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
Suspicious Downpour Suspicious Downpour is a very short single-player comedy horror experience about getting stuck in a storm while out camping. Sit in your tent with your trusty flashlight in the calm rain and just relax. Just be warned If you look for trouble you might find it.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 21 Jun 2021
Mr. Hopp's Playhouse 2 A young girl needs to find her friends, unravel a dark mystery and escape the clutches of her cursed toys.

Price 3.29€
Rating 8.8
Release 14 Jun 2021
Livestream: Escape from Hotel Izanami In this side-scrolling action-adventure game, you'll need to scour the inside of an abandoned hotel, looking for clues to solve the mystery of the hotel and ensure your escape from a mysterious, murderous mascot intent to kill.

Price -56% 7.45€
Rating 7.5
Release 10 Jun 2021
GAI Stops Auto: Right Version Simulator Become the lord of this road! Put things in order in the traffic! Write out fines for violators and do not fall into the gachi trap...

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 04 Jun 2021
[Chilla's Art] Night Delivery | 例外配達 Night Delivery | 例外配達 is a psychological Japanese horror adventure game.

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.6
Release 04 Jun 2021
Chased by Darkness Chased by Darkness is a 1-4 players co-op survival horror. Your mission is to face supernatural entities and banish them to the spiritual plane. Explore, fight enemies and don't let the darkness reach you.

Price 3.99€
Rating 6.9
Release 01 Jun 2021
幽灵高校(Ghost College) An average college girl takes an elective class and everything is different. Death, spooky, enveloped her, uncovering the truth, looking for clues, making the right choice was the only way.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 28 May 2021
Strangeland You wake in a surreal carnival, where a woman cries out to you before leaping to her death. Can either of you be saved? The denizens and devices of Strangeland answer with riddles, puzzles, and warnings of a Dark Thing lurking at the park’s peak. A new adventure from the creators of Primordia.

Price -66% 4.36€
Rating 8.8
Release 25 May 2021
Mayhem in Single Valley In this fast-paced, puzzle-loaded action adventure, you’ll juggle housework, zombie hordes, family dinners and radioactive squirrels! Oh, and you have to prevent the end of the world while keeping everyone from finding out it was all your fault.

Price -98% 0.30€
Rating 8.0
Release 20 May 2021
Dinner with an Owl Break the puzzling spell of your eccentric host! Dinner with an Owl: A short surreal point and click adventure.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 18 May 2021
中年失业模拟器When a man lose his job You are a 35-years-old man who struggling in a huge city, the mortgage is pressing you to work day and night. Suddenly ,you got fired! Without income, you have to pay mortgage (15000 G /month) and raise 2 kids! How can you do that? Come on ! Earn money and save your family!

Price 6.59€
Rating 7.3
Release 14 May 2021
Purrfect Apawcalypse: Patches' Infurno Patches is dragged to school for the first ever cat-and-dog school day! All he needs to do is get this damn collar off and wreck some havoc! Will he prove cats and dogs can get along, or will he make this the Purrfect Apawcalypse?

Price 6.89€
Rating 9.1
Release 13 May 2021
7Days Origins 7Days Origins is a single-player story game where the storyline changes based on the player's choices. For 7 days, you will meet various characters in the world of the dead. You may become allies and embark on adventures together or become enemies and fight.

Price -72% 2.11€
Rating 8.0
Release 02 May 2021
Exit From Exit From - is a first-person horror-stealth game with quest and procedural generation elements where you have to get out of the old Soviet house, which changes every new game.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 16 Apr 2021
Dread X Collection 4: The Hunt A horror anthology shooter in the Dread X Collection series. Co-produced by DUSK creator David Szymanski. Featuring 7 new short games, a robust launcher world set in an abandoned arctic base.

Price 8.19€
Rating 8.4
Release 13 Apr 2021
CARNAL CARNAL is a fast and challenging retro FPS straight from the mid '90s. The Sons of Anak are opening portals to extract Dark Matter from the "other side". Combat the possessed soldiers, the manifested demons helping them, and any inanimate objects standing in your way!

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 09 Apr 2021
The Little Red Lie 2D side scrolling, adventure, horror game where you avoid monsters and solve puzzles.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 06 Apr 2021
[Chilla's Art] The Caregiver | 終焉介護 The Caregiver | 終焉介護 is a psychological Japanese horror adventure game about a caregiver.

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.6
Release 02 Apr 2021
Dead Seater Explore the halls and travel deeper into the Vincent estate, but beware what lurks there. Father is coming home.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 02 Apr 2021
Purrfect Apawcalypse: Purrgatory Furever One thousand zombies from the massacre of Hachiko High are crashing Olive's birthday party! Trapped in the Grimalkin Estate they'll have to unravel the mystery behind the zombies, all while making sure their friends are having the Purrfect Apawcalypse!

Price 5.89€
Rating 9.1
Release 01 Apr 2021
Cosmodread Cosmodread is a VR survival horror roguelike about escaping a dying spaceship filled with nightmares. Stranded in a hostile universe, you must explore, survive, and find your way back to the safety of Earth.

Price 12.49€
Rating 8.5
Release 25 Mar 2021
Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins Uncover the dark secrets of Wester Drumlins and confront a new evil in a thrilling found-phone mystery from the award-winning creators of Sara Is Missing and SIMULACRA.

Price -73% 1.63€
Rating 8.4
Release 18 Mar 2021
Dead Age 2: The Zombie Survival RPG The successful indie survival RPG "Dead Age" is back with a vengeance! No other game offers this mix of role-playing, rogue-like, fast-paced turn-based combat and survival all in one. Inspired by Darkest Dungeon, Fallout 1+2, This War of Mine and The Walking Dead.

Price 17.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 12 Mar 2021
Introvert: A Teenager Simulator One of the new guys in school tells you he’s going to shoot up the school if he doesn’t make friends in 5 days. Discover the decisions, people, situations you will encounter while playing and trying to make friends of your own and living your own life.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.9
Release 02 Mar 2021

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!