Unleash the horror this October with spine-chilling titles on PlayStation Plus

Sony has steadily improved its new offerings for the PlayStation Plus heading into the holiday season with its October lineup being its best yet.


Be ready to get freaked out this month with Plus.
Be ready to get freaked out this month with Plus.

Sony’s PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers are gearing up for a feature-packed monthm with an array of titles set to roll out on October 17. The diverse offerings ensure both newcomers and seasoned players have something to sink their teeth into, with a notable emphasis on horror titles just in time for the Halloween season.

The PlayStation Plus Extra tier leads the way with Gotham Knights. This recent addition to the DC Universe hasn’t been out for a full year and allows players to step into the shoes of beloved characters such as Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin. Although criticized for its repetitive gameplay and for failing to live up to the expectations set by one of the best comic book video game trilogies of all time, its addition to PlayStation Plus offers a more accessible avenue for gamers to experience the action.

However, Sony wasn’t just about to forget the spooky aura of October. Titles such as Alien: Isolation will induce heart-pounding moments. Celebrated encapsulating the haunting ambiance of the original film franchise, it thrusts players into a cat-and-mouse game with the horrifying Xenomorph. Other spine-chilling additions include The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes, Outlast 2, and the zombie-infested Dead Island: Definitive Edition.

Alien: Isolation deserves to get a sequel.

Given the recent release of Dead Island 2, we’re pretty sure you can score a deal to get the follow-up for a lower price and enjoy both titles for a good, scare-filled weekend or two.

For those with a more diverse palette, the lineup continues with Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, an investigative RPG that was lauded for its exceptional narrative depth that made it in our previous round-up of weird video game experiences and games you can enjoy even on a low-end PC. Space exploration enthusiasts left out by Starfield’s exclusivity will be able to delve into Elite Dangerous, while FAR: Changing Tides offers an emotionally resonant journey in a post-apocalyptic world. Players can also engage in soulful combat with Eldest Souls or embark on a visually enticing odyssey in Röki.

On the other side of the spectrum, PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers are in for a treat with a mixture of classics. The list of new inclusions include PSP fighting sensations, Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny, and Tekken 6. The former is noted for featuring the angry and pissed-off version of Kratos from the earlier God of War entries. Meanwhile, the latter serves as an excellent appetizer ahead of the release of Tekken 8 in January. Finally, alongside these, the puzzle-centric title, IQ Final, and the mini-game hub, Ape Escape Academy, round off the classics segment.

Disco Elysium isn’t for everybody, but by being on PS Plus Extra, it makes it at least worth sinking an hour or two into to see if it’s for you.

As a bonus, PlayStation Plus Premium is expected to launch streaming capabilities for specific PS5 titles later this month. This service promises a seamless gaming experience for Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Forbidden West, and Ghost of Tsushima, without the need for downloads, though the initial rollout will be limited to PS5 consoles.

Sony’s endeavors extend beyond the gaming realm. An exciting addendum for Premium subscribers includes access to an array of cinematic experiences. Leveraging Sony’s cinematic roots, members now have complimentary access to up to 100 movies through the new Sony Pictures Core app.

While it’s easy to appreciate the diverse titles, especially Disco Elysium, the Premium offerings could’ve leaned into the horror theme more, with classic titles like Silent Hill and Silent Hill 2 or even Fatal Frame, among others. It wouldn’t hurt to tap Konami to help it bolster the incoming additions to its library after the company teased that an announcement is coming regarding the remake of Silent Hill 2, which is exclusive to the PlayStation 5.

Outlast 2 is considered as the best entry in the franchise.

Sony has done an excellent job expanding its library to help justify the marked price increase, which has skyrocketed in pricing in certain countries. If it’s any consolation, Sony is giving away a free game to new PS5 owners this month. But, if you want to wait, your favourite retailer might have a better deal lined up for the release of the PS5 Slim next month. Just try not to buy the vertical stand from Sony – there are better alternatives out there.

While waiting for the new titles to arrive on October 17, make sure to check out the official PS Plus Essential lineup for this month as well.

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio