Key facts
- Kluge Interactive released a free Halloween update for Synth Riders in October 2026 that adds the track "Lord & Master" by Apashe for PSVR2, Meta Quest, and SteamVR players.
- The Halloween update makes Apashe's "Lord & Master" available at no extra cost in the Specials pack for Synth Riders owners.
- The update adds a temporary Halloween theme to the Spin City home stage and one existing map, featuring flying bats for a limited time.
- The update introduces two optional visual effects, Neon Bloom and Flash, which are adjustable via settings and serve only as cosmetic enhancements.
Kluge Interactive released a free Halloween update for Synth Riders on Oct. 16, 2026. The update adds the track “Lord & Master” by Apashe for PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest, and SteamVR players. The song is included at no extra cost in the Specials pack for existing owners.
The update adds a temporary Halloween theme to the Spin City home stage and one existing map. Flying bats appear above the home stage and play stage only for the duration of the seasonal event. Two optional visual effects, Neon Bloom and Flash, are added as cosmetic options adjustable in settings. The patch does not change game mechanics, scoring, or leaderboard behavior.
Synth Riders launched on Feb. 22, 2023. The game’s price is $24.99 (USD) and £19.99 (GBP). It is a rhythm‑action VR title that layers free‑form hand‑tracked note catching onto synthwave, electro, and licensed music. Apashe’s “Lord & Master” is a bass‑driven cinematic track that shifts the setlist back toward the game’s original synth‑oriented identity.
On PlayStation VR2, Synth Riders requires a headset and the Sense controllers. There is no flatscreen mode or support for Steam Deck or ROG Ally through this version. The game has no physical PS5 disc release. Ownership is account‑bound to the PlayStation Network region.
The game was available through PlayStation Plus Premium from June 6, 2024, to May 20, 2025. That access window has ended, so a subscription no longer provides a way to play the title.
The update follows the recent addition of hand‑tracking support for Meta Quest 3 and 3S. It is positioned to support Meta’s recently announced VR Glasses. Synth Riders is available on Quest, PlayStation VR2, Apple Vision Pro, and Steam.
Kluge Interactive described the free addition as a thank‑you to the community for playing, creating maps, streaming, and competing. The Synth Riders team has hinted at bigger plans for the end of the year, although no specific details have been shared.
Previous DLC packs include a Dua Lipa pack, a Linkin Park pack described as the game’s biggest yet, and a timed‑exclusive Queen track. The content volume of the free Halloween update is modest by the standards of Kluge Interactive’s paid packs, which are described as massive.
The update solves a retention problem by offering zero‑cost seasonal content to keep players engaged between paid DLC releases. The Halloween update continues a tradition of free seasonal content, with previous events also offering free songs and challenges.
Plus, it's free! Who's going to turn down free content,
Graham, ROCKSTARmedia Network
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