GameCentral has selected the best horror video games released in 2026 to play this Halloween, whittling the year's releases down to a top 10 that includes the latest Resident Evil and two titles based on beloved movie franchises.
With autumn underway and Halloween approaching, the outlet notes that 2026 has seen a wealth of new horror releases and remasters, building on what it previously described as a renaissance of the genre. The list covers both major publishers and smaller indie studios, with all games launching this year—updated re-releases and multiformat ports are excluded.
Standout Survival Horror Titles
Among the highlights is Crisol: Theater Of Idols (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC), which the outlet calls one of the best survival horror games of the year. Its Spanish setting may draw comparisons to Resident Evil 4, but its atmosphere and monster designs are distinct, and it features a gimmick where the health bar doubles as ammo for guns, raising tension and demanding smart play. The game's developer, Vermila Studios, laid off staff in July and admitted it will likely shut down after lacklustre sales.
Reanimal (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) comes from Tarsier Studios, maker of the first two Little Nightmares games, and offers a co-op horror experience. While its puzzles rely heavily on trial and error, it boasts immaculate atmosphere and environmental storytelling. It is currently discounted to £26.24 across digital stores, except on Switch 2.
Sequels and Remakes
Resident Evil Requiem (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) is described as not just one of 2026's best horror games but one of the best Resident Evil games ever, featuring two protagonists, Grace and Leon, who deliver tense survival horror and schlocky action in equal measure. The Leon Must Die Forever roguelike minigame is a notable post-launch addition.
The Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) is an exception to the new-release rule, successfully updating one of gaming's best horror adventures for the modern age. The reworked camera for exorcising ghosts is considered too powerful, but the lack of handholding and effective scares are praised, with new story elements expanding on characters naturally.
Movie Franchise Adaptations
Halloween: The Game (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) is the latest asymmetrical multiplayer horror title from IllFonic, maker of Friday The 13th and Killer Klowns From Outer Space games. With John Carpenter's involvement, including work on the music, one player controls the unkillable Michael Myers while four civilians must elude him and contact the police.
Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) marks the first ever Hellraiser video game. Clive Barker consulted on the story, and Doug Bradley reprises his role as Pinhead. The action gameplay is a little ropey, but the use of the Configuration box for puzzle solving and combat is clever, and it replicates the tone and atmosphere of the movies.
Indie and Atmospheric Offerings
Silent Hill: Townfall (PlayStation 5, PC) may not reach the highs of the Silent Hill 2 remake or Silent Hill f, but it is a worthy addition to the series, with a portable TV that tracks nearby monsters and strong performances from its main cast. Directive 8020 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC), from Supermassive Games, is deemed the weakest of the Dark Pictures Anthology series but offers an impressive spooky experience with a The Thing-inspired monster and a Turning Point mechanic that lets players revisit choices.
Silver Pines (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) is a solid debut from indie studio Wych Elm Games, mixing Metroidvania and survival horror with inventory management, scavenging, and puzzle solving in a search for a missing musician. Tenebris Somnia (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC) combines high-production live action cut scenes evoking old FMV games with traditional survival horror gameplay in 16-bit graphics; on Steam, it can be bundled with Silver Pines or last year's horror role-player Look Outside.
