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
The Sand Man “I’ll tell you a scary story. It’s so scary you might not be able to take it. It’s the story of the Sand Man...” This is the second title in the Strange Man series, developed by Uri Games. Unable to sleep and exhausted, Sophie wanders into a town where everything sleeps. That is where the terror begins...

Price 2.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 29 Jan 2018
Rapid Tap Enjoy a fun, grid tapping game that gets faster the more you play. See how long you can last tapping the flashing buttons. Now with a bunch of fun skins!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 22 Jan 2018
Walking Zombie: Shooter The Walking Zombie is a stationary FPS with an online co-op mode in a world full of zombies to kill. Buy and upgrade your weapons, kill all enemies in 200 levels and destroy mighty boss monsters before they eat you alive!

Price -60% 1.99€
Rating 7.1
Release 19 Jan 2018
Abasralsa Find out the story of a simple crazy Vlad who lies on his bed imagines a crazy journey.

Price -51% 0.49€
Rating 7.0
Release 12 Jan 2018
Corridor Z Be quick or be undead! Ordinary high school, zombie outbreak and the bunch of survivors in a run for life.

Price -97% 0.24€
Rating 7.0
Release 08 Jan 2018
Sakura no Mori † Dreamers Who is the one hiding deeply in abyss? The Devil? The Killer? or—Yourself?

Price 17.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 28 Dec 2017
Richie's Plank Experience You're on a plank, 80 stories high. Knees shaky, palms sweaty. You have a choice. Do you walk or do you freeze? Richie's Plank is the only VR experience that lets you clone any real-world plank into the virtual world for 2X the immersion.

Price 12.49€
Rating 7.6
Release 18 Dec 2017
Emily Wants to Play Too No one believed the pizza guy. They kept the dolls. A sandwich delivery guy is on his way to Central Evidence. He is not ready for what he finds. Emily and the dolls are back with new friends, scares and more. Use stealth and strategy to survive their unique games in this survival horror.

Price -88% 1.00€
Rating 7.7
Release 13 Dec 2017
Loot Box Quest The spiritual successor to DLC Quest! Earn that sense of pride and accomplishment in the way that only repetitive clicking can deliver. It's a clicker game, so chill out, have a few chuckles, and watch numbers get bigger while the industry burns around us all.

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 13 Dec 2017
Irony Of Nightmare In the Irony of Nightmare things aren't always as they seem. Those who decide to solve all puzzles of the game, not only will unravel true secret of house, but also will open completely different ending of the story.

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 12 Dec 2017
Ukrainian ball in search of gas You play as a man turned into a ball and you need to steal all the gas from the forest at all costs.

Price -51% 0.49€
Rating 8.8
Release 08 Dec 2017
Piggy Poggy Pog Piggy Poggy Pog - is quite a complex, nice-looking 2D platformer in which you must escape from the farm playing for a pig named Poggy . In this game you go through the levels, collecting a certain number of acorns.

Price 1.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 28 Nov 2017
Sorry, James JAMES_GARNER zEiaQe@z1l3

Price -96% 0.33€
Rating 7.6
Release 10 Nov 2017
Perceptions of the Dead Follow three stories set in a world where the dead linger, and things far worse wait beyond the veil.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 31 Oct 2017
Golden Krone Hotel Golden Krone Hotel is a gothic horror roguelike. Fight vampires with sunlight or become a vampire yourself and sneak in the shadows. Combines classic turn-based combat with dynamic lighting, an innovative potion system, and fast paced gameplay.

Price -85% 1.49€
Rating 8.7
Release 26 Oct 2017
Scream Collector Build up a haunted house in this Halloween themed Idle Clicker game!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 26 Oct 2017
Shiver Welcome to Windy Oaks National Park. A beautiful and chilling point-and-click horror adventure. On your way to visit your aging father, everything goes wrong, leaving you trapped and isolated.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 25 Oct 2017
Yomawari: Midnight Shadows The dark is no place to be alone. After a beautiful show of summer fireworks, two young girls begin to make their way home. However, a mysterious attacker separates them, and both must brave the haunting night filled with unspeakable terrors and survive the darkness.

Price -84% 3.26€
Rating 8.8
Release 24 Oct 2017
Organ Quarter Organ Quarter is a VR survival horror game built from the ground-up for hand-tracked virtual reality. Explore labyrinthine environments, engage in tense combat, carefully manage your resources and solve horrifying puzzles in this homage to the slow, methodical survival horror experiences of the '90s

Price -50% 12.25€
Rating 8.3
Release 19 Oct 2017
Dead Effect 2 VR Dead Effect 2 is the newest addition to the acclaimed Dead Effect franchise. This action sci-fi shooter is looking to push the boundaries of first-person shooters to new levels with slick graphics, rich narrative and RPG elements.

Price -75% 5.74€
Rating 7.7
Release 03 Oct 2017
Caligo Caligo is the darkness everyone descends into one way or another, and to each of us it's something different. For some it's a short but exciting adventure, some will see it as a place to relax. Yet others will be reminded of their worst nightmare, while for a few, it might come as a revelation.

Price 5.89€
Rating 7.2
Release 22 Sep 2017
The Land of Pain The Land of Pain is a Lovecraftian horror adventure. After something strange appears in the woods, you'll have to learn how to survive as you fend off a dark and disturbing evil. Flee from an unrelenting enemy, solve puzzles, and unravel the ancient mystery that's befallen this land.

Price -80% 2.39€
Rating 7.2
Release 13 Sep 2017
Don't Knock Twice Don't Knock Twice is a first-person horror game based on a psychologically terrifying urban legend. One knock to wake her from her bed, twice to raise her from the dead. Supports VR on HTC Vive and Oculus Rift for the ultimate horror experience!

Price -87% 2.69€
Rating 6.9
Release 05 Sep 2017
Find You Play every character simultaneously and reunite them in mind boggling 100 levels

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 04 Sep 2017

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!