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
Lucifer Within Us Solve 3 increasingly intricate murders by examining the evidence -- find the motive, the means, and the opportunity. Use testimonies of the suspects as evidence by examining every detail for contradictions... and signs of sin. Purify the possessed. Purge the daemons.

Price -85% 2.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 15 Oct 2020
Your amazing T-Gotchi! A cute game where you care about a green anime girl!

Price 3.99€
Rating 7.1
Release 08 Oct 2020
Cooking Companions: Appetizer Edition Cabbage and the Chompettes want to play hide and seek! Can you find all five of them?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 06 Oct 2020
CROSSBOW: Bloodnight CROSSBOW: Bloodnight is a frantic score-attack arena shooter set in a world of camp horror and gore. Master the occult powers of your automatic crossbow and fight for every second of survival against a relentless demonic horde! Hunt. Die. Hunt again.

Price -94% 0.20€
Rating 7.3
Release 24 Sep 2020
Vampire: The Masquerade — Night Road The elders have entrusted you, an elite vampire courier, to deliver their secrets. Can you outrun the hunters, the other drivers, and the rising sun?

Price -6% 11.19€
Rating 8.5
Release 24 Sep 2020
Shrine II Shrine II is a retro FPS game with a focus on atmosphere and exploration. Explore a nightmarish world and battle great bosses where the surprises never end...

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 22 Sep 2020
The Grounding If she catches you, she kills you. Smoke 6 times without getting killed.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 16 Sep 2020
MOTHER MOTHER is a first-person psychological horror game about protecting your children while descending deeper & deeper into madness. Defend them at all costs. Be careful, because their death is permanent!

Price 2.39€
Rating 8.2
Release 27 Aug 2020
Sense - 不祥的预感: A Cyberpunk Ghost Story A 2.5D horror game inspired by Clock Tower and Fatal Frame, mixing cyberpunk with traditional Cantonese folklore. With careful attention to pacing, atmosphere and storytelling, Sense hopes to return the horror genre to its roots by celebrating visceral horror and the slow, fearful creep of dread.

Price -82% 3.14€
Rating 7.5
Release 25 Aug 2020
The Horrorscope: Fatal Awakening You will answer a series of questions that will reveal your potential fate. These questions may make you uncomfortable, but with great knowledge comes great sacrifice. Can you make it all the way through The Horrorscope, and if you do, are you sure you want the answers you seek?

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 24 Aug 2020
Dread X Collection 2 Explore 12 horror games made in 10 days connected by a meta narrative experience you didn't expect. Step into a world of darkness and discover the secrets you didn't know were right beneath the surface. Find the tapes and unlock the mystery inside the Dread X Collection 2.

Price -66% 2.85€
Rating 8.9
Release 21 Aug 2020
Eternal Hope Eternal Hope is a puzzle platformer game that follows the story of Ti’bi – a boy who must embark on a journey of love and hope to find his beloved’s soul.

Price -80% 1.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 20 Aug 2020
Milky Way Prince – The Vampire Star A visual novel about an abusive relationship, idealization, and intimacy. Live a summer of dysfunctional love through branching storylines, twists, sudden changes, and an innovative mechanic where you choose which senses to use with your boyfriend.

Price -98% 0.34€
Rating 7.4
Release 13 Aug 2020
Flicker of Hope Flicker of Hope is a suspense thriller where you play as a small candle in the ruins of a dark cathedral. Though the halls are littered with victims of a mysterious plague, you are not the only soul left. Use the properties of a candle, and a trusty douter to prevent yourself from being discovered.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 02 Aug 2020
Handy Harry's Haunted House Services Team up with up to 8 friends online to explore the haunted, randomly generated depths of these dusty attics. Find and repair the objectives, flip the master switch and escape before the ghastly ghoul that lurks in the darkness catches up to you. Play through the career mode or explore free play!

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 31 Jul 2020
Venge Get ready to explore a movie studio that vanished into thin air, only to find yourself trapped in a twisted, alternate dimension where creatures lurk in the shadows, waiting to ensure you never see the light of day again...

Price 1.59€
Rating 8.6
Release 28 Jul 2020
THE IMPOSSIBLE THE IMPOSSIBLE is a minimal perspective illusion puzzle game. You control a small square in the IMPOSSIBLE world and remember: nothing is IMPOSSIBLE.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 24 Jul 2020
[Chilla's Art] The Ghost Train | 幽霊列車 The Ghost Train | 幽霊列車 is a psychological train horror game.

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 23 Jul 2020
Death Come True Everything rides on your choices in this new wave interactive movie game. Experience a thrilling science fiction mystery in full-length live-action format—from genius creator of the "Danganronpa" series, Kazutaka Kodaka!

Price 13.29€
Rating 7.4
Release 17 Jul 2020
The Call of Karen The Call of Karen is a PC simulation comedy game about a 1950s suburban housewife whose home is being invaded by Cthulhu. Keep up appearances in the face of an unhappy marriage, ungrateful child, and eldritch madness!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 16 Jul 2020
Chair F*cking Simulator Use our innovative patented funky fresh ChairF*cker simulation tech to meet the chair of your wildest dreams.

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 07 Jul 2020
Escape the Clinic A first-person puzzle horror game. Solve clues, find hints, discover keys, and use passwords to navigate the haunted Clinic and find a way out.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.9
Release 07 Jul 2020
Don't Be Afraid - The First Toy Don't Be Afraid - The First Toy, is an introduction to the dramatic story of a boy kidnapped by a psychopath. Exploring the giant house of your torturer you will soon discover things worse than your childish nightmares. Take on the role of Jamie and see what phrase “The First Toy” actually means.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 02 Jul 2020
Ego In A Coma (自我、状態、昏睡。) A world... where the existence of ego has faded One day, the One of Insomnia received a powerful sleeping pill. She swallowed the pill in the bathtub... and fell into a coma, Can the One who has fallen into the spiritual world escape from coma? Can the ego grow after getting out?

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 30 Jun 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!