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
Ginkgo Ginkgo is a single player 3D horror game inspired by East Asian horror. Armed with a magic needle that can sew parts of the world together, solve puzzles and outsmart monsters as you explore a surreal world.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 26 Jun 2020
A Place, Forbidden A Place, Forbidden is a first-person, lo-fi horror-puzzle game set in the Library of Ouroboros, a seemingly innocuous library that, rumor has it, contains knowledge not meant for the eyes of mortal man. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 25 Jun 2020
Fatum Betula Placed in a world without change, you must create fate by watering an ancient plant. Determine a future and live with it.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 20 Jun 2020
The Swine Say goodbye to southern hospitality in the backwoods of rural America. The Swine is a short horror experience that explores isolation, witchcraft, and unforeseen consequences in your rural homestead.

Price 1.99€
Rating 7.6
Release 18 Jun 2020
Saint Kotar: The Yellow Mask Follow the fear of Benedek Dohnany and Nikolay Kalyakin and play the onset of a dark and chilling narrative adventure. Make decisions and affect the events that precede a macabre series of murders, allegedly related to devil worship and witchcraft.

Price -51% 0.49€
Rating 6.9
Release 17 Jun 2020
GOHOME This is a third-person horror game set in a residential area in 2000s Japan. It's the complete version of the free horror game GOHOME, which was released in 2019 and caused a boom. The map has been doubled, and six more ghosts, including hidden characters, have been added to the game.

Price 12.49€
Rating 7.8
Release 16 Jun 2020
[Chilla's Art] Missing Children | 行方不明 Missing Children | 行方不明 is a Japanese horror-themed adventure game about a bully detective searching for reported missing children.

Price 2.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 12 Jun 2020
The Walking Fish 2: Final Frontier The Walking Fish returns, this time in space, in an all-new fish comedy horror experience. Stuck on a space station, you have to solve the mystery of the Walking Fish, and escape its terror.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 01 Jun 2020
Dread X Collection 10 Tales of Terror from 10 Twisted Minds. Made in only 7 Sleepless Nights. The Dread X Collection is a series of small games created by some of the most talented indie devs around, all with the same mission: create the P.T. for the horror project of their dreams.

Price -64% 2.05€
Rating 7.6
Release 26 May 2020
Angels of Death Episode.Eddie "The boy made up his mind to face a cruel world." The new special edition of the psychological horror-adventure game "Angels of Death", which has also been made into an anime. The past of B4 floor master Eddie is revealed...

Price 5.69€
Rating 8.3
Release 21 May 2020
Neversong Help little Peet hack-and-slash his way through a beautifully haunting coma. A hand-drawn action-adventure through a dreamy world filled with fleshy monsters, insane grown-ups, and sad children looking for their mommies.

Price -95% 0.82€
Rating 8.2
Release 20 May 2020
Dark Nights with Poe and Munro Guide local radio hosts Poe and Munro through six TV-like episodes of supernatural strangeness and sizzling on-screen chemistry. From the creators of The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker and The Shapeshifting Detective.

Price -79% 2.29€
Rating 7.2
Release 19 May 2020
The Confession Ever wondered how much of a kinky pervert you are? Ever wanted to know what your fate entails for being such a kinky pervert? Answer a series of disgustingly hilarious, immoral questions to reveal ridiculous scenarios & unlock the answers you seek...

Price 1.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 18 May 2020
Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.

Price 6.59€
Rating 8.8
Release 14 May 2020
Close To The Sun Deep in international waters, Tesla’s Helios stands still. An unbound utopia for scientific research, Rose Archer steps aboard in search of her sister, quickly to discover not all is as it seems. A single word covers the entrance… QUARANTINE!

Price -98% 0.54€
Rating 7.1
Release 05 May 2020
Lucid Dream Lucid Dream is Point and Click horror game. The girl dream of being trapped in a weird place even though you fell asleep as always. Collect the item and Find clues! Escape and wake up from the dream!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 04 May 2020
Knock Harder The only way to wake up is to die. The player must decide for himself whether he is inside a dream or is in reality.

Price 8.19€
Rating 8.7
Release 27 Apr 2020
The Shattering The Shattering is a first-person, story-driven, psychological thriller. Its defining features are the dynamic environments, beautiful aesthetic and intriguing story. The gameplay is meant to submerge you in the mind of John, as you take each step forward into the twisted mystery of what happened.

Price -6% 18.90€
Rating 8.0
Release 21 Apr 2020
Shrine Shrine is a retro FPS game about a skinless dude killing eldritch monstrosities with his nightmarish arsenal.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 03 Apr 2020
ZomDay As zombie crisis broke out around the world,you will play one of the warrior of S.E.A.T(Special Event Action Team)to fight against the zombies all over the world.ZomDay is a fast pace VR shooting game contains multi-player mod,exciting Boss fight,character perk and hardcore weapon system.

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 27 Mar 2020
I'm on Observation Duty 2 Your job is to monitor live surveillance camera footage and spot anomalies in the monitored rooms. Anomalies range from furniture movement to otherworldly intruders. When you spot an anomaly you have to file a report to fix it. You will need sharp eyes and good memory to survive the entire night.

Price 2.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 23 Mar 2020
Without a Voice In the depths of a forest, an exiled princess whiles her time in solitude. One day, a mysterious, beautiful maiden appears, throwing her world out of its alignment. A dark fantasy visual novel following the intertwining paths of these two women. In seven days, the wheel of fate will splinter...

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 20 Mar 2020
SiN: Gold SiN: Gold has returned! Free update for original owners!

Price -68% 2.70€
Rating 7.4
Release 18 Mar 2020
Boiling Steel "Boiling Steel" - is a sci-fi story-based FPS VR shooter. You are one of many who set off in search of a better life in the distant bastion of scientific progress. Immerse yourself in the thick of events and witness the inexplicable global cataclysm.

Price -58% 5.29€
Rating 7.7
Release 05 Mar 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!