{
  "id": 16365994,
  "title": "The 5 least-scary scary games for people who are scared of scary games",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/the-5-least-scary-scary-games-for-people-who-are-scared-of-scary-games",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-24T20:00:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Polygon",
    "slug": "polygon",
    "url": "https://www.polygon.com/best-not-scary-horror-games/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For horror enthusiasts who find the scares a bit too intense, there are several games that offer a spooky atmosphere without the terrifying intensity. One such game is Luigi's Mansion 3, which features Luigi's ghost-hunting adventures in a haunted hotel. With its charming visuals, memorable characters, and Poltergust ghost-catching abilities, Luigi's Mansion 3 perfectly captures the essence of a spooky game without leaving players with nightmares. Another great option is Penko Park, a photography game set in a mysterious forest. Players take a tram ride through the woods, photographing strange creatures like a sea monster, a bewinged lemon, and a spider named Doug. Each creature is beautifully illustrated and offers multiple poses, leading to a delightful and spooky collection of images. For those who enjoy the atmospheric tension of Hollow Knight but want to avoid gore and true jump scares, this game is a perfect fit. The game's eerie setting and hand-drawn 2D aesthetic create a sense of dread without resorting to true horror. If you're in the mood for a lighthearted teen slasher experience without any slashing, Monster Prom is the game for you. Players take on the role of a Spooky High student trying to secure a date for prom, with multiple romantic options including a gorgon, werewolf, and demon. The game's humor, clever jokes, and references combined with its competitive mode make for an entertaining and funny experience. Lastly, Night in the Woods offers a charming and thoughtful story centered around anthropomorphic animals who feel eerily human. Players take on the role of Mae, a college dropout returning to her hometown to investigate a horrifying secret. The game's stunning visuals, gorgeous character designs, and exploration of themes like depression, disassociation, and isolation provide a unique and engaging experience, all while avoiding true horror.",
  "summary": "If you love Halloween, but could do without any nightmares, these non-scary scary games are for you.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}