Stream the Best New Games with Elgato this Hallowe’en

Hallowe’en is fast approaching, and we’re feeling spooooooooky here at Overclockers UK. So, we’ve dug out the Necronomicon and revived some of our Hallowe’en fun from previous years!

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The spooky season is upon us! It’s time to replace the real cobwebs with fake ones, carve the pumpkin, and play some scary games. There are plenty of games dropping this October that are filled with jump scares, gore, and horror. So why not amp up the fun and host a Hallowe’en stream? Let’s face it, we’re too old to trick or treat now.

Thankfully, Overclockers UK has plenty of streaming treats from Elgato available online. Whether you’re new to streaming or upgrading your set-up, we have the accessories you need to scare your viewers with these new games. 

5. Jackbox Party Pack 8 – 14/10/2021

Jackbox from Jackbox Games, Inc may not be traditionally spoooooky, but the dark themes woven throughout their games definitely qualify this latest release for a Hallowe’en stream. Featuring five new games, Jackbox Party Pack 8 is going to make your Hallowe’en night a scream – as your sides split from laughter. Old favourite Drawful gets an update with Drawful Animate, create and solve wacky murders in Weapons Drawn, and test your trivia with The Wheel of Enormous Proportions. If you are new to Jackbox, they are a series of games that can be played with up to ten players. The game host creates a room and shares their screen, then the guests join using their mobile phone. Chaos and hilarity ensue. Here is the spec needed for playing Jackbox Party Pack 8. 

Component	Min Spec	Rec Spec
Operating System	Windows 7+ 64-bit	Windows 8.1+ 64-bit
Processor	2.66GHz Duo Core or Greater	2.33GHz Quad Core or Greater
Memory	4GB RAM	8GB RAM
Graphics	GeForce 500+ Radeon 5000+ or Greater	GeForce 600+ Radeon 6000+
Network	Broadband Internet connection	Broadband Internet connection
Storage	3GB available	3GB available

As a party game, having your guests hear you clearly is very important. On the other hand, Jackbox games are fully scripted with hilarious audio to enjoy and instructions to follow. You need to strike a balance between clear communication and the game soundtrack. This is where Elgato can help. Pairing their Wave:1 Microphone and Wave XLR Mixing Solution, you can ensure your audio is crystal clear while adjusting levels accordingly.  

Elgato Wave:1 Digital Mixing USB Microphone

Specification
Tight cardioid pick-up pattern
24-bit resolution
70 – 20,000Hz frequency response
120dB Max SPL 140dB with Clipguard engaged
Compatible with Wave Link app

Buy Now

With the Elgato Wave:1 Digital Mixing USB Microphone, you already have a level of control when it comes to mixing your audio. Integrated into the microphone is a digital mixing solution supported by Elgato’s Wave Link software. With this, you can split your audio into different channels, adjust app volumes, and much more. Plus, the microphone itself has a high build quality. The premium condenser capsule with a tight cardioid pick-up is surrounded by two internal filters, including a pop screen. The Wave:1 captures precise audio with 24-bit resolution, plus has the added option of engaging the Clipguard mode to prevent distortion. Jackbox Party Pack 8 may have you uncontrollably laughing, but everyone will hear it with amazing clarity. 

Elgato Wave XLR Microphone Digital Mixing Solution

Specification
75dB pre-amp
Intuitive interface for easy control
48/96KHz sample rate
100dB dynamic range 120dB with Clipguard engaged
Max. output level: 10V @ 0dB gain

Buy Now

Adding the Elgato Wave XLR Microphone Digital Mixing Solution brings a lot of control to your fingertips, with the intuitive interface. Also integrating with Elgato Wave Link software, you can control volume across devices, boost insensitive mics up to 75dB of ultra-low-noise gain, and even swap out the front panel for something that suits your style more. With two low-cut filters, you can remove frequencies that allow for more flexible microphone placement.  

Combining these two devices is going to make your Jackbox Hallowe’en stream one for the ages. Use the Wave XLR to adjust game volume on-the-fly so no one misses an instruction. Feel confident that your audio will sync properly thanks to the zero-latency on the Wave:1, and have a great time with your friends. Job Job is on the top of my list to play! 

4. Sands of Aura – 21/10/2021

Armed with stunning visuals, unrelenting combat, and some fancy hats, Sands of Aura by Chashu Entertainment opens for early access later this month. An open world, action-adventure game, Sands of Aura is set in a realm that has been completely buried by sand. The engaging story leads you through the dying world of Talamhel, where you strive to survive against the Night Plague corruption with weapons that you forge yourself. Whilst not traditionally scary, the eerie setting is enough to have you on-edge and the combat is purposely designed to be gruelling. The Night Plague has left the denizens of Talamhel undying and the land in a perpetual twilight. Spoooooky enough for you? 

Component	Min Spec	Rec Spec
Operating System	Windows 10 64-bit	Windows 10 64-bit
Processor	Intel Core i5 7500 AMD FX-8350	Intel Core i7 4790 AMD Ryzen 7 3780U
Memory	8GB RAM	8GB RAM
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 ATI Radeon HD 7990	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 ATI Radeon RX 5600
DirectX	Version 11	Version 11
Storage	12GB available	12GB available
Sound Card	DirectX 11 sound device	DirectX 11 sound device

Note: These specs are subject to change as the game is still in early access.

With a game as stunning as this one, you want to have a stream that looks just as professional. With the Elgato Stream Deck, this is achievable with the simple press of a button. Rather, 15 LCD buttons. Alternatively, there are models available with 6 or 32 buttons depending on just how much control you need. They all offer the same functionality with comprehensive options and an intuitive interface. 

Elgato Stream Deck – 15 Key

Specification
15 customisable LCD keys
USB 2.0 interface
Compatible with a variety of streaming apps
Single function or nested folders per key
One-touch buttons
Comprehensive control over your stream

Utilising an Elgato Stream Deck with 15 fully customisable LCD keys is going to revolutionise your streaming. Each button can be assigned a function to suit your needs or even nested folders to add multiple options to a single button. Don’t like the standard images? These are LCD keys, you can create custom images for every square. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to fully brand yourself, here it is. Can you imagine all 15 of those buttons lighting up with your font and colour scheme?  

As this is a Hallowe’en stream, you can use the Elgato Stream Deck to integrate your favourite spooky gifs and book-end the session with some chilling music. Can’t beat a bit of The Addams Family in October. Plus, Sands of Aura includes extensive options when it comes to forging your weaponry, why not open the process up to debate and take requests – the Stream Deck lets you easily switch between apps, so you can respond. All of this can be achieved with, you guessed it, the simple press of a button. 

3. Back 4 Blood – 12/10/2021

The long-awaited next installation of the Left 4 Dead franchise, Back 4 Blood by Turtle Rock Studios has everything you need for a gory Hallowe’en stream. Zombies? Check. Explosive action? Check. Projectile… zombie puke? Didn’t know I needed that, but check anyway! There are many great ways to play this game too; solo, online co-op or with friends, and PvP. Want more options? With PvP, you can play as either a human or a Ridden – the zombie-like creatures infesting the world. Combat styles differ with each type of Ridden, creating unique gameplay with every session. Here is what you need from your gaming PC to handle Back 4 Blood. 

Component	Min Spec	Rec Spec
Operating System	Windows 10 64-bit	Windows 10 64-bit
Processor	Intel Core i5-6600 AMD Ryzen 5 2600	Intel Core i5-8400 AMD Ryzen 7 1800X
Memory	8GB RAM	12GB RAM
Graphics	GeForce GTX 1050 Ti AMD Radeon RX 570	GeForce GTX 970 AMD Radeon RX 590
DirectX	Version 12	Version 12
Storage	40GB available	40GB available
Network	Broadband Internet connection	Broadband Internet connection
Additional Notes	1080p / 60fps / Low Quality Settings	1080p / 60fps / High Quality Settings

With a game that is a visual and visceral treat, you will need an Elgato Capture Card to ensure you are streaming at the best quality possible. Whether you are streaming from a PC or use a console in your set-up, we have premium capture cards to level up your content. 

Elgato Cam Link Pro Capture Card

Specification
4 HDMI inputs
PCIe capture card
Multiple supported resolutions including 1080p60
Stream or record
Supports multiple viewing modes

Buy Now

Directly installed inside your PC via PCIe, the Elgato Cam Link Pro Capture Card allows you to record or stream up to four HDMI signals at once. Whether that is cameras, tablets, laptops, or any other device capable of outputting a clean signal; you can have up to four feeds at once. Display them picture in picture, side by side, or in other formats to best represent your streaming style. What’s more, this capture card can output at a variety of resolutions and can be interfaced with other Elgato devices, such as the Stream Deck. 

Elgato HD60 X 4K30 HDR10 External Capture Card

Specification
Console compatible including PS5 / Xbox X|S / Switch
Captures at 60fps or 30fps
1080p or 4K resolution capture
USB 3.0 interface
HDMI pass-through

Buy Now

If you prefer to stream from a console, then the Elgato HD60 X 4K30 Capture Card is the route for you. Simply connect your console of choice – be it PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo – to the side labelled “IN” and then continue the connection to your gaming PC from the side labelled “OUT”. This external capture card connects to your gaming PC via USB-C for highly reliable performance with next to no latency. From there you can hone your production with customising options for how you display your stream, adding live commentary, and more. 

Equipped with a capture card, you can not only stream yourself playing Back 4 Blood but also stream all of your reactions to jump scares or a particularly hideous Ridden. That’s maximising the entertainment right there! As both of these capture cards allow for multiple feeds, your set-up can evolve and vary as your stream dictate. Doing a Jackbox Party stream with all your friends? Add their video feed. Demonstrating an artistic talent like mini painting? Set up a couple of cameras at different angles to really showcase your skill. If you have an idea, these capture cards can support it. 

2. The Unliving – 26/10/2021

Nothing says Hallowe’en more than being a necromancer. In The Unliving from RocketBrush Studio, you play as a fearsome mage with the ability to raise the dead. Oh yes, Night King vibes for sure! Inherently a hack-and-slash game, The Unliving utilises your avatar’s immense power wisely. Every foe slain is a new friend, once resurrected. What’s more, the re-animated creatures possess unique abilities to help bolster your campaign to crush everyone. You are the Undead Lord amassing an undead army to squash the living. All in colourful, 16-bit pixel style. 

Component	Min Spec	Rec Spec
Operating System	Windows 7 / 8 / 10 64-bit	Windows 7 / 8 / 10 64-bit
Processor	4-thread CPU	8-thread CPU
Memory	8GB RAM	16GB RAM
Graphics	2GB GDDR5 GPU with 128bit bus width	2GB+ GDDR5 GPU with 128bit+ bus width
DirectX	Version 11	Version 11
Storage	2GB available	2GB available

Note: As the game is still in early access currently, these specs are subject to change.

The main component of your stream is you – you are the star of the show! As such, you need a webcam that will record, stream, and capture your personality in high definition. Webcams may have been universally terrible way back when, but the selection from Elgato is anything but. Let your audience see you revel in the Undead Lord’s power and fear your growing power – muahaha! Or something less sociopathic. Whatever works for you. 

Elgato Premium HD Facecam

Buy Now

Specification
True 1080p60 full HD
Fixed-focus glass lens
Optimised for indoor lighting
Onboard memory
82-degrees field of vision
Detachable USB-C
Advanced image engine

Attached to the top of your monitor, the Elgato Premium HD Facecam captures in true 1080p60 HD. Pairing cutting-edge image sensors and a pro-grade lens culminate in premium-quality footage for all. Everything about this camera has been primed for streaming, from its optimised performance indoors to the 82-degrees field of vision, perfectly framing you and that awesome gaming poster on your wall. Interfacing via USB-C, you can control this camera from an application on your PC with the option to save camera settings directly onto the device, thanks to onboard memory.  

Streaming from the Elgato Premium Facecam, you can adjust your camera setting to match the dark themes of The Unliving, whilst still remaining pixel perfect. You could even prop a scythe against the wall behind you for added effect, it will be caught in that tasty 82-degree field of vision. A fake scythe, naturally, but there are some good Grim Reaper costumes out there. Heck, it’s a Hallowe’en stream, go in full fancy dress! Drop a comment below with your costume plans – I may or may not need some inspo. 

1. The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes – 22/10/2021

Finally, we have The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes, the latest release from the Supermassive Games franchise. Dark, cinematic, and with plenty of gritty gore; there really was no other top choice for a Hallowe’en stream. You play as CIA field officer, Rachel King, who is part of a team searching for chemical weapons in a buried Sumerian Temple. Any horror buffs right now will not be surprised when I say they do not find weapons underground but something far worse. Whilst firmly in the horror genre, it plays like an action-adventure with an element of survival. Here’s what you need from your PC to play this game. 

Component	Min Spec	Rec Spec
Operating System	Windows 10 64-bit	Windows 10 64-bit
Processor	Intel Core i5-3470 AMD FX-8350	Intel Core i5-8400 AMD Ryzen 5 1600
Memory	8GB RAM	8GB RAM
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 AMD Radeon R9 290X	Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 AMD Radeon RX Vega 56

Note: These specs may be refined closer to the launch date.

The best way to ensure you will host an epic Hallowe’en stream, is to have a complete Elgato Streaming Bundle. Or a configurable bundle where you can add hardware you need and leave off the kit you already have. 

Explore Elgato

Specification
Webcams
Stream Decks
Capture Cards
Collapsible Green Screens
Key Lights
Acoustic Panels
Accessories

Shop Elgato

The Elgato range includes everything to meet your needs. Explore their full range of capture cards, stream decks, green screens, webcams, and other streaming accessories.

Whether you are upgrading or simply filling some gaps, Elgato is going to level up your Hallowe’en stream. Remove your background with a green screen and embed yourself in the House of Ashes action, matching your lighting to the creepy underground temple. Capture gameplay at incredibly high quality with additional streams of your reactions, and control it all with a push of a button. Put on a scary show! 

Get Spooooooky

We hope you’re getting into the spooky spirit and are looking forward to these amazing games. If you are hosting a stream over the Hallowe’ekend (see what I did there), be sure to drop your Twitch channel in the comments below so we can stop by. Plus, I wasn’t kidding about needing costume inspo – let us know what gaming themed attire you’ll be donning this year!