The Ultimate Guide to the Best Co-op Horror Games on Steam
Okay, horror fans, let's be real. Jumpscares are fun and all, but sometimes you just want a buddy to hide behind... or bravely lead the charge (yeah, right!). That's where co-op horror games come in, and Steam? Steam is packed with 'em.
Love getting spooked but hate going it alone? Want to share the terror (and maybe some laughs) with your friends? Then you've landed in the right creepy corner of the internet. We're diving deep into the shadowy depths of Steam to unearth the absolute best co-op horror games the platform has to offer. Forget wandering haunted mansions solo – grab your pals, because in these games, teamwork is the only way you're surviving the night (or at least, surviving with your sanity intact).
Steam is basically the PC gaming playground, and when it comes to horror, it's overflowing. But wading through the sheer volume of games to find those co-op gems? That's a horror story in itself! Don't worry, we've done the dirty work for you. Consider this your trusty flashlight in the dark – we're about to guide you through the top co-op horror experiences on Steam that'll have you and your friends screaming, strategizing, and maybe even strengthening your friendships… through shared trauma, naturally.
What Makes a Co-op Horror Game Truly Terrifying (and Fun) on Steam?
Alright, so what makes a co-op horror game on Steam go from "meh" to "OMG, I can't play this alone!"? We've got a few key ingredients we looked for when picking out the games for this list. Think of it as our recipe for co-op horror awesomeness:
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Seriously Spooky Atmosphere: This is horror, duh! We're talking games that nail the creepy vibes. Think killer sound design that makes you jump at every creak, visuals that are unsettling (without just being gory for the sake of it), and maybe even some mind-bending psychological stuff to mess with your head. Jumpscares have their place, but we're looking for games that build genuine dread.
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Co-op That Actually Matters: No tacked-on multiplayer here! We want games where playing together isn't just an option, it's essential. Teamwork should be baked into the gameplay. Sharing resources, covering each other's backs, coordinating strategies – that's the good stuff. If the co-op feels like it's just there to add more players without changing the core experience, it didn't make the cut.
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Player Love (and Screams): We peeked at what the Steam community is saying. User reviews and ratings give you a real sense of whether a game is actually good and if the co-op is solid. If players are raving about how terrifying and fun a game is to play with friends, that's a major green flag.
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A Little Bit of Everything Scary: Horror comes in all flavors, right? We tried to grab a mix of different types of scares. Psychological horror that messes with your mind? Survival horror where every bullet counts? Monster-filled mayhem? Hopefully, there's something here for every kind of horror fan.
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Replayability… Because Screaming is Addictive: Let's be honest, once you conquer your fears (sort of), you might want to jump back in for more. Especially with friends! Games that have replay value in co-op mode – maybe different characters, difficulty levels, or just emergent gameplay moments – get bonus points.
Top Co-op Horror Games on Steam: Our Picks
Alright, drumroll please… Here are our top picks for co-op horror games you absolutely NEED to play on Steam. Grab your friends, dim the lights, and prepare to be terrified… together!
GTFO
Okay, if you want intense, this is it. GTFO is like the SAS of co-op horror games. You and your squad are scavenging for resources in a nightmarish underground complex swarming with nasty creatures. Stealth, communication, and ammo conservation are your best friends here (besides your actual friends, obviously). One wrong move and you're toast… literally. Brutal, unforgiving, and unbelievably tense, GTFO is for those who want a real co-op horror challenge. Looking for hardcore co-op horror games on Steam? This is your jam.
Why it's Great for Co-op Horror Fans:
- Demands absolute teamwork and communication. No lone wolfing here!
- Incredibly tense atmosphere and sound design that will keep you on edge.
- Resource scarcity makes every decision feel weighty and collaborative.
- Regular content updates and "Rundowns" keep the scares fresh.
GTFO
GTFO is a hardcore cooperative horror shooter that throws you from gripping suspense to explosive action in a heartbeat. Stealth, strategy, and teamwork are necessary to survive in your deadly, underground prison. Work together or die together.Phasmophobia
Want to become a paranormal investigator with your pals? Phasmophobia is your ticket to ghost hunting glory (and terror). You and your team use ghost-hunting equipment to identify different types of spooky specters in haunted locations. The catch? These ghosts really don't like you being there. Creepy, atmospheric, and reliant on teamwork and careful observation, Phasmophobia is perfect for those who love a good slow-burn scare and the thrill of the hunt. Definitely a top pick for scary ghost hunting co-op games on Steam.
Why it's Great for Co-op Horror Fans:
- Unique ghost-hunting gameplay that relies on communication and coordination.
- Procedurally generated ghost behavior keeps each investigation fresh and unpredictable.
- VR support for extra immersion (if you dare!).
- Regular updates with new ghosts, equipment, and locations.
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.The Forest & Sons of the Forest
Stranded in a creepy forest after a plane crash? Sounds like a bad vacation. In The Forest, you and your co-op buddies have to survive against cannibalistic mutants while trying to uncover the mysteries of the island. It's a blend of survival crafting and open-world horror that's genuinely terrifying, especially when night falls and they come out to play. Base-building, resource gathering, and fighting for your life – The Forest offers a sprawling and scary co-op experience. Fans of The Forest will be excited to know that there is a sequel, Sons of the Forest, which expands upon the terrifying world and gameplay of the original. If you're searching for open-world survival co-op horror games on Steam, look no further.
Why it's Great for Co-op Horror Fans:
- Open-world survival crafting creates emergent co-op gameplay moments.
- Base building and defense are much more fun (and safer!) with friends.
- Truly unsettling enemy AI and creature design.
- A surprisingly deep and disturbing story to uncover together.
The Forest
As the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator.
Sons Of The Forest
Sent to find a missing billionaire on a remote island, you find yourself in a cannibal-infested hellscape. Craft, build, and struggle to survive, alone or with friends, in this terrifying new open-world survival horror simulator.Labyrinthine
Love mazes? Love being scared witless? Labyrinthine combines those two perfectly (or imperfectly, depending on how you feel about terror). You and your team are trapped in a hedge maze that’s… well, not exactly normal. Expect puzzles, jump scares, and a seriously creepy atmosphere as you try to find your way out while something… else… is hunting you. Simple premise, maximum scares, especially when you're lost and alone (even in co-op!). A great choice for puzzle-focused co-op horror on Steam.
Why it's Great for Co-op Horror Fans:
- Maze exploration and puzzle-solving are inherently co-operative.
- Jump scares are effective and frequent (if you're into that!).
- Increasing difficulty and maze complexity keeps the tension high.
- Good for shorter, more intense co-op horror sessions.
Labyrinthine
A co-op horror game like no other... Play with 1-8 players online as you solve puzzles, collect items and run from the horrors that lie within. Follow in the footsteps of Joan in the story mode or tackle procedurally generated maps that scale with your level and bring a fresh experience each game..Dead by Daylight
Okay, technically it's 1 vs 4, but Dead by Daylight is the asymmetrical horror game that everyone's playing for a reason. One player is the terrifying killer, and the other four are survivors trying to escape. It's a tense game of cat and mouse, with loads of iconic horror movie killers to choose from. Playing as a survivor with friends is a blast (and terrifying), as you work together to repair generators and avoid becoming the killer's next victim. The king of asymmetrical co-op horror games on Steam, no doubt.
Why it's Great for Co-op Horror Fans:
- Asymmetrical gameplay creates unique and dynamic co-op experiences.
- Playing as survivors requires teamwork and strategic thinking to outwit the killer.
- Huge roster of killers and survivors with different perks and abilities.
- Constantly updated with new content and killers from famous horror franchises.
Dead by Daylight
Trapped forever in a realm of eldritch evil where even death is not an escape, four determined Survivors face a bloodthirsty Killer in a vicious game of nerve and wits. Pick a side and step into a world of tension and terror with horror gaming's best asymmetrical multiplayer.Lethal Company
The breakout co-op horror sensation! In Lethal Company, you and your crew are intergalactic scavengers, tasked with braving abandoned, industrialized moons to meet your company's profit quota. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. These moons are teeming with terrifying creatures, and your janky equipment and limited resources mean teamwork and a healthy dose of dark humor are essential for survival (and maybe making quota!). Expect hilarious moments of panic, strategic resource management, and genuine scares as you try to make a living in a hilariously deadly universe. A must-play for viral co-op horror games on Steam.
Why it's Great for Co-op Horror Fans:
- Unique blend of horror and dark humor creates a memorable co-op experience.
- High-stakes scavenging gameplay emphasizes teamwork and risk-taking.
- Endearingly janky and physics-based gameplay leads to emergent funny and scary moments.
- Massive viral popularity and active community ensures plenty of co-op fun.
Lethal Company
A co-op horror about scavenging at abandoned moons to sell scrap to the Company.R.E.P.O.
Fancy a spooky salvage mission with your friends? Sounds like a recipe for disaster! In R.E.P.O., you and your co-op crew dive into creepy locations to recover valuable loot. But watch out – terrifying monsters are lurking, and they're just as affected by physics as the precious objects you're trying to grab. Imagine the chaos of physics-based horror with proximity chat adding to the tension! Coordination and communication are key as you navigate unsettling environments and try to survive the night. If you're hunting for a fresh and frightening co-op horror experience on Steam, R.E.P.O. could be your next obsession.
Why it's Great for Co-op Horror Fans:
- Physics-based gameplay creates emergent and unpredictable co-op moments.
- Proximity voice chat heightens the tension and the need for communication.
- Scary monsters and unsettling environments for a truly terrifying experience.
- Salvage missions that require coordination and teamwork to complete successfully.
Content Warning
Want to become internet famous for all the wrong (and terrifying) reasons? Content Warning throws you and your friends into the Spooky Zone to film scary content for views. Face terrifying physics-based monsters, dwindling oxygen, and your own shaky camerawork as you try to capture footage scary enough to go viral. It's janky, hilarious, and genuinely scary in moments, especially when played with friends who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the perfect scary shot. Perfect for fans of short-form, chaotic co-op horror games on Steam.
Why it's Great for Co-op Horror Fans:
- Unique "scare-for-views" premise adds a humorous and competitive edge to co-op horror.
- Physics-based monsters and environments create unpredictable and funny scares.
- Short, replayable runs are perfect for quick co-op horror sessions.
- Viral popularity and streamer-friendly gameplay make it fun to share the scares.
Content Warning
Film your friends doing scary things to become SpöökTube famous! (strongly advised to not go alone)Honorable Mentions: More Co-op Scares to Explore on Steam
Still craving more co-op chills? Here are a few more good co-op horror games on Steam that deserve a shout-out:
Back 4 Blood
Back 4 Blood is a thrilling cooperative first-person shooter from the creators of the critically acclaimed Left 4 Dead franchise. Experience the intense 4 player co-op narrative campaign, competitive multiplayer as human or Ridden, and frenetic gameplay that keeps you in the action.
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.
Remnant: From the Ashes
The world has been thrown into chaos by an ancient evil from another dimension. As one of the last remnants of humanity, you must set out alone or alongside up to two other survivors to face down hordes of deadly enemies to try to carve a foothold, rebuild, and retake what was lost.
Dying Light
First-person action survival game set in a post-apocalyptic open world overrun by flesh-hungry zombies. Roam a city devastated by a mysterious virus epidemic. Scavenge for supplies, craft weapons, and face hordes of the infected.
Sons Of The Forest
Sent to find a missing billionaire on a remote island, you find yourself in a cannibal-infested hellscape. Craft, build, and struggle to survive, alone or with friends, in this terrifying new open-world survival horror simulator.
Killing Floor 2
In KILLING FLOOR 2, players descend into continental Europe after it has been overrun by horrific, murderous clones called Zeds that were created by rogue elements of the Horzine Corporation. 6-player Co-Op & 12-player VS Zed-slaughtering mayhem.
7 Days to Die
7 Days to Die is an open-world game that is a unique combination of first-person shooter, survival horror, tower defense, and role-playing games. Play the definitive zombie survival sandbox RPG that came first. Navezgane awaits!
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.Co-op Horror for Every Squad Size: From Duos to Four (or More!)
Got a tight-knit duo? A squad of four ready to scream? Or even a bigger group of brave souls? Not all co-op horror games on Steam are built for the same player counts. Here's a quick guide to help you find games that fit your group size:
Best for 2-Player Co-op
Labyrinthine (can play with more, but great for 2)
The Forest (excellent with 2, scales well with more)
Remnant: From the Ashes (designed for 1-3 players, shines in 2-player co-op)
Cry of Fear (Campaign is designed for single-player but has co-op scenarios that can be fun with 2)
Sons Of The Forest (Excellent in 2-player, scales to larger groups)
Content Warning (Scales well with 2 players, still scary and fun)
Great for 4-Player Co-op
GTFO (designed for 4-player squads, intense teamwork required)
Phasmophobia (classic 4-player ghost hunting)
Back 4 Blood (4-player zombie slaying action)
DEVOUR (1-4 players, scales well)
Lethal Company (Designed for 4-player co-op for optimal chaos and fun)
7 Days to Die (4-player co-op shines, can handle even more)
Escape the Backrooms (4-player co-op for maze exploration)
Killing Floor 2 (Up to 6 players, but 4 is a great core squad size)
Supports More Than 4 Players
Dead by Daylight (1 killer vs. 4 survivors - 5 players total in a match)
Killing Floor 2 (Officially up to 6 players)
7 Days to Die (Officially up to 8 players, can be modded for more)
Remember to check the Steam store page for the exact player counts supported by each game!
Pro-Tips for Co-op Horror Survival: Don't Be That Guy (or Gal)!
Alright, you've got your game, you've got your friends… now you just need to, you know, survive together. Playing co-op horror isn't just about shooting monsters and running away screaming (though there will be plenty of that). Here are some essential pro-tips to make sure you and your crew don't just become monster chow:
Communication is KEY (and We Mean KEY)
Seriously, talk to each other! Co-op horror games are all about teamwork, and you can't have teamwork without talking. Call out enemy positions, share resources, warn your buddy about that creepy noise behind them… Don't be silent protagonists unless you want to be monster food. Discord, in-game voice chat, even just yelling across the room – whatever works, use it! Effective communication in co-op horror games is the difference between victory and becoming a jump scare victim.
Roles & Responsibilities (Divide and Conquer, Don't Just Panic)
In some co-op horror games, you might have different character classes or roles. Figure out who's good at what and play to your strengths. Maybe someone's the designated medic, someone else is the resource hoarder, and someone else is the brave (or reckless) front-liner. Even if there aren't official roles, you can still divvy up tasks. "You watch the back, I'll check this room," is way better than everyone scrambling around doing the same thing (and probably getting eaten). Strategic role assignment in co-op horror can seriously improve your survival chances.
Share the Loot (Hoarding is for Horror Movie Villains)
Yeah, that ammo looks tempting, and that health pack is calling your name. But in co-op horror, resources are usually scarce. Don't be that person who snags everything for themselves and leaves their teammates high and dry. Share ammo, share health, share crafting materials. Everyone surviving is better than just you surviving (and then probably dying alone anyway). Resource management in co-op horror is a team effort!
Stick Together (But Not Too Clumped Up)
There's safety in numbers, right? Mostly. Sticking together in co-op horror is generally a good idea, especially when things get hairy. But don't be a conga line of terror either. Spread out just enough so you're not all getting hit by the same area-of-effect attack or jump scare. Knowing when to huddle and when to spread out is a key skill. Team positioning in co-op horror scenarios can save your lives (and ammo).
Don't Be Afraid to Be the Bait (Sometimes)
Okay, maybe "bait" is a bit harsh. But sometimes, in co-op horror, someone needs to take one for the team. Distract the monster, draw aggro, be the decoy while your buddy revives you or grabs that crucial item. It's not glorious, but hey, it might just save the whole team. Just make sure your "sacrifice" is strategic, not just you running screaming into the darkness alone. Strategic distraction in co-op horror is a valid tactic!
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