Fall For Indies: Darkest Dungeon II 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. A significant portion of the new indies will have an especially frightening spin over the next few weeks. However, the news might be even more ghastly, as one of October’s most anticipated releases recently fell victim to a delay.

The Trick and the Treat

There are juggernauts in every sector, even those within the indie market. October seemed ripe for another huge harvest. But current events have mirrored the season’s candy-gathering traditions, offering players a trick and treat.

Solar Ash

PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 PC

Let’s start with the trick; Solar Ash – the second game from Heart Machine, the studio that made Hyper Light Drifter – was delayed last week. The original launch date was in the final week of October. Fans now will need to wait to enjoy it. 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 II

PC

Get ready to savor the sweet, sweet treat that is Darkest Dungeon II because it’s entering Epic’s Early Access on October 26. While the sequel will carry on Lovecraftian horror stories with familiar combat and well-known adventurers it has some new changes in mind. You can find out more about the Runaway character here.

It’s Spooky How Many Games We Need To Play

Don’t waste your time, there are too many great indies out there. 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 S/X, Xbox One, PC

Into the Pit got an awesome reveal at this year’s Xbox Gamescom showcase, and the retro-looking roguelite is ready to launch tomorrow. 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. Xbox Game Pass will soon have this magic-infused title in first person. It looks great and is all set to celebrate Halloween.

Untiring

PC

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 will be available on October 20th. It is a combination of a puzzle and strategy game. What’s the objective? You need to break down as many fragile containers you can in the basement. However, you’re not just out to be destructive. Rather, it is a way of saving the world.

Grotto

PC

In this narrative-driven title, you can read the stars to determine the fates for many. 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

PC

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. This beautiful, nostalgic voxel-art video game has a new trailer that gives you a bit more. Echo Generation may be the right game for you if you’re looking to play a turn-based, Stranger Things-style, RPG.

Evertried

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

Evertried will be available October 21. It is a tactical Roguelike about climbing a tower to the 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. Are you able to reach the top of the list?  

Growbot

PC

The point-and click adventure is colorful and fun with a unique style. This robot’s mission is to save her space station against an approaching danger. Biopunk is the team’s term. to describe the game’s aesthetic mix of the robotic and organic. Growbot launches on October 21st. The title gives you an opportunity to fight against the crystal danger and explore an exotic alien world.

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows

PlayStation 4 (One, Switch), PC

Tandem, A Tale of Shadows: This puzzle-game combines side-scrolling and top-down gameplay. It has a unique premise. Two protagonists are trying to unravel a mystery disappearance. You can switch between them. Here’s the twist: 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 will be out on October 21.

Subway Midnight

PC

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. You’ll be trying to assist them in coming to terms with the past as you go from car to car. If you don’t want to be a part of the living dead, you need to hurry. 

Campfire Tales

PC

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.