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
ARAYA ARAYA is a first person horror game. Players will get a new thrilling experience inside a Thai hospital. The story will be told from the perspectives of 3 different characters. Players will explore different areas of the hospital in order to piece together the mysterious murder case of Araya.

Price 14.99€
Rating 7.3
Release 23 Nov 2016
Alicemare Alicemare is a somehow familiar yet totally unique adventure game infused with subtle hints of horror, created by △○□× (Miwashiba) using the WOLF RPG Editor.

Price 2.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 21 Nov 2016
Ghost Town Mine Ride & Shootin' Gallery Explore an abandoned tourist attraction, test your shot at the Shootin' Gallery, then board the mine cart ride for a descent into Hell! A thrilling new horror experience for the HTC Vive. Can you make it out Alive?

Price 8.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 28 Oct 2016
The Survey In the end, everybody gets what they deserve. The sins of the past always manifest within the minds of the sinners. An eternity of suffering awaits, welcome to The Survey.

Price -55% 2.25€
Rating 6.9
Release 27 Oct 2016
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 1 True Fear: Forsaken Souls takes the best of the psychological thriller, blending in fun and intuitive gameplay mechanics. Episode 1, the first in a trilogy, will long be remembered.

Price 8.79€
Rating 8.7
Release 19 Oct 2016
Eventide 2: The Sorcerers Mirror Discover the magic of slavdom!

Price -78% 3.38€
Rating 7.4
Release 13 Oct 2016
Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi 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 5.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 13 Oct 2016
The Silver Case The Silver Case – the debut title from world-renowned developer SUDA51 has been fully remastered and localized to English for the first time ever!

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 06 Oct 2016
Doorways: Old Prototype An immersive and twisted adventure created before the official development of the Doorways saga

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 05 Oct 2016
Last Will Your deranged and mysterious Grandfather is dead, and in his last will and testament, he gave his entire fortune and mansion to you. But on one condition. You have to visit his mansion and collect the riches for yourself. But once the door shuts behind you, you realize that this is no easy task.

Price -96% 0.37€
Rating 7.2
Release 29 Aug 2016
Phantasmagoria Master storyteller Roberta Williams challenges you to experience the ultimate interactive nightmare.

Price -39% 6.15€
Rating 8.1
Release 29 Aug 2016
Ultimate Arena Pick and create characters to fight to the death in this action-packed nonsensical arena simulation.

Price -75% 1.28€
Rating 7.7
Release 22 Aug 2016
Typoman Slip into the role of an unusual HERO and find the last letter to restore hope in a merciless world.

Price -64% 3.24€
Rating 8.1
Release 15 Aug 2016
8-Bit Hordes From the team that brought you 8-Bit Armies comes a new fantasy RTS as fast-paced and friendly as the original! 8-BIT HORDES is a colorful strategy-arcade game that is easy to learn for players of all skill levels. Collect resources, build up and defend your base, amass your army of orcs or humans and ultimately crush your opponents!

Price -79% 3.19€
Rating 7.7
Release 12 Aug 2016
Doorways: Holy Mountains of Flesh Doorways: Holy Mountains of Flesh is an Immersive Horror Adventure, featuring a Complex Story and Deep Atmosphere.

Price -96% 0.82€
Rating 7.5
Release 10 Aug 2016
Lucius Demake Lucius game has been demade, and is now ready for mayhem. Enjoy all the gore now in fewer pixels and fewer colors. The original game has been fully demade to achieve the atmosphere of an 80's style gory adventure. Lucius is now killing all the pixels and there isn't a damn thing anyone can do about it.

Price -91% 0.46€
Rating 8.7
Release 08 Aug 2016
Bear With Me - Episode One Bear With Me is an episodic noir adventure game. Amber is trying to find her missing brother while being aided by her trusty teddy, Ted E. Bear.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 08 Aug 2016
Lethe - Episode One Lethe is a first person adventure with survival horror elements. Explore an atmospheric and frightening world and uncover the dark secrets of your origins.

Price 13.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 01 Aug 2016
Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily Stop the mysterious killer!

Price -95% 0.75€
Rating 7.0
Release 14 Jul 2016
Ultimate Booster Experience Take a ride on a huge 200m (600ft) swing with breathtaking views or try other height challenges! A vast modern city is your playground. Height and speed are your passion. Ultimate height experience for VR!

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.1
Release 14 Jul 2016
Dead End Road Dead End Road is an atmospheric driving game, with a low-fi aesthetic and procedurally generated elements. Complete your journey to seek the assistance of the old witch at Dead End Road; Get there before daybreak and perhaps, just perhaps, you can escape this nightmare.

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 08 Jul 2016
Mr. Pumpkin Adventure Mr. Pumpkin's Adventure is a point-and-click puzzle game. The main character of this game is Mr. Pumpkin who lost his memories. During the adventure, you will help him solve all the puzzles, which will eventually unveil an evil plot.

Price 3.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 08 Jul 2016
The Brookhaven Experiment Brookhaven is a VR survival shooter for the HTC Vive. Players will have to use the weapons and tools provided to survive ever more terrifying waves of horrific monsters in an attempt to figure out what caused the beginning of the end of the world, and, if they're strong enough, stop it from happening.

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 05 Jul 2016
Potato Thriller Known for deep frying his victims, Potato Man is the most notorious serial killer out there...

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.6
Release 22 Jun 2016

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!