Scary games and apps just in time for Halloween

apps

Richard Howard
•
October 9, 2020

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Like most things this year, Halloween is going to be more low-key than usual. So in the absence of costume parties and trick-or-treating with the kids, what can we get up to? Binging classic horror movies is in the cards of course, but if you need to get a bit more interactive, why not try out some of the best scary games that we could find for your mobile phone.

Scary Halloween mobile games

Dead by Daylight

When it was announced last year that a mobile version of Dead by Daylight was being released, fans of every and anything horror lost their dang minds. It’s very simple: DBD is a great horror game. First of all, it’s multiplayer, which few mobile games in the genre are. You and four other players are in each campaign. One player is the scary-as-heck Killer, and the other four are the Survivors attempting to escape the ever-changing Killing Grounds. You can choose to cooperate with the other Survivors (pffft), or, our personal favorite, look out for number one. Perhaps the best part is you can download legendary characters like Leatherface, Michael Meyers or the Demogorgon from Stranger Things to wreak havoc. Survivors aren’t left out; you can cheat death as Halloween’s Laurie Strode, Left for Dead’s Bill Overbeck and more. Can’t get together with your friends for your usual Halloween movie marathon? Scare the heck out of each other by playing this instead.

Android | iPhone

Five Nights at Freddy’s

This wildly popular series of Halloween mobile games for iPhone and Android has seen the release of multiple sequels following the original and it shows no signs of slowing down. The basic concept of these scary games places you as a hapless individual who must be on the lookout for nightmarish, homicidal animatronic characters bent on your untimely demise. The game resorts to the often looked down upon jumpscare (sudden appearances and loud noises) to freak you out, but it’s done so well, it’s a ton of fun. The augmented reality installation of the franchise was released last year, and FNAF’s creator recently announced he will be helping amateur developers get their spin-off games to the public. Even with what may be some extra time on your hands this year, the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise will keep you busy all Halloween.

Android | iPhone

Into The Dead 1 and 2

A cursory search for ‘zombie games’ will present a list where it’s hard to find a single one that isn’t a Walking Dead variant or rip-off. One that emerged as not just an excellent player but also an original take on the style was Into The Dead. Sure, you’re trying to survive a world overrun with zombies, but these games are what are known as “infinite runners.” No searching through barns or hiding on roofs—there’s no choice but to move forward incessantly and be quick with your gun, crossbow, chainsaw or other weaponry. You can even sic a furry friend on those bothersome living dead. The original is sure to become a classic, but check out Into the Dead 2 on Android or iPhone for greatly improved graphics and gameplay. 

Android | iPhone

The School: White Day

There’s just something about Asian scary games and movies that we can’t seem to recreate in the west. That’s likely why The School: White Day has proven to be such a popular Halloween mobile game for Android and iPhone. A remake of a 2001 South Korean PC game, you play as a student locked overnight in a school full of malevolent characters both living and dead. The twist is you won’t be fighting them at all. Instead, you’re running and hiding in a bid to stay alive. You’ll want to have your puzzle-solving hat on and pay attention to every detail, as one item collected hours earlier could be the difference between survival and death. The non-linear gameplay offers eight different endings, so you’ll be able to enjoy White Day for some time. 

Android | iPhone

Evil Nun: Horror in the School

The horror genre has always been happy to blend a little cheese into its offerings. That might explain the popularity of Evil Nun. In addition to having a great name, this game is a ton of fun. You’re trapped in a school in this one as well, but here you’re being hunted by some messed up looking nuns with supernatural hearing. Clearly, the makers of this game have less than fond memories of their time at Catholic school.

Android | iPhone

Endless Nightmare

Sometimes, storylines just get in the way of a good scare. At least that’s what the makers of Endless Nightmare likely decided. In this one, you play as James, a police officer that comes home to find a grisly scene. And then, well, a bunch of craziness ensues, to be frank. Creepy little kids? Check. Evil looking lady with a knife? Of course. Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart.

Android | iPhone

iPoe Vol. 1 – Edgar Allan Poe

For the literary types amongst us sniffing derisively at our ghost and zombie apps while drinking Earl Grey with their pinkie in the air, here’s a Halloween mobile app for your collective fancy pants. While not a game per se, this app brings the fright by combining the classic works of Edgar Allan Poe with chilling music, outstanding outwork and entertaining animations to create an entirely new experience. It’s interactive too, allowing you to uncover hidden bits through certain motions. When you’re done with the four classics included here, Volumes 2 and 3 are available as well.

Android | iPhone

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Edgar Allan Poe may be the master of horror, but when it comes to stone-cold Halloween classics, this Peanuts classic gets the gold medal from us every time. The 1966 animated film is still a must-watch come October 31, but now the kids can get more involved thanks to this animated Halloween app. They’ll be able to create their own Peanuts characters and costumes, play a variety of mini-games and even improve their reading and musical skills in the process. We say “they” because, of course, you’re not going to sneak in some Great Pumpkin time when nobody’s looking, right? Uh-huh. 

Android | iPhone