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Once again the spookiest season is upon us. Halloween! The only thing better than watching a scary horror movie on Halloween is being the one stuck in the nightmare. From grotesque, disturbing creatures lurking around every corner hidden by thick fog, to psychological horror that haunts your thoughts long after you’ve switched off your PC, there is no shortage of ways to make your Halloween a little more terrifying with a good horror game.
Thankfully, 2026 has delivered some intensely interesting horror experiences. Whether you’re in the mood to play a brutal survival horror adventure, a whacky game with jumpscares and gore to play with friends, or even a nostalgic trip back to the classics of horror gaming; there’s something for every type of horror fan.
But which games are actually worth your time this Halloween?
We’ve picked six of the best horror games to play on PC this Spooktober, covering everything from the latest Resident Evil adventure to retro-inspired nightmares and multiplayer mayhem. We’ll also break down their PC requirements to play, what makes each game actually worth playing, and just how scary you can expect them to be.
1. Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival
Best for: Fans of extreme horror, supernatural nightmares and gruesome survival gameplay.
Scare rating: 9/10
If you thought Halloween couldn’t get any more disturbing, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival might prove you otherwise.
Released on 8 October 2026, Hellraiser: Revival brings the infamous horror film franchise into a terrifying single-player, first-person action-horror survival experience. Drawing on the twisted world of Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, the game is built around grotesque imagery, supernatural threats and some seriously unpleasant encounters with the Cenobites.
Players of this game will encounter a combination of melee combat, ranged weapons and special abilities linked to the Genesis Configuration. Survival means confronting the horrors around you, rather than simply hiding from them.
And yes… things do get pretty gruesome.
Unlike horror games that rely on jumpscares alone, Hellraiser’s true appeal lies in its disturbing atmosphere and the sense that you’re trapped in a world where literally nothing is safe. If you enjoy horror that pushes the boundaries of what’s comfortable, this is definitely one for you to consider.
Can your PC run Hellraiser: Revival?
The good news is that you don’t really need a top-of-the-line gaming PC to get started. Here are the officially published PC requirements.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit (22H2 or later) | Windows 10 64-bit (22H2 or later) |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 1500X / Intel Core i5-8400 | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X / Intel Core i5-12400F |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Graphics card | AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 8GB / NVIDIA GTX 1660 | AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT / NVIDIA RTX 3060 |
| Storage | 80GB | 80GB |
| SSD | Recommended | Recommended |
An SSD is strongly recommended, so make sure you have enough space available before installing the game.
Is Hellraiser: Revival worth playing?
If you’re a fan of the film franchise or just enjoy intense, mature survival horror, Hellraiser: Revival certainly deserves a place on your Halloween games list. The mix of first-person combat and supernatural horror makes it a different experience from some of the more traditional puzzle-driven horror games on this list. It is also worth noting that this game is very much an adult horror experience, so it won’t be for everyone.
2. Resident Evil Requiem
Best for: Survival horror fans who also want cinematic visuals, tense combat and a story packed with mystery.
Scare rating: 8/10
Few franchises have had as much influence on survival horror as Resident Evil. From the original mansion incident to the nightmare of Raccoon City, Capcom has spent decades finding new and unique ways to make players question whether they really want to open that next door.
Released on 26 February 2026, Resident Evil Requiem continues the legacy with a modern survival horror experience, including highly detailed environments, tense encounters and a story connected to the wider Resident Evil universe.
The game is an especially good choice if you enjoy horror that mixes exploration and resource management, alongside the intense action. Ammunition is crucial, enemies can be unpredictable, and every encounter has the chance to turn into a fight for survival.
It is also the perfect game for players who want a more cinematic horror experience, with modern graphics and detailed environments helping to make its world feel disturbingly believable.
Do you need to play the other Resident Evil games first?
Not really, though we do recommend it. Requiem could be approached as a new survival horror adventure, however players that are familiar with the series will get more out of its wider lore and returning characters.
If you want to explore the game franchise first, rather than diving in at the deep end, these are some of the best places to start:
- Resident Evil 2: A great introduction to the Raccoon City outbreak and the franchise’s survival horror roots.
- Resident Evil 3: Follows Jill Valentine during the same outbreak, with more emphasis on action and pursuit.
- Resident Evil 4: A landmark entry that blends horror with more action-centric gameplay.
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard: A first-person return to more intimate, claustrophobic horror.
- Resident Evil Village: Continues the first-person storyline with a mixture of gothic horror and action.
You don’t have to play every single entry to enjoy the series, but Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 7 are generally considered the best starting points if you want to experience different sides of the franchise.
Resident Evil Requiem PC system requirements
Requiem is one of the more demanding games on this list, and a lot more demanding than other games in the RE series, so checking your hardware before playing is important.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
| Operating system | Windows 11 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8500 / AMD Ryzen 5 3500 | Intel Core i7-8700 / AMD Ryzen 5 5500 |
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Graphics card | NVIDIA GTX 1660 6GB / AMD RX 5500 XT 8GB | NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super 8GB / AMD RX 6600 8GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | SSD required | SSD required |
The official minimum specification targets 1080p at 30fps using upscaling, while the recommended specification targets 1080p at 60fps using upscaling. Performance can differ depending on the scene as well as the graphics settings. For a more detailed breakdown, including optimisation advice, read our Resident Evil Requiem: System Requirements, Best Settings & More.
Is Resident Evil Requiem worth playing?
With a very positive reception from players on Steam, Requiem is a great option for anyone looking for a modern survival horror game this Halloween. The combination of cinematic presentation, exploration and combat makes it a good fit for both returning fans and players discovering the series for the first time.
3. Dead Space (Remake)
Best for: Sci-fi horror fans who want a terrifying atmosphere, brutal combat and genuinely unsettling encounters.
Scare rating: 9/10
Space itself is already considered one of the most terrifying places. There is no atmosphere, help is potentially millions of miles away, the nearest rescue ship probably won’t be coming any time soon – and no one can hear you scream. Now imagine being trapped on a spaceship full of grotesque creatures… creatures that used to be your crewmates.
This is Dead Space.
The original Dead Space was initially released on October 13th, 2008, however, was recently remade and released on January 27th, 2023. Dead Space is a survival horror that follows space engineer Isaac Clarke as he responds to a distress call aboard the USG Ishimura. What begins as a typical routine repair mission, very quickly descends into Isaac’s fight for survival as he discovers what happened to the ship’s crew.
The remake rebuilds the original games experience flawlessly, with the addition of improved visuals, audio and gameplay mechanics. The lighting and sound design are especially effective, turning seemingly empty spaces and corridors into places you are terrified to explore.
The combat in Dead Space is also very unique compared to the usual horror shooter. Necromorphs are tricky to put down with conventional gunfire, so you’ll need to strategically dismember them to survive. Ammunition, similar to Resident Evil, is limited in supply. Enemies can also attack unexpectedly, and even backtracking through places you’ve already explored can become a nerve-racking experience.
Dead Space is a perfect example of how good sound design combined with environmental storytelling can make a horror game truly frightening.
Dead Space PC system requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit or later | Windows 10 64-bit or later |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X / Intel Core i5-8600 | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X / Intel Core i5-11600K |
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Graphics card | AMD RX 5700 / NVIDIA GTX 1070 | AMD RX 6700 XT / NVIDIA RTX 2070 |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 50GB SSD | 50GB SSD |
Is Dead Space worth playing in 2026?
Absolutely. This remake is still one of the strongest choices for anyone who wants a more traditional survival horror experience with modern graphics.
Steam player reviews have been incredibly positive, with players often praising its atmosphere, combat and improvements over the original. If you missed it when it launched, Halloween is an excellent excuse to finally give it a go.
4. Machine Party
Best for: Groups of friends who want chaotic multiplayer sessions, dark humour and plenty of gore.
Scare rating: 4/10
Not every Halloween game needs to leave you sleeping with the lights on. More often than not, the best horror games are those that make everyone laugh, scream and immediately blame their friends when things go wrong. Games like REPO, Phasmophobia and the Outlast Trials have been excellent for that, however most of us have played those games too many times, and are looking for a new experience.
That’s where Machine Party comes in.
Machine Party was released on 30th July 2026. It is essentially a collection of gruesome party games where failure can be fatal. Typically dubbed as “a violent Mario Party”, Machine Party is designed for two to four players, and mixes familiar round-based party-games with gruesome outcomes and plenty of opportunities to sabotage your friends.
This game is unique for its unpredictability. You’re not just trying to survive a terrifying monster around a map; you’re competing against your friends in high-stakes challenges where someone’s mistake can very quickly turn into everyone else’s entertainment.
Machine Party is a good choice for a Halloween gaming night as it’s easy to understand, supports multiplayer and doesn’t require you to commit to a lengthy single-player campaign.
Machine Party PC system requirements
Compared with some of the more demanding games on this list, Machine Party has very modest storage requirements.
| Component | Minimum |
| Operating system | Windows 11 |
| Processor | Dual Core 2.4GHz |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Graphics card | AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT / NVIDIA GTX 1660 |
| Storage | 1GB |
| Additional requirements | Vulkan support |
Is Machine Party worth playing?
If you’re hosting a Halloween party night, or simply want something to play with friends, Machine Party is an excellent alternative to traditional horror games. It has plenty of gore, but its focus on party-game chaos means it’s much more about laughing at your friends than hiding behind the couch. Steam reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with players responding well to its multiplayer format and dark humour. The negative side of the reviews are mostly down to Machine Party needing to add more games – as after a few rounds, you simply crave more. Hopefully an update is on the way to feed that craving.
5. Tenebris Somnia
Best for: Fans of retro horror, pixel art, puzzle-solving and unsettling storytelling.
Scare rating: 7/10
Who says horror games need hyper-realistic graphics to be frightening?
Tenebris Somnia takes a vastly different approach from the big-budget horror experiences on this list. Released on 16th October 2026, Tenebris Somnia is a retro-inspired survival horror adventure, uniquely combining a 2D, 8-bit aesthetic with live-action cutscenes, with real actors and practical effects. This gives an unusual blend of old-school gaming and cinematic horror.
In Tenebris Somnia, you’ll explore a range of unsettling environments, solve puzzles and fight increasingly disturbing creatures as you uncover the secrets behind the story. The 2D pixel art style may look familiar to those of you who grew up playing older horror survival games, however, the live-action sequences add a much more unsettling and grounded edge to the game. This contrast is what makes Tenebris Somnia so unique and interesting. One minute you are exploring a world that looks straight out of an Atari game, and the next, the game shifts perspective and gives you something closer to a horror film. If you’re sick of horror games relying on realistic graphics to scare you (I know I am), this is a very refreshing alternative.
Tenebris Somnia PC system requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit or later | Windows 11 64-bit |
| Processor | 2.4GHz Dual Core or higher | 3.6GHz Quad Core or higher |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Graphics | 4GB VRAM or greater | 8GB VRAM or greater |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Storage | 13GB | 13GB |
Tenebris Somnia is far less demanding than some of the more graphically demanding horror games available today. The retro-inspired art style means you can also enjoy the experience without needing an especially powerful gaming PC.
Is Tenebris Somnia worth playing?
If you enjoy classic survival horror, unusual visual styles or games that experiment with storytelling, Tenebris Somnia is definitely worth a play. Its reception on Steam has been very positive, with players responding to its distinctive combination of retro gameplay and live-action cinematics. It’s also a good option if you want something a little different from the usual first-person horror experience.
6. Silent Hill: Townfall
Best for: Fans of psychological horror, unsettling environments and story-driven mysteries.
Scare rating: 6/10
There are horror games that jumpscare you, and then there are horror games that make you uncomfortable simply by being there. The Silent Hill games have always excelled at the latter.
Released on 24 September 2026, Silent Hill: Townfall takes the Silent Hill franchise in a totally new direction, presenting its full-length psychological horror experience entirely from a first-person perspective. Townfall was developed by Scottish studio Screen Burn Interactive, and co-published by Konami and Annapurna Interactive. This game also introduces a new setting, with new characters and a standalone story – meaning you don’t technically need to play the other Silent Hill games before playing this one.
In Silent Hill: Townfall, you play as Simon Ordell, who awakes on the fog-covered island of St. Amelia, just off the coast of Scotland. With only fragments of memory as to how he got there and an unsettling, unfamiliar environment, Simon needs to piece together what happened, whilst confronting the horrors that lurk around him. The setting of this game is a massive part of the experience. Streets thick with a murky fog, abandoned buildings holding only the memories of a distant time, and isolated locations all work together to create an eerie, oppressive atmosphere, while the storyline explores themes of loss, guilt and consequences.
What makes Silent Hill: Townfall different?
The most significant and interesting additions to the Silent Hill series that this game brings is the CRTV. The CRTV is a small, pocket-sized television that replaces what would usually be the radio. The CRTV can be used to tune into unstable analogue signals, allowing players to discover clues, and uncover story fragments, as well as identify nearby threats.
Stealth is also one of the biggest game mechanics within Silent Hill: Townfall. Rather than fighting every single enemy, you are able to use distractions, stay hidden and find sneaky ways around the danger. When you do actually get into a fight with a monster, you’ll need to decide when you should use melee weapons or your gun. The first person perspective also makes these encounters feel especially claustrophobic, as your vision becomes far more limited, meaning every sound is made more important.
If you’re new to the Silent Hill games, you won’t necessarily need to catch up on every game in the series to play this one, as Townfall is a self-contained story, allowing you to dive straight in. For a deeper look at this game, read our Silent Hill: Townfall system requirements and PC guide.
Silent Hill: Townfall PC system requirements
Townfall is one of the much more demanding games on this list, especially if you’re aiming for higher resolutions.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
| Operating system | Windows 11 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 / Intel Core i7-8700K | AMD Ryzen 7 5700X / Intel Core i7-9700K |
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 32GB RAM |
| Graphics card | NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super / AMD RX 6600 | NVIDIA RTX 3080 / AMD RX 7800 XT |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 75GB | 75GB |
The published minimum specification targets 1080p at 30fps on Low settings. The recommended specification targets 4K at 30fps on High settings using upscaling.
Is Silent Hill: Townfall worth playing?
For fans of slow-building psychological horror, Townfall is one of the most interesting games to play this Halloween. The first-person perspective, eerie Scottish setting and focus on atmosphere make it a great choice for players who prefer slow-building dread over constant jump scares.
It’s also an excellent entry point for newcomers who want to experience the Silent Hill universe without needing to play the older games first.
Honourable mentions: classic horror games worth revisiting
The latest spooky releases are good, however Halloween is also the best time to revisit the games that helped shape horror gaming. If you’ve already played our six picks, or simply want something a little different, these classics definitely deserve a revisit.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
A first-person horror classic built around exploration, puzzles and vulnerability. Rather than relying on combat, Amnesia encourages you to run away from, and avoid, danger. You must survive encounters with the horrors lurking in the darkness.
Resident Evil 2
Whether you choose, or prefer, the original or the modern remake, Resident Evil 2 is an excellent introduction to survival horror. The tense exploration, resource management and unforgettable Raccoon City setting make it a fantastic Halloween game.
Silent Hill 2
A landmark psychological horror experience that explores guilt, grief and personal trauma. The original is a classic, while the 2024 remake offers a modern way to experience James Sunderland’s disturbing journey through Silent Hill.
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
A cult horror classic known for its unusual approach to psychological tension and reality-bending effects. It is still a staple as to how horror games can so easily mess with a players’ expectations.
F.E.A.R. First Encounter Assault Recon
If you prefer your horror mixed with fast-paced combat, F.E.A.R. combines tactical first-person shooting with supernatural encounters and an unsettling atmosphere.
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
A dark, story-driven adventure inspired by Harlan Ellison’s science-fiction horror story. It focuses completely on psychological torment, difficult choices and disturbing scenarios rather than the conventional action.
Outlast
If you want to be genuinely terrified, Outlast is an obvious choice. Armed with little more than a video camera, you must explore a disturbing asylum while avoiding the threats inside. It’s a strong pick for anyone who enjoys intense chase sequences and helplessness.
What makes a good Halloween gaming setup?
You can play a horror game on almost any capable gaming PC, but a few small checks or additions can make your experience much more immersive.
Use headphones: Horror games often use subtle audio cues to help build tension. Footsteps, distant noises and environmental sounds can make a huge difference when you’re exploring somewhere dangerous.
Play in a darker room: Turning off unnecessary lights helps you to focus on the game’s atmosphere. Just make sure you can still see your keyboard of course!
Check your PC’s system requirements: A game running poorly can interrupt the flow, immersion and overall experience, especially during tense encounters. Check your processor, graphics card, memory and available storage before installing a demanding game.
Choose the right graphics settings: Higher settings can greatly improve lighting, shadows and environmental detail, but smooth performance is just as important. If a game is struggling, lower the demanding settings and use supported upscaling options where appropriate.
Consider your gaming PC’s capabilities: If you regularly play modern AAA games, a system with a capable graphics card, sufficient memory and an SSD will give you far more flexibility when choosing new releases. You can explore our range of gaming PCs or configure a system to suit your preferred games and performance targets.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best horror games to play this Halloween?
Some of CyberPowerPC UK’s best picks to play this Halloween include Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, Resident Evil Requiem, Dead Space (Remake), Machine Party, Tenebris Somnia and Silent Hill: Townfall. Each game offers a totally different experience, from intense survival horror and psychological storytelling to multiplayer party-game chaos.
What is the scariest horror game ever on PC?
The scariest horror game completely depends on what frightens you the most. Hellraiser: Revival and Dead Space are popular choices for gruesome, intense survival horror, while Silent Hill: Townfall focuses on psychological tension and unsettling atmosphere. MADiSON is commonly considered the overall scariest horror game of all time on PC, according to many horror game enthusiasts.
What are the best multiplayer horror games for Halloween?
Machine Party is an excellent option for groups of two to four players who enjoy violent party games and dark humour. If you prefer co-op survival horror, other games worth exploring include Phasmophobia, Lethal Company, REPO and The Outlast Trials.
Which horror games are best for beginners?
If you’re new to horror games, you could perhaps start with a game that balances atmosphere and action, such as Resident Evil Requiem. If you prefer something less focused on scares, Machine Party offers a more chaotic multiplayer experience. For a retro-inspired adventure with relatively modest PC requirements, Tenebris Somnia is another option.
Happy Halloween from CyberPowerPC UK!
Horror gaming has come a very long way since the early days of the genre. What began with a simple haunted-house experience, “Haunted House”, in 1973, with very limited visuals, has evolved into a diverse range of games capable of delivering cinematic storytelling, terrifying sound design and incredibly detailed environments.
Whether you’re exploring the fog-covered streets of Silent Hill, fighting for survival aboard the Ishimura or laughing your way through Machine Party with friends, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Halloween with a gaming PC.
So, what game will you be playing this spooky season?
Happy Halloween from CyberPowerPC UK!