16 Must-Play Games on PlayStation Plus to Terrify Your Halloween and Beyond
As the leaves turn crimson and the nights draw in, a primal urge awakens within us – the desire for a good scare. And what better way to indulge this annual descent into delightful dread than by plunging into the chilling depths of PlayStation Plus? Our expansive library on both PS4 and PS5 is a veritable treasure trove, brimming with a terrifying-yet-terrific variety of high-profile essentials and indie classics. With the spooky season of Halloween casting its ominous shadow, it’s the perfect time to unearth some devilish delights that promise to transform your evenings into unforgettable journeys through the macabre. Forget fleeting frights; these are games designed to linger, to haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll, ensuring your Halloween, and indeed any future fangs-givings, are infused with a potent blend of terror and thrilling gameplay.
We’ve scoured the vast digital landscapes of PlayStation Plus to curate a selection that caters to every facet of fear. From psychological thrillers that warp your perception of reality to jump-scare-laden survival horrors that test your very sanity, this list is your ultimate guide to the most spine-chilling experiences available right now. Prepare yourselves, for we are about to embark on a descent into darkness, exploring titles that have captivated, terrified, and ultimately cemented their place as must-play games for any discerning horror aficionado.
The Psychological Torment: Games That Mess With Your Mind
True horror often lies not in what you see, but in what you imagine. These titles masterfully manipulate your psyche, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare, leaving you questioning your own sanity.
1. Silent Hill 2 (PS4 via PlayStation Plus Premium Classic Catalog)
A cornerstone of psychological horror, Silent Hill 2 remains an undisputed masterpiece. This journey into the fog-shrouded town of Silent Hill is not just about monsters; it’s a profound exploration of guilt, grief, and repressed trauma. As James Sunderland searches for his deceased wife, Mary, who has seemingly summoned him to their “special place,” players are plunged into a surreal and deeply disturbing world. The town itself is a manifestation of James’s inner turmoil, populated by creatures that are symbolic representations of his deepest fears and regrets. The iconic Pyramid Head, a brutal and enigmatic figure, embodies James’s self-loathing and punitive desires. The oppressive atmosphere, the unsettling sound design by Akira Yamaoka, and the mature, nuanced narrative create an experience that is as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying. Its impact on the horror genre is immeasurable, and experiencing it on modern PlayStation hardware is a testament to its enduring power. Silent Hill 2 is not merely a game; it’s an existential crisis wrapped in a chilling narrative.
2. Amnesia: The Dark Descent (PS4)
Amnesia: The Dark Descent redefined the survival horror genre by stripping players of any means to fight back. You awaken in a desolate Prussian castle with no memory of who you are or how you got there. The only recourse is to flee, hide, and solve environmental puzzles while managing your dwindling sanity. The game introduces a unique “sanity meter” mechanic; the longer you stay in the darkness, the more monstrous visions you experience, and the closer you get to your own demise. The monstrous Gatherers are relentless and terrifying, their guttural growls and the palpable sense of being hunted are enough to send shivers down your spine. The atmosphere is thick with dread, amplified by the oppressive darkness and the chilling whispers that echo through the crumbling halls. Amnesia forces players to confront their deepest fears in an environment that is as hostile as it is claustrophobic. Its influence can be seen in countless subsequent indie horror titles.
3. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (PS4/PS5)
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard marked a triumphant return to the series’ survival horror roots, shifting the perspective to a first-person view and injecting a potent dose of visceral dread. The game casts you as Ethan Winters, an ordinary man desperately searching for his long-lost girlfriend, Mia, who has sent him a cryptic message. His search leads him to the decaying, isolated Baker family plantation in Louisiana, a place that is far from welcoming. The Baker family themselves are the embodiment of monstrous hospitality, each member a grotesque and terrifying antagonist with their own disturbing motivations. The game’s relentless pacing, claustrophobic environments, and intense encounters with these deranged individuals create a constant sense of unease and terror. The introduction of the Mold, a parasitic organism, adds a unique biological horror element. Resident Evil 7 is a masterclass in atmospheric tension and terrifying encounters, offering a fresh and deeply unsettling take on the beloved franchise.
4. Layers of Fear (PS4)
Layers of Fear is a psychological horror game that plunges players into the fractured mind of a tormented artist. As you explore his opulent yet decaying Victorian mansion, you are tasked with piecing together the fragmented remnants of his life and unraveling the source of his artistic madness. The mansion is a constantly shifting labyrinth, where rooms reconfigure themselves, hallways stretch into infinity, and horrifying visions manifest from the artist’s disturbed psyche. The game masterfully utilizes environmental storytelling and surreal imagery to create a deeply unsettling and unpredictable experience. The narrative is delivered through cryptic notes, fleeting apparitions, and the ever-present sense of psychological breakdown. Layers of Fear is a descent into the abyss of obsession and madness, a haunting exploration of the destructive nature of art and the darkness that can consume the human soul.
Survival in the Shadows: Games Where Every Bullet Counts
In these titles, survival is a constant struggle against overwhelming odds. Resource management, tactical thinking, and a healthy dose of sheer desperation are your only allies.
5. Alien: Isolation (PS4)
Alien: Isolation is a masterclass in tension and dread, perfectly capturing the terrifying essence of Ridley Scott’s original 1979 film. You play as Amanda Ripley, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, who is searching for answers about her mother’s disappearance aboard the Sevastopol space station. The station is a labyrinth of dark corridors and malfunctioning technology, but the true terror lies in the presence of a single, utterly relentless Xenomorph. This creature is not scripted to follow predictable patterns; it hunts intelligently, adapting to your tactics and learning from your mistakes. The game forces you to rely on stealth, distraction, and your wits to survive, as direct confrontation is almost always fatal. The sound design is exceptional, with the creature’s every scrape and hiss ratcheting up the suspense. Alien: Isolation is a true survival horror experience that will have you on the edge of your seat, constantly looking over your shoulder.
6. The Last of Us Part I (PS5)
While not strictly a horror game in the traditional sense, The Last of Us Part I delivers moments of unparalleled terror and visceral dread through its post-apocalyptic setting and the terrifying infected. You follow Joel, a hardened survivor tasked with escorting Ellie, a young girl immune to the fungal plague, across a ravaged United States. The world is overrun by the Cordyceps fungus, which transforms humans into aggressive, mutated creatures. Encounters with the infected, particularly the terrifying Clickers with their echolocation and bone-crunching attacks, are often brutal and desperate affairs. The game masterfully blends intense stealth action with moments of quiet introspection and emotional depth, creating a narrative that is as gripping as it is heartbreaking. The haunting atmosphere, the scarcity of resources, and the constant threat of both the infected and desperate human survivors make The Last of Us Part I a profoundly impactful and often terrifying experience.
7. Resident Evil 2 (PS4/PS5)
Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 remake is a stunning reimagining of a survival horror classic, retaining the claustrophobic atmosphere and terrifying encounters while modernizing the gameplay and visuals. The game follows Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they navigate the zombie-infested Raccoon City on their first day on the job and during their search for their respective loved ones. The remake introduces the Tyrant, a terrifying pursuer that relentlessly hunts players throughout the game, adding an unparalleled level of dread. The chilling sound design, the oppressive darkness of the Raccoon City Police Department, and the sheer number of terrifying zombies and grotesque creatures create an unforgettable survival horror experience. The dual campaigns offer different perspectives on the unfolding nightmare, making it a deep and replayable dive into pure terror. Resident Evil 2 is a testament to how well classic survival horror can be revitalized for a new generation.
8. The Evil Within 2 (PS4)
The Evil Within 2 expands upon the foundations of its predecessor, offering a more open-ended exploration and a deeper narrative while maintaining its signature brand of visceral horror. You reprise your role as Detective Sebastian Castellanos, who must delve back into the nightmarish world of STEM to find his missing daughter. The game seamlessly blends tense survival horror sections with stealth mechanics and a compelling story that explores themes of loss, regret, and the nature of reality. The environments are incredibly detailed and unsettling, filled with grotesque creatures and terrifying set pieces. The introduction of the Mourningwood and Union areas allows for more exploration, but this freedom also means more opportunities for terrifying encounters. The game’s psychological elements are stronger than ever, creating a truly immersive and disturbing experience. The Evil Within 2 is a journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche, a terrifying and rewarding adventure.
Indie Terrors: Small Games, Big Scares
The independent game development scene is a fertile ground for innovative and deeply unsettling horror experiences. These titles prove that creativity and a knack for frights aren’t exclusive to AAA studios.
9. Little Nightmares I & II (PS4)
Little Nightmares and its sequel offer a unique and captivating brand of puzzle-platformer horror. You play as Six in the first game and Mono in the second, small, vulnerable characters navigating a distorted, oversized world populated by grotesque and terrifying adults. The games excel in their masterful use of atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and sound design to create a pervasive sense of dread and helplessness. The monstrous characters, from the elongated Six’s Father to the distorted residents of the city in Little Nightmares II, are truly nightmarish creations. The puzzles are cleverly integrated into the environment, and the chase sequences are heart-poundingly tense. These games are not about jump scares, but about a creeping, pervasive unease and the constant feeling of being hunted by forces far larger and more menacing than yourself. Little Nightmares is a beautifully crafted and deeply unsettling journey into a world of childhood fears amplified.
10. SOMA (PS4)
SOMA is a science fiction horror game that delves into profound philosophical questions about consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human. Set in an underwater research facility, PATHOS II, you awaken with no memory and must uncover the horrifying truth behind your existence and the fate of humanity. The game’s horror stems not only from its unsettling environments and the terrifying, biomechanical creatures that inhabit them but also from its deeply thought-provoking narrative. As you progress, you are forced to confront the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, consciousness transfer, and the very nature of existence. The moments of dread are amplified by the isolation of the underwater setting and the existential questions the game poses. SOMA is a slow-burn horror experience that will leave you pondering its mysteries long after you’ve finished playing.
11. Outlast (PS4)
Outlast is a found-footage survival horror game that throws you into the role of an investigative journalist, Miles Upshur, who decides to break into the remote Mount Massive Asylum to uncover its dark secrets. Armed only with a camcorder, you must navigate the terrifying halls of the asylum, documenting the horrific experiments and the deranged inmates that roam its depths. The game’s core mechanic relies on stealth and evasion, as you have no means to fight back. The camcorder’s night vision feature is essential for seeing in the oppressive darkness, but its battery life is limited, adding another layer of tension. The asylum is filled with disturbing imagery, gruesome encounters, and relentless pursuers. Outlast delivers a relentless barrage of jump scares and terrifying chase sequences, making it a visceral and unforgettable horror experience.
12. Bloodborne (PS4)
While primarily an action RPG, Bloodborne undeniably offers one of the most potent and pervasive horror experiences on PlayStation. Developed by FromSoftware, the creators of Dark Souls, Bloodborne plunges players into the gothic and Lovecraftian nightmare of Yharnam, a city plagued by a horrific endemic illness that transforms its inhabitants into monstrous beasts. The game’s atmosphere is a masterclass in cosmic horror, with its oppressive architecture, unsettling sound design, and a gradual descent into madness as the true nature of the eldritch horrors lurking beneath the surface is revealed. The insight mechanic, which allows players to perceive more of the game’s terrifying reality, is a brilliant way to integrate the Lovecraftian themes directly into gameplay. Encounters with the grotesque beasts and the increasingly incomprehensible cosmic entities are both challenging and deeply unnerving. Bloodborne is a brutal, beautiful, and terrifying journey into the heart of cosmic dread.
Dark Fantasy and Cosmic Dread: Worlds Where Horror Reigns Supreme
These games blend elements of dark fantasy with terrifying cosmic entities, creating worlds that are as captivating as they are horrifying.
13. Control (PS4/PS5)
Control is a supernatural action-adventure game that blends mind-bending physics, stylish combat, and a deeply unsettling narrative. You play as Jesse Faden, who arrives at the Oldest House, the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control, in search of answers about her past. The Oldest House is a brutalist, ever-shifting environment imbued with paranormal phenomena, and it has been invaded by a malevolent force known as the Hiss. The Hiss corrupts the minds of the Bureau’s agents, turning them into hostile combatants. The game excels in its atmospheric storytelling, its unique paranormal abilities (like telekinesis and levitation), and its intricate, conspiracy-laden plot. The unsettling nature of the Oldest House, its shifting architecture, and the pervasive sense of otherworldly dread make Control a compelling and often terrifying experience, blending action with a unique brand of supernatural horror.
14. Dead Space (PS4 via PlayStation Plus Premium Classic Catalog)
Dead Space is a benchmark in sci-fi survival horror, a game that masterfully combines tense combat, environmental storytelling, and a terrifying atmosphere. You play as Isaac Clarke, an engineer sent to investigate the USG Ishimura, a “planet-cracker” mining starship that has gone dark. Upon arrival, Isaac discovers that the ship has been overrun by grotesque, mutated creatures known as Necromorphs, the result of an alien artifact infection. The game’s signature mechanic is its strategic dismemberment combat; to defeat the Necromorphs, you must precisely shoot off their limbs. The claustrophobic corridors of the Ishimura, the chilling sound design, and the relentless attacks of the Necromorphs create a palpable sense of dread and desperation. The psychological horror elements, including Isaac’s own sanity degrading, further enhance the terror. Dead Space is a harrowing and unforgettable descent into cosmic horror and body horror.
15. DOOM 3 (PS4 via PlayStation Plus Premium Classic Catalog)
While known for its relentless action, DOOM 3 offers a significant departure from its predecessors by embracing a more atmospheric and horror-focused approach. Set on the Martian research base of the Union Aerospace Corporation, the game plunges you into a nightmarish scenario where a scientific experiment has opened a portal to Hell, unleashing demonic forces upon the facility. The claustrophobic environments, the oppressive darkness, and the chilling sound design create a palpable sense of fear and suspense. The infamous “hellhole” sections and the constant threat of demonic ambushes make for a truly terrifying experience. The gameplay emphasizes slower pacing and more tactical combat, requiring players to manage their resources and confront terrifying demons in dimly lit corridors. DOOM 3 successfully blends its signature intense action with a potent dose of survival horror, offering a unique and frightening chapter in the DOOM saga.
16. Resident Evil Village (PS4/PS5)
Resident Evil Village, the latest mainline entry, takes the survival horror formula established in Resident Evil 7 and expands it into a vast, gothic European setting. You once again play as Ethan Winters, this time searching for his kidnapped daughter within a village populated by terrifying creatures and led by the imposing Mother Miranda and her four grotesque underlings: Heisenberg, Moreau, Donna Beneviento, and Dimitrescu. Each of these antagonists offers a unique and horrifying challenge, from the terrifying dollhouse sequence orchestrated by Donna to the imposing presence of Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters. The game expertly blends different subgenres of horror, from gothic horror and body horror to psychological terror and a sense of pervasive dread. The atmosphere is thick with mystery and danger, making every step through the village a tense and thrilling experience. Resident Evil Village is a grand, terrifying spectacle that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
As the spectral mist of Halloween settles, your PlayStation console offers an unparalleled gateway to a universe of terror. From the labyrinthine psychological depths of Silent Hill 2 to the relentless pursuit in Alien: Isolation, and the cosmic dread of Bloodborne, this curated selection of must-play games on PlayStation Plus promises to deliver the scares you crave. Whether you seek to unravel mind-bending mysteries, outwit monstrous foes, or simply bask in the chilling atmosphere of the macabre, these titles are guaranteed to make your Halloween unforgettable and provide ample opportunities for devilish delights throughout the year. Grab your DualSense controller, dim the lights, and prepare to be terrified. The darkness awaits.