Late-night gaming on the game pass hits differently when the lights are low and the room is quiet. That moment when the screen loads and the tension slowly builds is something many players know well.
Imagine diving into spine-chilling worlds like Dead by Daylight or The Evil Within anytime you want, no extra cost beyond your cheap monthly subscription.
Playing alone allows full focus on the story and atmosphere, while co-op options turn scary moments into shared memories with friends.
Users rave about the massive library, packed with classics such as Resident Evil Village and fresh scares like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, all ready to stream or download on Xbox, PC, or even cloud for mobile chills.
Read the blog to know the best horror games on Xbox Game Pass, grouped by play style, scare level, and player type, to help choose what to play next with confidence.
What Makes a Horror Game Scary?
An online game feels scary when it creates tension and keeps players unsure of what will happen next.
Dark environments, limited visibility, and sudden sounds can make players feel uneasy even before danger appears.
The fear increases when enemies behave in unpredictable ways or when mistakes lead to serious consequences. Playing online adds pressure because other players may depend on quick reactions and smart choices.
Shared voice chat can also heighten stress during intense moments.
Strong stories, creepy visuals, and realistic sound design all work together to make online horror games on the Game Pass feel more intense and memorable.
Survival Horror Games on Game Pass
Survival horror games focus on staying alive with very limited resources. They are a good fit for players who enjoy stress-filled gameplay and careful decision-making instead of fast action.
1. State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 is an open-world survival game where staying alive depends on planning and teamwork.
Players must manage food, medicine, and safe shelters while dealing with constant zombie threats. Base building plays a big role, since strong bases help survivors rest and prepare for danger.
The game supports solo play or up to four players in online co-op, which makes survival easier and more social.
Fear comes from long-term pressure, resource shortages, and knowing one mistake can affect the entire group.
2. DayZ
DayZ is a hardcore survival game where danger comes from both the environment and other players.
Hunger, sickness, and injuries must be managed carefully, or survival becomes difficult.
Up to 60 players can share the same online world, which adds constant tension. Trust is rare, since any encounter can turn hostile without warning.
Fear builds through isolation, long travel times, and the risk of losing progress at any moment. The slow pace and realism make every decision feel heavy and stressful.
3. Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation puts players alone on a damaged space station with a single, unstoppable threat.
The alien reacts to sound and movement, which forces careful planning and slow movement. There are no easy fights, so hiding and patience are key to survival.
The quiet halls, sudden noises, and constant threat create steady tension instead of fast scares.
As a single-player game, it offers deep focus and immersion, making every step feel risky and every escape feel earned.
Psychological Horror Games on Game Pass
Psychological horror games focus on fear through atmosphere, story, and the mind of the player. These games are best for players who enjoy story-driven experiences over constant action.
4. The Walking Dead (Telltale Series)
The Walking Dead is a story-focused horror game where choices matter more than combat.
Players guide characters through difficult situations and must make emotional decisions that affect how the story unfolds.
Fear comes from tough moral choices, loss, and tension between characters rather than sudden scares. The gameplay is slow and easy to follow, which helps players stay focused on the story.
As a single-player experience, it allows full attention to dialogue, relationships, and consequences, making the horror feel personal and emotionally heavy.
5. The Casting of Frank Stone
The Casting of Frank Stone is a narrative-driven horror game built around slow tension and player decisions.
The story changes based on choices, which adds pressure to every moment.
Fear grows as small actions lead to unexpected results later in the game. There is little action, allowing players to focus on atmosphere, story, and character behavior.
As a single-player experience, it feels like guiding a dark interactive movie.
The horror comes from suspense, uncertainty, and the weight of decisions rather than fast-paced gameplay.
6. Visage
Visage is a psychological horror game set inside a quiet house filled with disturbing events.
The game moves slowly, giving time to notice small details that increase fear.
Strange sounds, shifting rooms, and unexplained moments make the space feel unsafe. There is no rush, which allows tension to build naturally.
As a single-player game, it creates a strong sense of isolation. Fear comes from not knowing what will happen next and feeling trapped inside a place that should feel safe but does not.
7. Layers of Fear
Layers of Fear is a story-driven horror game where the environment changes as the story progresses.
Players explore a house that shifts and reacts to movement, creating constant unease.
The game focuses on mood, sound, and visual changes instead of combat. Fear builds slowly as familiar spaces become unsettling.
Since it is designed for single-player play, it allows full immersion in the story. The horror feels mental and emotional, pulling players deeper into the character’s troubled experience over time.
Action Horror Games on Game Pass
Action horror games mix fear with fast-paced combat. Players spend more time fighting enemies than hiding from them. These games often feature large enemy groups.
8. World War Z
World War Z is a fast-paced action horror game that focuses on large zombie attacks and strong teamwork.
Players face massive waves of enemies that move quickly and overwhelm areas without warning.
The game supports one to four players online, making communication and coordination very important. Fear comes from the speed and size of the zombie hordes rather than quiet tension.
Each mission pushes players to react fast, protect teammates, and manage supplies.
The constant pressure keeps the experience intense and exciting.
9. Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight is an online horror game where one player takes the role of a killer while four others try to survive and escape.
The game supports five players online and relies heavily on teamwork for the survivor side. Fear builds through being chased, hiding in unsafe spaces, and listening for danger nearby.
Every match feels different because players behave unpredictably.
The tension stays high since mistakes can quickly lead to capture, making each round stressful and thrilling.
10. A Plague Tale: Requiem
A Plague Tale: Requiem is a story-driven action horror game focused on stealth, survival, and emotional storytelling.
Players guide characters through dangerous environments filled with enemies and deadly rat swarms.
Combat is limited, so careful movement and planning are important. Fear comes from constant danger and the emotional weight of the story.
As a single-player experience, it allows deep immersion in the characters’ struggles. The mix of action and quiet moments keeps the tension steady throughout the game.
Best Horror Games on Xbox Game Pass
These picks are based on player reviews and how often the gaming community recommends them. Since Xbox Game Pass updates its library, some games may be added or removed later.
11. Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 is a classic survival horror game that focuses on tension, story, and careful planning.
You play as characters trying to survive a zombie outbreak while exploring dark hallways and abandoned buildings. Ammo is limited, so every shot matters, and rushing into fights is risky.
The story keeps you engaged and slowly reveals what happened to the city.
This game works well for players who enjoy slow, tense gameplay and a traditional horror feel with puzzles and tough choices.
12. Dead Space
Dead Space mixes horror with action in a space setting that feels tense from start to finish.
You play as an engineer trapped on a damaged ship filled with dangerous creatures. The sound design plays a big role, with strange noises and sudden threats keeping you alert.
Combat is more active compared to other horror games, but fear is always present.
It is a solid pick for players who want a scary game that also includes intense fights and fast-paced moments.
13. The Evil Within
The Evil Within focuses on psychological horror and unsettling environments.
You play as a detective trapped in a twisted world filled with disturbing enemies and confusing events.
The game moves at a slower pace and often rewards careful movement and stealth instead of constant fighting. Resources are limited, so planning ahead is important.
The story is dark and strange, which adds to the uneasy feeling throughout the game.
This title suits players who enjoy deep stories and a tense, uncomfortable mood.
14. Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is built around fear without combat.
You cannot fight enemies, so your only options are hiding, running, and solving puzzles. The game uses darkness, sound, and limited visibility to create constant tension.
Staying in the dark for too long affects your character, which adds another layer of stress.
The story slowly unfolds through notes and surroundings. This game is best for players who want strong fear and suspense without action or weapons.
15. Outlast
Outlast is a first-person horror game where survival depends on escaping and hiding.
You are trapped inside an abandoned facility and have no way to fight back. Instead, you use a camera to see in the dark, which adds pressure since the battery runs out.
The game is known for sudden scares and intense chase scenes.
It keeps players on edge by limiting safe spaces. Outlast works well for players who enjoy fast, fear moments and a strong sense of danger.
16. Inside
Inside is a side-scrolling game with horror elements and simple controls.
The story is told without words, using visuals and sound to create an uneasy mood.
You solve puzzles and move through strange environments that feel quiet but uncomfortable. There are scary moments, but the game does not rely on constant fear.
Its shorter length and smooth gameplay make it easier to play.
Inside is a good choice for players who want a lighter horror experience with creative storytelling.
Best Horror Games for Beginners on Game Pass
The games listed below focus more on story, mood, or simple controls. These picks are often recommended for first-time horror players who prefer a lighter scare level.
17. Little Nightmares
Little Nightmares is a story-driven horror game with simple controls and a strong visual style.
You play as a small character trying to escape strange and creepy environments. There is very little combat, so the focus stays on movement, timing, and solving small puzzles.
The game feels tense but not overwhelming, which makes it easier for beginners.
The scares come from the setting and characters, not sudden attacks.
It is short, easy to understand, and works well for players who want a calm introduction to horror themes.
18. The Walking Dead
This game focuses more on story and choices than fear.
You play through a series of episodes where decisions affect how the story moves forward. Combat is limited and simple, so players can focus on the characters and plot.
The emotional moments feel stronger than the scary ones. It is a good option for beginners who want a horror-style story without fast gameplay or constant tension.
19. Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor mixes horror with puzzle-solving and light stealth gameplay.
You try to enter a neighbor’s house while avoiding being caught. The game uses simple controls and short play sessions, which help new players feel comfortable.
The game feels more curious than frightening, making it less stressful. The challenge comes from learning patterns and finding hidden paths.
It is a good choice for beginners who want a playful horror experience without heavy fear or complex mechanics.
20. Ghostwire: Tokyo
Ghostwire: Tokyo blends action with light horror elements in an open city setting.
While it has spooky enemies and themes, the gameplay feels more like an action game than pure horror. You have tools to defend yourself, which makes it less stressful for new players.
The controls are smooth and forgiving. The game allows exploration at your own pace, which helps beginners feel in control.
It is a good option for players who want to ease into horror without constant fear.
Multiplayer and Co-Op Horror Games on Game Pass
Playing with others can make horror feel less stressful and more exciting. The games below are good options for players who want scares along with social gameplay on Xbox Game Pass.
21. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is an online horror game where players are split into victims and family members.
Each match feels tense because teamwork matters on both sides. Victims must work together to escape, while the family hunts them down.
Matches are short, so it never feels overwhelming.
The controls are simple to learn, and communication plays a big role, which keeps the gameplay engaging and unpredictable.
22. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Darktide is a co-op action game with strong horror elements set in a dark future world.
Up to four players work together to survive missions filled with enemies and intense moments.
While there is plenty of combat, the dark environments and sound design add constant tension.
The game rewards teamwork and coordination, making it a good choice for players who want action mixed with a creepy atmosphere.
23. The Quarry
The Quarry is a story-based horror game that supports shared play, allowing friends to experience the story together.
Players take turns making choices that affect how the story unfolds. The pace is slow and easy to follow, which makes it beginner-friendly.
The focus stays on characters and story rather than combat. This game works well for groups who enjoy watching, talking, and shaping a horror story together.
24. Grounded
Grounded is a survival game with light horror elements, especially when played at night or in dangerous areas.
Players are shrunk down and must survive in a backyard filled with insects.
Up to four players can play together, making the experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
While it is not a full horror game, it is a good entry point for players who want mild scares with teamwork and exploration.
Why Xbox Game Pass is Good for Horror Fans?
Xbox Game Pass is a game-changer for horror fans, offering endless thrills without breaking the bank.
One fan shared, “I was up all night playing Outlast, pure terror, and it was free with Game Pass!“
The service updates constantly, adding new horrors weekly, so you’re never short on jump scares. It saves money, too; instead of buying $60 games that gather dust.
Easy controls, quick installs, and family sharing make it perfect for solo late-night sessions or group frights.
The library includes different horror styles, so there is something for slow players and action-focused players. Another benefit is that updates and new games are added often, which keeps things fresh.
Many games also support solo play so that you can enjoy them at your own pace. If a match feels too scary, you can stop and move on to another title easily.
For horror lovers craving variety and value, Game Pass delivers non-stop nightmares in the best way.
Conclusion
Xbox Game Pass makes it easier than ever to enjoy horror games without pressure or extra cost.
With a broad mix of survival, psychological, action, and multiplayer horror titles, there is something for every comfort level and play style.
Beginners can start with lighter experiences, while experienced players can choose more intense games filled with tension and fear.
The variety helps players explore different moods, stories, and gameplay speeds without feeling locked into one choice.
Xbox Game Pass brings all of this together in one place, making scary games more accessible and enjoyable.
Invite a friend, choose a co-op horror game, and play together. Visit Xbox Game Pass, browse the horror section, and press download.
Leave a comment to let us know what your best horror game is.
