story is driven by strategy and the log entries of the passengers who came before you. The game has a slow-paced stealth dynamic and is definitely not for the faint of heart.
See also: How To Celebrate Halloween For More Than One Evening
Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines
Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines is a certified classic video game, first released in 2004 and based on the tabletop RPG Vampire: The Masquerade. You play as one of several subtypes of vampires and complete quests as you roam the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. You can choose what personality you want your character to have as they explore the hierarchies of the vampire world and feed off of humans. Dark and atmospheric, it definitely warrants a Halloween playthrough.
Night in the Woods
For a quieter gaming experience, Night in the Woods is a great option. It’s a 2d adventure game where you play as Mae, a 20 year old feline exploring Possum Springs, a mining town full of other anthropomorphised animals. The game is emotional, character-driven and thought provoking. Its visuals and dark undertones lends it well to the season.
Luigi’s Mansion
Not all spooky games have to be serious! Explore a haunted mansion (well, hotel) as Luigi in this action/adventure game and capture ghosts in a vacuum cleaner as you search for Mario. You complete increasingly complex puzzles and beat a boss on each floor. Luigi’s Mansion is a fun romp that will take you right back to your childhood.
See also: The Best Halloween Themed Books