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
Don't Knock Twice
Don't Knock Twice is a first-person horror game based on a psychologically terrifying urban legend. One knock to wake her from her bed, twice to raise her from the dead. Supports VR on HTC Vive and Oculus Rift for the ultimate horror experience!
Life is Strange: Before the Storm
Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a new three part standalone story adventure set three years before the events of the first game. This time play as Chloe Price, a rebel who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber in a dramatic new story in the BAFTA award winning franchise.
Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
Wonderful Everyday is a visual novel with multiple routes which develops a story based on a few concepts: "the sky and the world", "the beginning and the end", "literature and science", "savior and hero", "brother and sister".
Distrust: Polar Survival
DISTRUST is an isometric survival adventure with procedural generation on an Arctic research station lost in the endless dark of a polar night. A story-rich fiction with multiple endings that suits both singleplayer fans and co-op enthusiasts.
Raging Loop
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
Notorious cult-classic Korean horror. Sneak into school at midnight to return your sweetheart's diary and get caught in a terrifying game of cat and mouse. Explore haunted hallways, solve classic survival horror puzzles and escape the clutches of a killer Janitor who is out for your blood.
Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul
AVAILABLE TO PLAY IN NON-VR (KEYBOARD/MOUSE AND CONTROLLER) VR HEADSET NO LONGER REQUIRED.“PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE LOST SOUL” immerses you in a terrifying realistic environment with haunting atmosphere, and the need to survive.
Shark Dating Simulator XL+
Shark Dating Simulator XL+ is a quick-to-play comedy visual novel with colorful cartoon characters and a multiple choice storyline with consequences for your actions. The only thing for sure is that at some point you'll make it with a shark girl. Go you!
Connected Hearts - Visual novel
Gary is caught in a strange dream and now he must overcome the adversities on his path or perish in the attempt. In this adventure you will meet 3 children in dream-like scenarios, next to a mysterious girl who talks about a promise.
Business Tour - Board Game with Online Multiplayer
"Business Tour" is a free to play multiplayer tabletop game. Build your monopoly with friends. Complete daily tasks, compete against the other players and receive trade items rewards!
The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
When seven people fall prey to a vicious curse, they will discover that horror rests not from the shadows lurking about, but within themselves. To what ends will one go in order to survive?
Lawnmower Game
Drive and cut grass first time in simulator game, with amazing lanwmower in big open world
This Strange Realm Of Mine
This Strange Realm Of Mine is a First Person Shooter mixed with poetry and psychological horror. Graphic style is 3D mixed with pixel art.
Hand Simulator
There are many different levels where you can play with spinners, plunge into the subtleties of handling weapons, milk a cow, take part in a Mexican duel with your friends, have a good time fishing, play chess or simply chat in an anonymous club.
Fly Simulator
You work as a waiter and lead an uphill battle for their clients. You pushing back the flies from the food, otherwise you'll never get anything. Maybe you are a hungry insect trying to increase their population? Choose the opposing side. The war is already underway.
Crimson Gray
John is a young man suffering from severe depression. As he loses his sense of purpose in life, he begins to see the world in unfocused gray. Just when he begins to lose all hope, John meets a girl... a very special girl.
Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls
Komaru Naegi has been imprisoned inside a mysterious apartment for over a year. Her rescue is derailed when hundreds of Monokumas suddenly attack. She teams up with Toko Fukawa to survive the rampaging Monokumas, escape the crafty Monokuma Kids, and uncover the secrets of the city.
welcome to heaven
Heaven... should feel better than this shouldn't it?
Chess Ultra
Introducing Chess Ultra; the most breathtaking chess game ever made. Experience stunning 4K visuals, seamless online multiplayer, Grandmaster approved AI and full VR compatibility.
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.
Kindergarten
Welcome to Kindergarten! Have fun trying to learn and share...and not die. That's important too. In a school that's just not quite right, it's important to be friendly...and take out those that aren't.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