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
Scorch It's been 30 years since a terrible arson attack erased an entire family. Until today the culprit has been on the loose. You are sent to investigate a similar incident in this narrative exploration game.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 15 Aug 2018
Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass One day, Jimmy looked inside.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 07 Aug 2018
Return. Take the lost soul to its home.

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 03 Aug 2018
Hotel Remorse Wander long creepy corridors in search for answers in this short and jumpscare filled game.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 27 Jul 2018
FROSTBITE: Deadly Climate Survive the arctic research base simply known as Base 75, or die from the freezing cold or by the horrors that lurk within the halls?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 22 Jul 2018
Mary Skelter: Nightmares The "Jail" suddenly appeared a number of years ago, sinking the city deep into the ground. There, this impenetrable living prison 666 metres beneath the surface, held power over eerie creatures called "Marchens." Within the prison was a boy named Jack - living a life of suffering...

Price 20.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 19 Jul 2018
The Miskatonic Explore the most prestigious occult school in North America, The Miskatonic University, in a hilarious dark comedy set after the Lovecraft canon, in which the greatest threat to mankind is its own ambitions.

Price 0.79€
Rating 7.3
Release 19 Jul 2018
Lynne Lynne is a short story about the scariest thing in the world: being a teenager.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 13 Jul 2018
DERE EVIL EXE DERE EVIL EXE is both a terrifying thriller with a gripping meta horror story and a retro 16-bit pixel platformer with unique puzzles and obstacles.

Price 2.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 03 Jul 2018
Animyst Explore a strange and dark afterlife as the Undead. Inhabit the body of a Skeleton or Fleshy Corpse and build a new life in The Droughts, a giant desert of ancient ruins and occult monsters. Craft powerful spells and befriend or battle other players in a single open online world...

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 02 Jul 2018
CONCLUSE Concluse is an atmospheric horror game which features puzzles, outstanding cutscenes, and something a little twisted..

Price Free to play
Rating 7.1
Release 29 Jun 2018
OK/NORMAL OK/NORMAL is a short, experimental third-person horror experience, inspired by early 3D console games of the 90's. Journey through a dark, disjointed, dreamlike dimension with your cloud companion! Remember a good diet, take your medicine, and you should be fine!

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 18 Jun 2018
Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi 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 9.2
Release 14 Jun 2018
Gray Dawn Embark on a terrifying adventure of a priest accused of murdering an altar boy. Gray Dawn is a psychological thriller infused with religious elements and combines story-driven quests with an artistic experience.

Price -85% 2.59€
Rating 8.0
Release 07 Jun 2018
Mother Simulator It’s a humorous project about a young parent's difficult weekdays. If you feel worried, irritated, you don’t understand what’s going on and what you must do next, so don’t worry. We want to give you exactly these feelings in our game.

Price 1.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 22 May 2018
Fureraba ~Friend to Lover~ Springtime. The season of the cherry blossoms, and a time of new beginnings, new encounters, and new people. For Aoba Kyousuke, this new season marks the start of his second year in high school, and also the year he resolved himself to finally fulfill his long-cherished dream: finding a girlfriend.

Price 28.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 04 May 2018
【SCP】器関ノ彷徨 -The will of a single Tale-【DEMOver.】 -"Do you believe the actuality now?" When the SCP Foundation moves, you will be a witness of {Project MA-13}.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 04 May 2018
Signal Simulator Game inspired by SETI. Take the role of a scientist to find an extraterrestrial signal .Control massive Radio Antennas by using interactive control in your Observatory. Detect , download and decode unknown or story telling signals. Manage and Maintain an electrical system to improve your systems and make it more efficient.

Price 16.00€
Rating 7.7
Release 29 Apr 2018
Sarcophag Casual game for attentiveness

Price -40% 0.60€
Rating 6.8
Release 05 Apr 2018
Wolf & Rabbit Our hero, an injured wolf boy, encountered a rabbit in red picking up flowers on his way escaping from a forest. The kind rabbit girl invited the wolf boy to her grandma's house for a treatment, yet... Standing in front of the house, the wolf boy felt... somehow, uneasy.

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 04 Apr 2018
Ria's Hook Ria's journey to the strange storm...

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.6
Release 04 Apr 2018
Her Lie I Tried To Believe Her Lie I Tried To Believe is a short kinetic novel about the persisting hatred of a boy throughout his life, the destructive relationship that was born from it, and the consequences he had to face as a direct result.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 02 Apr 2018
Traum Traum is a short, story-driven adventure about a man with a dream. Can even the best of plans be shattered by unexpected news?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 19 Mar 2018
The Long Reach At its heart The Long Reach is an adventure game. Closer inspection also reveals it’s a thrilling horror story, flavoured with sci-fi ideology, psychological context and a skeptical view on the human psyche.

Price -93% 1.06€
Rating 7.9
Release 14 Mar 2018

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!