CheckMag | 5 Steam Deck friendly horror games to play this Halloween
Alien: Isolation
If the prospect of being hunted by a deadly alien creature sounds appealing, Alien Isolation is a fantastic option for players. Taking place after the events of the Alien film series, players take on the role of Amanda Ripley as she tries to escape the space station she is stranded on. To escape, players must explore the station, evade being captured, and complete puzzles as difficult as the game is horrifying. With this game being older, performance on the Steam Deck is exceptional, and players can often find the game on sale bundled with loads of DLC.
Layers of Fear (2016)
Not to be confused with a more recent release by the same name, Layers of Fear is one of the most disorienting psychological horror games to be released. Players control a painter in the grips of his addictions as he tries to reclaim the fame he once had by completing his most ambitious work yet. The gameplay reflects his declining mental state and all of the horrors that come along with it. Layers of Fear's performance on the Steam Deck is fantastic and will provide an immersive experience.
Mouthwashing
This PS1-inspired horror game creates a perfect cocktail of psychological and body horror, with a fantastic level of sound design to help everything sink in. The game chronicles a crew for the Pony Express space freight service and the unfortunate situation they find themselves in after colliding with an asteroid. The story is a haunting and rich narrative perfect for a long Steam Deck session.
From the Darkness
This horrifying walking simulator has you unraveling the mystery of your grandfather's abandoned apartment. In search of an old family photo album, players must explore the old Soviet building and solve unique puzzles to try and escape. Despite being a bit short, the atmosphere and pacing of the game make it an enjoyable experience for fans of indie horror. Performance on the Steam Deck is great but may require the use of the on-screen keyboard.
Labyrinthine
With a recent Halloween update having just dropped, Labyrinthine continues to thrill players with its terrifying maze simulator. Players can choose between an exciting story mode or try their luck with endless arcade-style gameplay. In the story mode, the player controls Joan, a fairground worker, trying to solve the mystery of the maze. Labyrinthine is an excellent choice for fans of games. It has great replay value and performs wonderfully on the Steam Deck.
