Spooky Games To Play This Halloween That Aren't Full-Blown Horror

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for all things spooky and Halloween-themed, allow me to share my top picks for this chilling season!

As October rolls around, the atmosphere becomes filled with the magical aura of Halloween. You’ll notice an array of decorations appearing, horror films becoming more popular, and it’s common for many video game enthusiasts to crave immersive experiences fitting the season, often choosing games that offer eerie and supernatural themes.

While some people may not enjoy the frightening aspects that are often linked with this period, as numerous games concentrate on scaring players or generating anxious moments, it’s comforting to know that there are other alternatives available too. These games embody the essence of the season in a less intimidating manner. They provide an air of mystery and adventure without delving into deep-seated fears, thereby creating the ideal Halloween atmosphere.

10 Oxenfree

A Supernatural Thriller That Captures The Spooky Vibe Without Horror

Investigating a solitary and abandoned island can certainly set a melancholic mood, but it’s the intriguing supernatural suspense storyline that makes Oxenfree stand out. This chilling tale revolves around strange occurrences, placing characters in nerve-wracking and perplexing situations without resorting to shock tactics like jump scares to keep players hooked.

In “Oxenfree,” conversations are constantly evolving and the storyline changes depending on your decisions, creating an eerie atmosphere that keeps you hooked throughout. This game skillfully delves into the supernatural, blending elements of mystery, suspense, and a haunting ambiance that makes it perfect for Halloween without sticking strictly to conventional horror themes.

9 Night In The Woods

A Mystery In A Small Town With A Spooky Atmosphere

Night in the Woods is notable for its compelling and moody storyline, taking place in a small town brimming with enigmas. The game subtly evokes a chilling ambiance, tackling topics such as nostalgia and apprehension without delving into explicit terror. Featuring charming characters and a melancholic style, it crafts a distinctive and reflective environment.

As I embarked on this adventure, I found myself accompanying Mae, a spirited young girl, on her way back to her hometown. Little did she know that as she delved deeper into its mysteries, she would uncover peculiar secrets. The narrative weaves an intricate tapestry of suspense and amusement, making it an engaging experience for the autumnal season, without relying excessively on fear-inducing elements.

8 Costume Quest

A Spooky Rpg Set During Halloween

On Halloween, if you’re looking for some enjoyable, non-frightening games to play, Costume Quest and its sequel, Costume Quest 2, make great picks. These games are set on the spooky Halloween night and follow a tale of two siblings who go trick-or-treating in their neighborhood. The player can decide which sibling to control, with the other one getting captured by a monster in the storyline.

In the story, the main character sets off on an adventure to save their sibling, encountering swarms of monsters along the way. Assembling a team for this task, they engage in combat that takes place over turns and complete themed missions such as gathering candies, which serve as currency. This game, called Costume Quest, wonderfully portrays the eerie atmosphere of Halloween while providing an enjoyable, non-frightening experience.

7 Dredge

An Eerie Fishing Experience

Introduced in 2023, Dredge offers a distinctive gaming experience where you take charge of a vessel, navigating through waters to find the most lucrative fish catches for selling at market. But remember, keeping an eye on the clock is crucial, as events become increasingly unsettling when darkness descends.

“Dredge stands out due to its eerie ambiance, ideal for players seeking a Halloween-themed adventure without excessive horror or fright elements. The tension builds at times, but it’s not primarily centered around fear. Moreover, the game’s plot and the enigmas woven into its main storyline are meticulously crafted, enhancing the overall experience.

6 Cozy Grove

A Relaxing And Spooky Game For Halloween

Cozy Grove is an excellent option to evoke the Halloween spirit minus the heavy dread associated with horror games. This game provides a captivating environment on a haunted island inhabited by friendly spirits that the player assists in finding tranquility. The visually appealing and endearing design, coupled with calming music, fosters a serene experience suitable for those seeking a hint of enigma without frights.

Experiencing friendly and soothing encounters with ghosts is one of the main appeals of Cozy Grove, making it an outstanding choice for Halloween. Instead of concentrating on creating fear, the game delves into topics like emotional healing and bonding, while maintaining a harmonious blend of the ominous and warm atmosphere.

5 Graveyard Keeper

Management Simulator With Halloween Vibes

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4 and 5, iOS, Xbox One and Sereis S/X, PC
Released: August 15, 2018
Developer: Lazy Bear Games, Magic Cat
Genre: Simulation

In simpler terms, Graveyard Keeper is an engaging simulation game that lets you oversee a medieval graveyard with a gothic flair and dark wit. Particularly during Halloween, the eerie ambiance and macabre details create an ideal setting for individuals who appreciate a creepy vibe but prefer something less frightening than intense horror.

Beyond taking care of graves and carrying out ceremonies, the player delves into a world brimming with enigmas and eccentric personalities. The blend of construction and crafting elements, along with captivating quests, makes Graveyard Keeper an ideal pick for a creative and entertaining Halloween experience.

4 Cult Of The Lamb

Mixing Cuteness With Spooky Elements

For individuals who thought that adorable creatures had no place in eerie games, Cult of the Lamb defies conventions by blending endearing creatures with ominous and mystical motifs, resulting in a distinct gaming experience. The game’s spooky ambiance is conveyed through the integration of rituals and macabre surroundings, all enveloped within an appealing and charming visual style. The juxtaposition between the captivating aesthetic and the dark theme makes the game ideal for those looking for something unusual on Halloween.

As a devotee, I find myself assuming the role of a rescued lamb in this chilling narrative. This mysterious entity has bestowed upon me the unique responsibility to establish my very own cult. The gameplay is immersive as I construct and manage my follower’s community, engage in rituals, and delve into shadowy dungeons. A dash of humor intertwines these spooky elements, crafting an ideal blend for a thrilling Halloween experience.

3 Don’t Starve

A Survival Game With Tim Burton Artstyle

Tim Burton is often linked to Halloween due to his distinctive visual style in both animated and live-action films. This quality is mirrored in the game “Don’t Starve,” which boasts a dark aesthetic and design that echoes the director’s work. The game creates a captivating and mystical environment, ideal for the Halloween season, without relying on fear to achieve this atmosphere.

Characters are tasked with inhabiting roles of individuals stranded in a menacing realm teeming with peculiar beasts. The priority is survival as they traverse an odd landscape while striving to preserve their mental stability. Drawing inspiration from Tim Burton’s distinctive aesthetic, Don’t Starve skillfully merges eerie Halloween ambiance with survival, offering a delightful gaming experience.

2 What Remains of Edith Finch

A Short Adventure With A Wonderful Narrative

In terms of length, What Remains of Edith Finch is quite brief, typically wrapping up within 3 hours. However, it features a section inspired by classic horror movies that may not be as spooky as the originals. This part arises when the protagonist peruses a comic book about Barbara Finch, a family member who was an actress.

As a thrill-seeking gamer, I’ve found myself plunged into a chilling, comic book-style narrative that perfectly encapsulates the eerie ambiance of classic Halloween horror films. The soundtrack, masterfully crafted by John Carpenter himself, adds an extra layer of immersion to this unforgettable gaming experience.

1 Luigi’s Mansion 3

Ghostly Adventures With A Spooky Twist

One notable game series highlighting Luigi, Mario’s sibling, as the lead character is known for effectively evoking a spooky Halloween atmosphere without resorting to horror for its setting. The game successfully blends Luigi’s humorous personality with engaging and entertaining gameplay, in which the protagonist must outlive ghostly threats and capture them.

In the game titled “Luigi’s Mansion 3,” players embark on an adventure at a resort called The Last Resort. Here, not only Luigi but other familiar characters from the series have taken a vacation, but they’ve vanished mysteriously. It falls upon Luigi to rescue his friends and confront his own apprehensions in a haunted setting teeming with ghostly creatures.

2024-10-06 06:04

Spooky Games To Play This Halloween That Aren’t Full-Blown Horror