Upcoming Halloween Game Features Both Single-Player Story and 1v4 Asymmetrical Multiplayer

The Halloween game was just announced, and developer IllFonic is taking an interesting approach by offering two completely different ways to experience Michael Myers’ reign of terror. Players will get both a single-player story mode where you play as Michael Myers himself and a 1vs4 asymmetrical multiplayer mode.

Playing as the Shape

Most horror games put you in the shoes of the survivor trying to escape from a brutal killer, but Halloween flips that script entirely. The single-player story mode lets you experience “The Night He Came Home” from Michael’s perspective as you stalk through the recreated locations from the 1978 film.

I’m ecstatic that IllFonic decided to include a single-player mode at all, as it’s something many asymmetrical horror games skip entirely. “When we looked at how can we take asymmetrical horror to the next level for this project we knew adding in a singleplayer mode would set us apart from other titles in the genre,” shares Jared Gerritzen, Chief Creative Officer at IllFonic. “We believe that fun factor and gameplay comes above all and adding this in definitely adds to that formula.”

You’ll walk through memorable locations like the Myers House and explore the atmosphere of 1978 Haddonfield, but from the killer’s point of view. The mode will feature special items and collectibles exclusive to single-player, though IllFonic is keeping those details under wraps for now.

Heroes vs The Boogeyman

The multiplayer side sticks closer to the familiar asymmetrical horror formula. One player takes on the role of Michael Myers while four others play as the “Heroes of Haddonfield,” working together to save the town’s residents from the Shape’s killing spree.

The 1v4 setup lets survivors team up to explore iconic film locations, search for helpful items and work together to rescue innocent NPCs scattered throughout Haddonfield. The game will feature multiple maps based on different areas from the movie. Players will need to be strategic about how they approach each situation, balancing helping others with their own survival.

Horror Sandbox Design

Both modes are built around what IllFonic calls a “horror sandbox” philosophy. The idea is to create dynamic, replayable experiences where no two matches feel exactly the same.

“Replayability is such a critical component to any compelling gameplay loop, which is why we’ve dedicated extra development time to ensure we deliver a cohesive and endlessly replayable horror game,” explains Jordan Mathewson, Design Director at IllFonic. “The foundations of our design goals center around an engaging core that breeds infinite possibilities throughout the game, regardless of how you choose to play.”

The maps feature multiple interior and exterior spaces to explore, with interactive elements and NPCs that react to the chaos around them. Using Unreal Engine 5, the team has recreated 1978 Haddonfield with period-accurate details that should make fans of the original film feel right at home.

A Different Kind of Horror Experience

Having both single-player and multiplayer modes gives Halloween a unique position in the horror gaming landscape, and I wish it’s something that other asymmetrical horrors – specifically the Texas Chainsaw Massacre game – had tried before. You can experience the methodical, atmospheric terror of being Michael Myers in single-player, then switch over to the frantic teamwork and survival gameplay of asymmetrical multiplayer.

It’s an ambitious approach that could set Halloween apart when it launches in 2026, but given the recent track record of asymmetrical multiplayer horrors, I’m not exactly too confident this one will last more than a couple of years. Stay tuned to JumpScared! for more Halloween game coverage.