18 April 2025
Let’s be honest—there’s something oddly satisfying about scaring yourself silly with a good horror game at night. Just you, your Xbox, a dimly lit room, and the creeping sense that something might jump out at any second. Horror games are a special kind of thrill. They make your palms sweat, your heart pound, and your imagination run wild. Whether you're looking for spine-chilling jump scares, a tense eerie atmosphere, or a gripping story, Xbox has some stellar options to keep you wide-eyed long after bedtime.
So, if you're brave enough, grab a blanket, dim the lights, and let’s dive into the top Xbox horror games for thrilling nighttime sessions. Don’t worry—we won’t judge if you sleep with the lights on after this.
1. Resident Evil Village
When it comes to horror games, Resident Evil is the gold standard. And Resident Evil Village doesn’t disappoint. Think: creepy werewolves, terrifying vampires, and dark, gothic vibes that give you goosebumps.The game perfectly balances action and horror, throwing you into chilling environments like a shadowy castle and an unsettling dollhouse (trust me, you’ll never look at dolls the same way again). And let’s not forget about Lady Dimitrescu, the towering vampire everyone’s been talking about. She’s as terrifying as she is mesmerizing. The game’s stunning visuals and immersive sound design make this an absolute must-play if you’re a fan of survival horror.
2. Dead Space Remake
If you’re up for something that feels like Alien meets The Shining, then the Dead Space Remake will knock your socks off. Set on a spaceship overrun by grotesque alien-like creatures called Necromorphs, this game delivers a gut-wrenching mix of claustrophobia, suspense, and outright terror.The remake improved upon the original classic, with updated visuals, enhanced sound design, and a more fleshed-out story. It’s dark, it’s gruesome, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Just a word of advice—maybe eat after you play because the gore is on another level.
3. The Medium
Looking for a psychological horror experience that messes with your mind? The Medium has you covered. You play as Marianne, a psychic who can travel between the real world and the spirit realm. Yeah, it’s as creepy as it sounds.The game uses a dual-reality mechanic, where you’ll solve puzzles and uncover mysteries in both dimensions simultaneously. The atmosphere is drenched in dread, and the soundtrack (composed by Akira Yamaoka, the genius behind Silent Hill) only cranks up the tension. It’s not overly reliant on jump scares, but it’ll definitely leave you feeling uneasy.
4. Alien: Isolation
Ever wonder what it would feel like to be hunted by an unstoppable, drooling alien monster? Alien: Isolation answers that question in the most terrifying way imaginable. This game nails the suspenseful vibe of the Alien movies, complete with narrow corridors, flickering lights, and the constant threat of the Xenomorph.But here’s the thing—the AI for the Xenomorph is downright genius. It learns from your behavior, meaning you can’t just hide under a desk and hope for the best. Every moment feels like a game of hide-and-seek where losing means… well, game over. If you're looking for edge-of-your-seat gameplay, this one’s a no-brainer.
5. Outlast 2
If you thought the first Outlast was horrifying, brace yourself because Outlast 2 cranks things up to a whole new level. This first-person survival horror game drops you into a creepy rural setting filled with cultists, paranoia, and downright madness.You’re armed with nothing but a camcorder (with night vision, of course), so running and hiding are your only ways to survive. The game’s narrative is dark—sometimes uncomfortably so—and will have you questioning what’s real and what’s not. Pro tip: don’t play this alone at 3 AM unless you want to feel your soul leave your body.
6. The Evil Within 2
Imagine a nightmare came to life and strapped you into it—that’s basically The Evil Within 2. This game gives you a twisted, surreal mix of psychological horror and action, delivering a rollercoaster of emotions.You step into the shoes of Sebastian Castellanos, a detective looking for his missing daughter in a nightmarish virtual world. Sounds trippy, right? The combat is intense, the monsters are horrifying, and the open-world elements let you explore at your own terrifying pace. Oh, and the story? It’s gripping in the most unsettling way possible.
7. Phasmophobia (Playable on Xbox Through Cloud Gaming)
Okay, hear me out on this one. While Phasmophobia isn’t necessarily an “Xbox game,” you can play it through cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. And let me tell you, it’s worth it.You and your friends take on the role of ghost hunters investigating haunted locations. But don’t be fooled by the co-op fun—this game is absolutely terrifying. The ghosts react to your actions (and even your in-game voice), creating a spine-chillingly immersive experience. Plus, the unpredictability of each session keeps the scares fresh.
8. State of Decay 2
If you like your horror with a pinch of strategy, State of Decay 2 might be your jam. It’s an open-world zombie survival game where you not only fight off undead hordes but also build and manage a community of survivors.It’s not the scariest game on the list, but there’s something deeply unsettling about scavenging for supplies while constantly looking over your shoulder for walkers. Add to that permadeath for characters, and suddenly every decision feels like life or death. Plus, you can team up with friends to make the apocalypse a little less lonely.
9. Layers of Fear
Sometimes, the scariest thing is the human mind. In Layers of Fear, you step into the shoes of a tormented painter descending into madness. The game is a psychological horror masterpiece, using shifting environments and surreal imagery to mess with your head.It’s more of a slow burn, focusing on atmosphere and storytelling rather than action. But trust me, it’ll have you second-guessing reality. Think of it as a haunted house experience, but way more unsettling.
10. Blair Witch
Based on the iconic Blair Witch Project movie, this game is all about psychological horror and exploration. You play as Ellis, a man searching for a missing boy in the ominous Black Hills Forest. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong.As you venture deeper into the woods, things get weirder and scarier. The game brilliantly uses your character’s mental state to mess with you, creating a sense of unease that lingers even after you’ve turned off the console. Bonus points for letting you bring along a dog companion, Bullet, who’s both adorable and a lifeline in the forest.
Why Horror Games Are Perfect for Nighttime
There’s just something about playing horror games at night that hits differently, right? The darkness feels heavier, the jump scares cut deeper, and the eerie silence of your surroundings adds to the tension. Plus, let’s be real—playing during the day just doesn’t have the same effect. Horror thrives in an atmosphere where you can almost feel the shadows creeping behind you.If you’re looking to amplify the experience, play with headphones on. Those little creaks, whispers, and distant groans? They’re twice as terrifying when they’re right in your ears.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned horror fanatic or just dipping your toes into the genre, Xbox has an impressive lineup of games guaranteed to give you sleepless nights. From psychological mind-benders to adrenaline-pumping survival horror, there’s something for everyone. Just remember—it’s okay to pause the game and catch your breath. No one will judge. Probably.So, which of these games are you brave enough to tackle first? Or maybe you’ve played some of them already—did they scare the life out of you? Let me know; I’d love to hear your stories (unless you’re too chicken to talk about it).
