Looking for some scary games to play on Xbox Game Pass? The popular subscription service has plenty of horror titles to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for zombies, psychological horror, or jump scares. Xbox Game Pass offers some truly terrifying horror games that can provide hours of spine-tingling entertainment without requiring additional purchases.
The horror genre continues to grow on the platform, with both classic franchises and indie gems available to download instantly. From remakes of beloved classics to modern multiplayer horror experiences, there’s something for every type of horror fan. With Halloween approaching or just for those late-night gaming sessions, these games can deliver the frights you’re looking for.
1. Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 2 Remake stands as the best horror game on Xbox Game Pass right now. This stunning reimagining of the 1998 classic brings Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield’s nightmare to life with modern graphics and gameplay.
The game mostly takes place in the Raccoon City police station, creating the perfect haunted house thriller atmosphere. Dark corridors, limited resources, and the constant threat of zombies create real tension as you explore.
What makes this game special is how it balances fear with action. You’ll need to manage ammunition carefully while solving puzzles and avoiding the terrifying Mr. X who relentlessly hunts you throughout the station.
The remake updates the original’s tank controls and fixed camera angles with an over-the-shoulder view similar to Resident Evil 4. This change makes the game more accessible while keeping the horror intact.
Graphically, RE2 Remake shines with detailed environments and gruesome zombie designs. The lighting effects deserve special mention – flashlight beams cutting through darkness add to the scary mood.
The sound design is equally impressive. Footsteps echo through empty hallways, zombies moan in the distance, and Mr. X’s heavy footsteps signal approaching danger. Playing with headphones is recommended for the full experience.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers get a great deal with this title. The Microsoft Store version is Play Anywhere compatible, letting you play on both Xbox and PC with the same save file.
Multiple campaigns with different characters give the game good replay value. Small differences in story paths and available weapons make each playthrough feel fresh.
Five years after its release, Resident Evil 2 Remake still holds up as one of the defining horror experiences in gaming. The combination of survival horror mechanics, resource management, and genuine scares makes it a must-play.
For those new to horror games, the standard difficulty offers a good challenge without being frustrating. Hardcore mode awaits braver players looking for a more authentic survival horror experience.
2. The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season
The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season offers a unique horror experience that focuses more on storytelling than jump scares. This game is set in the same universe as Robert Kirkman’s award-winning series and lets players take on the role of Lee Everett, a convicted criminal.
What makes this game stand out is its emotional impact. Players must make tough choices that affect relationships with other survivors and shape the story. These decisions often come with a time limit, adding pressure and tension to already stressful situations.
The game follows a five-part episodic format. Each episode builds upon your previous choices, creating a personalized zombie apocalypse experience. Your relationship with Clementine, a young girl you protect throughout the series, forms the emotional core of the story.
Graphics use a comic book style that matches the original Walking Dead comics. This art direction helps the game maintain its impact even years after its initial release.
Many players consider this title more of an interactive story than a traditional horror game. Still, it earned its place on the best horror games list, thanks to its tense atmosphere and emotional weight.
The game regularly puts players in situations where there are no good choices. You’ll face moral dilemmas about who to save, who to trust, and how far you’ll go to protect those you care about.
Available through Xbox Game Pass, this title offers excellent value as part of the subscription. Players can experience the complete first season without additional purchases.
For those new to horror games, The Walking Dead provides a good entry point. It focuses less on action and more on story, making it accessible to players who might not typically enjoy horror.
Reddit users frequently mention this game when discussing the best storytelling experiences on Game Pass. Its emotional impact stays with players long after they finish the game.
3. Dead By Daylight
Dead By Daylight stands out as one of the most popular horror games on Xbox Game Pass. This asymmetrical multiplayer game pits four survivors against one killer in a tense match of cat and mouse.
The game features many famous horror movie villains as playable killers. You can take control of icons like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Ghostface. Or you can play as original monsters created for the game.
Each character has their own deep progression system with many unlockables. These can be customized to match how you like to play. This gives the game loads of replay value.
Survivors must work together to repair generators and escape. Meanwhile, the killer hunts them down one by one. This creates a nail-biting experience that keeps players coming back.
The game regularly adds new content through updates. Fresh killers, survivors, and maps ensure the experience stays exciting. Some DLC packs feature characters from Stranger Things, Resident Evil, and other horror franchises.
Dead By Daylight shines brightest when played with friends. Communication and teamwork are key for survivors hoping to escape. For killers, learning each character’s unique powers creates an engaging challenge.
The atmosphere really sells the horror experience. Creepy environments, tense music, and jump scares keep everyone on edge. When a killer is near, the heartbeat sound effect grows louder, adding to the tension.
The game has been listed among the terrifying games to play on Xbox Game Pass. It’s perfect for horror fans who enjoy multiplayer experiences with friends.
Dead By Daylight offers a unique twist on traditional horror games. Instead of scripted scares, the unpredictable nature of human players creates genuine fear. No two matches play out exactly the same way.
For Xbox Game Pass subscribers looking for horror games with longevity, Dead By Daylight delivers. The game has maintained a strong player base for years, making it easy to find matches at any time.
4. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice stands out as a uniquely terrifying experience on Xbox Game Pass with a Metacritic score of 81. Unlike traditional horror games, it explores the terror of psychological illness, creating a sense of dread that feels both unusual and powerful.
The game puts players in control of Senua, a Celtic warrior on a haunting journey to save her dead lover’s soul. Her path takes her through Hel, facing both external monsters and the demons of her own mind.
What makes Hellblade truly scary is its approach to mental health. The voices Senua hears feel real to players thanks to binaural audio. These whispers, doubts, and warnings create an unsettling atmosphere that few games match.
The immersion in this game is exceptional. Players experience Senua’s reality through detailed visuals and sound design that blur the line between what’s real and what exists only in her mind.
Combat isn’t the main focus here, but the fights are intense and meaningful. Each battle feels like both a physical struggle and a representation of Senua’s internal conflicts.
The game tackles dark themes without exploiting them. It shows respect for mental health issues while still delivering genuine horror moments that will stay with players long after they finish.
Ninja Theory, the developers, worked with neuroscientists to create an authentic representation of psychosis. This research shows in every aspect of the game’s design, from visual hallucinations to the constant commentary from the voices.
Hellblade is also visually striking. The environments shift between beautiful landscapes and nightmarish scenes, often blending both in ways that keep players guessing about what’s actually happening.
For those interested in trying it before the sequel, both Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II are available on Game Pass. The first game typically takes 7-9 hours to complete, making it a perfect weekend horror experience.
Players can also experience this atmospheric journey through Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing them to step into Senua’s troubled mind from almost any device.
5. Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation stands out as one of the most terrifying experiences available on Xbox Game Pass. Based on the classic sci-fi horror film franchise, the game puts players in the shoes of Amanda Ripley as she searches for her missing mother.
The game’s strongest feature is its atmosphere. The space station Sevastopol feels genuinely lived-in yet abandoned, with flickering lights and creaking metal creating constant tension. The sound design deserves special praise for making every distant noise a potential threat.
Unlike many horror games, Alien: Isolation features an enemy that learns from your tactics. The xenomorph hunts you throughout the station using advanced AI that adapts to your hiding spots and strategies. This creates a cat-and-mouse dynamic that keeps you on edge.
Many Xbox gamers consider it one of the absolute scariest games ever made. The stress level gets so high that some players describe it as “a great game they’ll never play again” due to the intense experience.
Combat isn’t the focus here. You’ll spend most of your time hiding, sneaking, and desperately trying to avoid detection. The tools at your disposal feel limited by design, enhancing the feeling of vulnerability.
The story unfolds over a surprisingly lengthy campaign that takes about 15-20 hours to complete. This gives the terror time to build rather than relying on quick jump scares.
The game faithfully captures the retro-futuristic look of the original Alien film. Computer terminals, hallways, and technology all feel like they belong in that universe, adding to the immersion.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers often mention Alien: Isolation as one of the most stressful horror experiences in the library. The game balances moments of quiet exploration with heart-pounding chase sequences perfectly.
If you’re looking for action-packed gameplay, this might not be your cup of tea. However, for fans of suspense and genuine fear, few games deliver such a consistently frightening experience.
6. Outlast
Outlast is a horror game that will make your heart race. This first-person survival horror experience focuses on stealth and evasion rather than combat. Players can’t fight back against the threats they face, which creates a constant feeling of vulnerability.
In this game, you play as journalist Miles Upshur who investigates Mount Massive Asylum. The asylum is filled with violent patients and dark secrets. Your only tools are a camera with night vision and your ability to hide.
The camera’s night vision feature is key to survival. It lets you see in the dark, but uses batteries that you must find throughout the game. This creates tension as you manage this limited resource.
Outlast aims to show that the most terrifying monsters come from the human mind. The game’s psychological horror comes from its disturbing setting and the twisted characters you encounter.
The sound design deserves special mention. Creaking floorboards, distant screams, and heavy breathing create a tense atmosphere that keeps players on edge throughout the experience.
Hiding is your main defense against enemies. You’ll duck under beds, hide in lockers, or squeeze into tight spaces to avoid detection. These moments create nail-biting tension as enemies search for you.
The story unfolds through documents you find and events you witness. This approach to storytelling rewards exploration while building the game’s disturbing lore.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers often mention Outlast when discussing the scariest games in the service. Its combination of helplessness, atmosphere, and jump scares makes it stand out.
For those who enjoy the base game, Outlast has DLC called Whistleblower that expands the story. The Outlast series also includes a sequel and a newer multiplayer entry called The Outlast Trials.
If you enjoy horror games that focus on survival rather than combat, Outlast is worth trying. Just be prepared to feel helpless, terrified, and completely immersed in its nightmare.
7. The Evil Within
The Evil Within is a standout horror game on Xbox Game Pass that truly captures what survival horror is all about. Created by Shinji Mikami, the mind behind Resident Evil, this game offers a disturbing psychological experience that horror fans shouldn’t miss.
Players take on the role of detective Sebastian Castellanos who gets pulled into a twisted nightmare world. The game skillfully blends traditional horror elements with mind-bending psychological terror.
What makes The Evil Within special is its unsettling atmosphere. The environments are highly detailed and designed to keep players on edge at all times. From abandoned hospitals to creepy villages, each location feels threatening in its own way.
The gameplay focuses on survival with limited resources. Players must carefully manage ammunition and healing items while solving puzzles and avoiding horrifying enemies. This scarcity adds to the tension throughout the experience.
The story unfolds in unexpected ways, keeping players guessing until the end. While sometimes confusing, the narrative rewards those who pay attention to details.
Combat in The Evil Within is challenging but satisfying. The game forces players to make difficult choices about when to fight and when to run. Some encounters require creative thinking rather than direct confrontation.
Visually, the game has a distinct style with a gritty, distorted look that enhances the nightmare quality. The artistic direction uses lighting and shadow effectively to build dread.
The Evil Within embodies pure survival horror with its intricate story and anxiety-inducing gameplay. It’s currently available on Xbox Game Pass, making it accessible for subscribers looking for a frightening experience.
For those interested in seeing how it plays on newer hardware, there are gameplay videos showing how it performs on Xbox Series X. The game holds up well despite being released some years ago.
Horror fans consistently rank it among the best horror games available on Xbox, and for good reason. Its unique blend of psychological horror and survival gameplay continues to terrify new players discovering it through Game Pass.
8. Doom 3
Doom 3 stands as one of the most terrifying games available on Xbox Game Pass. Unlike its fast-paced predecessors, this entry takes a slower, horror-focused approach that creates genuine scares.
The game puts players on Mars, where a science experiment has gone horribly wrong. Demons have invaded the research facility, and you must fight through dark corridors with limited resources.
What makes Doom 3 special is its atmosphere. The lighting system forces players to choose between seeing threats and shooting them, as you can’t hold your flashlight and weapon at the same time.
The Xbox Game Pass version comes with several improvements. Players get upgraded visuals, better controls, and gamepad support. The game also runs at 60 frames per second and supports widescreen resolutions.
This version includes both expansion packs: Resurrection of Evil and The Lost Missions. These add several more hours of gameplay to an already substantial experience.
For those new to the series, Doom 3 offers a different experience than the newer Doom games. It focuses on survival horror rather than fast-paced action. Ammunition is scarce, and enemies often jump out from dark corners.
The Xbox Series X version runs smoothly and looks impressive despite being originally released in 2004. The enhanced resolution and framerate make this the best way to experience the game.
Fans of body horror will find plenty to enjoy here. The game shares elements with other horror classics like Dead Space, focusing on grotesque enemy designs and jump scares.
While some players might find the pace too slow compared to modern shooters, the tension created by the gameplay makes for a unique horror experience. Each encounter feels dangerous, and the sound design amplifies every scare.
9. Dead Space
The Dead Space remake is one of the standout horror games available on Xbox Game Pass. Released in 2023, this modern take on the sci-fi horror classic has earned high praise from critics and players alike, scoring an impressive 89 on Metacritic.
This game puts you in the boots of engineer Isaac Clarke, who finds himself trapped on a mining spaceship overrun with horrifying creatures. What makes Dead Space special is its unique combat system. Instead of simply shooting enemies in the head, you must strategically dismember the monsters to take them down.
The remake enhances the original game with stunning visuals and improved gameplay mechanics. The lighting effects create a truly creepy atmosphere that keeps you on edge throughout your playthrough.
The USG Ishimura, the ship where the game takes place, feels like a character itself. Its dark corridors and abandoned rooms tell stories of the terrible events that happened before your arrival.
Sound design in Dead Space deserves special mention. The game uses audio cues masterfully to build tension. Strange noises echo through the metal halls, and you’ll often hear creatures long before you see them.
Resource management adds another layer of stress to the experience. Ammo and health are limited, forcing you to make tough choices during intense encounters.
For those who enjoy story-driven horror, Dead Space delivers a compelling narrative that unfolds as you explore the ship. Audio logs and environmental storytelling reveal the fate of the crew and the origins of the nightmare you’re facing.
The game balances jump scares with psychological horror, creating a deeply unsettling experience that stays with you even after you stop playing. If you’re looking for a horror game that combines action, atmosphere, and storytelling, Dead Space on Game Pass is an excellent choice.
10. State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 brings a unique twist to the horror genre by combining zombie survival with community management. Players must build and maintain a group of survivors while fending off the undead threat that lurks around every corner.
The game drops you into an open world where resources are scarce. You’ll need to scavenge for supplies, rescue other survivors, and establish outposts to expand your territory.
What makes State of Decay 2 particularly tense is its permadeath system. When a character dies, they’re gone for good, along with all their skills and experiences. This creates genuine moments of fear when your favorite survivor is surrounded by zombies.
Combat is brutal and personal. Melee weapons degrade with use, guns attract more zombies with their noise, and sometimes running away is the best option. The game doesn’t pull punches in showing the harsh reality of survival.
The special infected zombies add variety to encounters. From the tank-like Juggernauts to the gas-spewing Bloaters, each type requires different tactics to defeat safely.
Night brings increased danger as zombies become more aggressive. The darkness limits visibility, and the sounds of growling in the distance keep players on edge.
State of Decay 2 is considered a legitimately great game despite the overcrowded zombie genre. Its blend of resource management and survival horror creates a tense experience unlike other games.
The game features co-op multiplayer, allowing friends to join your world and help with difficult missions or just provide backup during supply runs.
Base building adds another layer to gameplay. You’ll need to consider factors like power, medical facilities, and sleeping arrangements for your growing community.
Each playthrough feels different thanks to randomly generated maps and survivor traits. This unpredictability keeps the experience fresh even after many hours of gameplay.
Being on Game Pass makes State of Decay 2 easily accessible for subscribers looking for a zombie fix. Whether you enjoy stealth, resource management, or frantic combat, the game offers something for different playstyles.
The Psychological Appeal of Horror Games
Horror games tap into our primal fears while offering a safe space to experience them. They create a unique blend of anxiety and excitement that many players find addictive.
Understanding Fear Mechanics
Horror games use several psychological tricks to scare players. The fear of the unknown is a powerful tool that many Xbox Game Pass horror titles exploit. When players can’t see what’s lurking in the shadows, their imagination often creates something worse than reality.
Sound design is another crucial element. Many games use audio cues to build tension – creaking floorboards, distant screams, or sudden musical stings can make hearts race.
The best horror games also use:
- Limited resources: Making players manage scarce ammo or health items
- Vulnerability: Removing power from players (like in hiding-based horror)
- Psychological triggers: Using common fears like darkness, isolation, or body horror
These mechanics work together to create genuine stress responses. Players experience increased heart rate, sweaty palms, and heightened alertness – all while sitting safely on their couch.
Player Immersion and Storytelling
Horror games on Xbox Game Pass like The Evil Within 2 excel at creating immersive experiences. First-person perspectives put players directly in the protagonist’s shoes, making threats feel immediate and personal.
Environmental storytelling is particularly effective in horror. Finding bloody handprints, scattered notes, or abandoned personal items builds dread without explicit explanation.
Many horror games explore deep themes that resonate with players:
- Guilt and trauma
- Loss of control
- Isolation and abandonment
- Confronting personal demons
The narrative complexity of modern horror games has evolved beyond simple jump scares. Games like those featured in 2023’s top Game Pass horror selections often include moral choices and multiple endings that give players agency in the nightmare.
This combination of psychological engagement and storytelling keeps players coming back, even as the experience terrifies them.
The Evolution of Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass has transformed how players experience horror games, offering an expanding library that showcases technological innovation and seamless play across devices.
Technological Advancements
Horror games on Xbox Game Pass have evolved dramatically since the service launched. Early offerings like the original Resident Evil featured fixed camera angles and limited movement. Today’s titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl showcase cutting-edge graphics and sophisticated AI systems.
Modern horror games use advanced lighting and sound design to create more immersive experiences. Games like Senua’s Saga use binaural audio to make players feel surrounded by threatening voices and sounds.
Physics engines have improved too, allowing for more realistic interaction with environments. This creates tense moments when hiding from monsters or solving puzzles under pressure.
Cross-Platform Integration
Xbox Game Pass has broken down barriers between gaming platforms. Horror fans can start playing Dead by Daylight on their Xbox and continue on PC or mobile devices through cloud gaming.
Cross-save functionality lets players maintain their progress across different devices. This feature is especially valuable for story-driven horror games like The Walking Dead series, where players make important choices throughout the game.
The service has also brought indie horror gems to wider audiences. Games like Inscryption and Amnesia: The Bunker have found new players through Game Pass who might not have discovered them otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox Game Pass offers many horror titles that cater to different preferences. Players often have questions about multiplayer options, new additions, and which games truly deliver the most scares.
Which horror titles on Xbox Game Pass are great for group play?
Dead By Daylight stands out as the best multiplayer horror experience on Xbox Game Pass. This 4v1 asymmetric horror game lets one player become the killer while others try to escape.
The Dark Pictures Anthology games offer great local co-op options. Each player can control different characters during the story, making decisions that affect everyone’s fate.
Phasmophobia, recently added to Game Pass, provides a terrifying ghost-hunting experience for up to four players working together to identify spirits.
What are the latest additions in the horror genre on Xbox Game Pass?
Resident Evil 2 Remake joined Xbox Game Pass in January 2025, bringing its stunning visuals and terrifying Mr. X encounters to subscribers.
The Medium was recently added, offering a unique dual-reality gameplay mechanic where players navigate both the real world and spirit world simultaneously.
Scorn arrived in February 2025, delivering a disturbing bio-mechanical horror experience inspired by H.R. Giger’s artwork.
Are there any highly-rated free horror games available on Xbox Game Pass?
While no horror games on Xbox Game Pass are technically “free” beyond the subscription, several high-value titles are included without additional cost.
Alien: Isolation, normally priced at $39.99, is fully included with Game Pass and offers one of the most intense horror experiences available.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice provides an award-winning psychological horror experience that would typically cost $29.99 as a standalone purchase.
Which horror game on Xbox Game Pass is considered the scariest by the community?
Alien: Isolation consistently ranks as the most terrifying experience according to player feedback. Its unpredictable alien AI creates genuine fear and tension.
The Amnesia series, available on Game Pass, is frequently mentioned in discussions about terrifying games due to its psychological horror and helpless protagonist.
SOMA combines existential dread with underwater horror, creating a deeply unsettling experience many players find difficult to complete in one sitting.
How do the horror games on Xbox Game Pass compare to those available on PC Game Pass?
PC Game Pass includes several horror titles not available on the console version, such as Darkwood and Signalis, which offer unique top-down and retro survival horror experiences.
Console exclusive horror games include The Medium and Blair Witch, which are optimized for Xbox hardware and controller play.
Most major horror titles like Resident Evil 2 Remake and Amnesia are available on both platforms with nearly identical gameplay experiences.
Is there any news on upcoming horror games being added to Xbox Game Pass?
The rumored Silent Hill 2 Remake is expected to join Game Pass shortly after its release, according to industry insiders.
A new Evil Within game is reportedly in development with plans for a day-one Game Pass release, though official announcements are pending.
Xbox has announced plans to expand their horror game selection throughout 2025, with several unannounced titles planned to coincide with Halloween.
