Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

As a horror game enthusiast and aficionado with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that these five games are nothing short of masterpieces in their respective genres. Each one offers a unique and immersive experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat (or couch, as it were).


Horror games are uniquely capable of creating an adrenaline rush unlike any other, through their spine-tingling jump scares, eerie environments, and ominous atmospheres.

Luckily, there’s a wide variety of games available on Xbox Game Pass, catering to diverse tastes. If you enjoy haunting survival tales or suspenseful mental mysteries more than horror games loaded with jumpscares, you’ll find plenty of options in the Game Pass library.

10 Dead By Daylight

Hunt Your Prey

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

At the moment, “Dead by Daylight” stands out as one of the top horror games featuring asymmetrical multiplayer, where you’re either the hunter or the prey. This game places you in an exhilarating game of hide-and-seek, where survival is a constant battle.

In this game, you can choose between being the pursuer, the killer, or one of four teammates, the survivors. The objective for the killer is to catch the survivors before they successfully repair all the generators and break free from the killer’s grasp. Despite the suspenseful and thrilling nature of the gameplay, it’s the camaraderie you share with your friends that keeps you coming back again and again.

This game boasts an impressive collection of renowned horror settings and characters from various games and films, with standouts like Alan Wake, Castlevania, and Silent Hill. Consequently, Dead By Daylight essentially forms a mini-universe filled with your beloved terrifying characters.

In essence, I can’t help but rave about Dead by Daylight – it masterfully combines nail-biting suspense with chucklesome instances that keep me hooked! Chasing down my buddies as they scramble for survival never fails to amuse and exhilarate me.

Keep in mind, the Game Pass includes the base game, but additional content such as maps and characters from other games (expansion packs) are available separately for an extra cost. They aren’t included in the Game Pass subscription.

9 Still Wakes The Deep

Echoes of the Abyss

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

The immensity of the sea already gives one a sense of fear, but when coupled with a sinking vessel carrying otherworldly beings, the terror can escalate to an unnerving degree.

“Still Wakes the Deep” is indeed its name, and it’s a psychological horror game that bears resemblance to Amnesia. It’s set in the 1970s on an aging oil rig amidst the chilly North Sea. The title excellently plays upon your fear of confined spaces as you find yourself squirming through narrow passages.

Instead, the terror primarily arises from an otherworldly, dark entity hidden deep within the ocean depths. It’s evident that the creators were influenced by the chilling works of horror masters like H.P. Lovecraft and John Carpenter. This influence is clearly reflected in their decision to build the narrative around the monster’s mythos driving the sailors to madness.

The main character, Caz, is an electrician on an oil platform who’s had a difficult history, yet his reasons for perseverance are hinted at from the start. As the story unfolds, Caz’s complex personality unfolds in a captivating manner until you reach the climax, where you’re presented with a crucial decision that challenges the stereotypes he’s been labeled with throughout his life.

If you’re looking for a chilling horror game with a compelling storyline, don’t pass up this gem available on Game Pass.

8 Resident Evil 2

A Masterful Remake

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

When it comes to horror game remakes, Capcom is a reliable choice, as demonstrated by the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 2. This survival horror masterpiece offers a refreshed take on the classic 1998 game, boasting impressive graphical and gameplay enhancements.

Regardless if you’re controlling Claire Renfield or Leon Kennedy, you’ll come across the entire Raccoon City Police Department that has been transformed into zombies due to a viral outbreak.

In this harrowing journey, it’s none other than the formidable Mr. X who becomes your most daunting adversary. He’s unyielding in his determined chase to take you down.

As a gamer, I can’t get enough of this game – it’s a blast to dive into! It manages to stay faithful to its chilling survival horror essence, keeping me on tenterhooks all the time. Every corner I turn could be harboring the scariest zombies gaming has ever seen, making each moment a heart-pounding experience.

Capcom maintains a traditional approach by incorporating intelligent puzzles that can be quite demanding at times. Occasionally, you may find yourself seeking help on YouTube when stumped, yet this level of challenge contributes to the overall gaming experience.

In essence, it offers an engaging storyline, contemporary visuals, and pulse-pounding action that make the Resident Evil series truly special. If you’ve never played the original game or simply wish to relive the glory days, give this remake a try.

7 The Evil Within 2

Twisted Nightmare Fuel

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

In The Evil Within 2, we delve deeper into the heart-wrenching tale of Sebastian Castellanos. Once more, you’re drawn into a horrific reality that is the STEM system, this time with the aim of rescuing your daughter.

The game offers an engaging mix of action, suspense, and storytelling that will captivate you. Moreover, it provides ample freedom in navigating situations within the game. You have the option to choose stealthy tactics or go guns blazing against your adversaries.

In the gaming world, I find myself truly appreciating how the narrative in the sequel has been beefed up significantly compared to its predecessor. While the original game had an underwhelming storyline, it managed to captivate me with its stunning environment and immersive ambiance. The sequel, however, has really stepped up its game when it comes to delivering a compelling tale that’s worth losing myself in.

Conversely, The Evil Within 2 goes beyond its predecessor by offering a more compelling narrative and plotline. Essentially, The Evil Within 2 appears to be a sequel striving to rectify the oversights of its earlier version.

In the sequel, there’s a touch of playful exaggeration added, allowing you to deviate from the primary objective (rescuing your daughter) to explore secondary missions or engage in amusing activities.

6 Prey

The Experiment Gone Wrong

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

In a natural and easy-to-read paraphrase, “Prey” can be described as the epitome of authentic science fiction terror. It’s about Morgan Yu, who regains consciousness on a space station, but soon realizes that everything around him poses a threat, even an ordinary coffee mug.

In the year 2032, I find myself on a chilling first-person space station simulator, the Talos 1. As a test subject for an experiment aimed at improving human existence, things were looking promising, but as is often the case in these horror tales, things quickly spiraled out of control. Now, it’s up to me to navigate this haunting environment and uncover the truth behind the experiment gone awry.

Essentially, the space station is chaotic due to hostile aliens that can shape-shift into various forms. It’s akin to if the mimic monster from Dark Souls 3 had expanded transformative capabilities. This shapes much of the tension, leaving you on edge as you tread carefully.

Arkane Studios is prepared to challenge your perception and puzzle your mind with this intricate storyline that requires you to decipher your character and endure this harrowing experience. In keeping with their usual style, they recommend a cautious approach as recklessly using your firepower might not always be the wisest move.

My advice would be to not trust anything or anyone, and that includes a stapler.

5 Amnesia: The Bunker

Nightmare in the Trenches

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

One of the most important qualities of a horror game is its uncanny creepy atmosphere, and Amnesia: The Bunker perfects this. Step into an oppressive, claustrophobic setting of World War 1, in the latest installment of Frictional Games’ terrifying series.

Instead of following a traditional linear path like previous games, Amnesia The Bunker presents a greater degree of autonomy by departing from that conventional formula. Additionally, it provides you with additional choices when confronted with obstacles, allowing for more flexibility in overcoming them.

The game provides limited initial information, instead immersing you directly into an explorable world from the start.

The absence of details and being unaccustomed to the situation generates an underlying tension, making the horror even more terrifying. Each step taken beyond the safety of the room is shrouded in enigma and perplexity.

In this game, not only do you engage in combat, but you also take on the role of a detective as you piece together the mystery surrounding your companions’ fate using the clues they’ve left behind. However, remember that a dangerous predator lurks and hunts you, so stay vigilant!

4 Dead Space Remake

Back Aboard The Ishimura

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

The fresh take on the Dead Space Remake has rejuvenated the series, delivering an intensely revamped version of the 2008 EA original, brimming with terror.

The legendary USS Ishimura has been rejuvenated with updated aesthetics and top-notch audio production, transforming it into a captivating experience akin to stepping into a haunted mansion.

This particular house, teeming with parasitic creatures and vicious beasts, is intent on eliminating you in gruesome manners.

Additionally, for those eager to delve into every nook and cranny of this contaminated spacecraft, here’s some good news: With the remake, you now have the opportunity to do so! The new version grants you access to the tram station, allowing you to travel between areas once each section is unlocked.

2023’s remake has been revamped with fresh gameplay elements like the limb-targeting strategy. This adds a thrilling twist to the gunplay, making it exciting to take aim and sever the twisted limbs of these grotesque mutants.

You’ll find that after encountering the eerily unsettling ambiance in this new take on the chilling space expedition, you might find the original version seems rather dull by comparison.

3 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Terror from a Broken Mind

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

In “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice”, you take on the role of a character grappling with the torment of a disturbed mind, immersing you in her harrowing ordeal.

As Senua, embark on a harrowing quest to reconnect with your lost love, you’ll need to conquer the demons that appear either as part of the real world or manifestations from Senua’s troubled psyche.

As a gamer, I was blown away by Ninja Theory’s innovative use of binaural audio, creating an unprecedented level of immersion. It felt like I was peeking into the troubled mind of a character grappling with the challenges of mental illness.

The feeling that hits you the first time those voices inside Senua’s mind speak to you is nothing short of eerie and will send chills down your spine.

Despite not being a traditional horror game, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice delivers a haunting narrative that embodies Senua’s struggles with darkness, brutality, torment, and fear in a nightmarish fashion. If I were to classify it, I’d label it as psychological horror action.

In a sudden manner, her inner torment emerges unexpectedly to harass and assault her, making it challenging for you to aid her in overcoming this health predicament. At times, you might develop an increasing sense of unease towards the conversations you hear as the narrative unfolds, hinting at paranoia.

The game also incorporates Norse mythology elements that combine to form a narrative like no other. It’s safe to say this experience will stick with you in your memory long after it’s over.

2 The Quarry

Decisions are Life or Death

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

In a fresh addition to their collection of interactive horror films, Supermassive delivers another hit titled “The Quarry“. This time, they’ve drawn inspiration from the thrilling 80s monster movie genre, placing you in charge as you navigate the storylines of teenage camp counselors, whose lives are in your control.

Despite The Quarry offering a more playful or cheesy feel compared to its earlier installments in the Dark Pictures Anthology, it delivers plenty of chilling moments.

Instead, it’s designed primarily for amusement, offering a fun, shared experience similar to watching a light-hearted horror movie with companions, rather than aiming to instill an intense fear that makes you hesitant to gaze upon your screen.

This game boasts an impressive ensemble of actors with varying backgrounds, ranging from Justice Smith and Ariel Winter to the iconic David Arquette in the horror genre. They all embody multiple horror film stereotypes.

In this scenario, it is you who determines the outcomes for each of these teenagers. Your aim is to ensure that they all reach the finish line safely, employing a variety of narrative decisions, such as dialogue options and quick-time events.

Despite not having any groundbreaking features, the game’s straightforward mechanics manage to maintain an enjoyable experience during its entire duration.

1 The Walking Dead: Complete First Season

Fragile Hope in a Dying World

Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass

In a striking demonstration of excellence, Telltale Games truly excelled with the initial release of their critically acclaimed The Walking Dead series. Essentially, The Walking Dead: First Season transforms Robert Kirkman’s widely recognized comic book series into an immersive and gripping point-and-click game experience.

Playing this game significantly established Telltale as a top-notch game developer, largely because of its exceptional narrative journey.

In a world overrun by zombies, you accompany Lee Everett, who is both guarding and guiding a timid child named Clementine.

The outcomes are heavily influenced by the choices you make regarding moral quandaries, such as ethics, vengeance, survival, and matters of life and death. Even seemingly trivial conversation choices can significantly impact your interactions with other characters.

Among all the episodes from Telltale’s The Walking Dead collection accessible via Game Pass, we opted for the initial installment since its narrative, which is still among the most heart-wrenchingly emotional, sets the stage for the rest of the series.

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2024-11-11 16:39