Summary

  • Xbox Game Pass allows gamers to explore different genres, like horror, without any risk, making it a great option for trying out new titles.
  • The updated Game Pass offers even more excellent horror games to choose from, providing a variety of scares and thrills.
  • From survival horror to psychological horror, Game Pass offers a range of terrifying experiences, ensuring there's something for every horror fan.

Xbox Game Pass can be a great way for gamers to try out titles usually beyond their tastes, as there is no risk in downloading something that you may not enjoy.

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This is especially true for horror fans or those curious to try out the genre, with several excellent games available. Whether you want good jump scares, body horror, or anything else that will deliver thrills and possible nightmares, here are some of the best on offer.

Updated on October 10, 2023, by Grant Burton: With the constantly evolving nature of Xbox Game Pass, this update reflects some of the games that have since left the service and those that have been added. There are now even more great horror games to be had for the cost of a subscription.

10 Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a survival horror game in which you traverse a castle, trying to battle monsters, and hope to maintain your sanity. You navigate dark, atmospheric halls and environs, solve puzzles, and battle the darkness itself.

Throughout the game, you must monitor your sanity level. Entering the dark will risk insanity. How sane you are determines the frequency of visions and monsters you encounter. So, play it safe, and it won’t be as scary. But be warned, there is no fighting. You can only run or hide.

9 Back 4 Blood

Back 4 Blood

FPS Released October 12, 2021 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Turtle Rock Studios Powered by Expand Collapse

What is considered to be scary is subjective, and lots of gore and zombies with various abilities can sound terrifying to a lot of people. Regardless of its scare power to you, Back 4 Blood packs in the violence to satisfy the bloodlust of both action and horror fans alike.

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From the minds behind Left 4 Dead, Turtle Rock delivered its modern take with a card system and stats for weapons. While the formula has been tweaked, it is a worthy successor to the original zombie shooter. So, grab some friends and tear through the undead.

8 Dead By Daylight

Dead by Daylight

Horror Survival Released June 14, 2016 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Behaviour Interactive Powered by Expand Collapse

Dead By Daylight puts you in the shoes of either a survivor or a killer. The asymmetrical online game has plenty of characters to pick from, each with perks that let you choose how you want to play to survive or kill. As the developers keep updating it with new killers, survivors, and maps, there is endless fun and scares to enjoy.

Even better, the game is a blast with friends. Gather some buddies to survive against random killers online. If you have enough players, you can set up a private lobby to hunt your friends or survive with them.

7 A Plague Tale (Series)

A Plague Tale: Innocence

Action Adventure Stealth Released May 14, 2019 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Asobo Studio Powered by Expand Collapse

In A Plague Tale, you take on the role of Amicia as she guides her gifted brother through a rat, plague-riddled France. You sneak your way by enemy guards, use your slingshot to take down foes, and utilize light and fire to deter the swarms of rats.

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A Plague Tale is part adventure and part horror, with stealth and action sequences. The rats swarming the screen in their hundreds and thousands is often a horrific sight to behold. And there are some grizzly sequences involving rats devouring their prey.

6 Dead Space 2

Dead Space 2

Survival Horror Released January 25, 2011 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Visceral Games Powered by Expand Collapse

That's right; Dead Space 2 is available on Game Pass on PC. The action-survival-horror game remains one of the best from the now-defunct Visceral Games. It built upon its predecessor's mechanics while fine-tuning some of the rougher edges; it had more meaningful upgrades and upped the action.

Still, that balance of a nightmarish sci-fi ride was there, with some scenes that will sear themselves into your mind. Dead Space fans should note that all three games are on Game Pass.

5 Prey

Prey

Prey

FPS Released May 5, 2017 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence Developer(s) Arkane Studios Powered by Expand Collapse

Fans of Bethesda and the companies under its umbrella should be happy that plenty of games, from Wolfenstein to Doom, are on Game Pass. One of the most underrated games in that selection is there, too — Arkane's Prey.

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In some ways, compared to Dishonored, the studio stepped off its current path to explore something different in art direction, genre, and style. You can still feel the studio's DNA, especially in the ability to play in different ways that cater to your playstyle. The other element that stood out was how scary it was to hunt the aliens, especially Mimics. Watch out when getting your morning coffee; it may not be what you think!

4 The Evil Within

The Evil Within

Third-Person Shooter Survival Horror Released October 14, 2014 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Tango Gameworks Powered by Expand Collapse

It may have obvious imperfections, but The Evil Within is a more-trippy-less-silly Resident Evil. It does share similarities with that series, though, as Resident Evil director Shinji Mikami was behind the creation of Tango Gameworks' strong debut.

The structure of The Evil Within fits the same as Capcom's popular series. It starts horror-heavy, then goes down a more action-oriented road in the latter half. However, it strikes a nice balance if you want a little bit of both in one package. If you like it, The Evil Within 2 is also on Game Pass.

3 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is an 8th century, Viking period set game where you play as Senua as she traverses the lands on a quest to save her deceased lover’s soul. Along the way, she battles raiders, warriors, and her own mental health.

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Hellblade utilizes 3D sound to mimic Senua’s psychosis. She sees and hears things that may or may not be real—believing them to be a curse. That, along with the tense score and the grizzly, gritty visuals, make Hellblade an intense, story-driven horror game.

2 Telltale’s The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead The Game

Adventure Horror Released April 24, 2012 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language Developer(s) Telltale Games Powered by Expand Collapse

Telltale’s The Walking Dead is unlike many other zombie-focused video games. It’s less about battling the undead and more about the characters trying to survive. Initially, you play as Lee, a former teacher turned convict, who is forced to care for a young girl named Clementine.

On your adventure through the apocalypse, you contend with grouchy allies, cannibals, gangs, and more. You learn to care for characters, make tough choices, and you might even shed a tear or two. In classic Telltale style, the choices, and actions you make dictate the story and reactions of the game.

1 Limbo & Inside

Limbo

Platformer Released July 21, 2010 ESRB T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Mild Violence Developer(s) Playdead Powered by Expand Collapse

Limbo is a side-scrolling puzzle platform game with horror elements. You play as a young boy on a quest for his sister. You encounter odd creatures and monsters, work your way through unusual environments, and contend with the sinister, black, and white visuals that create a dark, disturbing vibe throughout.

In Inside, also developed by Playdead, you again play as a young boy on a quest open for interpretation. This is another puzzle platform game with horror elements, an intense, spooky atmosphere, and one of the most disturbing endings in video game history.

NEXT: Scary Games Where You Are Hunted