Halloween brings out the best in gaming. From limited-time costumes and special items to spooky new levels, Halloween events are all about transforming games into haunted, candy-fueled fun. Some games go above and beyond, creating unforgettable seasonal content. Others, well… let’s just say they’re like that neighbor who gives out toothbrushes instead of candy. Here’s a rundown of some of the best and worst Halloween events in gaming, ranked from legendary to lame.

1. Fortnite – Fortnitemares

Verdict: Legendary

Epic Games goes all-out with their annual Fortnitemares event, practically turning Fortnite into an entirely new game for the season. Expect limited-time game modes, unique character skins, creepy map makeovers, and eerie, ghostly elements everywhere. The event often includes zombie or ghost enemies that add a chaotic twist to the usual battle royale gameplay.

Not only do the skins and items hit the Halloween mark perfectly, but the attention to detail is impressive. For Halloween lovers and battle royale fans alike, Fortnitemares is pure spooky season perfection. It’s the pumpkin spice latte of Halloween gaming events—basic, but undeniably satisfying.

2. Overwatch – Halloween Terror

Verdict: Almost Legendary

Blizzard’s annual Halloween Terror event is a fan favorite, mostly because of the meticulously designed skins that transform familiar heroes into spooky versions of themselves. There’s a cult-like love for costumes like Witch Mercy, Vampire Baptiste, and Cultist Zenyatta. The skins are great, but Halloween Terror also includes a limited-time PvE mode called Junkenstein’s Revenge, where players fight waves of zombie bots.

The mode’s a blast and adds a nice cooperative twist. The only thing keeping Halloween Terror from legendary status? Repetition. Every year, it’s essentially the same thing with a few skin updates. Still, it’s one of the top seasonal events for its classic horror vibe and the team’s dedication to over-the-top Halloween costumes.

3. Destiny 2 – Festival of the Lost

Verdict: Strong with a Touch of Cheese

Festival of the Lost brings haunted flair to Destiny 2, decking out the Tower with creepy lights and giving Guardians a taste of the afterlife. The standout of this event is the Haunted Forest, a Halloween-themed version of the Infinite Forest filled with spooky enemies, limited-time gear, and, of course, Halloween masks.

Festival of the Lost has that Halloween spirit, but sometimes it feels like more of a grind-fest than a good time. Players need to farm materials and complete various activities to earn seasonal rewards, which can feel repetitive. Still, the unique loot and eerie atmosphere make it worth a shot, especially if you’re a Destiny 2 regular who’s down for a bit of haunted nostalgia.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Halloween Event

Verdict: Cozy and Spooky

Leave it to Animal Crossing to make Halloween feel downright adorable. New Horizons celebrates October with pumpkin patch farming, new costume options, and tons of DIY spooky decor recipes. Halloween night is the grand finale, where the mysterious pumpkin-headed character, Jack, visits the island, and villagers roam in costumes.

While it’s not exactly a hardcore horror experience, Animal Crossing nails the cozy Halloween vibe. The only drawback is that it’s pretty low-key—if you’re used to fast-paced games, the event can feel like little more than a casual trick-or-treat session. But for Animal Crossing fans, Halloween on the island is a treat that doesn’t disappoint.

5. Call of Duty – The Haunting

Verdict: Dark and Intense

Call of Duty goes all-out with The Haunting, transforming the battleground into a terrifying war zone filled with jump scares, zombies, and limited-time modes. There’s a touch of horror cinema here, too, with crossover characters from iconic horror franchises—think Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Saw.

The addition of horror-themed skins, unsettling map changes, and the high-stakes survival mode make The Haunting one of the most intense Halloween experiences in gaming. It’s got all the adrenaline of Call of Duty plus a layer of fright. The only downside? If you’re not into horror movies or sudden frights, this one might be a bit too intense.

6. Rocket League – Haunted Hallows

Verdict: Fun but Forgettable

Rocket League does Halloween the way it does everything else: in a quick and flashy style. The Haunted Hallows event introduces Halloween-themed car decals, toppers, and goal explosions, plus some spooky tunes. The limited-time items and themed cosmetics are a nice touch, but overall, Haunted Hallows is a pretty surface-level experience.

Sure, it’s fun to give your car a spooky paint job, but without any major gameplay changes, it feels like just another way to collect loot. For die-hard Rocket League fans, it’s a fun bonus. But if you’re looking for a real Halloween atmosphere, you might find this one a bit lacking.

7. Apex Legends – Fight or Fright

Verdict: Scary but a Little Stale

The Fight or Fright event in Apex Legends brings a Halloween twist to the battle royale. The event’s main attraction is Shadow Royale, where fallen players return as shadows to fight for their teammates. The darkened maps and creepy atmospheres set a great mood, but the event doesn’t always feel like it lives up to its full potential.

The concept of shadowy enemies and night-themed battles is awesome, but the execution has remained mostly the same since its debut. It’s fun for a few rounds, but the novelty wears off quickly. For Apex Legends players, though, it’s a solid, spooky twist on the standard gameplay.

8. PUBG – Halloween Costume Event

Verdict: Lame with a Side of Lazy

When PUBG announced a Halloween event, fans might have expected haunted battlegrounds, ghostly encounters, or something beyond a few costume options. But PUBG’s Halloween effort has mostly amounted to themed costumes and some minimal map decorations.

There’s no special game mode, no creepy changes to the gameplay, and no jump scares. It’s just a regular PUBG experience with the addition of a few outfits, which players have to buy anyway. Compared to games like Fortnite and Overwatch that go all-out, PUBG’s Halloween event feels like an afterthought.

9. World of Warcraft – Hallow’s End

Verdict: Old-School Charm

World of Warcraft has been running Hallow’s End since the early 2000s, making it one of the longest-standing Halloween events in gaming. Players can explore haunted locations, battle the Headless Horseman, and collect seasonal gear. But for newer players, it might feel a bit outdated.

While Hallow’s End is a nice break from the regular grind, it doesn’t offer much new content, sticking to the same Headless Horseman fight year after year. It’s still a favorite for longtime WoW players, but it’s not exactly pushing the envelope in terms of scares or excitement.

Conclusion: The Trick or Treat of Halloween Events

Not all Halloween events are created equal. Some games really go the extra mile to spook their players, while others seem content to toss a costume or two into the mix and call it a day. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding jump scares, intense battles, or just a chance to get cozy and trick-or-treat in-game, there’s something out there for everyone.

If you’re craving a true Halloween experience, Fortnite’s Fortnitemares and Overwatch’s Halloween Terror are hard to beat. But if you’re stuck with one of the “lame” options, don’t worry—you can always save the scares for next year.