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
There Is No Light: Enhanced Edition Battle your way through the grim Underground world in this brutal action-adventure RPG. Exterminate hordes of enemies, fight dangerous bosses and explore the world the way you want!

Price -94% 1.25€
Rating 7.0
Release 19 Sep 2022
EBOLA 3 EBOLA 3 - is created in the spirit of the great classics of survival horrors. In this game, you will control the main character with a first-person camera which makes you feel like you’re in a real horror movie.

Price -87% 2.62€
Rating 6.9
Release 19 Sep 2022
hololive ERROR The main character is a journalist for an occult magazine. Inspired by his grandfather, he has come to the town of Aogami to investigate the strange happenings there. One moment, he's in his hotel room, but the next, he finds himself entangled in a terrifying paranormal phenomenon.

Price 8.19€
Rating 7.9
Release 15 Sep 2022
Night At the Gates of Hell From the sick mind behind Bloodwash, Jordan King, comes his latest experiment in terror. Inspired by the Italian zombie flicks from Lucio Fulci and Bruno Mattei, Night of the Gates of Hell promises to be a blood dripping, neon soaked, flesh rotting experience.

Price -15% 8.49€
Rating 8.4
Release 14 Sep 2022
HALF DEAD 3 Become a member of the highly anticipated sequel of the co-op sci-fi show. Gather a team of four friends. The more partners the more chances to survive. Find your way out in a deadly new room complex filled with even more sophisticated traps.

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 09 Sep 2022
DREAM LOGIC DREAM LOGIC is a story driven first-person atmospheric horror game which takes place in liminal spaces. Explore various nostalgic, dreamlike, uncanny environments. But don't feel too safe, there's a sneaky creature watching your every move.

Price -80% 0.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 06 Sep 2022
RUNGORE: Beginner Experience Card game mechanics - check. Real time battles - check. Silly humor - check. If this isn't the game of your dreams i don't know what is (Also we have hidden memes everywhere lol)

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 02 Sep 2022
a pet shop after dark PETSITTER WANTED. A horror point-and-click adventure game. Water the plants, feed the pets, and DON'T turn off the lights.

Price -25% 7.31€
Rating 8.3
Release 30 Aug 2022
Skinwalker Hunt Skinwalker Hunt is a horror themed hunting game from the creator of Witch Hunt. Main focus of the game is on exploration, non-linear gameplay, and atmosphere.

Price -40% 7.67€
Rating 8.6
Release 19 Aug 2022
Tvö Tvö is an online cooperative puzzle game where two players must use their wits and communication skills to find a way into the heart of the labyrinth. This game can be played using our in-game voice chat or a third-party option.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.8
Release 31 Jul 2022
Momo Mother Bird: Final Story The doors are locked, no one answers and definitely won't help. Your task is to get out and not let yourself be caught! Solve puzzles, escape from the pursuit of Momo 2 and get out of this nightmare! This time Momo won't let you get bored!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 28 Jul 2022
The Backroom - Lost and Found The Backroom - Lost and Found is a story rich adventure game with some horror elements. Why is there an orphaned room hidden away in the depths of a strange liminal space? Is it "the backrooms" or something else? CYOA? SCP? Weirdcore? No clipping? And what's with the cute paintings?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 25 Jul 2022
ADACA A Sci-fi FPS set on the mysterious planet ADACA. - Use your GRAVITY-MANIPULATING arm to HURL objects at your foes or even RIP weapons directly from their hands! - EXPLORE and manipulate the environment in this EERIE and HOSTILE world!

Price 20.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 25 Jul 2022
SCP: Daybreak An open-ended, SCP-based, atmospheric, exploration-focused, survival-horror game with puzzle elements and replayability.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.0
Release 23 Jul 2022
Before The Night Before The Night is a horror action adventure game based on a macabre twist to a fable. Survive in the tiny, cute animal village! Your animal friends will literally turn rabid at night! Uncover the secrets of the world where animals keep human pets. Join the cute pet human "Lisa" on her adventure!

Price -76% 2.78€
Rating 8.8
Release 14 Jul 2022
Growing My Grandpa! Growing My Grandpa! is a Cronenberg-inspired point-and-click adventure game with virtual pet elements that puts a heavy emphasis on exploration and lore.

Price -60% 1.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 12 Jul 2022
Fungiman Just a game about a friendly fungus. There's nothing wrong, is there?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 30 Jun 2022
Trash Horror Collection Welcome to a true 80's trash horror experience. This collection has 10 short horror games that you can freely choose which one you want to play.

Price -50% 2.49€
Rating 8.8
Release 16 Jun 2022
Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise is an open-world survival horror video game serving as both a sequel and prequel to the original Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut.

Price -95% 1.99€
Rating 6.8
Release 11 Jun 2022
My Lovely Wife My Lovely Wife delves into the depths of a man’s grief after the sudden death of his beloved wife. Explore the notions of one’s willingness to do anything for love and the importance of letting go in this mix of dating, management, and alchemy simulators.

Price -95% 0.83€
Rating 7.2
Release 08 Jun 2022
SILT Dive into a surreal ocean abyss in an atmospheric puzzle-adventure. Explore dangerous waters, possess sea creatures and solve environmental puzzles to discover what lies deep below the surface…

Price -94% 0.95€
Rating 7.3
Release 01 Jun 2022
CORPSE FACTORY Discard your sense of morality and enter the world of CORPSE FACTORY. An obscure website allows users to request a death. Victims supposedly receive a photograph of their own corpse before they are killed! With English voice acting by an all-star cast.

Price -92% 1.40€
Rating 7.8
Release 31 May 2022
Hellslave Hellslave is a dark fantasy dungeon crawler where you make a pact with the Devil to fight back a demon invasion. Customize your character with powerful demonic abilities, explore a cursed world, and battle nightmarish enemies to save humanity if you can resist the darkness.

Price -96% 0.81€
Rating 7.8
Release 26 May 2022
Almost Home Now A 10 minute horror experience of a girl walking home alone at night.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 25 May 2022

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!