Essentially Netflix for video games, the Xbox Game Pass has been revolutionary in how it allows the public to play games. And to the surprise of almost everyone, the Game Pass actually contains a solid list of AAA titles.
One of the most popular genres of video games is horror. People love getting scared, and horror games often make for great YouTube compilations and streams. Luckily, Game Pass contains a slew of great horror games, both old and new. These games absolutely deserve to be played. With the lights on, preferably.
Alien: Isolation (2014)
Some people claim that Colonial Marines isn't as bad as gamers remember. And while that may be the case, gamers finally got a great Alien video game in Alien: Isolation. Colonial Marines can be firmly set aside in favor of Isolation, as it is the quintessential Alien title that nicely translates the movie's horror to gaming consoles.
The game not only looks spectacular (with a visual design influenced by the first movie), but the titular Alien is easily one of the scariest gaming monsters of the generation.
Dead Space (2008)
While it was made by the ever-controversial EA, Dead Space is a masterpiece of horror gaming. Released in the fall of 2008, Dead Space wowed both critics and players for its production design and impeccable horror atmosphere.
The game both looked and sounded fantastic, the gameplay was fun, and best of all, it was actually very scary. The inventive monsters and the isolated space setting combined to make for one of the Xbox 360's freakiest and ever-enduring titles.
Doom 3 (2004)
Reception to Doom 3 was initially quite mixed. While players and critics praised the game's production values and scares, they were more critical of the slow-paced gameplay.
The Doom franchise was known for its rapid-fire gameplay and countless enemies, and Doom 3 slowed it down considerably to present a more atmospheric horror game. But over time, reception of the game has been more favorable, and it's generally thought to be one of the greatest survival horror games ever made.
Five Nights At Freddy's (2014)
Five Nights at Freddy's is one of the scariest independent horror video games ever made. Or, at least one of the most popular. A huge deal in 2014, Five Nights at Freddy's gained considerable popularity owing to popular streamers like PewDiePie.
The popularity of those videos in turn resulted in the popularity of the game itself, and people realized firsthand just how frightening it could be. While certainly a product of its time, Five Nights at Freddy's is a must-play for its historic place in the horror canon.
Limbo (2010)
Limbo is an oldie but a goodie, having been released for the seventh generation of consoles back in 2010. This game perfectly toed the line between art and mainstream acceptance, offering a short but incredible experience that left indelible memories in its players.
The game's exquisite artwork, foreboding atmosphere, and ambiguous story all combined to create one of the most memorable horror experiences of the decade. To this day, it remains Playdead's masterpiece.
Outlast 2 (2017)
Unfortunately, the first Outlast is not available on Game Pass. But its bloody sequel will do just as well. Outlast 2 takes the action from a psychiatric facility to an isolated mountain town inhabited by the members of a dangerous cult.
It features all the great gameplay that Outlast fans came to love (running, hiding under beds, etc.) with the same buckets of blood and gore that effectively grossed out its players. It didn't attain the same level of popularity as its predecessor, but it was arguably just as good.
Prey (2017)
Prey is a great game to try for fans of Deathloop. It's certainly not a straightforward horror game, as it also combines elements of RPG, Metroidvania, and first-person shooter, but it still has more than enough capability to scare its players.
Perhaps the scariest element of the game is the monsters that can shapeshift into any inanimate object. It forces players to remain on their toes throughout the entire game, as they are never sure where the enemy will jump from. It's a beautiful game, and also a terrifying one.
Resident Evil 7 (2017)
Resident Evil 7 got the series back on track following a string of disappointing action-oriented entries. They tried something new, and that must be commended, but many felt that it just didn't work.
Resident Evil 7 contained some of the scariest moments of the series, whether it came from stalking in fear through the hallways of a house or fighting a giant spider-woman hybrid monster. It was a welcome return to form for the legendary series, and it remains a stellar and effective horror game to this day.
The Evil Within 2 (2017)
The first Evil Within was a fun, if disappointing, horror game that fell well short of its lofty expectations. Luckily, The Evil Within 2 gets the series on track and is a startlingly good horror game in its own right.
Fans of the Resident Evil series should definitely check it out, as it contains very similar gameplay and monster design. It's a new Resident Evil for a new generation, and it stands toe-to-toe with that legendary series' best entries.
Visage (2020)
An independent psychological horror game, Visage shares much in common with the infamously canceled P.T. Launched with the help of some fundraising campaigns, Visage looked to recapture P.T.'s glory and unmistakable thrills once it was taken down and made unavailable.
While it's certainly not as effective or as popular as P.T., Visage is nevertheless a very good independent game that was obviously made with love and care for the horror genre.