Managed to separate yourself from Spider-Man 2’s web of hype? Then follow us. Superheroes may steal the limelight when it comes to the biggest games of the month, but October’s video game releases hold plenty of lesser-known secrets too. And we’re in the mood to seek out something other than the loudest voice in the room. Here are seven October video-game underdogs for you to get tangled in instead.
7. The Lamplighters League
Release date: October 3
Platforms: PC, Xbox
Turn-based tactical combat pairs with a pulpy alternate-history 1930s tale in this globetrotting adventure from the creators of Battletech. Recruit a team of misfits, rogues, and scoundrels to track down an ancient evil and stop the sinister cult of the Banished Court from conquering the world. Each character in your team has a unique suite of abilities. Use them, and your environment, to outsmart your enemies and swing fights in your favor.
6. Wargroove 2
© Chucklefish
Release date: October 5
Platforms: PC, Switch
Advance Wars-inspired turn-based strategy returns for a colorful second outing. The expanded story introduces a new mousey faction filled with scholarly rigor. Wargroove 2 features three interweaving campaigns as well as a new Roguelike mode. It’ll also launch with custom map and campaign creation to let you build new levels and stories to share online.
5. Lords of the Fallen
Release date: October 13
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Is it a remake or a sequel? Forget those concerns, because Lords of the Fallen looks absolutely phenomenal. This soulslike action-rpg sees you on a quest to overthrow a fallen god on the verge of resurrection. Shift between two overlapping realms, Axiom and Umbral, as you explore the interconnected world and face terrifyingly powerful foes.
4. Hellboy Web of Wyrd
© Upstream Arcade
Release date: October 18
Platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Created in partnership with Dark Horse Comics and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this third-person brawler brings the distinct look of the original Hellboy comics to your screen. The story sees our grumpy, red-skinned lead entering the changing Web of Wyrd to investigate the disappearance of a B.P.R.D. agent. Dodge, parry, and punch your way through the monstrous creatures within as you progress through roguelike levels and search for answers.
3. The 7th Guest VR
Release date: October 19
Platforms: PC, PS5 (PS VR2), Meta Quest
One of gaming’s most iconic FMV classics is reborn in virtual reality. Explore a daunting mansion alongside the ghosts of guests, solving puzzles to uncover the mystery surrounding the house’s creator. The VR remake promises to pay faithful homage to the 1993 original, recreating environments but reimagining puzzles to fit physical VR controls.
2. Endless Dungeon
© Amplitude Studios
Release date: October 27
Platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
An abandoned space station filled with monsters? It’s good job you’re packing plenty of firepower in this unusual mix of tower defense and twin-stick roguelike action. Partner with up to two pals in co-op as you attempt to escort your Crystal Bot to the core of the station. Deploy defenses and put your life on the line as you secure resources and shepherd your ward through procedurally generated districts of the ship.
1. Headbangers: Rhythm Royale
Release date: October 31
Platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Being a pigeon is a lot more fun that we'd realized. That’s if this smile-inducing rhythm battle royale game is anything to go by. In it, you'll get to adorn your feathered character in ludicrous attire and take part in competitive musical minigames to secure your spot at the top of the pecking order. The winner, presumably, gets to eat the scraps dropped next to your local bus stop.
What are you looking forward to playing this October? Check out the month’s biggest releases here.
