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
Deer Man Deer Man is a short Interactive Storytelling experience. You play as Jacob's memory, where you will have an incredible encounter with Deer Man & the dark side of his love for the wildlife. If you love animals, this is for you!

Price 0.79€
Rating 6.8
Release 15 Apr 2016
Goetia Goetia is a point & click adventure where you play the ghost of a young lady. You are Abigail. Abigail Blackwood.

Price -97% 0.56€
Rating 7.4
Release 14 Apr 2016
Lucid9: Inciting Incident Lucid9 is a visual novel focused on a web of intricate mysteries set in the fictional 2018 metropolis of Isamu. Lucid9: Inciting Incident is the first part of the story, focused on a string of disappearances that occur at a prestigious, uppity boarding academy.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 14 Apr 2016
Soda Drinker Pro The world's most advanced soda drinking simulator.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 13 Apr 2016
A Chair in a Room : Greenwater Explore your surroundings as the protagonist of your own horror story as you immerse yourself in this tense VR thriller set in America’s Deep South. Navigate your way through your memories, piecing together the clues and puzzles, to solve the mystery of how you have awoken in the sinister Greenwater Institute, known only as Patient No.

Price 22.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 30 Mar 2016
The Last Door: Season 2 - Collector's Edition In Season 2 of The Last Door, the search for his missing client will bring psychiatrist John Wakefield deeper into a conspiracy of darkness and closer to the heart of madness than ever before.

Price -76% 2.44€
Rating 8.9
Release 29 Mar 2016
Dead Secret Dead Secret is a first-person horror mystery set in rural Kansas in 1965. A reclusive professor is dead and it’s up to you to crack the case before you become the next victim. Investigate the murder and explore the story Time Magazine called “captivating” and “deeply creepy” .

Price -78% 3.32€
Rating 7.7
Release 28 Mar 2016
Lost girl`s [diary] A group of girls are having their vacation, alone. What would a group of girls do on a dark Christmas night? Of course, fortunetelling! Unfortunately for them, their boyfriends are not about to leave them alone and their sudden visit totally ruins their plans for fortune telling, turning it into a scary story contest.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 24 Mar 2016
Sophie's Curse You got a job, which is to take care of an old man during the night in a recently purchased house; this house does not have electricity and you have to rely on some kind of hand crank generators to light the place up, but there is something in the darkness draining their power, don’t let it happen!

Price -90% 0.50€
Rating 7.7
Release 16 Mar 2016
The Guest 'The Guest' is a gloomy adventure full of enigmas where the exploration of your surroundings comes to prominence; puzzles, secrets and riddles will help you discover who has locked you in this somber hotel room and most importantly, why.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 10 Mar 2016
The Secret Order 3: Ancient Times Find a way to destroy the ancient artifacts!

Price -95% 0.86€
Rating 8.1
Release 10 Mar 2016
The Bottom of the Well Play as Alice who has just had an unsettingly life-like dream about the end of the world, and is retelling it to her friend. A single play-through might take as little as 20 minutes, but experiencing all the possible paths Alice can take through the ruins of her city will take you many hours.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 03 Mar 2016
Bear Simulator It's a game where you play as a bear and explore stuff.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 26 Feb 2016
The Emerald Maiden: Symphony of Dreams Save your family from an ominous undersea facility!

Price 14.79€
Rating 8.0
Release 18 Feb 2016
We Know the Devil WE KNOW THE DEVIL is a visual novel about teens reluctantly fighting the devil at summer camp. Follow meangirl Neptune, tomboy Jupiter, and shy shy Venus as they get to know each other--but one always gets left out.

Price -69% 1.76€
Rating 8.9
Release 15 Feb 2016
CALENDULA How to play a game that doesn't want to be played? Calendula is an experimental meta game about trying to play a game. Use your logic to thrive against conventions and get surrounded by a dark atmosphere.

Price 6.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 02 Feb 2016
Eventide: Slavic Fable Explore the exciting world of slavic legends!

Price -96% 0.60€
Rating 8.7
Release 28 Jan 2016
Wick Wick is a survival horror game where ghost stories are brought to life. Explore a local legend about the long lost children in the woods who can still be seen... but only by those who dare to enter alone by candlelight.

Price -88% 0.75€
Rating 8.1
Release 17 Dec 2015
Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star The loveable birds of Hatoful Boyfriend are back in the remastered holiday-themed sequel Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star!

Price -48% 5.27€
Rating 8.7
Release 05 Dec 2015
Vampire Legends: The True Story of Kisilova Discover the source of dreadful evil!

Price -96% 0.73€
Rating 8.1
Release 03 Dec 2015
BAD END It's rumored that those who play 'BAD END'- a Visual Novel will die in REAL LIFE if they make the wrong decision in the game itself.

Price -66% 2.00€
Rating 7.8
Release 25 Nov 2015
The Consuming Shadow The Consuming Shadow is a procedural survival horror adventure in which you must explore the land, fight your way through randomly-generated dungeons and try to stay sane in your quest to save the world from the invading Ancients.

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 20 Nov 2015
Cinderella Escape! R12 Cinderella is locked in the dungeon. What happened to her? Can she escape the dungeon? Cinderella needs your help!

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.3
Release 16 Nov 2015
The Secret Order 2: Masked Intent Become the wayfarer through the past to force back the evil power!

Price -96% 0.67€
Rating 7.6
Release 05 Nov 2015

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!