11 Spooky Games That Aren’t Horror for Halloween

Not every Halloween game needs to scare you silly. Sometimes the best way to enjoy spooky season is with worlds that are eerie, fun, and full of autumn charm. We’ve got 11 spooky games that aren’t horror, giving you all the thrills without the chills.

Pumpkin Jack

Pumpkin Jack is one of those games that feels like it was made to be played in fall. You take on the role of Jack, the mischievous Pumpkin Lord, and go on a quirky adventure where you actually help evil triumph over good. The twist makes it more playful than scary right away, giving you all the spooky charm without turning into full-on horror.

The atmosphere is excellent. Each level is filled with rich autumn colors, glowing lanterns, spooky forests, and just enough creepiness to make you feel like you’re inside a Halloween storybook. The world looks cartoonish and bright, but it still has a mysterious edge that keeps you engaged. Along the way, you’ll battle beasts with flashy combos, solve clever puzzles that sometimes involve tossing around your flaming pumpkin head, and team up with charmingly snarky companions like a crow always eager for action.

Graveyard Keeper

Running a medieval cemetery may sound grim, but Graveyard Keeper feels oddly cozy and completely addictive. You’re not just digging graves; you’re building an empire. From crafting headstones and managing a tavern to selling “mystery meat” at the witch-burning festival, this game constantly tempts you to take questionable shortcuts. Do you spend money on proper ingredients, or do you use what’s lying around… like corpses?

The game is perfect for spooky season. The pixel art might look cute at first, but the world is filled with eerie music, peculiar characters, and a talking skull that acts as your questionable mentor. The vibe is less “scream in terror” and more “laugh at the absurdity of capitalism in a graveyard.” It’s Stardew Valley with a darker twist, a place where you can farm pumpkins one minute and harvest body parts the next.

Don’t Starve

Picture this: you’re dropped into a hand-drawn nightmare where everything wants you gone. That’s Don’t Starve in a nutshell, and it’s the perfect game to capture that eerie, fall-time vibe. You play as Wilson, a Gentleman Scientist trapped in a bizarre wilderness ruled by strange creatures, haunting sounds, and unpredictable dangers. You only have yourself, your wits, and the constant struggle to stay alive.

What makes Don’t Starve unique is how it emphasizes survival as the main focus. Unlike games where survival is just a backdrop for building pretty bases, here it’s about mastering the world itself. The seasons change, hunger bites, sanity slips away, and permanent death hangs over every mistake. The art style also contributes to its perfect fit for autumn. Tim Burton-esque characters, creatures that are both creepy and charming, and music played on quirky instruments create an atmosphere that’s spooky without being terrifying.

Guacamelee! 2

Colorful skulls, dancing skeletons, and a world where the living and the dead collide. Guacamelee! 2 has all the spooky vibes you want for fall without crossing into true horror. Instead, it offers a hilarious, lively, and over-the-top Metroidvania adventure where you step back into the shoes of Juan Aguacate, a retired luchador pulled into yet another reality-bending quest.

The game’s Mexiverse is full of personality, featuring eccentric bosses, clever platforming challenges, and lots of chickens. The art style uses bold colors and traditional patterns, making each level feel like a lively Day of the Dead celebration. You’ll switch between the worlds of the living and the dead, fight skeletal enemies, and unlock new moves that keep combat quick and fun. Guacamelee! 2 might not scare you, but it captures the festive, spooky-yet-fun vibe that fits perfectly with fall gaming.

Lost in Random

Lost in Random feels like a playable Tim Burton movie. Imagine wandering through crooked streets straight out of a twisted fairy tale, where the Queen decides everyone’s fate with a cursed dice. You play as Even, a determined girl on a mission to save her sister. Your quirky companion Dicey is literally a living dice that turns battles into unpredictable chaos.

The combat system is truly unique. Every fight feels like stepping into a giant board game arena that shifts and evolves as you roll Dicey. You’ll collect cards, play them strategically, and let chance decide how the battle unfolds. It’s part action, part tactics, and completely unlike anything else. The game isn’t outright horror, but the gothic art style, clay-like characters, and eerie atmosphere make it feel spooky yet whimsical.

Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp

At Monster Camp, the monsters aren’t here to scare you. They’re here to flirt, gossip, and maybe break your heart in the most chaotic way possible. Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp takes everything that made the first game a cult hit and ramps up the fun with a new summer camp setting. Instead of dark forests or creepy cabins, you’ll spend your time hanging out by the campfire, sipping magical drinks, and trying to charm a cast of delightfully over-the-top characters like Damien, Joy, or Milo.

What makes Monster Camp perfect for fall is its playful twist on monster tropes. You’re not fighting frightening creatures; you’re trying to romance them. The humor is unapologetically silly, the writing sharp and funny, and the art colorful enough to brighten even the dullest autumn afternoon. Every playthrough offers unexpected twists, bizarre choices, and silly storylines that make you want to play again. It’s not horror, but it still lets you spend time with monsters. These ones are hot, messy, and totally unforgettable.

💡 Tip: Also check out our blog about witchy games to play in fall!

Cult of the Lamb

In Cult of the Lamb, you get to do something you don’t see every day: build your very own adorable yet sinister cult. You play as a possessed little lamb who’s spared from death by a mysterious stranger and now owes a serious debt. To pay it back, you’ll gather a flock of woodland creatures, keep them happy with sermons and rituals, and spread your influence across strange and eerie lands.

Cult of the Lamb combines the cozy charm of a village builder with dark, spooky vibes perfect for fall. Think Animal Crossing meets The Binding of Isaac. One moment, you’re decorating your camp and making sure your followers are fed, the next, you’re diving into roguelike dungeon runs, fighting rival cult leaders, and uncovering secrets in four mysterious regions. It’s playful, unsettling, and addictive all at once — an ideal choice for a Halloween gaming session.

DREDGE

Out on the open sea, DREDGE entices you with the promise of simple fishing and then unsettles you with something much stranger. At first, it feels like a cozy adventure: cast your line, reel in your catch, sell it in town, upgrade your boat. But the longer you stay in its fog-shrouded archipelago, the more you realize that not everything beneath the waves should be disturbed.

You feel that creeping unease when the sun sets and the sea darkens, and you know you should probably head back to shore… but curiosity keeps you out there just a little longer. The eerie music, strange shapes flickering beneath your boat, and whispers of forgotten stories all create a mood that feels perfect for Halloween nights. The fishing itself is surprisingly addictive, and the more you explore, the more you uncover unsettling mysteries and bizarre sea creatures. It’s the kind of game that pulls you in quietly and doesn’t let go.

South of Midnight

October is the perfect month to immerse yourself in a world that feels both eerie and magical without plunging into full horror, and South of Midnight beautifully achieves that balance. In this action-adventure from Compulsion Games, you take on the role of Hazel, a young woman who becomes a Weaver after a hurricane destroys her hometown. That role gives her the power to heal broken spirits and confront terrifying creatures straight from Southern folklore.

The decayed yet vibrant landscapes of Prospero are steeped in myth and memory, offering just the right mix of creepy and enchanting. One moment you are grooving to the blues-inspired soundtrack, the next you are chasing down monstrous Haints that embody old traumas. The gameplay combines smooth combat with magic weaving, gliding, and exploration that feels fluid and satisfying. This is a game that draws you in with its striking art style and keeps you hooked with its story about family, legacy, and identity.

Have a Nice Death

In Have a Nice Death, you play as a tired Grim Reaper whose staff has completely lost control, throwing the afterlife into chaos and ruining his much-needed vacation. To fix things, you’ll need to pick up your scythe and remind everyone who’s in charge at Death Inc. The game is a fast-paced 2D action roguelike that blends sharp combat with dark humor and a delightfully creepy atmosphere.

It skillfully combines its gothic style with playful charm. The departments of Death Inc. are procedurally generated, so each run feels fresh, and you’ll encounter quirky characters like Pump Quinn, your pumpkin-headed assistant, always ready with office gossip. The combat is smooth and satisfying, featuring over 70 weapons and spells that can be mixed into powerful combos. Since Death himself can’t really die, each attempt makes you stronger through clever upgrades and performance reviews.

💡 Tip: For more game recommendations for Halloween, have a look at our blog about horror games!

Death or Treat

In Death or Treat, the Halloween spirit is missing, and it’s up to you, playing as Scary, the candy-making ghost, to save HallowTown. On the surface, it’s a 2D roguelite hack-and-slash, but what makes it stand out is its striking art direction. Every world is hand-painted with a whimsical, cartoonish look that instantly captures the fall vibe. The game drops you into quirky themed worlds, each filled with enemies to fight and treasures to discover.

Combat is quick and satisfying, whether you prefer light weapons, heavy swings, or ranged attacks, and you’ll be collecting ingredients, crafting new gear, and testing out spooky skills along the way. Shops in HallowTown add extra charm to the adventure, with ghoulish NPCs helping you upgrade, brew potions, or trade candy. Sure, Death or Treat borrows inspiration from other action roguelikes, but its love for Halloween shines through every detail. If you’re looking for a game that’s fun, a little cheeky, and full of October vibes, this is the treat you want.