Horror Lite Games to Play for Halloween

As someone who absolutely adores Halloween but is also a huge coward, it's hard for me to enjoy scary titles as much; I'm not a huge fan of having my heart thumping up my throat for half my time with a title! That being said, I've found some middle ground throughout the years, where I still get to enjoy some thrill but not enough to make me regret my life. Here are 10 "horror lite" experiences to check out! Starting off in alphabetical order with…

#1 — Among the Sleep

• Genres: First-person, Atmospheric
• Developer: Krillbite Studio
• Publisher: Krillbite Studio
• Check out the review!

In this cute-looking game, we'll take on possibly one of the scariest roles I can imagine: a helpless child. Although the terror punch is softened by the cartoony graphics and teddy bear companion, it still managed to freak me out during some of the more intense moments, which makes it a great title to pick up when you want to be scared but not terrified!

#2 — Bendy and the Ink Machine

• Genres: First-person, Dark
• Developer: Joey Drew Studios
• Publisher: Joey Drew Studios

Although I haven't actually gotten to try out Bendy myself, the game's 88% positive rating on Steam speaks for me! I was originally interested thanks to the outstanding graphics style, but my interest has been piqued by the narrative, which has Bendy explore the animator's abandoned workshop! It looks scary and unsettling but not terrifying, which is just right up my alley.

#3 — Bramble: The Mountain King

• Genres: Cinematic, Adventure
• Developer: Dimfrost Studio
• Publisher: Merge Games

This is another title I've had my eye on for a while but haven't gotten around to buying yet. In it, we play as a little boy who goes through all kinds of horrors to try and save his sister, and throughout our journey, we'll explore a grim world inspired by dark Nordic fables! Just judging by the videos, it's no surprise it's Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam!

#4 — DREDGE

• Genres: Lovecraftian, Fishing
• Developer: Black Salt Games
• Publisher: Team17
• Check out the review!

Although I haven't personally tried the game yet, a co-worker reviewed it recently and seemed quite smitten by it! She and the other nearly 17,000 people who recommended it on Steam made me interested in DREDGE despite originally not caring much for it. Unlike the others on the list (and most horror games in general), we won't be running from terrifying monsters and trying not to die; instead, we'll be going on a fishing trip to catch some of the ocean's most terrifying creatures! A great title for Lovecraft fans.

#5 — Layers of Fear

• Genres: Psychological Horror, First-person
• Developer: Anshar Studios, Bloober Team
• Publisher: Bloober Team SA
• Check out the review!

Whether you pick up the latest entry to the franchise or the original one from back in 2016, you'll still get a fantastic cinematic journey! These games are nearly a walking simulator but with a few puzzles and interactions here and there, and they do a fantastic job at keeping the atmosphere eerie and the tensions high! For someone who isn't a big fan of conserving ammo and worrying about safe houses, this is a phenomenal option to pick up as an easily frightened Halloween enthusiast!

#6 — Little Nightmares Franchise

• Genres: Atmospheric, Adventure
• Developer: Tarsier Studios, Supermassive Games
• Publisher: Bandai Namco

If you want a little more action than just walking around and watching the story unfold, you could try the Little Nightmares franchise. These 2D platformers take you through different stories, but they're eerie because you play as children who are usually in terrifying situations. If you like cinematic titles, tons of puzzles, and creepy monsters and narratives, these games will be great for you!

#7 — Oxenfree

• Genres: Choices Matter, 2D
• Developer: Night School Studio
• Publisher: Night School Studio
• Check out the review!

I spent years wanting to pick up and play Oxenfree, and last year, I finally had the chance to do it, and I loved it! In this game, you play as Alex, a teenager who goes off on an accidentally horrifying adventure with her group of friends after they stumble upon supernatural activity on an island. I loved the game more than I thought I would, and although it's only 2D, it still had moments that had my heart thump, thump, thumping away!

#8 — Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened

• Genres: Lovecraftian, Detective
• Developer: Frogwares
• Publisher: Frogwares
• Check out the review!

Frogwares quickly became one of my favourite game devs back when I played Sherlock Holmes Chapter One with my wife, and ever since then, we also dove in for their remake of one of their games. Although I suggest playing Chapter One before tackling this one just so you are acquainted with their Sherlock, it's not necessary at all. The reason I'm adding this one to this horror lite list is because it deals with Lovecraft's monsters, and although it's not a hide-under-the-covers amount of scary, it certainly had its moments! Plus, seriously... Frogwares is awesome. 

#9 — The Quarry

• Genres: Choices Matter, Multiple Endings
• Developer: Supermassive Games
• Publisher: 2K Games
• Check out the review!

Whilst I was very excited about this game when I heard of it, I was very suspicious of it; narrative-heavy titles like these are easy to mess up, especially when they're presented as a movie. Thankfully, I eventually got to try it, and it turns out, it's a fantastic game and possibly one of my favourite Halloween experiences yet! In it, you go through a movie-like experience, where you'll mostly just choose how the characters will react and then deal with the consequences. Of course, the narrative is horror-based, so there will be jump scares and scary moments, but I added it to the list thanks to the fantastic option to play with up to seven friends online or locally! It's not so scary if you're all terrified together.

#10 — The Walking Dead

• Genres: Story Rich, Choices Matters
• Developer: Skybound Games
• Publisher: Skybound Games

Last but never least, Telltale's The Walking Dead will always have a place in my heart, as it's one of the most impacting experiences I've had throughout my many years of gaming. Although it is a horror game with gore and set in a post-apocalyptic zombie world, I decided to add it due to the lack of actual action — you make choices and watch the story unfold, similarly to some others I listed. The only difference is that it does have a bit more horror in it, what with the gore and light jump scares. Just prepare your comfort food and tissues because the game, just like the show, will hurt your heart! 

That's it for my list of horror lite titles for you to try out this October! Feel free to let me know in the comments below if I missed any of your favourites.