The time has finally arrived and whilst others will be taking to the streets to wrestle candy off old women or dressing up as their favourite video game characters and having a social life, many of us (including myself) will be bundled up at home. So what better way to spend that spooky October night than by diving into a recent horror release?
2025 was another year of incredible horror releases and although The Game Awards pass over the best horror video games of the year, I do not.
As such, I have compiled a list of the best 2025 horror game releases ranging from the smallest indies to some AAA releases so you are guaranteed to find something to suit you.
If you are a fan of the big jumpscares or just want to settle for a creepy yet cosy atmosphere, make sure to not miss out on these incredible dives into the world of the dark and macabre.
Silent Hill f
Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first but there was no way I could compile this list without mentioning Silent Hill f.
As my personal game of the year for themes alone which I have written about in detail, Silent Hill f still manages to capture everything you would possibly need from a horror game: jumpscares, a creepy atmosphere, badass protagonist and a story full of twists, turns, and outright horror.
If you are a veteran Silent Hill fan or new to the series as a whole, this is definitely the perfect entry to start with.
Bye Sweet Carole
Released earlier this month, Bye Sweet Carole may not offer terrifying jumpscares but still manages to convey an unending sense of dread, especially by featuring a protagonist who is unable to fight back.
Featuring a hand-drawn art-style reminiscent of the early days of Disney, Bye Sweet Carole has a beautiful story at the heart of it as our protagonist fights through an orphanage to try and discover what happened to Carole but along the way, she discovers some mind-bending truths about herself.
If you are looking for a horror that will still offer you the occasional jump but focuses more on the narrative, this is the one for you.
.webp)
Sorry We’re Closed
First released on PC last year, Sorry We’re Closed released on console for the first time in 2025 and so I couldn’t not include this queer horror on my list.
In this story-driven survival horror, players will find themselves in a world where angels and demons collide and it is up to our protagonist to use her Third Eye to see between worlds, uncover secrets, and solve puzzles.
Inspired by classic horror and featuring fixed-camera angles, Sorry We’re Closed features a stunningly queer cast, nostalgic gameplay, and beautiful visuals.
Look Outside
Widely regarded as the best indie horror release of 2025, Look Outside is a survival horror RPG set in a single apartment building.
If you are anything like me and you hate the outdoors, then you will love this one as you will find yourself in a world where looking out of the window will turn you into a monster.
With the world in absolute chaos as a result, you must scavenge your building for food, supplies, and weapons but most importantly, work out who else you can trust to aid you in your exploration.
Not only that but Look Outside just welcomed its 1.7 Update which features brand-new endings, monsters, and more so now is the perfect time to dive in.
No, I’m Not a Human
On the subject of hit indies, No, I’m Not a Human took the gaming sphere by storm when it was released this summer.
Developed by Trioskaz, a Russian studio founded by three friends, this psychological horror game tasks you with inviting or turning away visitors who flock to your home for shelter after the End of Times arrives.
However, with visitors pretending to be humans but in actual fact wanting to eradicate them, do you have what it takes to tell the difference between friend or foe?
The SĂ©ance of Blake Manor
Released just this week, The Séance of Blake Manor is a supernatural detective mystery which will task you with investigating a woman’s disappearance in a manor home in 1897 Ireland.
In this remote hotel, you will need to investigate, question and analyse its multiple guests as well as search the place for any clues which may lead to Evelyn Deane’s disappearance.
However, with supernatural forces at play, you soon discover that you may have bitten off more than you can chew and you, alongside your fellow inhabitants, may be in grave danger.
Offering a unique look into 19th-century Ireland, The SĂ©ance of Blake Manor is the perfect game for Halloween if you are looking for more mystery than outright horror.
Cronos: The New Dawn
Another big release for 2025 but still not one to miss out on if you are looking for a true horror experience.
In this brutal third-person survival horror, you will have to survive a dangerous futuristic environment as you fight the nightmarish creatures emerging from the dark.
With limited ammo, the stakes feel even higher as you seek to uncover what really put an end to humanity as we know it.
If you are looking for a horror experience but one that will also see you able to defend yourself in style, Cronos: The New Dawn is perfect for you.
Little Nightmares 3
The third instalment in the beloved Little Nightmares franchise was released this year, allowing you and a friend to take on the role of Low and Alone, best friends fighting to escape Nowhere.
Work together to solve puzzles and escape horrific monsters as you navigate beautifully designed levels and creepy atmospheres in typical Little Nightmare style.
“As a co-operative experience with either a friend, family member or partner, it’s a good time and should give you sufficient spooks and scares as well as a few laughs here and there,” our very own Sam Cawley shared in his review.
Tormented Souls 2
The highly requested sequel to 2021’s Tormented Souls was released earlier this month as Caroline Walker returns in the survival horror classic.
After finding herself in the decaying remains of the secluded Villa Hess, Caroline must use improvised weapons and take on horrifying creatures in order to save her sister from a twisted and dangerous cult.
With the ability to use your powers to switch between realities, you will be able to change the past in order to shape the present as you battle against the true horrors of “the other side”.
Strange Antiquities
This is another for those who are not a fan of jumpscares and gore but still want to experience a gothic-style experience this Halloween.
Called a “perfect spooky season companion” by our very own Kate Harrold in her review, Strange Antiquities will see you become a custodian of a store versed in all things the occult.
In the gloomy town of Undermere, dark and strange things are happening and with mysteries to be solved, you will be able to help by finding and identifying arcane artefacts and use your collection to help the townsfolk with their ailments.
Armed with a feline companion, Strange Antiquities is the cosy yet spooky game you have all been waiting for.
Static Dread: The Lighthouse
If you are a fan of all things Lovecraftian and also happen to have loved 2013 puzzle game Papers, Please, then you will want to check out Static Dread: The Lighthouse.
Take on the role of a lighthouse keeper and use your tools to guide ships to safety. However, you will soon learn that the shadows that lurk around you are a lot more dangerous than they would first seem and you may not be alone in the secluded tower.
“Still, I would certainly recommend this to horror fans, particularly those who love a good creepy atmosphere and prefer it when scary things are implied rather than shown,” our very own Olly Smith said in his review.
Labyrinth of the Demon King
Last but certainly not least is Labyrinth of the Demon King, a survival horror/dungeon crawler inspired by early PS1 horror titles.
Set in feudal Japan, you will have to arm yourself with both wits and weapons as you embark on a quest to hunt down and slay the Demon King.
As a lone foot soldier, the Demon King slayed your lord and now you want revenge but in this brutal world, will your lack of resources make this feat impossible?
Featuring a whole lot of blood and gore but with those PS1-style graphics, this is one that will see you experience that nostalgia in spades.
