October is once again shaping up to be a significant month for horror game enthusiasts, with a diverse lineup of new releases spanning various subgenres and platforms. Developers are leaning into the spooky season with titles designed to provide scares for both seasoned horror fans and newcomers alike.
Among the early highlights of 2026 that may still be worth revisiting are Capcom's "Resident Evil Requiem," a highly anticipated entry in the long-running survival horror series, and "Reanimal," which comes from the creators of the "Little Nightmares" series. The "Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly" remake also stands out as a notable release, offering a chance to experience the classic survival horror title without prior knowledge of the series. For fans of zombie action, "John Carpenter's Toxic Commando" offers a first-person shooter experience with "World War Z"-like horde mechanics, albeit with a distinct B-movie aesthetic. "No More Room In Hell 2" has been praised for its slower, more deliberate combat and its Romero-esque atmosphere, while "The Mound: Call of Cthulhu" presents a co-op horror experience in a detailed, hallucinogenic forest setting, drawing comparisons to "Lethal Company." The "Silent Hill: Townfall" release marks another potential resurgence for the iconic franchise, and "Halloween" offers asymmetrical multiplayer horror in the vein of previous licensed titles, though it may come with some jankiness.
Looking at the new arrivals for October 2026:
"End of Abyss" launched on October 1st, an isometric third-person shooter from former "Little Nightmares" developers. It is set aboard a derelict spaceship and is available on PC (Epic Games Store exclusive), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
"Don't Fret," also released on October 1st, presents a unique premise where players control an anthropomorphized guitar exploring a music school transformed into a hellscape. This title is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
On October 8th, "Hellraiser: Revival" brings Clive Barker's grotesque horror series to gaming in a single-player experience. Set after the films, it aims for a "Resident Evil" feel with added nudity to remain true to the source material. It is available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2.
Also on October 8th, "Silver Pines" is described as a 2D metroidvania reminiscent of "Alan Wake," featuring shadow creatures and mysteries within a "Twin Peaks"-like town. It's planned for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and Switch 2.
"Tenebris Somnia" arrived on October 16th, notable for its distinctive art style that blends retro 2D visuals with live-action cutscenes, leading to accusations of AI generation that the developers have refuted. It is available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2.
"Blue Ridge Hunting," developed by a solo developer, is a co-op cryptid hunting game set in Appalachia, inspired by "Phasmophobia." It launched on October 20th and is available on PC via Steam Early Access.
"Escape from Playtime," a new installment in the "Poppy Playtime" franchise, released on October 21st, offering players a new way to explore its dark, child-entertainment-subverting universe. It is available on PC via Steam Early Access.
"Mimic," an asymmetrical social-deduction game for up to 10 players, launched on October 26th. It pits players against a killer android and a shape-shifting alien, with a first-person perspective and a high level of gore, aiming for a more intense experience than "Among Us." It is available on PC via Steam Early Access.
Also on October 26th, "Night Plane" offers a job simulator with a horror twist, tasking players with dealing with shape-shifting monsters as a flight attendant. A similar title, "Night Bus," was released by the same studio in 2024. "Night Plane" is available on PC.
"Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy," the third entry in the third-person stealth-horror series, is set to release on October 27th. Developers hope this installment will refine the unsettling atmosphere and gameplay that characterized previous entries. It will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a Switch 2 version scheduled for December 3rd.
Finally, "Spooky Ride" arrives on October 29th, a co-op game where players help a baby Bigfoot return home. Marketed as a lighter, more accessible horror experience akin to "Content Warning" or "REPO," it is available on PC.