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
Layers of Fear (2016)
Layers of Fear is a first-person psychedelic horror game with a heavy focus on story and exploration. Players take control of a painter whose sole purpose is to finish his Magnum Opus. The player must navigate a constantly changing Victorian-era mansion and ghastly visions of the painter’s psyche.
We Know the Devil
WE KNOW THE DEVIL is a visual novel about teens reluctantly fighting the devil at summer camp. Follow meangirl Neptune, tomboy Jupiter, and shy shy Venus as they get to know each other--but one always gets left out.
Blood and Bacon
This Co-op Shooter , has Day and Night levels, multiple maps, players will take on 25 enemy types and numerous bosses, like Gargantuan Monsters and Minibosses every 10 days as you explore, shoot and run for your life against the onslaught of porcine monstrosities.
Rusty Lake Hotel
Are you ready to serve the guests in the Rusty Lake Hotel? Solve all mysteries in this dark and eerie puzzle game. Rusty Lake Hotel is a point-and-click adventure by the creators of the Rusty Lake & Cube Escape series.
INFRA
INFRA puts you into the boots of a structural analyst on a routine mission. Quickly though, your task turns into a fight for survival, all caused by deep-rooted schemes of the past. Your tools are simple: your camera and the wits to navigate a labyrinth of debris.
Pony Island
Pony Island is a suspense puzzle game in disguise. You are in limbo, trapped in a malevolent and malfunctioning arcade machine devised by the devil himself. It is not a game about ponies.
Gnomes Garden
Dry summer withered the king’s beloved garden and the surrounding gardens of the kingdom alike. The ruler has fallen ill and the kingdom is in danger. Help the princess save the gardens and make the king better again.
Emily Wants To Play
It’s 11pm and the last house on your route. The windows are boarded up, the yard is overgrown, but the lights are on and the front door is open… strange place to deliver a pizza. You’re getting soaked from the rain, so you hesitantly step inside the house. You shouldn’t have done that.
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
A 15 minute heist game by Crows Crows Crows & Directed by William Pugh (The Stanley Parable). Slip into the soft-soled shoes of the mastermind responsible for the greatest heist- oh god I can’t do this any more, i’m joining the strike. good luck writing the steam description. -tina
Reveal The Deep
Reveal The Deep is a short exploration game set in the wreck of a 19th century steamship. Navigate through expansive levels, uncovering the stories of the ship's demise and it's passengers. Keep your nerve, your wits about you, and prepare to reveal the secrets of the deep.
Mayjasmine Episode01 - What is God?
Ho Yu-Chen received his friend Wan Zi-Jin's invitation, and set on to leave the familiar Taiwan to start a new life with Wan's daughter, Wan Yu-Qing, as an accountant, in Indonesia. Yet with the addition of the mysterious girl, Cocoa, what kinds of events shall turn out to be?
Carpe Diem
Seize the day
The Consuming Shadow
The Consuming Shadow is a procedural survival horror adventure in which you must explore the land, fight your way through randomly-generated dungeons and try to stay sane in your quest to save the world from the invading Ancients.
Cinderella Escape! R12
Cinderella is locked in the dungeon. What happened to her? Can she escape the dungeon? Cinderella needs your help!
Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
THE GAME OF LIFE
THE GAME OF LIFE showcases a beautifully rendered digital game board, cards and spinner that capture the fun of the Classic game full of adventure & surprises! THE GAME OF LIFE will take players on a journey where fortunes can be won…and lost!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 20th 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 26,386 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
730,347
31,726
26,386
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 20,402 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
20,402
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 2,363 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
2,363
players
4. 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 1,615 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.0
90,851
8,951
1,615
players
5. 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 1,495 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.2
40,285
2,690
1,495
players
6. 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 1,125 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.0
63,118
6,036
1,125
players
7. 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 1,013 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
8.5
17,890
2,634
1,013
players
8. MiSide
Let's imagine that you have a game in which you care for a character. But could you imagine one day getting into that game yourself? MiSide is a psychological horror, cute and story rich game developed by AIHASTO and published by IndieArk and Shochiku (Japan). Released on December 10th 2024 has received 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 755 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.7
105,670
2,049
755
players
9. SILENT HILL 2
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2. SILENT HILL 2 is a psychological horror, horror and survival horror game developed by Bloober Team SA and published by KONAMI. Released on October 07th 2024 has received 41,621 reviews of which 39,660 were positive and 1,961 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 742 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played psychological horror games.
9.3
39,660
1,961
742
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 566 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
566
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 20th 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. 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 #6 position in the best deals for psychological horror games.
8.2
586
90
-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 2,726 reviews of which 2,564 were positive and 162 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
162
-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. Intruders: Hide and Seek
Intruders: Hide and Seek is a first-person stealth game, an intense thriller combining intense psychological terror with the point of view of a defenseless boy. Intruders: Hide and Seek is a adventure, action and indie game developed by Tessera Studios and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on September 26th 2019 has received 328 reviews of which 232 were positive and 96 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
232
96
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
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 20th 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 533, 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
533
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 465, 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
465
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. 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. Attracting a solid base of 108 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.4
10,013
282
108
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.1
1,305
47
98
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. 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
52
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played free psychological horror games on Steam.
9.1
7,937
505
43
players