The Best Horror Games to Livestream in October 2023
Are you ready to turn your streaming sessions into spine-tingling experiences this October? As we approach this spooky season, it's the perfect time to explore the best horror games that will keep your viewers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a seasoned horror enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the chilling waters of the genre, we've got a selection of games that will make your streaming nights unforgettable. From heart-pounding jump scares to hair-raising encounters with the supernatural, we've curated a list of the most bone-chilling titles that will keep your audience engaged and entertained. So, dim the lights, grab your controller, and let's dive into the best horror games to play on stream this year.
Released: 2016
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Developer: Behaviour Interactive
Notes: When it comes to multiplayer horror, there are plenty of options, but Dead by Daylight stands out as one of the best asymmetrical multiplayer horror games in recent memory. Picture this: you and your friends, or perhaps some random players, trying to survive against an iconic horror movie killer like Michael Myers or Freddy Krueger. Sounds like a scream, right?
Dead by Daylight brings horror legends to life, offering jump scares and laughs in equal measure. And did I mention that Nicolas Cage is one of the survivors? Yes, you read that right. It's one of the best ways for horror fans to bond and burn off steam together.
Released: 2018
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Developer: Crytek, Crytek Frankfurt
Notes: Enter the world of Hunt: Showdown, where you'll find yourself in a dark, ruthless environment filled with terrifying creatures and other hunters out for the same prize. It's a game that keeps your adrenaline pumping as you search for clues, battle the supernatural, and race to claim your bounty before other hunters close in.
Released: 2005 (4), 2019 (2), 2017 (7)
Platforms: PC, PS 5, PS 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S
Notes: Resident Evil is a name synonymous with horror, and these titles are some of the most iconic in the genre. Resident Evil 4 has received a stunning remake that elevates the fear factor, Resident Evil 2 Remake perfects the balance between horror and action, and Resident Evil 7 takes the series back to its roots with a first-person perspective and a chilling atmosphere.
Released: 2020
Platforms: PS 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Developer: Kinetic Games
Notes: Looking for a ghostly experience? Phasmophobia is the answer. Grab your friends and venture into haunted locations as paranormal investigators. This game delivers frights and fun as you explore spooky places and, if you're brave enough, communicate with the supernatural. Plus, you can even play it in virtual reality for an even more immersive experience, though it might require some extra courage.
The Forest, Sons Of The Forest
Released: 2018 (The Forest), 2023 (Sons of the Forest)
Platforms: PC
Developer: Endnight Games Ltd
Notes: If surviving against cannibalistic mutants on a remote peninsula sounds like your idea of horror fun, then The Forest and its sequel, Sons Of The Forest, have got you covered. These games offer a thrilling blend of survival and horror, where every decision counts as you fight to stay alive in a hostile environment.
Released: 2009
Platforms: Xbox 360, PC
Developer: Valve
Notes: Left 4 Dead 2 remains a co-op masterpiece that's perfect for a nerve-wracking, team-based multiplayer experience. Fight your way through hordes of zombies, with a variety of campaigns to choose from and an impressive arsenal of weapons. It's a true classic that's still a blast to play.
Released: 2013 (Outlast), 2023 (The Outlast Trials)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (Outlast) | PC (The Outlast Trials)
Developer: Red Barrels
Notes: The Outlast series takes you on a journey through terrifying psychiatric hospitals and gruesome experiments. While Outlast 2 might not quite live up to the original, it's worth a look. And for fans of the series, The Outlast Trials offers a multiplayer prequel that adds a fresh twist to the horror experience.
Released: 2021
Platforms: PC
Developer: Straight Back Games
Notes: Ready for a game that takes you out of your comfort zone with immersive gameplay and jump scares? DEVOUR is a co-op survival horror where you must stop a possessed cult leader from dragging you to hell. It's a challenging and heart-pounding experience.
Released: 2023
Platforms: PC
Developer: Clock Wizard Games
Notes: Demonologist brings a unique twist to co-op horror, allowing players to hunt down and exorcise various types of ghosts inspired by folklore from around the world. With novel mechanics and terrifying encounters, it's a fresh take on the genre.
Released: 2019
Platforms: PC
Developer: 10 Chambers, 10 Chambers Collective KB
Notes: Launched in 2019 on PC, GTFO is a unique blend of Payday and Left 4 Dead with a challenging learning curve. It offers tactical action combined with a pervasive sense of unease, making it an ideal choice for FPS enthusiasts seeking a thrilling challenge.
Released: 2022
Platforms: PC
Developer: MrFatcat
Notes: In 2022, MrFatcat introduced Inside the Backrooms for PC players. This game explores the intriguing concept of the Backrooms and captures its terrifying ambiance exceptionally well. It immerses players in familiar yet unsettling environments, complete with eerie imagery, an unusual sense of emptiness, and nerve-wracking sounds that will keep even the bravest horror fans on edge.
Released: 2008
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Motive Studio, Visceral Games, Sumo Digital, Firemonkeys Studios, Eurocom, IronMonkey Studios, Motive
Notes: The original Dead Space, released in 2008 for PC, PS3, Xbox 360, and later Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, is a classic survival horror game. While it still holds up well, the 2023 remake promises to revitalize the series. The remake addresses some of the original's dated design and storytelling issues while preserving its classic appeal. It introduces significant improvements to zero-gravity sections, asteroid minigames, and weapon balance, making it a worthy addition to the franchise.
Released: 2014
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Developers: Adapted from the iconic 1979 film "Alien," Alien: Isolation hit the gaming scene in 2014 for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Creative Assembly and later adapted for Mac and Linux by Feral Interactive, the game plunges players into a claustrophobic space station where they must evade the relentless Xenomorph. Playing as Amanda, Ripley's daughter, the mission is to survive and uncover the mysteries behind her mother's disappearance 15 years prior. Alien: Isolation masterfully captures the tension, dread, and unscripted scares of the classic film, offering an immersive sci-fi horror experience.
Released: 2023
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer: DarkStone Digital
Publisher: DreadXP
Notes: Released in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, The Mortuary Assistant, developed by DarkStone Digital and published by DreadXP, provides a unique role-playing experience. Players take on the role of a mortuary assistant tasked with embalming corpses, but this mortuary harbors supernatural secrets. Late-night shifts reveal the presence of terrifying forces, requiring players to do more than just embalm bodies—battling demons and surviving become paramount. The game boasts an intriguing storyline that may encourage multiple playthroughs.
As we wrap up our journey through the best horror games to play on stream in 2023, we hope you've discovered a few new titles to add to your gaming repertoire. Whether you're facing off against terrifying creatures in Dead Space, navigating the haunting environments of Alien: Isolation, or uncovering the mysteries of The Mortuary Assistant, there's no shortage of scares to share with your viewers. These games offer not only intense thrills but also opportunities for genuine connections with your audience as they join you on your fear-filled adventures. So, as you prepare to go live, remember to bring your courage, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Happy streaming, and may your audience be as entertained as they are terrified!