Halloween arrives early on PlayStation Plus with two horror heavyweights
As spooky season settles in, Sony is ramping up the chills for PlayStation Plus subscribers. On October 21, the Game Catalog expands with two highly anticipated (and unnerving) titles: the 2024 remake of Silent Hill 2 and the decision-heavy survival horror of Until Dawn. For players who love a good fright, this is a pairing that promises both psychological dread and tense, jump-scare moments. For others who prefer something lighter, Sony isn’t leaving fans without options, offering a mix of titles across the PS Plus tiers.
What PS Plus tiers mean for access
PlayStation Plus operates with three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Essential provides the basics, but it’s the Extra and Premium tiers that unlock the Game Catalog, a rotating library of hundreds of games that subscribers can access at any time. The October additions highlight Sony’s ongoing strategy to compete with services like Xbox Game Pass by delivering a steady stream of big-name and indie titles to keep players engaged.
Silent Hill 2 (2024 remake)
Silent Hill 2 returns with a modern remake that leans into the franchise’s signature atmosphere: fog-shrouded towns, oppressive sounds, and a sense of dread that can only be broken by careful exploration and nerve-wracking decisions. Players assume the role of James Sunderland, drawn to the eerie town after receiving a letter that claims his wife is waiting there. The twist is that his wife has been gone for three years, and the quiet streets hide a network of monsters, secrets, and memories that won’t stay buried. Critics have described the remake as a “miserable, in a good way” experience, emphasizing its commitment to psychological horror as opposed to loud jump scares. In short: expect a game that makes you think as you shudder, a perfect match for Halloween night marathons.
Until Dawn
Until Dawn leans into classic slasher movie tropes, letting a group of friends trapped at a remote mountain lodge experience a deadly night of peril. The game is built around decision-based gameplay where choices determine who lives and who dies. As you guide the group through the lodge’s twists and turns, you’ll uncover clues about disappearances that happened a year earlier and confront a masked threat stalking the woods. The strength of Until Dawn lies in its branching narrative—your choices have real consequences that ripple through the story, creating a highly replayable horror experience perfect for a Halloween weekend.
A broader lineup for PS Plus subscribers
In addition to the two flagship horror titles, Sony is stocking the PS Plus Game Catalog with games that can appeal to players who aren’t chasing scares. The lineup features a mix of genres and styles, ensuring there’s something for nearly every taste. Notably, several titles will be available starting October 31, giving late-month subscribers another reason to log in for the Halloween seasonal refresh.
Other games arriving in October
- As Dusk Falls
- Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1
- Tekken 3 (Premium subscribers only)
- V Rising
- Wizard with a Gun
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon
These additions broaden the appeal beyond horror aficionados and provide a robust selection for Extra and Premium tier members. For players who also want to keep up with new releases, Sony notes that Alan Wake 2 remains a highlight of October’s broader PS Plus availability—some titles available to all PS Plus subscribers, while others are reserved for the higher tiers.
Why this matters for PS Plus in October
The timing is strategic: as Halloween approaches, Sony leans into the themes that draw players to their platform—immersive narratives, atmospheric environments, and choices with real consequences. Silent Hill 2’s remake offers a modernized, polished take on a beloved horror classic, while Until Dawn delivers a high-stakes interactive thriller that rewards careful decision-making. Together, they give both old-school horror fans and newer players meaningful experiences within the PS Plus ecosystem.
Tips for getting the most from PS Plus Game Catalog
- Check the October 21 drop and October 31 updates to optimize your schedule, especially if you’re chasing specific titles.
- If you’re undecided on horror, pair a tense title like Silent Hill 2 with something more relaxed or action-focused from the same catalog to balance your gaming session.
- Consider upgrading to Extra or Premium if you want unlimited access to a broad library beyond the monthly standalone game releases.
With Halloween right around the corner, the PS Plus Game Catalog is offering an enticing mix of fear, strategy, and suspense. Whether you’re revisiting Silent Hill 2’s chilling corridors or guiding a group through Until Dawn’s perilous night, there’s no shortage of ways to engage with Sony’s service this October.
