Fall For Indies: Darkest Dungeon 2 And October’s Spookiest Titles

With Halloween approaching, many neighborhoods will transform from their ordinary homes into scary haunts. Lawns are filling up with the decorative deceased and – unfortunately for people who rightfully fear spiders – oversized arachnids. And it seems like indies can’t resist the lure of the upcoming spine-chilling holiday either. Some indies that will be released over the coming weeks are particularly scary. However, the news might be even more ghastly, as one of October’s most anticipated releases recently fell victim to a delay.

One Trick, Two Treats

The indie sector has its projects and even the end of October looked ripe to harvest a huge crop. But current events have mirrored the season’s candy-gathering traditions, offering players a trick and treat.

Solar Ash

PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC

Let’s start with the trick; Solar Ash – the second game from Heart Machine, the studio that made Hyper Light Drifter – has been delayed. Fans will have to wait longer to get the game, which was originally scheduled to be released in October’s last week. But don’t despair; the game still technically has a fall launch date. Solar Ash arrives on PlayStation 4 and PC in December 2.

Darkest Dungeon 2

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Get ready to savor the sweet, sweet treat that is Darkest Dungeon 2 because it entered Epic’s Early Access on October 26. The sequel continues the Lovecraftian horror narrative with similar combat and a well-known host of adventurers, but it plans on spicing things up with some changes. The Runaway is a new character that you can learn more about.

It’s Spooky How Many Games We Need To Play

It’s time to resign yourself from wasting your free time. There are so many wonderful indies that you should check out. Last month’s hits are still calling our name, but that’s only half the reason to feel unsettled. A number of terrifying titles are available in October to help you get into Halloween spirit.

In the Pit

Xbox Series X/S. Xbox One.

Into the Pit got an awesome reveal at this year’s Xbox Gamescom showcase, and the retro-looking roguelite just recently launched. When your cousin finds an ominous hole in the ground, there’s no thought to turning away or try to cover it up. It’s not. You both belong to a family of mystics and can’t pass up the occult opportunities. The magic-infused first-person title will be available on Xbox Game Pass, and it looks ready for Halloween.

Inexpensive

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Undying is a little on the nose for the spooky season, but we won’t hold that against the game. The story of a mom who is bitten by zombies in an undead world tells the tale. She has little time to prepare her son for the unknown. Coming to Steam Early Access October 19, Undying will task you with teaching him how to fight the hungering horde before joining the zombies’ ranks yourself.

Jars

Change to a PC

Don’t leave your mouth ajar when you see this game’s delightfully creepy, hand-drawn art style. Jars was released on October 20, and is an interesting mix of strategy, puzzle, tower defense, and strategy. Your objective is? You need to break down as many fragile containers you can in the basement. However, you’re not just out to be destructive. Rather, you want to save the world by destroying fragile jars.

Grotto

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This story-driven title will allow you to read the stars and determine the fates of others. Luckily, you’ll be playing as a Soothsayer, so you’ll already have some idea how to interpret those tricky celestial bodies. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for error, so be sure to think hard about your pronunciations. Check out this announcement trailer to see if Grotto is worth your time.

Gravewood High

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Gravewood High will be entering Steam Early Access on October 20. And, let’s be honest, high school is hard enough without the looming threat of mysteriously disappearing, but the students at the curiously named school just can’t catch a break. This is especially true since the school appears to be a maze-like place where a frightening teacher hunts for students.

Echo Generation

Xbox Series X/S. Xbox One.

It’s time to grab your crew and patrol the neighborhood for aliens because Echo Generation is launching on PC and Xbox Game Pass October 21. We were recently shown a trailer for Echo Generation, which gives us more information about this gorgeous, voxel art game that has some seriously nostalgic vibes. Echo Generation may be the right game for you if you’re looking to play a turn-based RPG similar to Stranger Things.

Evertried

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Evertried, a tactical roguelike that is due to be released October 21st, is all about building a tower in afterlife. The isometric view and pixel graphics meld together with the game’s turn-based combat, creating an experience that looks both challenging and easy on the eyes. Is it possible to get to the top?  

Growbot

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This point-and-click adventure features a robot who is on a mission protecting her station’s space station from an approaching danger. It has a unique color palette and a very colorful style. Biopunk is the team’s term. to describe the game’s aesthetic mix of the robotic and organic. Growbot is set to launch on October 21st, and you will have the opportunity to explore an alien planet while battling crystalline danger.

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows

PlayStation 4 (One, Switch), PC

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows combines top-down and side-scrolling puzzle games with an interesting premise. Two protagonists are trying to unravel a mystery disappearance. You can switch between them. Here’s the twist: What’s the twist? But don’t be fooled by the cute-sounding leads – the game has a dark tone and takes inspiration from Tim Burton, Jules Verne, and Conan Doyle. Tandem: A Tale of Shadows is out October 21.

Subway Midnight

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Aggro Crab Games, the developer behind the wonderful roguelite Going Under, is publishing its first game. Developed by Bubby Darkstar, Subway Midnight’s cuteness makes it feel all that more frightening. It will involve a train packed with ghosts. While you are moving from one car of the train to another, you will try to help these ghosts come to terms about their past lives. If you don’t want to be reunited with the dead, you need to hurry. 

Campfire Tales

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Who’s ready to tell scary stories around the campfire? Launching on October 28, the developer’s description for this game builds a unique narrative. It reads: “DO NOT PLAY! This 8bit game is a port from a mystery source…This casual, linear, interactive story game centers around a campfire with old friends telling… tales.” So, pick up Campfire Tales at your peril.

Do these titles scare you? More titles are available in the Fall For Indies list; click on any goose to see them.