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
Cabernet Cabernet is a 2D narrative RPG set in a 19th century Eastern European inspired world, with a modern twist. Guide Liza, a young vampire in her new unlife among the unsuspecting townsfolk. Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become?

Price -49% 10.07€
Rating 8.7
Release 20 Feb 2025
NO-SKIN Horror Roguelike characterized by an experimental artstyle and storytelling, strategic gameplay and deep mysteries

Price 6.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 16 Feb 2025
Project Hailstorm Step into the shoes of a researcher in the depths of the antarctic and uncover the mysteries behind Project Hailstorm.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 10 Feb 2025
The Butterfly Collector investigate the evidence left by a stalker and kidnapper and track the fate of a college girl. The player advances and watches the plot by clicking to make choices for the heroine at key moments, with different choices leading to different endings.

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 09 Feb 2025
Slender Threads In this paranormal point-and-click adventure, a traveling salesman races to stop a string of horrific deaths in a quiet seaside town—before he’s next.

Price -34% 12.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 07 Feb 2025
UNDERWARD UNDERWARD is a 1-4 player co-op horror exploration game. Investigators must carry «TEST-SUBJECT» monsters from a deadly underground abandoned hospital ward.

Price 7.79€
Rating 6.8
Release 04 Feb 2025
Dodgy Deliveries Co-op "Horror" game about running a delivery service with your friends! B̵̨̦͓͖̹̪̥̮͛̀̏̈́̐̔̉Ę̴̤̦̤͓̰̤́͗̚ ̵̨̺͓̱̞͔͉͙̀̂͂͋͠͠Ç̸̫͈̋͋͆̋̾̑̕͜Ä̴̛̟͑͛͋͂̌̕͜͝R̵̛͎̮̜̒̽̈́͂̓̒͘Ę̸͉̙̎̀͐͆Ḟ̶̼͖̭͇̗U̸̡̫͇̤̭̪̦̣̔Ḷ̶̛͖̙͗̋̈̇̕ ̷̡̢͕̦̜͚̌̎̃̔Ā̷̧͇͎̳͔̩̜̤̗͊̋Ţ̸̭̩͚̮͖͇̹̬̾ ̷͍̞̰͈̻̣͚̂̾ͅN̵̛̤͒̏̒͝Ḯ̵̡̘͇̖̏͘Ģ̸̛͙̥̞̽̀͒͜H̶̲̜̺̐̄͋͊̍̈́͘͜T̴̯̲̳̪͚̜̼̈͠

Price Free to play
Rating 7.1
Release 31 Jan 2025
DEAD LETTER DEPT. Working at a data entry job in the big city, you type up and transcribe the lost mail and letters that have nowhere else to go. But as the days carry on oddities in the mail start to emerge, and cracks begin to appear.

Price 14.79€
Rating 9.0
Release 30 Jan 2025
SCP: Fragmented Minds You arrive at Mars Site-113, a decaying monument to the SCP Foundation's ambition—and its failures. Once the most secure facility, now a cradle of horrors calling you to uncover its secrets. Face relentless anomalies, humanity's darkest truths, and a mission that demands survival above all else.

Price -53% 4.49€
Rating 8.7
Release 27 Jan 2025
AI2U: With You 'Til The End You wake up in a cute girl's home who's eager to keep you by her side! Engage with thematic stories, puzzles, and unique AI NPCs who'll go to any lengths to protect you—even when it means contradicting themselves. Bask in meet-cutes or brace for chaos if you try to escape.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.6
Release 23 Jan 2025
Dreamcore Step into the surreal with Dreamcore, a body-cam styled psychological horror game that plunges you into the eerie beauty of "liminal spaces." Unravel the mysteries of Dreamcore’s non-linear worlds and uncover its hidden secrets. Can you discover what lies beyond the edge of reality?

Price 11.79€
Rating 8.3
Release 23 Jan 2025
The Shell Part III: Paradiso The coiling chains of obsession that began with The Shell now threaten to strangle Detective Reiji Tokisaka in the third and final entry in the trilogy. As old friends and foes rise up for one last confrontation, can anyone break the cycle—and can Reiji's heart ever be set free?

Price -20% 15.60€
Rating 9.0
Release 21 Jan 2025
SKIBIDI GYATROOMS Skibidi Gyatrooms is a 1-4 player co-op horror game. You and the homies just fell into the Backrooms, you must out-GYAT the Skibidi Toilet with max rizz or get flushed. Expect cursed levels, and brainrot that’ll keep you on edge.

Price 1.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 20 Jan 2025
Nine-Ball Roulette This will be the most thrilling pool game you have ever played. Join up to 3 of your friends in this exciting pool roulette game! Eliminate each other with pool until only one person is left.

Price 3.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 13 Jan 2025
Cursed Digicam | 呪われたデジカメ You receive a cursed digital camera that captures ghosts from a strange website. The website allows you to liberate your loved ones by uploading images of their spirits using the camera. You decide to go to the nearest park where your girl was last seen.

Price 7.79€
Rating 7.3
Release 09 Jan 2025
CRUEL A fast run and gun horror shooter with roguelike elements

Price 9.75€
Rating 9.0
Release 09 Jan 2025
Subterror Explore abandoned biospheres at the bottom of the ocean, alone or with up to 4 friends.

Price 7.79€
Rating 8.4
Release 03 Jan 2025
Winion Virus Winion Virus is a pixel-art visual novel horror game. It features adorable and charming graphics paired with a dark fairy-tale story full of unexpected twists. As a point-and-click adventure, your task is to fix the errors occurring within the computer.

Price -75% 2.77€
Rating 9.0
Release 26 Dec 2024
Fishing The Abyss This is a relaxing atmospheric game where you simply watch a robot catch creatures. Place it at the edge of your screen like a vertical desktop accessory and observe the ecosystem. It’s neither an idle game with mountains of stats nor an exciting fishing game.

Price 6.89€
Rating 8.7
Release 16 Dec 2024
There Exists Nobody You arrive at a deserted street that feels familiar yet is filled with unease. Pick up your camera, capture the hidden anomalies, and break this endless loop.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 11 Dec 2024
Go Home Annie A twisted psychological thriller and an original story set in the SCP universe. As an employee of the SCP Foundation, test artificially created paranormal events, solve puzzles, interact with anomalies, and uncover the secrets of the Replication Division.

Price 19.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 10 Dec 2024
Among Ashes Among Ashes is a terrifying first-person survival horror game. Your friend has sent you a link to a game that someone posted online, but as you play you quickly realise that something is terribly wrong. Whatever you do… K̴͉͚̗̅̃̄E̷͓̤̺̊͠E̴̤̰̿̽P̴̠̳̀́ ̴̨̮̭̕̚P̷̠͇̳͐̓̀L̶̹̔Ả̷̧Y̵̘̺͆̓Ï̸̻̏͂N̷͙̯͊G̵͖̹̠̽̿

Price 14.79€
Rating 8.7
Release 09 Dec 2024
Scauage Scauage is a short horror experience where you play as a scavenger looting an abandoned house, uncovering its dark secrets and collecting hidden treasures while facing what lurks within.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 06 Dec 2024
Granny: Escape Together This is a creepy co-op horror game. In which you find yourself locked in a crazy Granny's house. But Granny is not the only danger that awaits you in the house, someone else creepy lives in the basement. You have five days to get out of the house!

Price -30% 6.82€
Rating 7.6
Release 06 Dec 2024

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!