Against all odds,Lethal Companybecame 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 may 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 toLethal Company.Among Usneeds no introduction, as it’s already one of the most popular and iconic party games of all time, but let’s do it anyway. ThisJohn Carpenter’sThe 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 Usshares all of thebest moments of horror, paranoia, and of laughter that we see inLethal Company.
On top of the PC and Mobile, you can playAmong Uson the Nintendo Switch.
Deceit 2
BothDeceit 2and the original game in the series provide what feels like a more serious version ofAmong 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 2traps your team in a cool sci-fi map and tasks them with finding the impostors. UnlikeAmong 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 may actually shoot some sense into people. I’d argue that theDeceitgames get old quicker thanAmong UsorLethal Company, but they’re very fun until they do.
It’s a bit like playing a mix betweenThe Thing, the firstAlien, and a real-time version ofTown Of Salem.
On top of the PC, you may playDeceit 2on PlayStation 5, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Deep Rock Galactic
In all fairness,Deep Rock Galacticisn’t much of an alternative toLethal Companyif you’re looking for horror elements. It is, however the best pick on this list for anyone who’s not.DRGreplaces all ofLethal Company’sheart-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.DRGhas all the wholesome parts ofLethal 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 theParanormal Activityseries together.
On top of the PC, you can playDeep Rock Galacticon PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Secret Neighbor
Secret Neighboradds a very welcome multiplayer component toHello 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 givingSecret Neighbora try. It’s great for both funandtraining.
In all seriousness,Secret Neighborhas players enlisting their friends to rescue someone being held captive by the titular neighbor. It’s well-made, unique, and one of the most funkid-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 ofSecret Neighborbut want something a lot more visceral, thenOutlast Trialsmight be the game for you. It expands uponOutlast, one of the most successful of the “defenseless era” of horror games kickstarted byAmnesia: 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, andOutlastTrialsdoes a great job of showing that.
On top of the PC, you can experienceOutlast Trialson PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Yes, you read that correctly.Baldur’s Gate 3isn’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 urgeeveryoneto give it a chance.
Baldur’s Gate 3is 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’re able to play Baldur’s Gate 3 on PlayStation 5 and now also on Xbox Series X|S
