News

Universal Announces Horror Departure After 30+ Years, Opening Date Set

As a destination known for its world-class entertainment, Las Vegas has long been home to thrilling experiences, from flashy shows to adrenaline-pumping attractions.

A dimly lit Halloween-themed barn with pumpkins and eerie decorations. Several people, dressed casually, walk inside. Warm yellow light glows at the entrance, casting shadows on the wooden walls adorned with banners and signs.
Credit: Universal

But starting on August 14, 2025, the city will introduce something that fans of all things horrifying have been eagerly waiting for: Universal Horror Unleashed. This groundbreaking, year-round horror experience from Universal Parks & Resorts promises to redefine terror on the Las Vegas Strip. Opening at AREA15, a one-of-a-kind immersive entertainment venue, Universal Horror Unleashed will deliver spine-chilling thrills to horror enthusiasts 365 days a year—unlike any other experience in the city.

Universal’s Horror Legacy: A Brief Overview of Halloween Horror Nights

As a Universal Resort expert and lifelong fan of the company’s horror offerings, I can confidently say that Universal Horror Unleashed will be a continuation of Universal’s commitment to high-caliber, immersive horror entertainment. Anyone familiar with Halloween Horror Nights (HHN)—Universal’s premier Halloween event—knows that the company has mastered the art of terror. From its inaugural event in 1991 to today, HHN has become a global phenomenon, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its haunted houses, scare zones, and beloved original characters.

HHN has set the standard for horror in theme parks, combining cutting-edge technology, intricate design, and some of the most iconic horror franchises ever created. Over the years, it has showcased houses based on major film franchises such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween, and even The Walking Dead. Universal has continually refined and expanded its horror offerings, making it one of the most anticipated events in the theme park world every year.

Now, Universal is taking this success a step further with Universal Horror Unleashed—the first-ever permanent, year-round horror attraction. No longer will fans have to wait until the fall for their horror fix. Whether you’re a local Las Vegas resident or a visitor, Universal Horror Unleashed will provide non-stop terror, making it a must-see destination for thrill-seekers of all kinds.

What to Expect from Universal Horror Unleashed

A man and a woman stand in front of a large, glowing, blue-lit arched doorway with intricate designs. They are facing the door in a dimly lit, mysterious setting, flanked by torches on the stone walls.
Credit: Universal

Set to open on August 14, 2025, Universal Horror Unleashed will occupy a vast 110,000-square-foot space within AREA15, which is known for its cutting-edge immersive art and entertainment experiences. The attraction will feature four terrifying haunted houses, including:

  • Universal Monsters – This classic collection of Universal’s legendary movie monsters, such as Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, and the Mummy, will make their return in terrifying fashion.
  • The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – Prepare to face Leatherface and his deranged family in a blood-curdling experience inspired by the infamous horror film.
  • Scarecrow: The Reaping – An original story that will transport guests to a desolate farmland where vengeful scarecrows take center stage.
  • Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer – A chilling haunted house experience based on the popular The Exorcistfranchise, known for its demonic possession storyline.

For horror fans familiar with Halloween Horror Nights, the allure of these houses is undeniable. Each house is designed to be a multi-sensory experience, with immersive sets, special effects, and mind-bending scares that will leave guests breathless. But what makes Universal Horror Unleashed so unique is that this terrifying experience will be available year-round, offering guests the opportunity to return again and again for new thrills.

Ticket prices for the event range from $59 to $99, depending on the type of access you choose, with options for one-time general admission or unlimited access, allowing for multiple visits. However, given the intensity of the content, this experience is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

How Universal Horror Unleashed Fits into Las Vegas’ Thriving Themed Entertainment Scene

Las Vegas has always been known for its bold and unique entertainment, and Universal Horror Unleashed will be an exciting addition to the city’s ever-expanding lineup of themed attractions. AREA15, where the attraction will be located, is already home to other immersive experiences like Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart and The Absent—each offering visitors an interactive journey into alternate realities. The partnership between AREA15 and Universal Parks & Resorts will bring an unparalleled level of horror to the Las Vegas scene, allowing the city to compete with major theme parks for year-round, high-quality immersive entertainment.

Universal Horror Unleashed will not only offer a thrilling experience but will also complement Las Vegas’ long-standing reputation for hosting over-the-top, themed events. The opening of Universal Horror Unleashed marks a new chapter in Vegas-themed entertainment, providing guests with an attraction that appeals to horror enthusiasts seeking something more intense than typical seasonal haunted houses.

For those familiar with other themed experiences around town, Universal Horror Unleashed will rival attractions like the Haunted Museum and Freakling Bros—both known for their scare-filled walkthroughs and intense atmospheres. But what sets Universal Horror Unleashed apart is its scale and the rich legacy of Universal’s horror properties. It will be the only year-round horror experience of its kind in Las Vegas, and with Universal’s reputation for high-production values, it’s certain to be a hit.

More Themed Attractions in Las Vegas: A Thriving Horror Scene

Las Vegas is no stranger to themed entertainment, and Universal Horror Unleashed will have some stiff competition, although it’s certainly in a league of its own. The city is home to a wide variety of themed experiences that cater to different tastes, from family-friendly activities to those meant to give guests a good scare.

Some of the other popular horror-themed attractions in Las Vegas include:

  • The Haunted Museum – Founded by paranormal investigator Zak Bagans, this attraction is a collection of the most bizarre and eerie artifacts from the world of the paranormal. With creepy rooms and terrifying exhibits, it’s one of the city’s top spooky attractions.

  • Freakling Bros – Known for its terrifying haunted house experiences, Freakling Bros is an iconic Las Vegas-based haunt that brings in huge crowds each Halloween season. It’s celebrated for its immersive, nightmare-inducing environments and has earned a cult following over the years.

  • The Chilling Adventures of The Exorcist – Taking inspiration from the hit horror franchise, this attraction offers an immersive experience for those who love the film’s creepy ambiance. The haunting scenes from the film are brought to life with terrifying accuracy.

While these experiences bring their own dose of terror, Universal Horror Unleashed will take the Las Vegas horror scene to new heights by delivering a year-round, massive-scale attraction that features Universal’s world-famous monster properties and original, bone-chilling content. This experience will allow horror lovers to indulge in their passion for scares all year, not just during the Halloween season.

Why Horror Fans Should Be Excited About Universal Horror Unleashed

Universal Horror Unleashed is set to be a game-changer for Las Vegas, elevating the city’s reputation as a center of thrilling, themed entertainment. With Universal’s proven track record in delivering immersive and terrifying experiences, fans can expect nothing less than a world-class horror attraction that keeps them coming back for more. It’s not just another haunted house—it’s a year-round opportunity to step into the horrifying worlds of Universal’s most iconic monsters.

Whether you’re a Las Vegas resident or a horror fan visiting from out of town, Universal Horror Unleashed is a must-see experience that’s sure to make its mark on the city’s entertainment scene. Get ready for a terrifying adventure like no other, opening in August 2025—Universal’s biggest and boldest horror attraction yet!

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Close

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker