5 Xbox Series X|S Horror Games You Should Play This Halloween

Throughout October and as we approach Halloween, the eerie and frightening atmosphere intensifies. That is why what goes hand in hand with the celebration of the dead is playing horror games. After all, a horror game's goal is to make your hair stand on end, give you goosebumps down your spine, and make you scream in terror. If that's what you're looking for, these are the best horror games on Xbox Series X|S that will deliver just that.

Remember, you asked for it, and we're warning you that some of these games take horror to new heights. They're not the kind of games you'd want to play alone in a dark room. Although we will applaud your bravery if that's how you go about playing these Xbox horror games; because we certainly don't have the melons to do it ourselves. Regardless, if you want to be immersed in some quality horror games this October, these are our picks for the best ones on Xbox Series X|S.

5. Resident Evil Village

If you haven't played the Resident Evil series yet, you're missing out on one of the most compelling story-driven horror games available. The whole series falls in the narrative horror genre that first began in 1996 with the original Resident Evil. However, the most recent installment, Resident Evil Village, is the series' pinnacle and was well-received by critics and gamers alike. But if you want to get started on the right foot, start with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. This will give you some context for Resident Evil Village's backstory.

Regardless, either choice will send shivers down your spine. You play as Ethan Winters in both installments, whom we sympathize with because in one story he is fighting for his kidnapped daughter and in the other, he is searching for his missing wife. Which is a horrifying reality in and of itself, but as he delves deeper into his investigation, it becomes even more so. Why? That you'll have to find out for yourself. Nonetheless, if you want to start your Xbox Horror games spree on the right foot this October, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and the sequel Resident Evil Village are your best bets.

4. Little Nightmares Series

If you want a horror game that's full of suspense and immersion, the Little Nightmares series is a great choice. This side-scroller horror puzzler is developed by Bandai Namco, and it's guaranteed to get you're heart racing. Both games feature a small child-like character as their protagonist, however, they follow two different stories across both games. Since, Little Nightmares 2, acts as a prequel to the first game. So, you can play the game in any order. But once you've tried one, it'll be difficult not to pick up and play the other.

Being that both games are side-scrollers, you'll find the backdrop of every level in this game really sets the scene for its atmosphere. Furthermore, each level comes with a lot of detail and mystery, to push the suspense and immersion you feel while solving puzzles. All of this adds up to some really exciting gameplay that will have you holding your breath as you narrowly escape each level. The Little Nightmares series won't scare you to death, but it will certainly get your heart racing and keep you on the edge of your seat for the duration of both games.

3. Alien: Isolation

Alien: Isolation may be an older title, first released in 2014, but it was a masterclass horror game at the time. So much so that it is still regarded as one of the best horror games of all time. But that's because it's based on Alien, one of the best thriller/horror films ever made. We all remember how much the original 1979 Alien film had us hiding behind our sheets, and Alien: Isolation delivers the same experience. Except this time you're not just watching it, you're also playing it.

This game's narrative falls fifteen years after the events of the Alien film. You play as Amanda Ripley, Ellen Ripley's daughter, who's in search of her mother's disappearance. So you'll find direct correlations between the original film, and this game that's acting as its sequel. Furthermore, it's included with an Xbox game pass, so if you're a subscriber, why not try it out for free? Even if you're not a subscriber, or haven't seen the original film, Alien: Isolation is one of the best horror games on Xbox that you definitely shouldn't overlook.

2. The Evil Within 2

If you want to amp up the horror atmosphere with terrifying-looking monsters that will make your skin crawl, try The Evil Within 2. This sequel is a true masterpiece of a follow-up that exceeded all its expectations. You take on the role of Detective Sebastion Castellanos, a man who has lost everything, including his daughter Lily. The only way to save her is to plunge headfirst into the terrifying world of STEM. Which is full of unsettling dangers, and grotesque creatures, lurking around every corner.

So, if you're not into things that will haunt you in your sleep, you might want to reconsider playing The Evil Within 2. However, if you're looking for a new experience, this is one of the best original horror games you can get on the Xbox series X|S. But like we said, be prepared to see some pretty graphic depictions. Ones that are far more frightening than the monsters hiding under your bed. We can only hope.

1. Outlast Series

The Outlast series is unquestionably the pinnacle of horror games, and the series has been remastered for the Xbox Series X|S. When the first game was released, it caused quite a stir in the horror genre. That's because it increased immersion by providing players with a camera to help them see in the dark. But, to be honest, it just adds to the eeriness of the situation. Of course, the same concept was carried over into the second game, which is a worthy sequel to the first.

This is also an excellent time to play this series, since the third installment, The Outlast Trials, is scheduled for release in 2022. And if developer Red Barrels improves on the concepts in the first two games, The Outlast Trials could make for one of the best horror games of all time. Re-crowning the achievements of its original game. If you want a horror game that will force you to step away for a breath of fresh air and to calm your nerves, the Outlast series is it. If you don't believe that, we recommend you try it for yourself and see how much your heart can take.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other horror games on Xbox Series X|S that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!