Jonas Keller
You don’t need a horror game to get scared on Halloween. Many games that are really about cowboys, space, fantasy or farming hide their own horror events, spooky episodes or Halloween specials. Here are the 10 best horror events and Halloween specials in non-horror games: from zombie expansions and creepy quests to Halloween events that come back every year.
Table of contents
- 1. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
- 2. The Witcher 3: Crookback Bog
- 3. Fallout 3: Point Lookout
- 4. Mass Effect 2: Overlord
- 5. Call of Duty: World at War – Nacht der Untoten
- 6. Skyrim: Dawnguard and the Soul Cairn
- 7. Fortnite: Fortnitemares 2026
- 8. Overwatch: Halloween event Mystery Madness
- 9. Stardew Valley: Spirit’s Eve
- 10. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Halloween
- Conclusion
Our selection mixes classic spooky DLCs you can play any time with Halloween events that only run in October. The events are time-limited, but usually return every year.
1. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
Undead Nightmare was released in 2010 as an expansion for Red Dead Redemption and is still one of the best horror events in a game that isn’t actually horror. A zombie plague sweeps across the Wild West, and John Marston sets out to find a cure.
What makes the expansion so strong: Rockstar’s familiar world stays almost the same, but it is now populated by the undead, abandoned towns and even mythical creatures. On PC, Undead Nightmare has been available on Steam together with the base game since October 2024.
2. The Witcher 3: Crookback Bog
The Witcher 3 is a fantasy RPG, but Crookback Bog in Velen is one of the creepiest places in gaming history. Around the Bloody Baron quests, you meet the Ladies of the Wood, three ancient witches who rule the region.
The orphanage, the cursed children and the truth about the Crones deliver real dread without any jump-scare horror. It is not an event but a fixed part of the story, which makes it perfect for a Halloween night.
3. Fallout 3: Point Lookout
Point Lookout was released in 2009 and takes you to a huge, gloomy swamp on the coast of Maryland. Instead of the wasteland, you face thick fog, decaying mansions and degenerate swamp folk.
This horror event thrives on its backwoods atmosphere, reminiscent of classic horror films. If you prefer Fallout 4, Far Harbor offers a similarly foggy trip, but Point Lookout remains the creepier expansion.
4. Mass Effect 2: Overlord
In Overlord, Commander Shepard investigates a research facility where an experiment with an artificial intelligence has spun completely out of control. The facility is deserted, voices whisper from the speakers and machines attack you.
What makes Overlord a horror event is its resolution: behind the experiment lies a human fate that stays with you for a long time. The DLC is already included in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition.
5. Call of Duty: World at War – Nacht der Untoten
Call of Duty is a war shooter, but World at War started its own horror tradition in 2008. After the credits, the bonus mode Nacht der Untoten was waiting: you defend yourself in a bunker against ever stronger waves of zombies.
This small extra grew into the Zombies mode, which has returned in many entries of the series since. If you want to experience the roots of this horror event, the original is the best place to start.
6. Skyrim: Dawnguard and the Soul Cairn
With Dawnguard, Skyrim received a vampire expansion in 2012. You decide whether to help the vampire hunters or join Lord Harkon and his clan, who want to blot out the sun.
The creepiest part is the Soul Cairn, a gloomy plane of Oblivion full of trapped souls. Dawnguard is already included in Skyrim Special Edition.
7. Fortnite: Fortnitemares 2026
Fortnitemares is Fortnite’s annual Halloween event. In 2026 it started earlier than it has in years: since October 1, a cursed cartridge has been transforming the island, and according to Epic Games the event ran until November 1, 2026.
This year’s guests include Five Nights at Freddy’s, Freddy Krueger, Beetlejuice and Hazbin Hotel. Fortnitemares ended with the season on November 1, 2026, but usually returns every October.
8. Overwatch: Halloween event Mystery Madness
Overwatch has celebrated Halloween with its own modes for years, the best known being Junkenstein’s Revenge, a co-op mode styled like a horror story. In 2026, Blizzard introduces the new mode Mystery Madness: Graveyard Games.
You play a random hero and gain new powers every time you die. According to Blizzard, the 2026 event ran from October 6 to November 2, and the Halloween versions of Hollywood, Lijiang Tower and Château Guillard were playable until November 3. Overwatch usually brings back a Halloween event every October.
9. Stardew Valley: Spirit’s Eve
Stardew Valley is a relaxing farming game, but on Fall 27 the village gets spooky. For Spirit’s Eve, the villagers decorate Pelican Town with pumpkins and skeletons.
The highlight is a dark hedge maze with a golden pumpkin waiting at its center. A Halloween special that proves scares can be cozy, too.
10. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Halloween
Animal Crossing: New Horizons celebrates Halloween too. On October 31, your villagers dress up, and Jack, the self-proclaimed Czar of Halloween, visits your island.
Throughout October you can grow pumpkins and collect spooky furniture. Not a real horror event, but a charming end to our list.
In the mood for real horror? Check out our lists of the 10 scariest horror games of all time and the 10 scariest free horror games.
Conclusion: Horror events that don’t need horror games
The best horror events show how well scares work in games that are otherwise completely different. Undead Nightmare and Crookback Bog from The Witcher 3 remain our favorites because they turn familiar worlds into real nightmares. If you prefer something lighter, celebrate a cozy Halloween with Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing. Which horror event or Halloween special in a non-horror game surprised you the most?
