Dead Space (Xbox Series X|S)

At this point, Dead Space is basically considered a survival horror classic - and for good reason. Visceral Games' setting of the USG Ishimura is a super-memorable video game location, and combined with slick third-person shooting, Dead Space makes for one of the most complete horror experiences on the market.

These days you can experience it in a few different ways - and you can't really go wrong whichever way you play. We have the original Xbox 360 release (playable through backwards compatibility) sitting right alongside 2023's remake - both on Xbox Game Pass. If you have the hardware then by all means, go for the Xbox Series X|S remake, but either way - Dead Space is more-than worth a play.

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  • Xbox Game Pass: Yes (including the Xbox 360 version)

The Evil Within (Xbox One)

The Evil Within franchise was basically posed as a spiritual successor to Resident Evil - with legendary RE creator Shinji Mikami at the helm of this first entry in the series. While The Evil Within 2 refined much of the series' mechanics, it's the first game that still stands out to us as one of the most weird and wonderful horror experiences on Xbox.

In the gameplay department this is Resident Evil through and through, but Mikami got real weird with the first Evil Within title and some of its horrifying scenes still stick with us today. This one launched across both Xbox 360 and Xbox One, but the latter is on Xbox Game Pass - and that's the version we'd recommend playing in 2024. If you enjoy it then by all means, have a crack at the sequel as well!

  • Xbox Game Pass: Yes

Inside (Xbox One)

Playdead creates some of the creepiest horror experiences in existence, and that includes 2016's Inside. Better experienced as-is rather than over-explained beforehand, Inside is a short 2D platformer that simply has to be experienced first-hand to know what you're really getting into.

Set at "the center of a dark project", Inside follows a boy who is "hunted and alone". That's about all we can say for now - just give Inside a go to see what else is in-store!

  • Xbox Game Pass: Yes

Limbo (Xbox One)

Much like the above title, Limbo is another mysterious 2D platformer - from the very same dev team at Playdead! Considered a predecessor to Inside, Limbo follows a boy "uncertain of his sister's fate", and he has to navigate some truly horrific things to find out about this fate.

If you've not played Limbo at this stage then we can absolutely recommend at least one playthrough. It's super-short too, so you can probably dedicate an evening to seeing what Limbo has to offer!

  • Xbox Game Pass: Yes

Outlast (Xbox One)

Just like Amnesia, Outlast took the horror world by storm when it first arrived over a decade ago. Tasked with discovering what's really going on at Mount Massive Asylum, this first-person scarefest is one you won't forget easily.

Outlast does involve lots of running away and hiding — so if you prefer more involved gameplay mechanics then this might not be for you — but if you can get past that it's very much worth a go. The Outlast asylum is a memorable maze of terror, and it's a place we've revisited a few times as well. If you fancy giving this one a try, it might be worth checking your games library to see if you grabbed it as part of Games with Gold back in 2016!

  • Xbox Game Pass: No (Was a 'Games With Gold' title in 2016)