Resident Evil 2026 rival drops brand-new free demo for your pleasure

Fans of Resident Evil and BioShock are going to want to sample one of 2026’s spookiest upcoming games, with a free demo available now.

October is right around the corner so you better be ready for some good scares.

In what can only be described as an early Halloween treat, the Resident Evil film by Zack Cregger has arrived in cinemas today, and first impressions alone have crowned it the highest-rated video game film ever made.

With no new games on the imminent horizon, however, allow us to suggest Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, a video game adaptation of the cult-classic films that doesn’t skimp on the gore.

It’s set for launch on October 8 for Xbox, PlayStation and PC platforms, but if you’re on the fence about it, a free demo has gone live on Steam as of September 17.

The demo’s synopsis says it’ll take you through the opening chapter of the game, allowing you to meet its main characters, “delve into the Labyrinth”, and cross paths with some of the game’s antagonists like the Scarlet Church.

I've played Hellraiser: Revival myself and have a lot of good things to say about it

Saber Interactive

I went hands-on with Hellraiser: Revival at Summer Game Fest 2026 and looking back, it was one of the better games I played.

My preview was set further into the story than this new demo, but left me wanting to play more.

At first, it was a little jarring getting to grips with a first-person-shooter Hellraiser game. It didn’t feel like the best fit for the series since the films have never been action-heavy.

Somehow it works though. While you’ll get access to basic weapons like pistols and submachine guns, you’ll also get to wield the power of the Lament Configuration (the infamous puzzle box tied to the Xenobites).

You can use the box to solve puzzles in the Labyrinth, as some of its shifting walls - and devices can be influenced even at distance.

In the normal world though, the Lament Configuration is a rechargeable weapon with gruesome psychic potential. In my demo, you could levitate saw blades and send them hurtling at enemies, or take advantage of torches to lob fireballs.

As you’ll find out for yourself, if you’re brave enough to play the demo, the game is still more than capable of delivering a good scare. There’ll be plenty of moments where you’re at the mercy of the Xenobites and their twisted games.

With the Resident Evil film inadvertently marking the beginning of ‘spooky season’ the Hellraiser: Revival demo is going to be a great one to play on a cold, September evening, especially in the dark.

Should you enjoy the pain and pleasure, you won’t have long to wait until the full game arrives, as it’ll be ready for all platforms on October 8.

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