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
Westworld Awakening “Westworld Awakening” is a narrative-driven experience played from the perspective of Kate – a host who has attained self-awareness. To survive a dangerous underworld where no one and nothing is what it seems, you must overcome an entire world designed to destroy and enslave you.

Price 24.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 20 Aug 2019
The Great Perhaps The Great Perhaps is a time travel puzzle game about an astronaut returning to Earth destroyed by natural cataclysms. There, among the ruins he finds an unusual artifact — an old lantern, in the light of which you can see glimpses of another time and travel to the past.

Price -93% 0.73€
Rating 7.6
Release 14 Aug 2019
Dry Drowning Dry Drowning is a psychological investigative visual novel set in a futuristic dystopian city. Follow the story of Mordred Foley, unscrupulous private detective haunted by his dark past, and look into a series of macabre serial killings inspired by Greek mythology.

Price -93% 1.19€
Rating 7.6
Release 02 Aug 2019
Don't Escape Trilogy In this classic point-and-click adventure anthology by award-winning indie developer Scriptwelder, you'll protect an unsuspecting hamlet from yourself, try to prepare for an incoming undead horde, and search a seemingly empty spaceship for answers to a gruesome mystery.

Price -75% 1.24€
Rating 9.2
Release 29 Jul 2019
Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi 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 -35% 4.28€
Rating 9.0
Release 18 Jul 2019
Clea Clea is a jump scare free, skill-based survival horror adventure.

Price -20% 9.27€
Rating 9.0
Release 10 Jul 2019
Waltz of the Wizard Step into the most obsessively handcrafted wizard simulator this side of reality! Conjure chaos, brew spells, magically modify anything, and endure nonstop sass from Skully—the chattiest, most strange skull companion with thousands of voice-acted interactions.

Price -15% 14.44€
Rating 8.5
Release 10 Jul 2019
Dungeon Of Dragon Knight Dungeon of Dragon Knight is a retro dungeon crawler RPG in modern visual design. Pointed by a mysterious witch, your party will descend into a dungeon with traps and monsters in search of the evil Dragon Knight and his treasure weapon. Or, are you fooled by the witch?

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.3
Release 10 Jul 2019
Monsters of Little Haven At the heart of the action are a twelve-year-old Kenneth and his younger sister Esme, children of the Murphy family, who hit the trail of a mysterious monster following series of entangled events.

Price -85% 0.74€
Rating 8.2
Release 09 Jul 2019
Who Is This Man Who is This Man is an spy game with privacy and hiding. Secretly infiltrate his target's house and miss his stuff. Report them later. Buy new agent equipment

Price 9.75€
Rating 6.8
Release 28 Jun 2019
Duck Season PC An experimental first person narrative sending you back to Summer 1988 and you have a one day rental of Duck Season. Dive into the mystery and work through the hidden secrets spilling out of the cursed cartridge. The full hit VR game playable on your traditional flat screen!

Price -20% 7.80€
Rating 8.8
Release 17 Jun 2019
Dissolving Her ex-boyfriend became a shut-in. The girl goes to visit him... then things start to go wrong. They always do, right? Experience two stories about digital gods and loss. And remember - believe in the net.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 14 Jun 2019
Delivery from the Pain:Survival / 末日方舟:生存 You'll play as a survivor in a world overrun by zombies. Explore and interact with other survivors, making tough choices about whether to help or exploit them. Defend against zombies, collect resources, craft, and fortify your shelter. Use strategy to escape this world and return to safety.

Price -50% 3.89€
Rating 7.7
Release 12 Jun 2019
Shattered Lights Shattered Lights is a VR psychological horror room-scale experience, which focuses on drawing the player into the game with unparalleled immersion.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 11 Jun 2019
Sanator: Scarlet Scarf Scarlet Scarf is a visual novel inspired by the legend of Plague Maiden. Dive into the dark mysteries of a dying city with the fate of Sanator Richard Murdock in your hands. Perhaps it's not too late to stop the on-going calamity...

Price -80% 1.63€
Rating 8.4
Release 06 Jun 2019
Love, Sam Alone in your room, you see a diary sitting on your desk. It wants to tell you a story: a story about a high school crush. A story about small town romance. A story about how everyone is against you and nobody will ever love you again.

Price -15% 4.24€
Rating 8.8
Release 04 Jun 2019
Eve of Souls: Static Pod [The pod will break soon. Will she survive the nightmare or find the truth?]

Price -70% 0.89€
Rating 8.8
Release 04 Jun 2019
Answer Knot A short narrative and exploration game about Zach, June, and a strange phenomenon. You're Zach and, stuck in your home, you will do everything to keep hearing June's voice messages. What is happening out there?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 31 May 2019
Alternate DiMansion Diary A university student named Sae finds herself lost in the mountains. While searching for help, she comes across an old looking mansion and decides to enter it. However, there was more to this mansion than meets the eye. What will become of Sae? Find out in this Puzzle-Escape RPG!

Price -60% 3.27€
Rating 8.1
Release 23 May 2019
There's a Butcher Around There's a Butcher Around, a brutal hide & seek. Bill the butcher has escaped from the asylum and is looking for new victims. During the game you will have to find a place to hide, remembering that your friends are also trying to hide from the butcher. Every round, Bill the butcher chooses a spot to investigate, are you well hidden?

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 17 May 2019
Teeth Brushing Simulator Teeth Brushing Simulator

Price -51% 0.49€
Rating 7.8
Release 11 May 2019
Never Again Never Again - Horror/first-person Quest. The main essence of the game is research locations and puzzles, plunging in the dramatic story of a little girl suffering from asthma.

Price -94% 0.82€
Rating 7.7
Release 09 May 2019
Puyo Puyo Champions Easy to learn, tough to master! Challenge friends and family in local multiplayer or compete globally via online matchmaking. Built for all ages, this puzzle game comes with a surprisingly competitive edge.

Price -71% 2.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 06 May 2019
Zanki Zero: Last Beginning Explore the ruins, dungeons, and islands in this post-apocalyptic world through the POV of eight protagonists as they fight for survival and search for meaning in their never-ending cycles of life and death.

Price -80% 11.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 09 Apr 2019

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!