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
It gets so lonely here
A yandere yuri visual novel with a fairytale theme. Can you escape from your mysterious pursuer?
The Baby In Yellow
You've got a new babysitting job, and things are taking a turn for the weird. Feed him, read him a bedtime story, and try not to fall into his dreams. How long can you stay in control?
Pawperty Damage
Smash, kick, stomp and chomp your way through a fully destructible city! Go to town in this cathartic action sandbox, either alone or in split screen local multiplayer.
Kuroinu Redux
Desperate to end a bloody war, the Seven Shields Alliance—led by an elven goddess incarnate—seek out the assistance of the protagonist Vult and his Black Dog Mercenaries. He turns on them and takes control in this visual novel story of betrayal.
SubwaySim Hamburg
Explore the picturesque U3 line of Hamburg's elevated railroad in the new SubwaySim Hamburg!
Standable: Full Body Estimation
Standable Full Body Estimation is a method of estimating points of your body that are not currently tracked by 3-point tracking solutions.
Garten of Banban 3
Embrace the horrors of Banban’s Kindergarten. Delve even deeper into the depths of the establishment that was left suspiciously empty. Try to survive the unexpected residents and continue the search for your child…
Idol Showdown
Made by hololive fans, for hololive fans. Idol Showdown is the definitive fan-made hololive fighting game experience, powered by rollback netcode. Engage in exciting duels as your favorite hololive talent and prove once and for all who the strongest idol is using the game’s easy-to-learn controls.
Propagation: Paradise Hotel
Trapped inside the Paradise Hotel, you are desperate to find your sister. Explore dark surroundings, gather resources, and survive terrifying encounters. This intense single-player VR survival horror game with great storytelling will get your adrenaline pumping.
Paper Bride 4 Bound Love
"Paper Bride 4 Bound Love" is a Chinese horror puzzle game, the fourth work in the "Paper Bride" series. Welcome everyone to return to the world of Paper Bride. This time, let us uncover the secrets of Yichang Town together.
Wretched Depths
Play as Sam and fish to your hearts content, sell fish you've caught, collect better gear, and use it to explore the depths of the mysterious lake, but be warned as no one knows what lies at the bottom. Wretched Depths is a PSX-style horror fishing game created by students at the University of Utah.
SCP: Observer
SCP: Observer is a frightening experience in which you'll play the role of a maintenance engineer trapped inside a security room. Survive by managing the emergency power supply, monitoring the facility's camera system for threats and blocking the paths of oncoming horrors.
Amanda the Adventurer
Join Amanda and her pal Wooly on a series of adventures as they explore and learn about our wonderful world! With several NEW play-along, laugh-along, learn-along episodes there's always fun to be had! Just make sure to do everything Amanda says or she might get angry.
Hush Hush - Only Your Love Can Save Them
A Visual Novel with a twist - improve skills, charm girls, and learn dangerous secrets... by any means necessary.
Cave Crawler
Cave Crawler is a short horror game where you pilot a drone into a cave and discover something horrible.
Pets Hotel
Welcome to Pets Hotel, a place where you can start the business you always dreamed of! Pets Hotel gives you a unique opportunity to build, design, and run a place where pets can feel at home. Cats, dogs, turtles, and many other animals are waiting for you to take care of them!
I Did Not Buy This Ticket
Weep for the dead! In this short psychological horror story, play as a professional mourner travelling between funerals. Ride a nightmarish bus whose destination depends on how you choose to face your traumas.
Sherlock Holmes The Awakened
Experience a nerve-racking Lovecraftian adventure, rebuilt from the ground up with modern graphics and gameplay. Become Sherlock Holmes, and find yourself at the heart of the terrifying Cthulhu Mythos as you investigate a series of mysterious disappearances in Europe and the US.
The Test: Secrets of the Soul 2
You will answer questions that will reveal things deep within. Some will be uncomfortable, but with great knowledge comes great sacrifice. Can you make it all the way through The Test, and are you SURE you want the answers you seek? For it is time to once again unlock "Secrets of the Soul..."
The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog...was murdered!? Get to the bottom of the mystery in this brand-new adventure!
Papa's Freezeria Deluxe
Return to Calypso Island to serve seasonal sundae treats in Papa's Freezeria Deluxe! Craft sundaes in the Freezeria for all your quirky customers while earning tips, points and Special Recipes. Switch gears and take a trip in the Food Truck to concoct your own chilly creations and see who shows up!
BETON BRUTAL
Climb a massive overgrown concrete tower while constantly at risk of falling and losing precious progress. BETON BRUTAL offers a fluid and responsive first person parkour experience through tranquil brutalist architecture.
DREDGE
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.
Crimson Snow (2023)
Christmas is a joyful time, but this time something dark is hiding behind the holiday decorations. Your actions will determine whether you and your girlfriend survive Christmas night.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 April 16th 2025.
1. 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 762,073 reviews of which 730,347 were positive and 31,726 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played psychological horror game, thanks to its 10,531 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
730,347
31,726
10,531
players
2. 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 152,541 reviews of which 139,683 were positive and 12,858 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 3,291 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among psychological horror games based on player count.
9.0
139,683
12,858
3,291
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 64,587 reviews of which 60,364 were positive and 4,223 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 1,607 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
60,364
4,223
1,607
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 69,154 reviews of which 63,118 were positive and 6,036 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,166 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.0
63,118
6,036
1,166
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 99,802 reviews of which 90,851 were positive and 8,951 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 666 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.0
90,851
8,951
666
players
6. 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 42,827 reviews of which 40,141 were positive and 2,686 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 593 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.2
40,141
2,686
593
players
7. 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 41,296 reviews of which 39,355 were positive and 1,941 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 568 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.4
39,355
1,941
568
players
8. 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 20,524 reviews of which 17,890 were positive and 2,634 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 511 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
8.5
17,890
2,634
511
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 107,104 reviews of which 105,086 were positive and 2,018 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 470 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.7
105,086
2,018
470
players
10. OMORI
Explore a strange world full of colorful friends and foes. When the time comes, the path you’ve chosen will determine your fate... and perhaps the fate of others as well. OMORI is a psychological horror, story rich and pixel graphics game developed and published by OMOCAT and LLC. Released on December 25th 2020 has received 78,918 reviews of which 76,757 were positive and 2,161 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 460 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.6
76,757
2,161
460
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 April 16th 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 5,658 reviews of which 5,389 were positive and 269 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
5,389
269
-96%
32.25€
1.29€
2. 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 854 reviews of which 688 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in psychological horror games.
7.7
688
166
-94%
35.50€
2.13€
3. 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 1,310 were positive and 421 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in psychological horror games.
7.3
1,310
421
-93%
29.57€
2.07€
4. 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 4,768 reviews of which 4,224 were positive and 544 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
8.6
4,224
544
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
5. Infliction
Wander through an interactive nightmare set within the confines of a once-happy household. Piece together the mystery behind a harrowing series of events while struggling to survive encounters with an entity that relentlessly stands in the way of finding absolution. Infliction is a horror, psychological horror and gore game developed and published by Caustic Reality. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 858 reviews of which 701 were positive and 157 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 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.
7.8
701
157
-92%
19.00€
1.52€
6. 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 671 reviews of which 583 were positive and 88 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 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.
8.2
583
88
-91%
12.44€
1.12€
7. Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition
Surrounded by enemies and assaulted by terror from all sides, Philip must collect clues and solve vexing puzzles while combating the gnawing psychological terrors that assail his mind and threaten to strip him of his sanity. Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition is a horror, adventure and first-person game developed and published by Frictional Games. Released on January 23rd 2009 has received 2,725 reviews of which 2,564 were positive and 161 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 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.
9
2,564
161
-90%
9.75€
0.97€
8. Pathologic Classic HD
Pathologic Classic HD is the Definitive Edition of the original Cult Classic Psychological First-Person Survival game. In this unforgettable experience, players control one of three unique characters as they try to save a mysterious town from a deadly plague that cannot be stopped. Pathologic Classic HD is a atmospheric, story rich and survival game developed by Ice-Pick Lodge and General Arcade and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on October 29th 2015 has received 4,005 reviews of which 3,513 were positive and 492 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
8.5
3,513
492
-90%
12.99€
1.29€
9. Rise of Insanity
In Rise of Insanity, as a doctor of psychology you will explore the darkest recesses of the human mind. Overcome your fear to find the truth behind the tragedy that has befallen your family. Rise of Insanity is a indie, adventure and horror game developed and published by Red Limb Studio. Released on March 01st 2018 has received 1,185 reviews of which 936 were positive and 249 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
7.6
936
249
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
10. Silver Chains
Silver Chains is a first-person horror game with a strong emphasis on story and exploration. Search for clues within an old abandoned manor to unravel the truth about the terrible events which have happened. Silver Chains is a horror, adventure and indie game developed by Cracked Heads Games and published by Headup. Released on August 06th 2019 has received 1,200 reviews of which 837 were positive and 363 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
6.7
837
363
-90%
24.99€
2.49€
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 April 16th 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 152,541 reviews of which 139,683 were positive and 12,858 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 3,291 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
139,683
12,858
3,291
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 209,377 reviews of which 201,969 were positive and 7,408 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 416, this psychological horror game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.5
201,969
7,408
416
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 73,111 reviews of which 64,708 were positive and 8,403 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 346, this psychological horror game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
64,708
8,403
346
players
4. 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 16,315 reviews of which 14,569 were positive and 1,746 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
14,569
1,746
76
players
5. 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 8,437 reviews of which 7,589 were positive and 848 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
7,589
848
56
players
6. 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 10,266 reviews of which 9,984 were positive and 282 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.4
9,984
282
51
players
7. Egg
egg Egg is a psychological horror game developed and published by KolbasinoGames. Released on February 03rd 2024 has received 12,109 reviews of which 10,444 were positive and 1,665 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.4
10,444
1,665
47
players
8. Saihate Station
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men. Saihate Station is a psychological horror, lgbtq+ and horror game developed and published by びぶ/viv. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,352 reviews of which 1,305 were positive and 47 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
1,305
47
44
players
9. 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 10,684 reviews of which 9,713 were positive and 971 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.8
9,713
971
41
players
10. Cats
Cats — and that says it all. Interactive cat clicker. Click on cats for new cats. That's all, really. Cats is a clicker, free to play and psychological horror game developed and published by 100 Cozy Games and Cats. Released on May 21st 2024 has received 4,086 reviews of which 3,182 were positive and 904 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
7.6
3,182
904
36
players