It’s the first full week of the spooky season, and with it comes some new indie titles that are sure to send a shiver down your spine, along with some other options for those who aren’t fans of the horror genre. This week also features plenty of free-to-play demos to check out for new releases as well as titles that are still a ways out from their release date.

Here are our picks for this week in indie games, October 3 - 9.

Related: This Week's Indie Game Releases (September 26 - October 2)

Jack Axe - October 6 (PC, PS4, XB1, Switch)

Calling all 2D platforming fans! Jack Axe is the indie pick of the week for you. The game from developer Keybol Games features fast-paced platforming action through a vibrant and colorful world as you take Jack (and her sisters) on an axe tossing adventure. You’ll encounter plenty of obstacles to overcome, enemies to defeat, and coins to collect in this title that is inspired by Filipino and Norse mythology. Even more impressive is that you’ll be able to play solo or with up to three other players. Jack Axe will be available on October 6 for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

Cooking Companions - October 7 (PC)

Don’t be fooled by its cute aesthetics – Cooking Companions, from developer Deer Dream Studios, is a dating sim and horror visual novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat after the credits roll. Despite the absence of “jump scares, excessive gore, and frustrating dead ends”, the game utilizes a creepy sound design and fear of the unknown to unsettle you as you vie for the affection of the game’s characters. Cooking Companions will be available October 7 on PC via Steam. A free demo is available to play right now.

The Lightbringer - October 7 (PC)

The Lightbringer – from developer Rock Square Thunder – is a puzzle adventure platformer in which your character will cure a corruption that has swept over the land, guided by the spirit of their sister. The game draws much of its inspiration from early Zelda games and rewards exploration as you journey through the dangerous world. The Lightbringer will be available October 7 on PC via Steam and is currently offering a free demo that is available to play now.

Night Reverie - October 8 (PC)

From developer Somber Pixel comes Night Reverie, a game that appears to resemble a horror game, but focuses much more on mystery and intrigue as a child explores the warped reality of their own home. Solve puzzles and interact with strange creatures in the nightmarish setting as you search for the truth in this pixelated adventure. Night Reverie will be available October 8 on PC via Steam. A free-to-play demo is also available now.

A few other indie games to check out includes a handful of titles that are in Early Access, or have already been released and are making their debut on other platforms:

  • Toree 2 (Port) - Available now on Nintendo Switch and PC
  • Mist Legacy (Early Access) - Available on October 5 for PC via Steam
  • Bear’s Restaurant (Port) - Available on October 6 for PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android
  • Mosaic Hearts Prototype (Demo) - Available on October 6 for PC via Steam
  • Zen World (Early Access) - Available on October 7 for PC via Steam
  • Swordcery: Prologue (Demo) - Available on October 8 for PC via Steam

Next: Toree 3D Is Basically A Horror Version Of Super Mario 64