As a chill creeps into the air, nights grow longer and eerie decorations begin appearing on doorsteps, it’s a sign that Halloween is nearly here! Dim the lights, grab a blanket, and prepare to be spooked—these are the creepiest video game experiences to haunt your Halloween. It’s a great way to usher in “spooky season!”
I’ve curated a lineup of horror games that offer something for everyone, from eerie adventures fit for the whole family to pulse-pounding nightmares that will test your courage. I’ve faced the chills, survived the jump scares, and explored the darkest corners of these virtual worlds to bring you the best of the best.
Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted fright or a full-blown descent into terror, here are my top picks to make your Halloween gaming season unforgettable.
Family-friendly Halloween gaming
Let’s start with some family-friendly tricks and treats. These lighthearted, spooky adventures are filled with cartoony pals, delivering the perfect dose of Halloween fun. Think more giggles than frightened gasps, with plenty of ghostly charm.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Next Level Games / Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action, Adventure, Puzzle
Modes: Single-player, Local Co-op
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Luigi is back for another ghost-hunting adventure in Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, a remastered version of the Nintendo 3DS classic. Join him as he explores five haunted mansions filled with mischievous spirits, tricky puzzles, and plenty of slapstick humour. The game strikes a perfect balance between spooky and silly, offering light scares wrapped in Nintendo charm.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Next Level Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action, Adventure, Puzzle
Modes: Single-player, Local & Online Co-op
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
If you’re after even more ghostly fun, Luigi’s Mansion 3 takes the series to new heights. Set inside the towering, trap-filled “Last Resort Hotel,” Luigi must rescue his friends from a cast of quirky ghosts. Luckily, he has the help of his trusty Poltergust G-00 vacuum. The game blends clever puzzles, cooperative play with Gooigi, and plenty of fun. It’s a spooky mix of comedy and mild creepiness that makes for a perfect Halloween family game night.
Astro Bot
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Developer: Team Asobi
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Platformer, Adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and up)
Astro Bot may not spring to mind right away for Halloween, but it captures the spirit of the season in its own playful way. This 3D platformer offers dozens of costumes to discover and wear, allowing Astro to transform into various characters as he explores vibrant, imaginative worlds. One area, “Ghouls and Bots,” channels classic haunted house vibes complete with ghostbusting, hidden secrets, and eerie surprises around every corner. It’s a whimsical, family-friendly adventure that proves Halloween can be more about fun and discovery than fright.
Mature horror video game recommendations
Now that we’ve explored lighthearted frights, it’s time to step into darker, more intense territory. These mature horror games deliver pulse-pounding scares, gore, and storytelling that will test your courage. From the shadowy streets of Seattle to nightmarish battlefields, they are designed for players ready to embrace the thrill of a true Halloween scare.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: The Chinese Room
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Genre: Action RPG
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Sink your teeth into Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. Set in the dark underworld of Seattle, this immersive RPG combines gothic atmosphere, branching choices, and supernatural powers to deliver one of the most anticipated horror experiences of 2025.
Call of Duty: The Haunting Halloween event
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer: Infinity Ward
Publisher: Activision
Genre: First-person shooter
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer, Battle Royale
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
The annual Halloween event returns with Call of Duty: The Haunting, transforming familiar maps into eerie, undead-filled battlegrounds. This year’s lineup features horror legends like Friday the 13th’s Jason Voorhees and the legendary Predator. These terrifying icons can be unlocked through the seasonal Battle Pass, exclusive bundles, or limited-time challenges.
Pick up some Call of Duty points to upgrade your haunting experience
Psychological thrills and chilling stories
Alan Wake 2
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Publisher: Epic Games Publishing
Genre: Psychological Horror, Action-Adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Alan Wake 2 was my game of the year for 2023 for many reasons. It blurs the line between nightmare and reality in devilishly disturbing ways. You step into the shoes of both Alan Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson. You’ll investigate a supernatural horror gripping a small Pacific Northwest town. Complete with moody visuals, deep storytelling, and genuine psychological terror, this is hard to put down.
Silent Hill f
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: NeoBards Entertainment
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Psychological Horror
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Silent Hill f takes the legendary series to 1960s Japan, blending psychological terror with haunting beauty. The graphics and sound design are truly incredible. Its unsettling story and grotesque horrors deliver a slow-burn scare that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Until Dawn
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Developer: Ballistic Moon
Publisher: PlayStation Studios
Genre: Interactive Drama, Survival Horror
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
The cinematic cult classic returns with a full PlayStation 5 remake. Until Dawn lets your choices decide who lives or dies on a terrifying mountain retreat. Every decision matters, and the wrong one could be your last. Will you survive the night? A mature horror thriller awaits, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Little Nightmares III
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Developer: Supermassive Games
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Genre: Puzzle-Platformer, Horror Adventure
Modes: Single-player, Online Co-op
ESRB Rating: T (Teen 13+)
The third entry in the acclaimed series introduces online co-op. This allows two players to explore and survive the horrors together. Little Nightmares III delivers inventive puzzles, surreal art design, and a sense of dread that lingers well past Halloween night. It’s an experience offering plenty of spooky tricks and a few treats.
Halloween scares await!
Did your favourite fright make the cut? This year’s lineup proves there’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than by diving into a great game. From Luigi’s lighthearted haunts to Alan Wake’s psychological torment, these titles span every shade of spooky. Whether you’re hunting vampires, escaping nightmares, or vacuuming ghosts, there’s no wrong way to play this Halloween.
Ready to face the fright?
Browse the latest video game releases at BestBuy.ca or check out digital downloads to start your spooky season right.
