Steam
Steam has long been the go to platform for indie game lovers, thanks to its massive game library and active community. Many developers choose to publish their games there for free, giving players a chance to try something new without spending any money. And if you’re into the creepy stuff, just log in to your Steam account and you’ll find no shortage of free horror games that are surprisingly well-made and ready to give you a good scare.
Best Free Horror Games on Steam You Can Download Today
1. Doki Doki Literature Club!
As innocent as it looks, this game turns psychological horror into something deeply disturbing, covered under cheerful music and anime school aesthetics. A well-written storyline, great gameplay, and visualizations – for those who want to experience a slightly different kind of thrill.
2. Cry of Fear
Originally a Half-Life mod, this title has evolved into a one of the most popular horror full standalone games. Cry of Fear takes the premise of Silent Hill‘s otherworld and puts it into a first-person survival shooter with multiple ending scenarios.
3. No More Room in Hell
A multiplayer zombie survival horror game where cooperation is key. It’s tense, gritty, and filled with sudden shocks. Even though it was released back in 2011, the game has truly stood the test of time, thanks to regular updates that continue to surprise players.
4. Spooky’s Jump Scare Mansion
It starts out cute and funny and may look like small children’s game, but don’t get comfortable. With each floor the game builds up the horror, so be patient.
5. Deceit
Deceit has gone through some changes over time, and while some may argue it’s not quite as sharp as it once was, it’s still an excellent asymmetrical multiplayer horror experience. The game places you in a mysterious facility with other players, a few of whom are secretly infected. Your job? Complete objectives, manage scarce resources, and survive long enough to escape. It really keeps you on edge and forces to be quick, especially when the monster come out to play.
6. Dark Deception
Fast-paced, arcade-style horror with a surprising amount of strategy. Think Pac-Man with monsters chasing you.
7. The Supper
Short but stylish, this pixel art horror adventure has a dark charm with just the right amount of creepiness. The main character’s goal is to collect ingredients and cook dinner for her fancy guests, but as the game progresses, the story gets much deeper and reveals a sinister twist.
8. We Went Back
Time loops, abandoned space stations, and a whole lot of atmosphere. A perfect short game for sci-fi horror fans. Although the game has a bit of a slow pace, which can be not for everyones taste, but it helps to build the tension.
9. Project: Kat – Paper Lily Prologue
A psychological horror RPG with beautiful hand-drawn visuals. Although overall the game is a bit short but it does offer some interesting and uniques puzzles and mysteries, as well as a multiple different endings. In 2024 the game creators also released a sequel – “Paper Lily – Chapter 1“, so if you enjoy the prologue, make sure to check this one too!
10. Pineview Drive – Homeless
Pineview Drive – Homeless is a direct sequel to the game Pineview Drive, a perfect mix of adventure and psychological horror. This game offers a creepy experience where your fear level affects gameplay. The better you control your nerves, the easier it gets.
11. Deathly Stillness
Despite being developed in just 17 days (according to the creator), the game managed to impress the gaming community and horror fans. Some even consider it the best free horror game currently available on Steam. In this short but intense zombie shooter, players make their way using powerful weapons. and basic character customization, making it a fun and fast-paced experience for those looking to unload some firepower in a dark and gritty setting.
12. SCP: Secret Laboratory
Set in the popular SCP universe, this indie horror multiplayer experience lets you play as scientists, guards, or the SCP entities themselves. For a game that came out in 2017, it’s surprisingly well thought out. The multiplayer elements are solid, with each role offering a different way to play. If you’re looking for a game that mixes teamwork with suspense and paranoia, definitely check this one out.
13. Ginkgo
A single player 3D horror game inspired by East Asian horror, Ginkgo focuses more on stealth and atmosphere rather than jumpscares. It challenges players to think outside the box with creative and unique puzzles that add depth and tension to the overall experience.
14. Ann
Ann takes inspiration from classic RPG Maker horror games and ends up delivering one of the best free-to-play experiences on Steam. The visual and audio presentation is top-notch, blending smooth animation with classic 2D sprite gameplay. A adventure horror game with a puzzle element where you must help the digital art student named Ann escape the other side of the school.
15. Wrong Floor
A short but very intense experience that’s perfect for players looking for a quick dose of terror with solid sound design. The story follows your character being trapped in a broken elevator that suddenly plummets. Your goal is to react quickly and survive through increasingly intense floors as the suspense builds.
Multiplayer or Solo?
One of the cool things about the free horror games on Steam is the variety in how you can experience the gaming itself. If you like figuring things out alone, titles like Project: Kat, Ginkgo, or Wrong Floor deliver that personal, atmospheric kind of horror. On the other hand, if you’d rather scream with friends (or leave them behind), multiplayer games like Deceit or SCP: Secret Laboratory offer just that.
What Makes These Horror Games Stand Out?
While “free” can sometimes be a warning sign and mean not the best gaming experience, that’s not the case here. Every single game in this list is definitely worth checking out, whether it’s through clever storytelling, unique puzzles that require good thinking or intense action that later doesn’t let you sleep properly, we’re sure you will find something just for your taste. And because they’re all free horror games on Steam, trying one doesn’t cost you anything but a few minutes of courage.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend money to enjoy quality horror, especially when there are so many free horror games on Steam ready to test your bravery. From jump scares to slow-burn psychological thrillers, Steam has a free horror title for everyone. Just don’t blame us if you leave the lights on afterward.
