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

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?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 22 Jul 2018

Lynne

Lynne is a short story about the scariest thing in the world: being a teenager.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 13 Jul 2018

Depression The Game

Depression The Game is an interactive game simulating major depression. You are joining a young man on one of his really bad days trying to handle his thoughts and survive that day... Will he?

Price 2.00€
Rating 6.6
Release 07 Jul 2018

Varenje

Varenje is a cute colorful adventure with a number of puzzles and mini-games made by artists for anyone that considers games to be an art.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 03 Jul 2018

DERE EVIL EXE

DERE EVIL EXE is both a terrifying thriller with a gripping meta horror story and a retro 16-bit pixel platformer with unique puzzles and obstacles.

Price 2.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 03 Jul 2018

18+

Collection of logic riddles.

Price 0.99€
Rating 6.6
Release 03 Jul 2018

Adolescent Santa Claus

This visual novel game tells the tale of a cute little Santa Clause appearing

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 30 Jun 2018

CONCLUSE

Concluse is an atmospheric horror game which features puzzles, outstanding cutscenes, and something a little twisted..

Price Free to play
Rating 7.1
Release 29 Jun 2018

Ultimate Custom Night

Welcome to the ultimate FNAF mashup, featuring 50 selectable characters and custom difficulties!

Price Free to play
Rating 9.3
Release 27 Jun 2018

灵魂筹码 Soul at Stake

Soul at Stake is an oriental-themed 1v4 surviving horror game. There once was a luring urban myth saying that if one can win the game would gain countless money, and his/her destiny would instantly change to become the mightiest overnight. All the participants need only one stake——their souls.

Price -74% 3.93€
Rating 7.4
Release 25 Jun 2018

OK/NORMAL

OK/NORMAL is a short, experimental third-person horror experience, inspired by early 3D console games of the 90's. Journey through a dark, disjointed, dreamlike dimension with your cloud companion! Remember a good diet, take your medicine, and you should be fine!

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 18 Jun 2018

Budget Cuts

Budget Cuts is a VR stealth game where you dexterously zip, sneak or rambo your way forward through thrilling, oil-splatter filled combat!

Price 24.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 14 Jun 2018

Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi

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 6.59€
Rating 9.2
Release 14 Jun 2018

Dinosaur Hunt Puzzle

Dinosaur Hunt Puzzle is a sliding puzzle game based on the artwork from original Dinosaur Hunt game.

Price 0.99€
Rating 7.0
Release 13 Jun 2018

Gray Dawn

Embark on a terrifying adventure of a priest accused of murdering an altar boy. Gray Dawn is a psychological thriller infused with religious elements and combines story-driven quests with an artistic experience.

Price 16.79€
Rating 8.0
Release 07 Jun 2018

Kid,napper: Gosh, I'm Kidnapped by a Pupil

I had to admit, the only thing that is more scary than a murder weapon, is that girl, who is not even supposed to hold it

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 31 May 2018

Hentai 3018

Hentai 3018 - is casual puzzle game. You play as a girl that need to get out of the room. Try to find the exit door and not be caught by the enemy or die in the trap.

Price 0.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 31 May 2018

Trash Story

Trash style kinetic novel, created by one man. Short life story with naughty jokes, memes, author made pictures and not ordinary voiceover.

Price 0.99€
Rating 7.0
Release 29 May 2018

Fox Hime Zero

Yan, a student of natural history, encounters a cute and mysterious girl with fox ears while conducting routine scientific research at a remote observation cabin. This might be a "blessing" for the intrepid in the golden age of geographical discovery...

Price -70% 0.59€
Rating 9.4
Release 23 May 2018

Mother Simulator

It’s a humorous project about a young parent's difficult weekdays. If you feel worried, irritated, you don’t understand what’s going on and what you must do next, so don’t worry. We want to give you exactly these feelings in our game.

Price 1.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 22 May 2018

Zup! X

Minimal physical puzzle with explosions

Price 1.99€
Rating 9.4
Release 17 May 2018

The House in Fata Morgana: A Requiem for Innocence

"A Requiem for Innocence" is a companion to the visual novel "The House in Fata Morgana." It tells the tale of a young man dragged down by his ambitions and a girl both worshiped as a saint and maligned as a witch. For them, there is no happily ever after.

Price 12.49€
Rating 9.2
Release 17 May 2018

Noel the Mortal Fate S1-7

This is a story about the revenge of a girl who lost her arms and legs to a devil... Noel The Mortal Fate is a charismatic adventure game, now available worldwide on Steam in English, Japanese and Simplified Chinese with seasons 1 - 7 available now in one package.

Price 12.49€
Rating 9.2
Release 15 May 2018

Escape First

"Escape First" is a multiplayer escape room puzzle game for virtual reality or desktop PC! It includes 3 different escape rooms to choose from and can be played competitively, co-op or solo.

Price -50% 2.94€
Rating 6.4
Release 10 May 2018

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 03rd 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 19,730 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.0
139,621
12,867

19,730
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 13,041 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

13,041
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 3,638 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

3,638
players

4. 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 1,213 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.0
63,763
6,077

1,213
players

5. 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 1,150 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.0
91,674
9,017

1,150
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 20,869 reviews of which 18,193 were positive and 2,676 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 769 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
8.5
18,193
2,676

769
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 736 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

736
players

8. 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 622 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.7
106,230
2,067

622
players

9. 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 571 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.3
39,933
1,978

571
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 535 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

535
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 03rd 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 4,778 reviews of which 4,233 were positive and 545 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
4,233
545

-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 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 #9 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
9.0
26,498
2,234

-85% 30.40€ 4.56€

10. Struggling

Struggling is a physics-based co-op platformer with a twisted spin on teamwork. Control the arms of a squishy abomination and lead it through a deranged world. Struggling is a indie, funny and co-op game developed by Chasing Rats Games and published by Frontier Foundry. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 678 reviews of which 588 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 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.
8.2
588
90

-85% 13.40€ 2.01€

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 03rd 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 19,730 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

19,730
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 451, 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

451
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 434, 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

434
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 132 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

132
players

5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.2
1,671
62

95
players

6. 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. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
14,637
1,757

72
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

58
players

8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.1
7,968
507

48
players

9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.4
10,479
1,671

46
players

10. 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 #10 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.8
9,817
977

45
players