Hidden Horror Games on Steam

Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated horror games. For those who prefer not to search, check out lists of the most played, top deals and best free to play Horror games on Steam.

Filters & Lists
Garten of Banban 8: Anti Devil Explore the most obscure levels of Banban’s Kindergarten. Survive the new deceives and mysteries that await you. Uncover the truth behind the place, and find the whereabouts of your missing child…

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.3
Release 28 Aug 2025
INCISION All old-school FPS action. No Bullshit. Lots of blood & gore. Slaughter your way through nightmarish industrial mazes, transformed cityscapes and surreal alien structures to cut down the Growth in this ultraviolent, fast-paced, and merciless retro-styled first person shooter.

Price -38% 8.69€
Rating 8.5
Release 28 Aug 2025
Deep Sleep: Labyrinth of the Forsaken What dreams are made of is the stuff of nightmares in this new point-and-click adventure. Delve deep into realms both fantastical and terrifying, and use the power of lucid dreaming to solve puzzles, explore, and contend with eerie adversaries in your search for the brother you thought had died.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.6
Release 21 Aug 2025
Vigil Vigil is a short Narrative Horror Game that takes place in an unsettling underground facility. Your job is to dispose of boxes, however, you’re not alone. A terrifying automaton roams the facility, moving only when you look away or when you blink in real life.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 15 Aug 2025
Bendy: Lone Wolf Bendy: Lone Wolf™ will tests your ability to survive against ever increasing odds. Monsters and obstacles emerge from every direction as you journey into the rubberhose halls of the world's most evil animation studio. Every day is a challenge.

Price -87% 2.59€
Rating 8.1
Release 15 Aug 2025
Inkshade Inkshade is a turn-based tactics game carved out of strange wooden miniatures, wrapped in a web of locked rooms, and orchestrated by an otherworldly game master. Victory is not guaranteed, and the only constant is the cruel black ink that flows within the pieces.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.3
Release 14 Aug 2025
BACKROOMS: APPREHENSION A terrifying multiplayer horror experience with social deduction elements. Trapped in the Backrooms, up to 12 players must try to work together to survive and expose the shapeshifting Skin Stealer hiding among them before it’s too late. Who will you trust?

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 14 Aug 2025
Loan Shark The loan shark is coming for you. Catch enough fish to repay your debt before it is too late. Go fish.

Price 3.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 08 Aug 2025
Static Dread: The Lighthouse Lovecraft meets Papers, Please. Play as a lighthouse keeper and guide ships safely into the harbor using your radio. Survive the presence of something impossible, and don’t let the shadows consume you!

Price 12.79€
Rating 8.6
Release 06 Aug 2025
Dead Take Find your missing friend. Uncover the secrets within. Brave a luxurious and haunting mansion in Dead Take, a first-person psychological horror crafted by Surgent Studios.

Price 13.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 31 Jul 2025
Heartworm Pass through the threshold and enter a world born of memories. Defend yourself with a camera while solving death’s mysteries in a reverent evolution of 90’s survival horror, integrating both fixed cameras and over the shoulder perspectives.

Price 14.79€
Rating 8.2
Release 31 Jul 2025
Captain Bones : A Pirate's Journey Captain Bones is an action-adventure game set in an open pirate world. You must have survival skills to make ship battles and treasure hunts with your crew.

Price 16.79€
Rating 7.9
Release 28 Jul 2025
One-Eyed Likho One-Eyed Likho is a grim first-person horror adventure set in a world inspired by a dark, Slavic fairy tale. Explore an unsettling and twisted land set in 19th-century Russia in your endeavor to escape your own evil fate.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.7
Release 28 Jul 2025
Bogos Binted? Welcome to a sinful night with the galaxy’s wackiest aliens. Play twisted tabletop games with up to 4 players, devise brilliant strategies, bluff your way to victory, and try not to lose your head - literally.

Price -20% 4.39€
Rating 8.6
Release 24 Jul 2025
Who's at the door? You are trapped in a small house, suffering from psychosis with no memory. Carefully observe your surroundings to distinguish reality from hallucinations, and overcome your illness by taking medication from visitors at the right time.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 18 Jul 2025
C.A.S.T. (CHERNOZEM ANOMALY STRIKE TEAM) C.A.S.T is a third-person PvE extraction shooter playable solo or in co-op. Select your character and loadout to battle enemy hordes, evade anomalies, and complete objectives across handcrafted maps with dynamic procedural elements.

Price 6.89€
Rating 8.6
Release 14 Jul 2025
Dread Flats This is a first-person Chinese horror game, players will go to a murder building, uncover the truth of the murder, find the missing people..

Price -18% 4.86€
Rating 8.0
Release 10 Jul 2025
SCP: CB Multiplayer Reborn Survive the chaos of SCP Foundation! Step into a thrilling SCP horror experience with story-driven co-op, intense PvP Breach mode, and randomized maps. Play as Class-D, scientist, SCPs, and more, each role bringing unique challenges in an unpredictable, immersive facility.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.5
Release 04 Jul 2025
Hunter Roulette Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the underground survivor's showdown! All you need is a locked-and-loaded gun and the guts to stare death in the face to have the time of your life. Ready or not, this isn’t just any gamble—it’s your one shot at survival and rebirth. The hunt starts now!Good luck!

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 26 Jun 2025
Netherworld Covenant In the abyss where the mortal realm and netherworld intertwine, become a warrior wielding the power of the Nether Lantern to fight along with the fallen souls. With hardcore, soulslike action and intriguing roguelike builds, shatter the cursed barriers and unveil the truth woven from blood and soul.

Price 17.49€
Rating 7.8
Release 18 Jun 2025
GONE Fishing GONE Fishing is a co-op multiplayer survival horror game where you and your friends must work together to stay alive, by fishing. The only way to survive is to keep feeding the lake’s insatiable hunger before it feeds on you. Can you satisfy the hunger... or will you become the next offering?

Price -25% 8.84€
Rating 8.3
Release 15 Jun 2025
School 666 School 666 is a 1-4 Player Co-op Survival Horror. You must escape this endless nightmare. Try to identify the correct path and survive the anomalies in this endless school. Some extremely powerful anomalies will catch you to their dimensions. Explore the reason why you are here... and don't die.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.0
Release 11 Jun 2025
Lunar Eclipse Explore dark locations, solve puzzles, and uncover a gripping story. Fight or evade bloodthirsty zombies using wit and agility. Immerse yourself in a tense adventure with a charming blonde heroine in a chilling, atmospheric world.

Price 14.79€
Rating 7.9
Release 04 Jun 2025
Paranormal Cleanup Paranormal Cleanup is a 1-4 player online co-op survival horror game. This is no ordinary clean-up job. You are tasked with cleaning up paranormal locations. Unclog dirty toilets and scrub ectoplasm, but don't get caught by the entities that are hunting you!

Price 9.75€
Rating 7.5
Release 30 May 2025

Horror games have a unique ability to evoke fear, suspense, and adrenaline, drawing players into chilling narratives and terrifying environments. Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, there’s something thrilling about facing your fears in a virtual world.

What Makes a Great Horror Game?

Atmosphere
A great horror game excels in creating an immersive atmosphere. This is achieved through a combination of haunting sound design, eerie visuals, and unsettling environments. The right soundtrack can heighten tension, while ambient sounds can make players feel as though they are not alone. Games like {game_name_link:2124490} and {game_name_link:57300} are prime examples of how atmosphere can enhance the horror experience.

Storytelling
Compelling storytelling is crucial in horror games. A well-crafted narrative can draw players in, making them emotionally invested in the characters and their fates. Games that weave intricate plots with unexpected twists, such as {game_name_link:1196590} and {game_name_link:1304930} keep players on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
Gameplay Mechanics
Effective gameplay mechanics are essential for maintaining tension. Many horror games incorporate puzzles, resource management, and survival elements that force players to think critically while under pressure. The balance between combat and stealth can also significantly impact the experience, as seen in titles like {game_name_link:268050} and {game_name_link:1693980}.

Top Categories of Horror Games

Survival Horror
Survival horror games focus on resource management and the struggle to survive against overwhelming odds. Players often find themselves in terrifying situations with limited ammunition and health, making every decision critical. Notable examples include {game_name_link:883710} and {game_name_link:282140}.

Psychological Horror
Psychological horror games delve into the mind, creating fear through atmosphere and narrative rather than relying solely on jump scares. These games often explore themes of madness and existential dread. Titles like {game_name_link:391720} and {game_name_link:2124490} exemplify this category.
Action Horror
Action horror games combine horror elements with fast-paced action and combat. Players face hordes of enemies while navigating terrifying environments. Games like {game_name_link:782330} and {game_name_link:1684930} offer thrilling gameplay that keeps players engaged while delivering scares.

Indie Horror
Indie horror games often showcase creativity and unique experiences that set them apart from mainstream titles. These games can range from short, atmospheric experiences to longer narratives. Notable indie horror games include {game_name_link:739630} and {game_name_link:424840}.

How to Choose the Right Horror Game for You

Personal Preferences
Consider what type of horror you enjoy most. Do you prefer psychological tension, jump scares, or action-packed gameplay? Understanding your preferences will help you select a game that aligns with your tastes.
Game Length
Horror games vary in length, with some offering short, intense experiences and others providing lengthy narratives. Check the average playtime of a game to ensure it fits your gaming schedule.
Multiplayer vs. Single Player
Decide whether you want to experience horror alone or with friends. Multiplayer horror games, like {game_name_link:739630} can be more fun and less intimidating when shared with others, while single-player titles often provide a more immersive and personal experience.

Tips for Enhancing Your Horror Gaming Experience

Play in the Right Environment
To fully immerse yourself in the horror experience, consider playing in a dark room with minimal distractions. Using headphones can significantly enhance the sound design, making every creak and whisper feel more intense. The right environment can amplify the fear factor and make the gameplay more engaging.
Adjust Settings
Take the time to adjust the graphics and sound settings to suit your preferences. Increasing the brightness can help if you find it too dark, while tweaking the sound settings can enhance the atmospheric effects. Many horror games also offer options for subtitles, which can help you catch important dialogue and enhance immersion.
Play with Friends
If you’re feeling apprehensive about playing a horror game alone, consider teaming up with friends. Multiplayer horror games, like {game_name_link:739630} or {game_name_link:381210} can provide a shared experience that makes the scares more enjoyable. Plus, having friends around can lighten the mood during particularly tense moments.

What are the best horror games for beginners?

For newcomers to the horror genre, titles like {game_name_link:424840} and {game_name_link:883710} offer accessible gameplay with engaging stories and manageable scares. These games provide a good balance of challenge and enjoyment without overwhelming players.

Are there any free horror games on Steam?

Yes, there are several free horror games available on Steam. Titles like {game_name_link:698780} and {game_name_link:223710} offer unique horror experiences without any cost. Keep an eye on the indie section for more free options.

How do I find new horror games?

To discover new horror games, utilize the filtering options on this page. You can search by user ratings or release date to find the latest and most popular horror titles.

What should I do if a game is too scary?

If you find a game too frightening, consider taking breaks or playing with friends to ease the tension. You can also adjust the difficulty settings if available, or watch gameplay videos to familiarize yourself with the game before diving in.

The world of horror games on Steam is vast and varied, offering something for every type of player. Whether you prefer survival horror, psychological thrills, or action-packed scares, there’s a title waiting to send chills down your spine. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different styles and gameplay mechanics to find what resonates with you.

Be sure to check back regularly for updates, as we’ll continue to add new horror games and keep you informed about the latest releases in the genre. Happy gaming, and may your nightmares be thrilling!