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
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 -70% 2.21€
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 -75% 1.24€
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 -70% 2.45€
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 -51% 0.49€
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 -20% 3.99€
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 -40% 7.49€
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 -60% 2.39€
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
Purrfect Apawcalypse: Love at Furst Bite Olive is trapped in school in the midst of the apocalypse! With demons slaughtering every dog in sight there's only so many left to spend time with! Will their special someone be Brownie the snack-loving corgi, Sparky the sporty husky or Patches the dalmatian bookworm? You decide!

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 16 Feb 2021
Enter The Backrooms An indie psychological horror experience about surviving infinity. Navigate an endless expanse of rooms, ascend through various levels, gather items and artifacts, avoid going insane, evade corrupted entities, and see just how deep the realm known as The Backrooms goes.

Price -35% 6.29€
Rating 8.3
Release 12 Feb 2021
NUTS NUTS is a single-player walking simulator surveillance mystery. Record the squirrels, report your findings, and piece together what’s really going on in Melmoth Forest.

Price -90% 2.45€
Rating 8.3
Release 04 Feb 2021
回门 Way Back Home "Way back home" is a 2D horizontal board horror puzzle game. It takes the Republic of China period from 1905 to 1926 as the background of the times. With a large number of exquisite original paintings, rich playing methods, excellent music and dubbing, delicate script and narrative game style, it creates a strong historical...

Price 6.89€
Rating 6.8
Release 29 Jan 2021
Ghost in the pool A bizarre campus legend, take you into the traditional Japanese black-and-white comic horror story. Witness the familiar scenes and contemplate the terrifying moments.

Price -60% 1.59€
Rating 7.2
Release 27 Jan 2021
Understanding, The Game 'Understanding, the game' it's a suspense/investigation horror indie game inspired in classic horror games! Full Game coming as soon we can! Help us grow the game!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 23 Dec 2020
Hello Guest: Hello Neighbor 2 pre-alpha Hello Guest, beloved Hello Neighbor 2 pre-alpha, a stealth horror thriller with an advanced, self-learning AI. You take the night shift as a security guard at an abandoned Golden Apple Amusement Park where a creature is hiding in the shadows. What can go wrong?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 22 Dec 2020
Hand Simulator: Horror Fear clouds the mind. Fear paralyzes the body. If your hands are shaking with fear, you will remain in this hell forever.

Price 1.99€
Rating 6.8
Release 22 Dec 2020
Don't Be Afraid Don't Be Afraid is an adventure horror game, that allows you to personate a boy, kidnapped by a psychopath. You have to survive, escape and find out how you were kidnapped. Exploring the gigantic, mysterious house of your torturer, you will soon reveal many secrets, hidden inside it’s walls…

Price -94% 0.60€
Rating 7.9
Release 17 Dec 2020
THE NORMAL THING THE NORMAL THING is a story about a dog who lost his memory. Sunless forests, strange gardens, weird inhabitants... Start a little journey to retrieve your memory.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 10 Dec 2020
Isolomus Bite-sized surreal horror with multiple choices. Make your own way through the claymation madness!

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 04 Dec 2020

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!