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
The 7th Guest VR The iconic supernatural mystery, The 7th Guest, has been brought back to life with cutting-edge VR technology, that delivers an atmospheric story like no other. Explore the foreboding mansion, solve challenging puzzles, and uncover its dark secrets.

Price -77% 7.09€
Rating 8.7
Release 19 Oct 2023
Kona II: Brume Northern Québec, 1970. A bizarre mist —the Brume— is disconnecting a rural mining village from its quiet reality. Step into the shoes of Detective Carl Faubert as he unfolds the mysteries haunting the region while battling for his own survival.

Price -82% 5.61€
Rating 7.7
Release 18 Oct 2023
EMPTY SHELL EMPTY SHELL will throw you in a dark industrial environment, a secret facility on a Japanese island. Each volunteer has signed a contract for a "recovery operation" without being privy to too many details. A tense roguelite survival horror with a top down perspective.

Price -98% 0.35€
Rating 8.3
Release 16 Oct 2023
Romance Club - Stories I Play Immerse yourself in romantic visual stories where you control what happens!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 13 Oct 2023
The Fabulous Fear Machine The Fabulous Fear Machine is a narrative-driven strategy game with a pulp horror style. As the Machine's new Master, you must sow fear and expand your influence by creating Legends, harvesting resources, manipulating events, and spying on your enemies.

Price 17.49€
Rating 8.4
Release 04 Oct 2023
The Windows Are Gone Haunted by grief and guilt after a tragic accident, you start seeing a house in your dreams. No matter what you do, you can't get its image out of your mind. You feel it calling for you, so you answer it.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 02 Oct 2023
Noch Go alone (or with a friend) to find the girl who destroyed the world. An ominous surreal first-person adventure full of dangerous monsters and secrets of the deceased world

Price -13% 10.36€
Rating 7.3
Release 01 Oct 2023
I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine Outwit your most cunning adversary to date in the latest installment of this popular, spy-themed VR puzzle series. Wield new gadgets, visit action-packed locales, and wear custom disguises as you dive back into the world of espionage in this escape room game.

Price -50% 11.49€
Rating 8.6
Release 28 Sep 2023
Conrad Stevenson's Paranormal P.I. I made this first-person single player ghost hunting simulation game, trying to take an authentic approach at investigating ghosts. Use essential paranormal tools to help your community alleviate their concerns and put their minds at ease.

Price -90% 1.02€
Rating 8.8
Release 28 Sep 2023
The Backrooms: Survival Survival horror with roguelike elements. Explore randomized levels with different items and entities while trying to maintain your thirst, hunger, and sanity, ensuring a new experience every time. Play alone or with up to TEN friends online! Cross-platform multiplayer with Nintendo Switch.

Price -52% 4.77€
Rating 7.9
Release 15 Sep 2023
Ad Infinitum When reality is a nightmare, nightmares become real. In this psychological horror game, you fight the terrifying creatures invading your mind. Can you save your sanity?

Price -99% 0.58€
Rating 7.6
Release 14 Sep 2023
Ugly Unravel the dark secrets hidden throughout this stirring puzzle platformer about a tormented nobleman confronting the traumas of his past. Use an innovative mirror mechanic to solve challenging puzzle rooms and defeat towering bosses as you strive to piece together the ugly truth.

Price -98% 0.54€
Rating 8.9
Release 13 Sep 2023
Untitled Ghost Game Free multiplayer 2D ghost hunting game that you can play with friends created by a small game dev team.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 12 Sep 2023
Vampire Mansion Explore the mansion, find a way to fight the vampires, find the key, and escape the mansion.

Price 3.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 08 Sep 2023
I'm on Observation Duty 6 As an employee of a mysterious organization your job is to monitor live surveillance camera footage and spot anomalies using your sharp eyes and good memory. Can you survive the entire night shift or will you succumb into paranoia?

Price 11.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 01 Sep 2023
Seven Nights Ghost "Peaceful days full of curses" A heartwarming horror game about exploring in a mysterious company housing and living with a ghost for 7 days

Price 11.79€
Rating 8.6
Release 31 Aug 2023
Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle is a third-person story-driven survival horror game prequel to the critically acclaimed Daymare: 1998. Step into the shoes of agent Dalila Reyes, a former government spy now in the service of H.A.D.E.S. unit and prepare to face the true horror.

Price -35% 19.54€
Rating 7.1
Release 30 Aug 2023
The Lancaster Leak - Crisis At Call Center YOU CONTROL THE FOUND FOOTAGE. Another tape has been leaked, this time a cover-up of a tragic mass casualty event.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 29 Aug 2023
Mediterranea Inferno Explore the inner demons of three childhood friends on a summer retreat. Unearth secrets, fears and obsessions as you help them reconnect and rediscover themselves. A mature and treacherous visual novel from the creator of Milky Way Prince – The Vampire Star.

Price -99% 0.24€
Rating 7.7
Release 24 Aug 2023
Apartament 1406: Horror Apartment 1406 is an intense horror game, that challenges you to constantly survive in a hostile environment. Collect items to survive against limited ammo and creatures that lurk in the dark. Solve the puzzles and survive in this dark game.

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 24 Aug 2023
Draft of Darkness Draft of Darkness is a survival horror RPG with deck building and roguelike dungeon exploration. Recruit allies, synergize their decks to create powerful card combos. Manage your limited resources and explore procedurally generated maps to determine the story's outcome.

Price 14.79€
Rating 8.6
Release 23 Aug 2023
Clue/Cluedo Experience a fresh take on the classic crime-solving board game. Step into new mysteries and use your skills of deduction to find out whodunit, with what weapon and where.

Price -70% 4.19€
Rating 8.3
Release 23 Aug 2023
ghostpia Season One "In my dreams, I can get out. In my dreams, I can fit in." 'ghostpia' mixes the adorable art style of an illustrated book with glitches-and-noise effects. There are no choices to be made. There's only a lonely girl in a ghost town and her story full of mystery, friendhood...and a bit of violence.

Price 19.50€
Rating 9.0
Release 22 Aug 2023
Lilith Wants to Buy Your Soul Take a personality test with a definitely-not-clingy demon girl.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 08 Aug 2023

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!