Against all odds, Lethal Company became one of the most popular games of the year. That’s awesome, as the surprise indie hit rocks, but it has one huge problem — you can only play it on PC.
Though I hope that’s merely a temporary setback caused by the natural limitations of having a small development team, console gamers might be eager to have something similar to play during the holidays. Let’s help them out!
Among Us
I naturally have to give some credit to the indie hit that is more likely to have passed the torch to Lethal Company. Among Us needs no introduction, as it’s already one of the most popular and iconic party games of all time, but let’s do it anyway. This John Carpenter’s The Thing-inspired indie gem traps players in a sci-fi setting and has them finding the impostor(s) in their midst before the whole innocent player team dies from mysterious causes.
Even though both are very different games, Among Us shares all of the best moments of horror, paranoia, and of laughter that we see in Lethal Company.
On top of the PC and Mobile, you can play Among Us on the Nintendo Switch.
Deceit 2
Both Deceit 2 and the original game in the series provide what feels like a more serious version of Among Us. Gone is most of the laughter, as it’s been traded by an unrelenting fear that your supposed friends will turn into monstrosities eager to eat your face.
Just like Among Us, Deceit 2 traps your team in a cool sci-fi map and tasks them with finding the impostors. Unlike Among Us, however, innocent players aren’t mere lambs in the slaughterhouse — so long as they have some FPS skills. Yeah, good deduction skills go a long way here, but this is the rare thinking-person’s-game where you can actually shoot some sense into people. I’d argue that the Deceit games get old quicker than Among Us or Lethal Company, but they’re very fun until they do.
It’s a bit like playing a mix between The Thing, the first Alien, and a real-time version of Town Of Salem.
On top of the PC, you can play Deceit 2 on PlayStation 5, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Deep Rock Galactic
In all fairness, Deep Rock Galactic isn’t much of an alternative to Lethal Company if you’re looking for horror elements. It is, however the best pick on this list for anyone who’s not. DRG replaces all of Lethal Company’s heart-endangering features with a bunch of awesome mining mechanics that you can calmly enjoy with your friends.
Try not to look at the lack of horror as a problem. DRG has all the wholesome parts of Lethal Company, so you should at least keep it in your pocket for those days when all of your horror fiend friends are offline because they went out to see the inevitable upcoming movie in the Paranormal Activity series together.
On top of the PC, you can play Deep Rock Galactic on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Secret Neighbor
Secret Neighbor adds a very welcome multiplayer component to Hello Neighbor. Ever suspected that your shady neighbor might secretly be a serial killer? That sucks, sorry, and you should probably tell the authorities if you have any sort of evidence. If you’re still just in the “suspecting” phase, however, then consider giving Secret Neighbor a try. It’s great for both fun and training.
In all seriousness, Secret Neighbor has players enlisting their friends to rescue someone being held captive by the titular neighbor. It’s well-made, unique, and one of the most fun kid-friendly horror games out there.
On top of the PC, you can play Secret Neighbor on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
The Outlast Trials
If you like the concept of Secret Neighbor but want something a lot more visceral, then Outlast Trials might be the game for you. It expands upon Outlast, one of the most successful of the “defenseless era” of horror games kickstarted by Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and makes it multiplayer.
Shared horror is some of the best horror you can experience because it kills the belief that we’re only in trouble whenever we can’t count on the power of friendship. The truth of the matter is that we might be screwed either way, and Outlast Trials does a great job of showing that.
On top of the PC, you can experience Outlast Trials on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Yes, you read that correctly. Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t a horror title, nor a team-based game where things happen in real-time. Heck, it isn’t even in first-person perspective. However, this masterful RPG carries the power to kidnap you and your friends and take you all on one of the most open-ended and straight-up best adventures you’ll ever get to experience together. I urge everyone to give it a chance.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the finest games of all time for lone wolves, but it’s even better when shared with friends.
On top of the PC, you can play Baldur’s Gate 3 on PlayStation 5 and now also on Xbox Series X|S
