Good lord, can you believe Halloween is right around the corner? It feels like we just started the year, eventful as it has been. I do like to think that Fall brings new opportunities for growth and fun, though, so I can’t mourn the loss of time all that much in the face of autumn’s newness.
And while I’ve never been that much of a “Halloween-head” compared to others, I gotta admit, I’m getting excited thinking about this year’s festivities. Of course, costumes are a huge part of that, and with so much exciting game-related news that’s come out this year, we’ve got no shortage of fun, cool costumes to consider. Here are some of the best that come to mind.
Hawke (Dragon Age: Deadwolf)
Alright, so this one’s a bit of a throwback, but since we’re due for some Dragon Age: Dreadwolf news anytime now, I had to include an outfit from the series. And in my opinion, no outfit is more iconic than Hawke’s.
Sure, you have Morrigan and other series faves to work off of too, but Hawke’s on the box art, for chrissakes. I’m specifically including this trailer because I’ve just never seen a Dragon Age character get cooler than this.
Shepard (Mass Effect)
The release of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition this year has reignited all the love gamers have for this beloved franchise, and what would this franchise be without Shepard? Ultimately, this is such an easy and meaningful costume to put together, because you’d really just be cosplaying as yourself but with Normandy gear.
You could just wear the hoodie and sweatpants and call it a day. Of course, some of the best Shep cosplayers actually put together the armor, which is very, very impressive. But I’m in favor of the lazy way out, especially if you’re going to a party.
Byleth (Fire Emblem)
It seems like we’re finally putting a cap on the Fodlan arc of Fire Emblem history, so what better way to send it off than with a good ol’ Byleth costume? And no, I’m not talking the coward’s way out with Male Byleth’s getup. I’m talking Lady By all the way.
Everyone was so quick to hate on her outfit, and I don’t necessarily blame them, because it is chaotic as hell: cut-out top, coat that doesn’t even go over the arms, a neck collar that doesn’t connect to anything, fishnet tights with intricate patterns, Gucci boots, and the bootiest of booty shorts. But where some people might see this outfit as tacky or sexist, I just saw a delightfully garish assembly put together by a person who does want you to know she’s slutty, and could kick your ass while her ass is popping out. That’s all I’m trying to be in my own life.
“Toothpaste/Pepsi-Chan” (Fire Emblem)
Yes yes, I was initially a hater, I kinda still am, but time heals all wounds etc. etc. and now I’m coming around to this idea. If you hang around a particularly nerdy crowd, this could be a definitive crowd-pleaser, if only because it’s so hilarious and grotesque at the same time.
I mean, damn. If I saw somewhere wearing this outfit, I wouldn’t know whether to douse them in Pepsi or just keep on walking. Either way, it’s definitely making a statement and is fun to work with.
Link (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)
Link has always been a classic go-to for people who want to dress as a video game character but not get too lost in the sauce. And now that we have a name and release date for the sequel to Breath of the Wild, there’s no better time to utilize your cosplaying skills and put together a Tears of the Kingdom Link.
It shouldn’t be too hard, right? Just grow your hair out and buy some blue fabric. Plus, even if people don’t know who you are, they could default to assuming you’re just a guy from Lord of the Rings.
Yennefer (The Witcher)
It’s always the season of the witch, baby, and while Geralt and Siri tend to get the most acclaim for their designs, I think Yen makes the best Witcher costume overall. It’s delightfully spooky and cool, with the black velvet and crow’s feathers, and even if people can’t tell who you are, you’ll still fit in with the Halloween vibes.
Now, will you be able to top our queen and goddess Anya Chalotra? Probably not. But it’s the thought that counts.
Inkling (Splatoon)
All the kids seem to be really into Splatoon 3. I know little to nothing about the game, except for how memable it’s been and how easy it is to give up hours of your day for it.
So, looking into it, I can only determine that the Inklings are adorable and it would be incredibly fun to dress up as them. You could dress up as yourself, but with “Squiddish” qualities: the “hair,” the fangs, and the, um, elf ears.
Dad Kratos (God of War: Ragnarok)
Yay, God of War: Ragnarok! More Dad Kratos! And to all you actual dads out there, from the bottom of my heart, I implore you to dress up as Kratos. Not just because father-child costume duos are adorable, but because, I will not lie, there is no way not to be hot while dressing up as Kratos.
All jokes aside, I don’t see this as being a very difficult costume to put together at all. My man barely wears any clothes, and you don’t need to go the extra mile with the ghost ash (unless you want to). It’s the perfect way to get hype for such a beloved series’ sequel.
Ranni (Elden Ring)
It already feels like forever ago that Elden Ring was released, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep the celebratory spirit alive. There are so many interesting characters to dress up as, and all of them would be definite showstoppers.
However, I’m singling out Ranni in particular because her look is just iconic. From the second we saw her in trailers, we knew she’d be important, and she’s gone on to become the game’s darling. Plus, her outfit is badass. I love that big ass hat of hers.
Malenia (Elden Ring)
Of course, Ranni isn’t the only baddie in the Forbidden Lands to take fashion inspo from. Malenia is just the coolest woman I’ve ever seen in a fantasy game, hands-down. I’ve never played Elden Ring, never beaten a FromSoft game in general, but I still kneel at the alter of Big Butterfly Lady.
And yes, I’m a little biased because I love tall women. But I mean, look at her. Who wouldn’t be in awe of anyone dressed like that woman?
Bonus for the Kids: Amogus (Among Us)
I don’t get it, I’m getting too old, and I feel like Natasha Lyonne in this tweet:
But the kids love Among Us and they’ve kept the meme going well past the trend’s expiration date. I have no doubts in my mind that we’ll be seeing a lot of these fuckers on the streets Halloween weekend. And hey, between this and the guy who chatted up my friend and I while fully dressed as Groot, I think I’d rather deal with kids dressed like Amogus.
(Featured Image: Square Enix)
