The mod Duke Nukem: Horror Castle has been overhauled with a new Halloween theme, introducing fresh content and altered gameplay that reimagines the classic first-person shooter in a gothic horror setting.
Created by modder WilliamGee, Horror Castle presents a nine-level campaign centred around haunted fortresses, swapping the original sci-fi trappings for undead foes and macabre aesthetics. The update includes 24 enemy types—spectral skeletons, vampire bats and Nosferatu-style creatures—and four minibosses that can be shrunk and stomped. Players now feed Duke’s health by cracking skulls and consuming their insides instead of using medkits.
New weaponry supplements the revised combat: a Bone Crusher that fires skeletal shrapnel, monstrous spiders that can be thrown at enemies, and redesigned mechanics fit for the horror theme. The update also embeds Halloween-themed props, such as pumpkins and ghosts, and unlocks a secret level dedicated to these elements.
The mod first debuted in May but has just received this themed refresh ahead of the Halloween season. The redesign aims to maintain the spirit of Duke Nukem while giving the gameplay a seasonal twist.
Enthusiasts largely praised the new content for extending the longevity of a beloved modding scene. Some warned that the added gore and health mechanics may push player expectations beyond casual mod play. The modding community, however, sees it as a bold step: blending horror genre conventions with a well-established shooter.
WilliamGee’s effort underscores a broader trend in fan-driven modding: infusing established classic titles with seasonal or thematic expansions to keep communities engaged. Separately, the creator of Voxel Doom recently announced progress on Voxel Duke Nukem 3D, slated for release later this year, and producer Adi Shankar has revealed intentions to explore a Duke Nukem TV series after acquiring rights from Gearbox.
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