7 spooky Steam Deck games that are chillingly cheap and under $20

As a seasoned gamer and horror enthusiast, I must admit that these games have certainly piqued my interest! From Bramble: The Mountain King, which seems to be a delightful blend of innocence and terror reminiscent of classic fairy tales, to Call of Cthulhu, a Lovecraftian tale that promises an intriguing narrative and mind-bending mysteries.

This fall marks the arrival of Halloween, and with our pockets lightened by pumpkin lattes, we’re looking for a wallet-friendly option when it comes to new games. Luckily, Steam Deck owners can find fantastic horror games at affordable prices from retailers like CDKeys, Fanatical, GOG, and Steam itself—all under $20. I’ve researched these sites extensively and have curated a list of my favorite budget-friendly horror games ideal for the Steam Deck. Here are seven chilling titles to get you into the Halloween mood…

1. Vampire Survivors feat. new Castlevania DLC

7 spooky Steam Deck games that are chillingly cheap and under $20

To set the record straight, I must admit that Vampire Survivors isn’t particularly frightening, but it does feature vampires… or does it? You’ll need to play to discover the truth. The primary reason for my endorsement of Vampire Survivors is that it has been one of my go-to Steam Deck games since I acquired the device, and the continual release of DLC since launch has kept me engaged at an almost spine-tingling level. A fresh DLC titled “Ode to Castlevania” will be released on Halloween for a mere $2.99, and with the base game currently on sale almost everywhere, this presents a fantastic opportunity to join in before these whip-wielding characters make their appearance.

Experience the captivating pixel-art gameplay of Vampire Survivors, a roguelike adventure where you persistently battle waves of monsters, bats, golems, and other creatures for 20 minutes. As you advance, enhance your weapons and uncover hidden mysteries. At the moment, it’s available at a bargain price of $3.74, offering countless hours of exhilarating action. Plus, if you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you can enjoy this game on your Steam Deck using Xbox Cloud Gaming!

2. Little Nightmares 2

7 spooky Steam Deck games that are chillingly cheap and under $20

In a simpler and more conversational style, “Little Nightmares 2 is created by the talented team at Tarsier Studios from Sweden. Known for their ability to blend horror with stunning beauty (which is why some of my recommended games hail from Sweden as well).

Experience the terrifying yet delightful horror adventures of the Little Nightmares series, perfectly suited for the Steam Deck. If you haven’t already, now could be the perfect moment to familiarize yourself with the first two games, especially since Little Nightmares 3 is set to release in 2025. Although the following installment will be developed by a different studio, it’s not essential to have played the initial game to appreciate the sequel. However, playing the first game might enrich your experience of the second one.

In the sequel to Little Nightmares, you assume the role of Mono, a young boy who finds himself in a forest and eventually joins forces with Six, the heroine from the original game. Together, they embark on an eerie adventure filled with suspenseful, chilling moments and visually stunning scenes. This game offers a brief 4-5 hour playthrough, incorporating environmental puzzles and stealth elements for added challenge. To fully immerse yourself in this spooky world, it’s strongly suggested to use headphones.

3. Darkwood

In Darkwood, you find yourself in a survival horror game developed by the now-defunct Polish studio Acid Wizard. You assume the role of an enigmatic character known as The Stranger, who wakes up in a forlorn forest with only a diary and a solitary objective: escape. The narrative is shrouded in mystery, leading you to interact with peculiar characters, some of whom have been warped by the unsettling surroundings.

4. SOMA

Title game: Soma – A haunting sci-fi horror adventure from Frictional Games

5. Bramble: The Mountain King

Bramble: The Mountain King is a game that caught me off guard as it has horror elements hidden within its charming exterior. One moment you’re playing hide and seek with endearing gnomes, the next you find yourself navigating through intestines while escaping a troll armed with a cleaver. Crafted by Dimfrost Studios (yes, they’re Swedish – seems I have a preference for Nordic horror themes), this grim journey delves deep into the darkest aspects of Nordic folklore.

In adulthood, we understand why Disney retells classic stories in a more palatable manner – the original versions were intended to scare both children and adults into good behavior. Bramble: The Mountain King immerses you in such an environment, where fairy tales are anything but harmless or sugary sweet. You control Ollie, a young boy on a quest to find his lost sister amidst a foreboding forest. As you progress, you’ll explore ever more dangerous territories and unravel dark tales that reconnect these ancient stories with their haunting origins. Notably, Bramble: The Mountain King is accessible through Xbox Game Pass as well.

6. Call of Cthulu

In conversations about terrifying video games, Call of Cthulhu is frequently sidelined, but I always seize opportunities to recommend this fantastic Lovecraftian narrative. The game casts you as Edward Pierce, a war-scarred detective with an alcohol problem, who ventures through dismal coastal landscapes to unravel a mystery steeped in the supernatural, dark mysticism, and a marine cult that poses a challenge. The game shines due to its captivating narrative and storytelling. As you progress through the story, you’ll ponder what’s genuine, what could be Edward’s hallucinations brought on by excessive drinking, and when he’s slipping into madness. Although there are some challenging stealth sequences, they’re not frequent, ensuring an engrossing and indelible gaming experience.

7. Withering Rooms

Ok so this one is just slightly over $20, but you can thank me being bad at math for that. I’m including anyway as it’s quite an unusual title I don’t see mentioned much elsewhere. Withering Rooms is a side-scrolling horror action RPG with metroidvania elements that brings a fresh twist to the horror genre. Its gameplay, inspired by classics like Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and even Dark Souls, feels well-suited for handheld play.

You play as Nightingale, a young girl sent to an asylum who must escape a terrifying dream. Armed with a basic combat system of light and heavy attacks, you’ll face increasingly challenging enemies as you explore the asylum’s cursed hallways and rooms. This eerie environment holds hidden passages and unique items to enhance your ‘build’, rewarding exploration but also punishing mistakes. When you die, you lose your items, though some can be saved for future playthroughs at ‘Rememberance’ shrines. The difficulty ramps up in later stages as the game introduces a ‘cursed’ mechanic, essential to unlock certain areas but with it’s own pitfalls. If you’re looking for something really challenging, Withering Rooms is a good choice with some really unique gameplay.

2024-10-25 18:09