Some of the best music in pop culture comes from video game soundtracks, and scary games have especially memorable soundtracks that ratchet up the suspense. Just in time for Halloween, we’ve assembled a list of 13 spooky tracks from some of the scariest games out there, from indie titles like Soma to survival horror mainstays like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. So put on your headphones and get ready to look over your shoulder with these eerie, atmospheric tracks preying on your ears.
Alien: Isolation – “Encounters”
Set the Halloween mood with this disquieting track from the Alien franchise. You just know there’s something sinister lurking in the dark, waiting for you…
Resident Evil 2 – “The Basement of Police Station”
While almost every soundtrack in the Resident Evil series is both creepy and skin-crawly, there’s something nostalgic about the music from the now classic second game in the survival horror series.
Oxenfree – “Dead Light”
Another track that makes you feel like you’re being watched–or is it hunted?–is from indie hit Oxenfree. The game’s geometric graphics might trick you into thinking it’s just another teen adventure story, but there’s something supernatural hunting our heroes.
Soma – “Enter Darkness”
If you’re scared of the dark or being trapped in small places, Soma is one big nope. It’s creepy through and through, including its claustrophobic, dread-inducing soundtrack.
Parasite Eve – “Gloom and Doom”
Parasite Eve came out back when the PlayStation and the survival horror genre were brand new. But the soundtrack, the most memorable part of the game, still holds up. (Bonus recommendation: the official remix album.)
The Last of Us – “The Outbreak”
You can’t have a list of scary games and not include The Last of Us. “The Outbreak” is one of the more upsetting tunes, invoking feelings of existential threat.
Friday the 13th – “Counselor Ambience 1”
This game adds unique songs to the Friday the 13th musical legacy, all of which are perfect for a Halloween playlist. “Counselor Ambience 1” gives you the creepy-crawlies and the feeling that you’re being watched (with some lovely cellos mixed in!).
Resident Evil 7 – “Haunted House”
If you want to turn your home into a haunted house in one easy step, blast this song from Resident Evil‘s latest game. Creepsville.
Silent Hill – Intro Theme
If you played the original Silent Hill in 1999, the opening theme is enough to remind you of shrieking radio static, dense fog hiding who knows what, and pyramid heads lurking around the corner.
Dead Space – “Twinkle Twinkle”
You’ll never listen to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” the same way again after this ghostly take on it from Dead Space. At least it’s not a little kid singing it?
The Witcher 3 – “Lullaby of Woe”
Another seemingly sweet song turned ominous, “Lullaby of Woe” from The Witcher 3 is both beautiful and bizarre. The vocals lull you into a flase sense of security before things turn truly sinister.
Until Dawn – “O Death”
2015’s Until Dawn made an immediate impression on horror game fans, and not just because it boasted talent like Rami Malek and Hayden Panettiere. A classic horror movie in game form, Until Dawn also had a striking soundtrack and intro song.
The 7th Guest – “Skeletons in My Closet”
The oldest song on this list comes from the over-the-top mystery game The 7th Guest. Released in 1993, the interactive movie’s true horror came from the seemingly impossible puzzles. The final song on the excellent soundtrack, “Skeletons in My Closet,” is more schmaltzy than spooky and closes out this playlist on a playful note.
Featured Image:Â CD Projekt Red
