Xbox Game Pass has become the go-to subscription service for gamers who want access to a wide variety of titles, including some of the best horror games ever made. If you’re a horror enthusiast, Xbox Game Pass offers a chilling collection of horror titles that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From psychological thrillers to gory survival horror, the Xbox Game Pass library is filled with terrifying games that are sure to haunt your dreams.
In this article, we’ll explore the Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass and break down what makes each of them stand out. Whether you’re a fan of jump scares, psychological horror, or survival horror, this list will cover it all. Let’s dive into the darkness.
Dead Space
Release Year: 2008 (Remake in 2023)
Developer: Visceral Games
Genre: Survival Horror
Dead Space is a landmark in the survival horror genre. Set in the vacuum of space, the game’s protagonist, Isaac Clarke, finds himself aboard the USG Ishimura, a space mining ship overrun by alien horrors called Necromorphs. With its eerie atmosphere, Dead Space expertly uses sound design to elevate its sense of dread and isolation.
The game mixes intense action with moments of pure terror, making it one of the most memorable horror experiences available. The 2023 remake of Dead Space, with its updated graphics and refined gameplay, makes it even more terrifying.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric Setting | Abandoned space station, eerie silence |
| Unique Enemies | Necromorphs require dismemberment to kill |
| Zero Gravity Levels | Engage in combat while floating in space |
Resident Evil 2
Release Year: 2019 (Remake)
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Survival Horror
The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 takes everything that made the 1998 original a classic and elevates it to modern standards. Set in the zombified city of Raccoon City, players follow the story of Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they try to survive the outbreak. With photorealistic graphics, intense atmosphere, and relentless enemies like Mr. X, this game is a masterclass in survival horror.
The combination of puzzle-solving, limited resources, and terrifying enemies ensures that players remain on edge throughout the game.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Stunning Visuals | Detailed environments and grotesque enemies |
| Tense Gameplay | Limited ammo and resources create tension |
| Multiple Playthroughs | Different storylines for Leon and Claire |
Dead by Daylight
Release Year: 2016
Developer: Behaviour Interactive
Genre: Asymmetrical Multiplayer Horror
Dead by Daylight offers a unique multiplayer experience where one player takes on the role of a killer, while four others play as survivors trying to escape. The killers are based on famous horror franchises, and the tension builds as survivors work together to avoid being caught, all while repairing generators to power the exit gates.
The constant dread of being hunted and the varying strategies make Dead by Daylight an unpredictable and heart-pounding experience.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Asymmetrical Gameplay | Killer vs. survivors in a cat-and-mouse style |
| Iconic Horror Villains | Play as killers from franchises like Halloween |
| Dynamic Maps | Maps change slightly each round, keeping it fresh |
Amnesia: The Bunker
Release Year: 2023
Developer: Frictional Games
Genre: Survival Horror
Amnesia: The Bunker brings the franchise’s signature fear to a war-torn setting. You play as a soldier trapped in an underground bunker with limited light and resources. The game’s unpredictable AI ensures that every playthrough is unique, as the creature stalking you adapts to your behavior. Every decision counts as you scavenge for tools and struggle to survive in a setting filled with claustrophobia and terror.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Dynamic AI | The creature adapts to your playstyle |
| Claustrophobic Setting | The bunker’s tight spaces add to the fear |
| Survival Mechanics | Manage light and resources to stay alive |
The Evil Within 2
Release Year: 2017
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Genre: Survival Horror
In The Evil Within 2, players assume the role of Sebastian Castellanos, a detective searching for his lost daughter in a nightmarish world. The game blends psychological horror with disturbing enemies, tense combat, and a mysterious plot. The open-world elements allow for exploration, but also make encounters with enemies even more unpredictable and terrifying.
This sequel improves on its predecessor with better pacing, more strategic gameplay, and a stronger narrative, making it one of the top survival horror games on Xbox Game Pass.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Open-World Exploration | Explore freely, but at your own peril |
| Horrific Enemy Design | Face grotesque creatures and monstrosities |
| Psychological Horror | Layers of disturbing, surreal moments |
Dead Island 2
Release Year: 2024
Developer: Deep Silver
Genre: Action Horror
Set in a zombie-infested version of Los Angeles, Dead Island 2 offers a blend of gory combat, dark humor, and a wide range of weapons to dispatch the undead. While it leans more toward action than survival, the game’s sheer variety of ways to kill zombies and its colorful, albeit grotesque, setting makes it a blast for horror fans looking for a more lighthearted experience.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Unique Combat System | Improvise weapons for creative zombie kills |
| Bright but Gory Setting | A vibrant take on the apocalypse in Los Angeles |
| RPG Elements | Level up and customize your character |
State of Decay 2
Release Year: 2018
Developer: Undead Labs
Genre: Survival Horror, Simulation
State of Decay 2 combines horror with base-building and resource management. Players lead a group of survivors during a zombie apocalypse, balancing between scavenging for supplies, managing your base, and dealing with external threats. The game offers cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends to survive the harsh world together.
Its blend of strategy and survival horror provides a unique experience in the genre.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Base Building | Manage a base and keep your survivors alive |
| Open-World Exploration | Explore a large, dynamic world with different threats |
| Multiplayer Mode | Play with friends to survive the zombie apocalypse |
Still Wakes the Deep
Release Year: 2024
Developer: The Chinese Room
Genre: Psychological Horror
Still Wakes the Deep is a psychological horror game that takes place on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean. The isolated setting, combined with the game’s atmospheric storytelling, creates an unsettling experience. Players will need to uncover the mysteries behind the events on the rig, all while facing terrifying supernatural occurrences.
The game’s emphasis on atmosphere and tension makes it a standout title for fans of psychological horror.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Isolated Setting | Oil rig in the middle of the ocean |
| Psychological Horror | Mind-bending events and surreal experiences |
| Narrative-Driven | Strong focus on story and atmosphere |
The Quarry
Release Year: 2022
Developer: Supermassive Games
Genre: Interactive Drama, Horror
In The Quarry, you control a group of teenagers spending the night at a summer camp. What begins as a typical teenage horror story quickly turns into a deadly game of survival as supernatural threats emerge. The game is a cinematic experience where your choices influence the outcome, leading to multiple potential endings. Fans of narrative-driven horror will find The Quarry a thrilling experience.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Branching Narrative | Your decisions affect the story and characters’ fates |
| Cinematic Presentation | Feels like an interactive horror movie |
| Replayability | Multiple endings encourage replaying |
DayZ
Release Year: 2018
Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Genre: Survival Horror, Multiplayer
DayZ is a hardcore survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by zombies. The game is known for its brutal difficulty, where players must not only avoid zombies but also manage hunger, thirst, and hostile survivors. The multiplayer aspect adds a layer of unpredictability, as other players can either help or harm you in your fight for survival.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Harsh Survival Mechanics | Manage hunger, thirst, and infection |
| Dynamic Multiplayer | Other players can be allies or enemies |
| Open World | A vast world to explore with constant threats |
The Walking Dead
Release Year: 2012-2019
Developer: Telltale Games
Genre: Interactive Drama, Horror
Telltale’s The Walking Dead series is a story-driven game based on the popular comic and TV show. The game follows the story of Clementine, a young girl trying to survive in a world overrun by zombies. The choices you make influence the story, and the emotional weight of the game is what sets it apart. It’s more about the human element of survival, making tough decisions, and dealing with loss.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Emotional Storytelling | Focus on character development and tough choices |
| Multiple Seasons | Expansive story arc across multiple seasons |
| Choice-Based Gameplay | Your decisions influence the outcome |
Visage
Release Year: 2020
Developer: SadSquare Studio
Genre: Psychological Horror
Visage is a first-person psychological horror game that draws heavy inspiration from the canceled Silent Hills PT. The game is set in a hauntingly atmospheric house where players must explore and uncover the dark secrets within. The slow-burn approach to horror, coupled with terrifying moments of paranormal activity, makes Visage one of the scariest games on Xbox Game Pass.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric Horror | The house itself feels alive with tension |
| Slow-Burn Narrative | Story unfolds gradually, building fear |
| Paranormal Threats | Ghosts and supernatural entities haunt you |
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Release Year: 2015
Developer: MachineGames
Genre: First-Person Shooter, Horror
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood is a standalone prequel to Wolfenstein: The New Order that mixes traditional first-person shooter mechanics with horror elements. The game sees players taking on Nazi zombies, mechanical abominations, and other grotesque enemies. While it’s more action-packed than most horror games, the dark atmosphere and terrifying enemies make it a great addition to this list.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Fast-Paced Action | Combines horror with intense first-person combat |
| Gothic Horror Setting | Dark, eerie environments filled with monsters |
| Nazi Zombies | Fight terrifying undead enemies |
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Release Year: TBD
Developer: Ninja Theory
Genre: Psychological Horror
Hellblade II follows the story of Senua, a warrior dealing with severe psychosis. The game delves deep into the psychological aspects of horror, using cutting-edge audio design to simulate the voices in Senua’s head. The original Hellblade was praised for its depiction of mental health issues, and Hellblade II is expected to take that to even greater heights with even more intense and immersive experiences.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Psychological Depth | Explores mental illness through horror elements |
| Immersive Audio | Binaural audio to simulate the voices in Senua’s head |
| Stunning Visuals | Cinematic graphics enhance the horror experience |
Soma
Release Year: 2015
Developer: Frictional Games
Genre: Psychological Horror
Soma is a sci-fi horror game that explores existential themes of consciousness and identity. Set in an underwater research facility, players encounter strange creatures and grapple with the idea of what it means to be human. Unlike most horror games, Soma focuses more on psychological and philosophical horror rather than jump scares.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Philosophical Horror | Explores deep themes of consciousness and identity |
| Atmospheric Setting | Set in an eerie underwater facility |
| Minimal Combat | Focuses on story and tension rather than combat |
Amnesia: Collection
Release Year: 2016
Developer: Frictional Games
Genre: Survival Horror
The Amnesia: Collection bundles together Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, and Amnesia: Justine. These first-person survival horror games focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and avoiding monsters. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and each game features terrifying moments of suspense and horror.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Three Games in One | Includes The Dark Descent, A Machine for Pigs, and Justine |
| Psychological Horror | Emphasizes tension and fear over combat |
| Exploration and Puzzles | Solve puzzles to survive, all while avoiding danger |
Amnesia: Rebirth
Release Year: 2020
Developer: Frictional Games
Genre: Survival Horror
Amnesia: Rebirth is the latest entry in the Amnesia series, and it builds on the psychological horror elements of its predecessors. Set in the desolate Algerian desert, the game follows Tasi Trianon as she tries to survive and piece together her fractured memory. The game combines puzzles, exploration, and terrifying encounters with Lovecraftian creatures.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Desert Setting | A new, desolate environment filled with horror |
| Narrative-Driven | Uncover Tasi’s past while surviving the nightmare |
| Lovecraftian Horror | Face cosmic horrors and twisted creatures |
Scorn
Release Year: 2022
Developer: Ebb Software
Genre: Survival Horror
Scorn is a first-person horror game heavily inspired by the works of H.R. Giger. Set in a nightmarish, biomechanical world, the game features grotesque creatures and unsettling environments. The game emphasizes exploration and environmental storytelling, offering a unique experience that blends surreal horror with body horror elements.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Biomechanical World | Inspired by the works of H.R. Giger |
| Atmospheric Exploration | Discover the horrifying world at your own pace |
| Body Horror | Disturbing imagery and grotesque creatures |
Signalis
Release Year: 2022
Developer: rose-engine
Genre: Survival Horror
Signalis is a throwback to classic survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Set in a dystopian future, players control a technician named Elster who is searching for her missing partner. The game features pixel-art graphics and a haunting soundtrack that create a sense of dread throughout the experience.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Classic Survival Horror | Inspired by older horror titles like Resident Evil |
| Pixel-Art Graphics | Unique visual style adds to the eerie atmosphere |
| Engaging Story | Unravel a mystery set in a dystopian future |
Prey
Release Year: 2017
Developer: Arkane Studios
Genre: Psychological Horror, Sci-Fi
Prey is a first-person psychological horror game set aboard the Talos I space station, where players must battle shape-shifting aliens known as Typhon. The game blends horror with RPG elements
, offering players freedom in how they approach each challenge. The tension of never knowing if an object is an alien in disguise keeps players constantly on edge.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape-Shifting Enemies | Aliens can disguise themselves as everyday objects |
| Immersive Environment | Explore the Talos I space station |
| RPG Elements | Customize your character and abilities |
The Evil Within
Release Year: 2014
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Genre: Survival Horror
Directed by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, The Evil Within is a survival horror game that mixes elements of psychological and body horror. Players control detective Sebastian Castellanos as he is thrown into a nightmarish world filled with grotesque creatures and disturbing environments. The game’s brutal difficulty and constant sense of danger make it a must-play for horror fans.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Intense Horror | Combines psychological and body horror elements |
| Challenging Gameplay | Requires careful resource management and survival tactics |
| Disturbing Environments | Explore terrifying locations filled with monsters |
Conclusion
Xbox Game Pass offers a wide variety of horror games for fans of all subgenres. From psychological horror to survival horror and everything in between, there’s a game for every type of horror fan. Whether you prefer the action-packed thrill of Dead Space or the slow-burn terror of Amnesia: The Bunker, the horror titles on Xbox Game Pass provide hours of frightening entertainment.
By offering some of the best horror games of all time, Xbox Game Pass ensures that horror enthusiasts will always have something new and terrifying to experience. Whether you’re in the mood for zombie survival (State of Decay 2), psychological horror (Soma), or something completely surreal (Scorn), there’s no shortage of chills and thrills to be found.
FAQs: Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass
Q1: Which is the top horror game on Xbox Game Pass?
A: It’s subjective, but Dead Space is often regarded as one of the top horror games on Xbox Game Pass due to its intense atmosphere, gripping story, and terrifying alien encounters.
Q2: Which Game Pass is best for Xbox One?
A: For Xbox One players, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the best option. It includes access to hundreds of games, Xbox Live Gold (for online multiplayer), and EA Play, which expands the library with additional titles, including many horror games.
Q3: How can I get Xbox Game Pass for free?
A: Microsoft often offers promotional trials for Xbox Game Pass, such as the first month for $1. You can also earn Microsoft Rewards by completing tasks and surveys, which can be redeemed for free Game Pass subscriptions.
Q4: What are some of the best horror games available on Xbox Game Pass?
A: Some of the best horror games on Xbox Game Pass include Dead Space, Resident Evil 2, Amnesia: The Bunker, The Evil Within 2, Dead by Daylight, and Soma.
Q5: Are there any multiplayer horror games on Xbox Game Pass?
A: Yes, multiplayer horror games like Dead by Daylight and DayZ are available on Xbox Game Pass, offering terrifying experiences with friends or strangers.
Q6: Is Dead Space on Xbox Game Pass?
A: Yes, Dead Space, a classic survival horror game, is available on Xbox Game Pass and is known for its intense atmosphere and terrifying alien threats.
Q7: What are some of the scariest games on Xbox Game Pass?
A: Some of the scariest games on Xbox Game Pass include Visage, Amnesia: Rebirth, Scorn, and The Evil Within.
Q8: Is The Evil Within series available on Xbox Game Pass?
A: Yes, both The Evil Within and The Evil Within 2 are available on Xbox Game Pass, offering terrifying survival horror experiences.
Q9: Are there any open-world horror games on Xbox Game Pass?
A: Yes, State of Decay 2 and DayZ are open-world horror games that feature zombie survival in large, explorable environments.
