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
Burning Daylight
Waking up naked in a slaughterhouse, you must escape and travel through a dystopian world to uncover the truth of your origins. Burning Daylight is a sci-fi adventure game, set in a dystopian future with light puzzle elements and environmental storytelling.
Zanki Zero: Last Beginning
Explore the ruins, dungeons, and islands in this post-apocalyptic world through the POV of eight protagonists as they fight for survival and search for meaning in their never-ending cycles of life and death.
Vacation Simulator
The latest VR sensation from the creators of ‘Job Simulator’, now with free DLC! Welcome to Vacation Simulator: a rough approximation of VACATION inspired by real human NOT JOBBING. Reallocate your bandwidth and get ready to splash, s’more, snowball, and selfie your way to optimal relaxation.
JermaSlots
Ever wanted to step in the compact shoes of everyone's favorite TWITCH streamer, Jerma985 and spend your hard earned BIG BITS on a slot machine? Well now is your chance!
Curious Cases
For Desktop or VR! In this 3 chapter story, you play as a modern day legend, Detective Thomas Moore. He has solved more cases than one can count, where others hit dead-ends, he gets to work.
I'm on Observation Duty
As an employee of a mysterious organization your job is to monitor live surveillance camera footage and spot anomalies using your sharp eyes and good memory. Can you survive the entire night shift or will you succumb into paranoia?
Trap Shrine
The Goddess was a Crossdresser?! The enshrined deity turned out to be a cross dressing Goddess that was sealed to... marry ME?! The cross dressing legend starts here!
Blood Trail
You are Wendigo. A hard-hearted contract killer tasked with annihilating a fanatical cult. With your trusted arsenal at the ready, experience what has been called "The most violent game in VR". EARLY ACCESS includes RAID, ARENA and SANDBOX modes with a story campaign and much more on the way.
Tree Simulator 2020
It's exactly what it sounds like. You are the tree! You are equaled by no other. Relax and be the best tree you can be.
Skirmish Line
Experience the brutality and randomness of war as an Allied tactical commander in the Pacific Theater during World War 2. Train, equip, and command a squad of soldiers as you fight against the fanatical Imperial Japanese Empire.
Shadow Corridor
Now on Steam, revamped with brand new content! Immerse yourself in the latest chapter of the popular, Japanese indie horror title, Kageroh: Shadow Corridor. Survive against the onslaught of horrors that lie in wait in eerie, traditional Japanese locales that change with every playthrough.
Tick Tock: A Tale for Two
You and your friend are trapped in a mystical world. As time ebbs away you must solve increasingly complex puzzles to escape. Cooperation is key as neither of you have the full picture! Play on two devices, local or remotely, all you need is a voice connection.
ШХД: ЗИМА / IT'S WINTER
Panel houses, snow, overcast sky, tiny kitchen, shabby staircase… It's Winter is an indie game which genre could be classified as sandbox, post-soviet, sad 3d, russian sadness. Nothing awaits you: there is no chance to get out, no room for adventures and breathtaking plot.
Intruder
The ultimate spy-vs-guards simulator. Carefully sneak your way to the objective as Intruders or use the wide variety of tactical gadgets to trap your opponents as Guards. Intruder allows for stealth, teamwork, and environmental interactions never before seen in a multiplayer game.
When the Darkness comes
When the Darkness comes is a walking simulator whose glitchy and dark tale tries to illustrate the hardships of depression and anxiety through a variety of imaginary digital landscapes.
Pogostuck: Rage With Your Friends
Climb a surreal mountain on a pogo stick and make friends along the way.
CASE 2: Animatronics Survival
CASE 2: Animatronics Survival is a horror game that is available in two modes. Online mode lets one or more players take on the role of animatronics, ready to crush everyone and everything. The other three are survivors. How did this happen? You’ll have to find out!
Tiny Snow
On the snowy mountain, in the wooden hut, we are tied together by the world. She and "I" can only love each other, we cannot be separated. Is this free affection, or manipulated love? A short visual novel with multiple endings, "Tiny Snow", a story with two girls, and you who know what love is.
Moe! Ninja Girls
You transfer to a school and start a new school life...all the while hiding you're a genius ninja.
Pacify
There is reportedly an evil inside that house. Something about an old funeral parlor offering a last chance to talk to their dead loved ones. Plus something about lights, laughter, a girl, missing people, etc... You know the same stuff everyone claims. Take a team, and check the place out.
How To Date A Magical Girl!
You're invited to the elite academy for magical girls! Will you take the opportunity to make new friends? Learn magic? Or... Will you try to date a cute magical girl?
Wet Girl
This is a unique first-person spraying game. Take a water gun and spray the hot dancing girls, and when you wet their clothes completely, you win. When you see their angry expressions or hear them panting, don't stop spraying just for the sake of your pity on them.
A Fisherman's Tale
Bend and twist reality in A Fisherman's Tale, the mind-bending VR puzzle adventure game in which being turned upside down and inside out is not merely a play on words.
CHAOS;CHILD
From the creators of the critically acclaimed STEINS;GATE comes a sensational new visual novel: CHAOS;CHILD. Set in Shibuya in 2015, a group of high school students who survived an earthquake six years ago find themselves at the center of a new series of bizarre murders in the city.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 19th 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 152,541 reviews of which 139,683 were positive and 12,858 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 20,402 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.0
139,683
12,858
20,402
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 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. While seeing 19,764 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
730,347
31,726
19,764
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 2,315 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
2,315
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 1,215 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
1,215
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 1,162 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
1,162
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 20,524 reviews of which 17,890 were positive and 2,634 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 948 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
8.5
17,890
2,634
948
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 42,975 reviews of which 40,285 were positive and 2,690 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 782 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.2
40,285
2,690
782
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 41,621 reviews of which 39,660 were positive and 1,961 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 709 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.3
39,660
1,961
709
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 107,719 reviews of which 105,670 were positive and 2,049 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 561 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.7
105,670
2,049
561
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 79,131 reviews of which 76,965 were positive and 2,166 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 560 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.6
76,965
2,166
560
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 19th 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 5,676 reviews of which 5,405 were positive and 271 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
5,405
271
-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 54,959 reviews of which 50,192 were positive and 4,767 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in psychological horror games.
9.0
50,192
4,767
-95%
30.60€
1.53€
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 863 reviews of which 695 were positive and 168 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in psychological horror games.
7.7
695
168
-94%
35.50€
2.13€
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 1,732 reviews of which 1,311 were positive and 421 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
421
-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 4,768 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 #5 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
8.6
4,224
544
-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 5,958 reviews of which 5,433 were positive and 525 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
5,433
525
-91%
19.56€
1.76€
7. 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 676 reviews of which 586 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
8.2
586
90
-91%
12.44€
1.12€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
9
2,564
161
-90%
9.75€
0.97€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
8.5
3,513
492
-90%
12.99€
1.29€
10. Alone in the Dark
Return to Derceto Manor in this reimagination of Alone in the Dark, a love letter to the 90’s cult classic horror game. Alone in the Dark is a psychological horror, lovecraftian and horror game developed by Pieces Interactive and published by THQ Nordic. Released on March 20th 2024 has received 3,405 reviews of which 2,700 were positive and 705 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 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.
7.7
2,700
705
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
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 19th 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 20,402 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
20,402
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 209,557 reviews of which 202,146 were positive and 7,411 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 491, this psychological horror game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.5
202,146
7,411
491
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 73,301 reviews of which 64,872 were positive and 8,429 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 438, this psychological horror game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
64,872
8,429
438
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. Attracting a solid base of 147 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
14,569
1,746
147
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.1
1,305
47
98
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 10,295 reviews of which 10,013 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
10,013
282
82
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 8,437 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 #7 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.7
7,589
848
70
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.4
10,444
1,665
58
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 psychological horror game developed by kikiyama and published by PLAYISM. Released on January 09th 2018 has received 8,442 reviews of which 7,937 were positive and 505 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
7,937
505
55
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 10,684 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 #10 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
8.8
9,713
971
51
players