8 Games Worth Playing in October 2026, From Castlevania to Dressmaker

October 2026 offers plenty beyond the year’s biggest blockbuster releases. While attention remains focused on major upcoming games, several smaller titles deserve recognition. From gothic action and psychological horror to dressmaking and photography, these eight games offer different ways to spend your gaming time.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse brings Konami’s long-running series back to 2D action and exploration. Developed with Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the game follows Rose Belmont through a monster-infested Paris in 1499. Challenging platforming, elaborate environments, and demanding boss encounters make it particularly appealing to longtime Castlevania fans. Adjustable difficulty settings provide some flexibility for players who find the challenge overwhelming. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Well Dweller

Well Dweller takes a different approach to the Metroidvania formula. Developed by Kyle Thompson, it follows Glimmer, a tiny bird armed with a matchstick, through a disturbing fairy-tale kingdom. The unusual weapon also supports exploration, while the game’s mix of charming characters and grotesque enemies creates a memorable visual contrast. Its emphasis on discovering abilities, solving puzzles, and revisiting interconnected areas makes it a strong option for players who prioritise exploration. The game is available on Steam and consoles.

Heartworm

For traditional survival horror, Heartworm draws inspiration from the early Resident Evil and Silent Hill games. Its fixed-camera perspectives, limited inventory, and deliberately retro presentation recreate the atmosphere of 1990s horror. The central character uses a camera as both a weapon and an essential tool, giving familiar survival mechanics a distinctive twist. Players can also choose modern controls instead of traditional tank controls, making the experience more accessible. The Steam version was originally released in July 2025.

Silver Pines

Silver Pines combines detective work, survival horror, and side-scrolling exploration. Players investigate a mysterious American town while managing limited resources, solving environmental puzzles, and uncovering its secrets. Its combination of Metroidvania progression and deliberate adventure-game mechanics sets it apart from conventional horror releases. The unusual save system, which requires in-game money, adds another layer of resource management.

Dressmaker

Dressmaker offers a welcome change of pace. Developed by Cosy Lives and published by Free Lives, the PC game puts players in charge of a small dressmaking business. Customers request clothing, and players select fabrics, prepare patterns, sew garments, and customise the finished designs. It emphasises creativity over competition, making it suitable for both short sessions and longer design projects. Dressmaker is available on Steam.

TOEM 2

TOEM 2 continues the photography-based adventure introduced in 2021’s TOEM. Its black-and-white visual style returns, along with new locations, characters, and photographic challenges. Players use their cameras to solve puzzles, document discoveries, and help people they encounter. The sequel adds new camera attachments and movement options while preserving the original’s relaxed approach to exploration. It suits players who prefer curiosity and discovery over combat.

Orbitals

Orbitals is a cooperative puzzle adventure exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. Inspired by classic Japanese anime, it follows two young explorers as they try to save their space station from a cosmic storm. Progress depends on communication and coordinating eachcharacter’ss abilities, not individual skill alone. One particularly useful feature is the Global Friend’s Pass, which lets a second player join the full adventure without buying another copy, as long as their partner owns the game.

Toy Story: Retro Roundup

Toy Story: Retro Roundup appeals to players interested in classic games and their development history. Digital Eclipse created the collection, which brings together early Toy Story releases and A Bug’s Life, along with archival materials, interviews, and development documents. Features like rewind and cheat options make older games easier to revisit without losing their original character. The collection is available on PC and major consoles.

Which Game Should You Play?

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse and Well Dweller are natural choices for players who enjoy difficult combat and exploration, while Heartworm and Silver Pines offer more unsettling adventures. Dressmaker and TOEM 2 suit relaxed sessions, Orbitals offers a cooperative experience, and Toy Story: Retro Roundup offers a nostalgic look at gaming history.

These games don’t need blockbuster budgets or enormous open worlds to earn your attention. Their appeal comes from focused ideas and distinct gameplay approaches, giving players several worthwhile alternatives in October’s release calendar.