Best Psychological 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 psychological horror games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free psychological horror games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
SEPTEMBER 1999
A free, VHS styled, first-person found footage horror game, which runs exactly for 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
CINERIS SOMNIA
"I hope that someday, you'll dream of me." -- CINERIS SOMNIA is a 3D adventure through a beautifully strange and mesmerizing world - and a young girl's cruel and forlorn dreams.
Giraffe Town
A giraffe born with slippery feet sets out to find love...
Species: Artificial Life, Real Evolution
Play with evolution! Species: ALRE is a scientifically-grounded, emergent simulation of natural selection. Creatures evolve and speciate in response to in-game mutation and selection forces, allowing you to experience and tinker with evolution in real-time.
Chinese Parents
In this casual sim set in China, you step into the shoes of an average kid from birth towards the end of your high school. Study hard, have fun, make friends and face your ultimate challenge, the “Gaokao”. What will your life be after that? And when you have a child, will you be a Tiger Parent?
Dark Deception
Death awaits you in Dark Deception, a story-driven first-person horror maze game. There's nowhere to hide & nowhere to catch your breath. Run or die - it's your choice. Trapped in a realm of nightmarish mazes with a mysterious woman, your only hope of survival is to find a way to escape.
The Dark Occult
The Dark Occult is a psychological driven horror game that puts players in a constant state of anxiety that crescendos into raw panic and terror. You will encounter grotesque creatures, who will take your life at any moment.Your only goal -- survive.
Cube Escape: Paradox
The tenth Cube Escape follows the story of detective Dale Vandermeer who finds himself trapped in two different universes and needs to escape. Cube Escape: Paradox will be released together with the accompanying Paradox: A Rusty Lake Film.
Transference™
Imagine an escape room set in a deranged mind. Experience a first-person exploration game in a chilling new dimension. Shift between three perspectives of a family and unravel the mystery hiding in this mind-bending psychological thriller.
Virtual Virtual Reality
A game about VR, AI, and our collective sci-fi fever dreams. In a future where AI has transformed society, can humans still find purpose? Find out with Activitude, a service that lets humans aid AI clients in increasingly curious ways.
Pro Office Calculator
A completely normal office calculator.
Witch Hunt
Witch Hunt is a challenging horror themed hunting game that takes place in the 18th century. Main focus of the game is on exploration, non-linearity, and atmosphere.
The Goatman
The Goatman is an Online CO-OP hunting game. It all began on February 23, 2019 with a call for help from the Greenfield village. It was alleged that a mysterious creature like a half goat and half demon attacked people and animals. Upon this call, a military research team set out.
Lake of Voices
A free horror Visual Novel about an ill-fated journey across Sinnlos, a lake where gruesome monsters lurk just beneath the surface. With times being so dire you'll need to decide what, and who, is going to be sacrificed. Anyone can be saved, but not everyone can be.
Lucah: Born of a Dream
FOR THE POWER AND GLORY; NOW AND FOREVER
pla_toon
pla_toon is an action-packed, first-and-third-person, multiplayer, light-hearted, cartoon-style shooter where you as play a soldier. Join the multiplayer battle and be the first to a para-crate drop to equip your player with powerful weapons! Or get on an ostrich and ride off into the sunset...
We Happy Few
From the independent studio that brought you Contrast, We Happy Few is an action/adventure game set in a drug-fuelled, retrofuturistic city in an alternative 1960s England. Hide, fight and conform your way out of this delusional, Joy-obsessed world.
妄想症：Deliver Me
Based on the best seller 妄想症Paranoia, the story about Lingluo's college life will bring you to a world unknown. She pursues her music dream without knowing her life is about to be turned upside down. Losing her best friend and her confidence, she plunges into the depth of despair. What will she do?
Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass
One day, Jimmy looked inside.
FROSTBITE: Deadly Climate
Survive the arctic research base simply known as Base 75, or die from the freezing cold or by the horrors that lurk within the halls?Most played psychological horror games on Steam
Take a look at the top psychological horror games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 04th 2025.
1. Crab Game
Crab Game is a First-Person Multiplayer game where you play through several different minigames based on children's games, until only one player stands victorious. Crab Game is a psychological horror, multiplayer and free to play game developed and published by Dani. Released on October 29th 2021 has received 152,488 reviews of which 139,621 were positive and 12,867 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played psychological horror game, thanks to its 21,888 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.0
139,621
12,867
21,888
players
2. Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is a 4 player online co-op psychological horror. Paranormal activity is on the rise and it’s up to you and your team to use all the ghost-hunting equipment at your disposal in order to gather as much evidence as you can. Phasmophobia is a horror, online co-op and multiplayer game developed and published by Kinetic Games. Released on September 18th 2020 has received 764,580 reviews of which 732,704 were positive and 31,876 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 15,655 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among psychological horror games based on player count.
9.5
732,704
31,876
15,655
players
3. The Outlast Trials
Red Barrels invites you to experience mind-numbing terror, this time with friends. Whether you go through the trials alone or in teams, if you survive long enough and complete the therapy, Murkoff will happily let you leave… but will you be the same? The Outlast Trials is a horror, multiplayer and co-op game developed and published by Red Barrels. Released on March 05th 2024 has received 65,567 reviews of which 61,275 were positive and 4,292 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 4,150 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among psychological horror games based on player count.
9.2
61,275
4,292
4,150
players
4. Escape the Backrooms
Escape the Backrooms is a 1-4 player co-op horror exploration game. Traverse through eerie backrooms levels while avoiding entities and other danger to try and escape. Free content updates with new levels and game modes keep the community rewarded. Escape the Backrooms is a horror, multiplayer and online co-op game developed and published by Fancy Games. Released on August 11th 2022 has received 100,691 reviews of which 91,674 were positive and 9,017 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,226 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.0
91,674
9,017
1,226
players
5. Gorilla Tag
Run, jump, and climb using only your hands. Play tag or infection with people online. Run away from the infected players, or outmaneuver the survivors to catch them. Embrace your inner ape. Gorilla Tag is a vr, psychological horror and multiplayer game developed and published by Another Axiom Inc.. Released on January 01st 2023 has received 69,840 reviews of which 63,763 were positive and 6,077 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,216 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.0
63,763
6,077
1,216
players
6. Backrooms: Escape Together
A visually lifelike co-op horror for 1-6 people. Journey through 9 procedurally generated levels, using what's available to survive and progress deeper into the Backrooms. Backrooms: Escape Together is a multiplayer, horror and psychological horror game developed and published by Triiodide Studios. Released on October 18th 2022 has received 21,179 reviews of which 18,488 were positive and 2,691 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 1,029 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
8.5
18,488
2,691
1,029
players
7. Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation
A roguelite monster-management simulation inspired by the likes of the SCP Foundation, Cabin in the Woods, and Warehouse 13. Order your employees to perform work with the creatures and watch as it unfolds; harness greater energy, and expand the facility Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation is a management, difficult and story rich game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on April 09th 2018 has received 43,130 reviews of which 40,435 were positive and 2,695 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 793 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.2
40,435
2,695
793
players
8. SILENT HILL 2
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2. SILENT HILL 2 is a psychological horror, horror and survival horror game developed by Bloober Team SA and published by KONAMI. Released on October 07th 2024 has received 41,911 reviews of which 39,933 were positive and 1,978 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 627 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.3
39,933
1,978
627
players
9. MiSide
Let's imagine that you have a game in which you care for a character. But could you imagine one day getting into that game yourself? MiSide is a psychological horror, cute and story rich game developed by AIHASTO and published by IndieArk and Shochiku (Japan). Released on December 10th 2024 has received 108,297 reviews of which 106,230 were positive and 2,067 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 609 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.7
106,230
2,067
609
players
10. Borderless Gaming
Borderless Gaming: Seamlessly play games in borderless-fullscreen mode for uninterrupted gaming and effortless multitasking. Borderless Gaming is a utilities, software and 2d game developed by AndrewMD5 and published by Codeusa and viorae. Released on July 23rd 2015 has received 3,894 reviews of which 3,268 were positive and 626 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 588 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
8.1
3,268
626
588
players
Best deals on psychological horror games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of psychological horror games available on Steam right now, updated on May 04th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted psychological horror games.
1. In Sound Mind
In Sound Mind is an imaginative first-person psychological horror with frenetic puzzles, unique boss fights, and original music by The Living Tombstone. Journey within the inner workings of the one place you can’t seem to escape—your own mind. In Sound Mind is a horror, psychological horror and story rich game developed by We Create Stuff and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on September 28th 2021 has received 5,708 reviews of which 5,436 were positive and 272 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for psychological horror category.
9.2
5,436
272
-96%
32.25€
1.29€
2. Outlast 2
Outlast 2 introduces you to Sullivan Knoth and his followers, who left our wicked world behind to give birth to Temple Gate, a town, deep in the wilderness and hidden from civilization. Knoth and his flock are preparing for the tribulations of the end of times and you’re right in the thick of it. Outlast 2 is a horror, psychological horror and survival horror game developed and published by Red Barrels. Released on April 24th 2017 has received 55,116 reviews of which 50,337 were positive and 4,779 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in psychological horror games.
9.0
50,337
4,779
-94%
30.67€
1.84€
3. Ad Infinitum
When reality is a nightmare, nightmares become real. In this psychological horror game, you fight the terrifying creatures invading your mind. Can you save your sanity? Ad Infinitum is a horror, action and psychological horror game developed by Hekate and published by Nacon. Released on September 14th 2023 has received 870 reviews of which 702 were positive and 168 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in psychological horror games.
7.7
702
168
-93%
32.71€
2.29€
4. GET EVEN
Take a deep breath... Try to remember: a girl, a chair, a bomb. Just keep... calm. Follow the voice into the depths of you memory. Relax... and search for the darkest memories in the deepest recesses of your mind. Can you find her? The clock is ticking... And this is just a part of the treatment. GET EVEN is a action, psychological horror and mystery game developed by The Farm 51 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on June 20th 2017 has received 1,731 reviews of which 1,311 were positive and 420 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
7.3
1,311
420
-93%
29.57€
2.07€
5. SCP: Secret Files
SCP: Secret Files is a collection of paranormal cases from the SCP Foundation, an organization tasked with containing dangerous anomalies. You join as an assistant researcher for Dr. Raymond Hamm and complete a strenuous induction program that will make you question everything you know. SCP: Secret Files is a adventure, story rich and psychological horror game developed by GameZoo Studio and published by Pixmain. Released on September 13th 2022 has received 4,792 reviews of which 4,243 were positive and 549 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
8.6
4,243
549
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
6. Tormented Souls
Classic survival horror is back! Inspired by the original Resident Evil and Alone in the Dark series, Tormented Souls modernises with a fresh twist on the fixed perspective adventure - as Caroline Walker investigates the mysterious disappearance of twin girls in a terrifying mansion-turned-hospital. Tormented Souls is a survival horror, horror and puzzle game developed by Dual Effect and Abstract Digital and published by PQube. Released on August 26th 2021 has received 5,989 reviews of which 5,462 were positive and 527 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
8.8
5,462
527
-91%
19.56€
1.76€
7. Blair Witch
Inspired by the cinematic lore of Blair Witch, experience a new story-driven psychological horror game that studies your reactions to fear and stress. Blair Witch is a adventure, horror and psychological horror game developed by Bloober Team SA and published by Bloober Team NA. Released on August 30th 2019 has received 7,161 reviews of which 5,641 were positive and 1,520 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
7.7
5,641
1,520
-90%
30.10€
3.01€
8. Horror Story: Hallowseed
Horror Story: Hallowseed is a story-driven psychological horror game. An obscure event causes two of your friends to disappear while you were camping in the woods. Left alone and stranded in an unknown place, you need to seek the answers about what happened, face the horror and find your friends. Horror Story: Hallowseed is a horror, psychological horror and atmospheric game developed by Jeff Winner and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on October 28th 2021 has received 325 reviews of which 219 were positive and 106 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
6.4
219
106
-89%
19.73€
2.17€
9. THE IMPOSSIBLE
THE IMPOSSIBLE is a minimal perspective illusion puzzle game. You control a small square in the IMPOSSIBLE world and remember: nothing is IMPOSSIBLE. THE IMPOSSIBLE is a puzzle, artificial intelligence and horror game developed by IMPOSSIBLE INC and Airem and published by Airem. Released on July 24th 2020 has received 499 reviews of which 445 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
8.3
445
54
-86%
4.99€
0.69€
10. The Evil Within 2
Detective Sebastian Castellanos has lost everything, including his daughter, Lily. To save her, he must descend into the nightmarish world of STEM. Horrifying threats emerge from every corner, and he must rely on his wits to survive. For his one chance at redemption, the only way out is in. The Evil Within 2 is a horror, survival horror and psychological horror game developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 28,732 reviews of which 26,498 were positive and 2,234 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
9.0
26,498
2,234
-85%
30.40€
4.56€
Free psychological horror games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play psychological horror games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 04th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play psychological horror games.
1. Crab Game
Crab Game is a First-Person Multiplayer game where you play through several different minigames based on children's games, until only one player stands victorious. Crab Game is a psychological horror, multiplayer and free to play game developed and published by Dani. Released on October 29th 2021 has received 152,488 reviews of which 139,621 were positive and 12,867 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 21,888 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.0
139,621
12,867
21,888
players
2. Doki Doki Literature Club!
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a psychological horror, visual novel and anime game developed and published by Team Salvato. Released on October 06th 2017 has received 209,772 reviews of which 202,345 were positive and 7,427 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 475, this psychological horror game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.5
202,345
7,427
475
players
3. Cry of Fear
Cry of Fear is a psychological single-player and co-op horror game set in a deserted town filled with horrific creatures and nightmarish delusions. You play as a young man desperately searching for answers in the cold Scandinavian night, finding his way through the city as he slowly descends into madness. Cry of Fear is a horror, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by Team Psykskallar. Released on April 25th 2013 has received 73,466 reviews of which 65,020 were positive and 8,446 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 444, this psychological horror game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
65,020
8,446
444
players
4. Cube Escape: Paradox
The tenth Cube Escape follows the story of detective Dale Vandermeer who finds himself trapped in two different universes and needs to escape. Cube Escape: Paradox will be released together with the accompanying Paradox: A Rusty Lake Film. Cube Escape: Paradox is a puzzle, free to play and psychological horror game developed and published by Rusty Lake. Released on September 20th 2018 has received 10,317 reviews of which 10,035 were positive and 282 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 168 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.4
10,035
282
168
players
5. Banana Shooter
Dave is the banana man who is keep shooting enemies and get their banana,and use some cool mechanic such as dash,double jump,grapple hook and rocket jump.If you are finding fast paced shooter game,this is what you need Banana Shooter is a free to play, multiplayer and psychological horror game developed and published by CodingDaniel. Released on May 01st 2022 has received 16,394 reviews of which 14,637 were positive and 1,757 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 106 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
14,637
1,757
106
players
6. Saihate Station
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men. Saihate Station is a psychological horror, visual novel and lgbtq+ game developed and published by びぶ/viv. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,733 reviews of which 1,671 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.2
1,671
62
89
players
7. Fears to Fathom - Home Alone
Fears to Fathom is an episodic psychological horror game where each episode unveils a short story narrated by the ones who survived. Fears to Fathom - Home Alone is a horror, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by Rayll. Released on July 02nd 2021 has received 8,538 reviews of which 7,681 were positive and 857 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
7,681
857
79
players
8. POSTAL
Take control of The POSTAL Dude in his infamous first outing as he battles to survive in a world gone mad! POSTAL is a classic isometric shooter filled to the brim with fast-paced explosive action. POSTAL is a horror, villain protagonist and psychological horror game developed and published by Running With Scissors. Released on November 14th 1997 has received 10,794 reviews of which 9,817 were positive and 977 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.8
9,817
977
48
players
9. Yume Nikki
This is a game in which you traverse the extremely dark world inside a dream. Yume Nikki is a indie, free to play and rpgmaker game developed by kikiyama and published by PLAYISM. Released on January 09th 2018 has received 8,475 reviews of which 7,968 were positive and 507 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.1
7,968
507
44
players
10. Egg
egg Egg is a psychological horror game developed and published by KolbasinoGames. Released on February 03rd 2024 has received 12,150 reviews of which 10,479 were positive and 1,671 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.4
10,479
1,671
40
players