Switch 2's October is stacked with horror, here's how much of it you can actually handle
From Pinhead to zombies to whatever Resident Evil Requiem turns out to be, here's what's landing this Halloween and a rough guide to how many nightmares each one comes with.
Image: Capcom
October on Switch 2 is shaping up to be less trick-or-treat and more "here are your options for feeling deeply uneasy for the rest of the evening." Three decent-sized horror releases are landing within a fortnight of each other, so if that's your idea of seasonal fun, you're spoiled for choice. If it isn't, here's a guide to exactly how much you'd be signing up for.
Hellraiser: Revival, 8 October
Clive Barker's own studio worked with Saber Interactive on this one, and Doug Bradley is back as Pinhead for the first time in the best part of twenty years. It's first-person survival horror with a bit of stealth mixed in, built around Barker's original puzzle-box mythology rather than a licensed cash-in. Fright level: high. This is not one to play with the lights off unless you actively enjoy that sort of thing.
Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition, 16 October
The 2019 remake, native on Switch 2 with the usual over-the-shoulder perspective and Capcom's now dependable formula of zombies, tight ammo and a police station that feels like it was designed by someone with a grudge against corridors. Fright level: moderate to high, but manageable in short bursts, which is more than can be said for Hellraiser.
Resident Evil Requiem, date still to be confirmed
The next mainline entry, promising a proper return to what Capcom is calling classic survival gameplay rather than the more action-heavy recent instalments. There isn't much concrete detail yet beyond the tone they're aiming for, so treat this one as a "watch this space" rather than something to plan your month around.
Not every autumn evening needs a jump scare.
If none of that sounds appealing
That's a completely reasonable position, and nobody is going to make you play any of it. There's a strong case for marking the season with something atmospheric rather than actively hostile: a Switch 2 Stardew Valley session already has a bit of its own low-key Halloween energy once autumn rolls round in-game, if that's more your speed.