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
ZERO PROTOCOL In this immersive sci-fi thriller, you will experience the atmosphere of classic 3D games as you solve puzzles, follow an intriguing non-linear storyline, and engage in battles with monsters.

Price -89% 1.38€
Rating 8.0
Release 26 Sep 2024
Beyond Hanwell Explore Westminster, London on a journey to the ruins of Hanwell. Fight with whatever you can find or use the environment to defend yourself against an ever increasing scourge of Anomalies.

Price -75% 6.12€
Rating 7.3
Release 26 Sep 2024
Iron Meat Iron Meat is a run-and-gun arcade shooter that immerses players in an apocalyptic future overrun by "The Meat," an iron-ravenous mass mutating everything in its path. Blast your way through retro-inspired stages and bosses to uncover the shocking horrors behind secret experiments on the Moon.

Price 19.50€
Rating 9.1
Release 25 Sep 2024
Nocturnals A short, choose your own adventure game about two boys that find each other in a lonely, post-apocalyptic town.

Price 7.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 13 Sep 2024
Bleeding Roots Bleeding Roots is a free fifteen minute horror game about a man taking care of his plants throughout the seasons.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 07 Sep 2024
Perennial Order Perennial Order is a 2D plant horror boss rush with challenging one-hit-death combat. Set in an atmospheric Dark Age world plagued by nature-infested horrors, explore a lore-filled and eldritch land alone or in two player co-op, all in a realistic painterly style.

Price -59% 8.22€
Rating 8.7
Release 05 Sep 2024
Boyhood's End Boyhood's End is an adventure horror game following Giovanni, the boy with the lowest human score in the universe, and Campenella, the delinquent genius, and their journey on the galactic railroad regarding the "human" and "inhuman".

Price 10.79€
Rating 8.0
Release 05 Sep 2024
Ten Bells You're trapped in an old English pub. Unravel a chilling tale by identifying anomalies while trying to escape. Confront the horror as you survive the endless loop of Ten Bells.

Price -50% 2.49€
Rating 8.9
Release 30 Aug 2024
DEATH IN UNISON Survive the world's deadliest psychopaths. Experience a unique 2-player co-op experience that puts your teamwork and communication to the test. Complete your duties alone or with a partner in a prison like no other.

Price -78% 1.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 29 Aug 2024
Spectral Scream Spectral Scream is a 1-4 player cooperative horror exploration game. Are you ready to face death in the maw of purgatory? Your goal is to find key items in each chapter and retrieve the orb. But be careful! Threatening and vicious creatures await you at every stage.

Price -50% 4.87€
Rating 7.6
Release 28 Aug 2024
Feed the Deep A lovecraftian roguelike. Dive into procedurally generated undersea caves. Collect gold, upgrade your equipment, and Feed the Deep.

Price -50% 3.44€
Rating 8.4
Release 16 Aug 2024
Hellbreach: Vegas Hellbreach: Vegas is a Wave-based First-Person Shooter for 1-4 players, made with passion by a one man dev team! Set your loadout, kill, and earn cash. Take a spin on the various slot machines and level up to improve your survival chances. Are you ready to try your luck?

Price -83% 2.65€
Rating 7.1
Release 14 Aug 2024
The Bathhouse | 地獄銭湯 Restored Edition The Bathhouse | 地獄銭湯 Remake is a Japanese horror game that revolves around working at a bathhouse. A complete revamp of the original bathhouse.

Price 7.79€
Rating 8.6
Release 09 Aug 2024
Violent Horror Stories: anthology 4 short horror games from different authors and in different genres. Each game is an author's vision on the theme of 'pursuit'.

Price -30% 2.09€
Rating 8.1
Release 06 Aug 2024
myPOPGOES "Of course you'll never get to experience Freddy Fazbear's Pizza like I did. And maybe that's a good thing. But a few months ago, I wondered... What if Popgoes could?"

Price 3.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 01 Aug 2024
Back 《Back》 is a full-motion audio live horror game. Special Note 1: This game is very supernatural and scary, timid or heart disease players do not buy !!!! The game will reveal different ending plots step by step through various searches and choices for your character.

Price -10% 6.20€
Rating 7.4
Release 30 Jul 2024
除邪(CHUXIE) 除邪(CHUXIE) is a surreal first person horror shooting game developed using Unreal Engine 5. With the powerful capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, players will experience stunning realistic visual effects, smooth game controls, and intense battles with terrifying monsters.

Price 6.89€
Rating 7.6
Release 28 Jul 2024
It was a human. A short SF psychedelic interrogation ADV game that focuses on the interrogation of a suspect in a dismemberment murder case. The protagonist is a lieutenant colonel, tasked with interrogating the suspect. The protagonist needs to find out why she killed the two men and how she committed the crime.

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.3
Release 26 Jul 2024
Aooni [This is the origin of "Blue Tragedy"]The legendary horror game "Ao Oni" is now available on Steam!

Price -60% 3.60€
Rating 7.4
Release 25 Jul 2024
Vampire Therapist Guide vampires through centuries of emotional baggage, decades of delusions and the odd bout of self-loathing with real cognitive behavioral therapy concepts and become a Vampire Therapist! Even vampires need a shoulder to cry on when a neck to bite just won’t do.

Price -35% 9.61€
Rating 9.0
Release 18 Jul 2024
子归 - Blossom Early spring, 1999, Taoyuan Village. In just several days, a series of drowning incidents occurred in the same quaint village. Then, on the night of the fifteenth day, numerous villagers witnessed a woman in red who bore an uncanny resemblance to a lady who had previously met an unjust demise...

Price -45% 4.28€
Rating 8.3
Release 18 Jul 2024
VHS VHS, the most retro and nostalgic Idle game!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 17 Jul 2024
Super Dark Deception Death awaits you once again in Super Dark Deception, a fun 2D reimagining of the hit horror maze game, Dark Deception!

Price 17.49€
Rating 6.9
Release 12 Jul 2024
DeathWatchers Use the specialized equipment at your disposal to locate & log as many paranormal events as possible. Decipher the ingredients needed for your ritual and try to exorcise any demons within. Any incorrect ingredients and you may never leave! 1-4 Players

Price -60% 4.71€
Rating 8.1
Release 12 Jul 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!