5 Best Horror Games on Steam (December 2023)

Horror games are all about scary surprises and creepy stories. This genre has consistently been a favorite, drawing players into the spine-chilling narratives that awaken our primal fears. They can give you a real scare, even if you're just sitting at home. And Steam has loads of these spooky titles. Some are quiet and creepy, while others might make you jump out of your chair. With so many choices available, how do you find the best ones? We've looked through the list and found the best horror games on Steam for you. If you love a good scare and want to know which games are the most chilling, just keep reading.

5. Alien: Isolation

Starting off our spooky lineup at number 5 is Alien: Isolation, a standout title among the best horror games on Steam. This game is all about survival and fear, and you get to play as Amanda Ripley, daughter of the famous Ellen Ripley from the Alien movies. She’s on a space station trying to find out what happened to her mom, but instead, she runs into a scary alien that just won't give up the chase. This game is like a horror movie that you control, creeping through tight, dark hallways where danger feels like it's always right behind you.

But you're not just fighting against the alien; you're up against the space station itself, with its creepy corners and blinking lights that make you want to look over your shoulder. You have to keep an eye out for useful things that can help you stay alive, and you've got to be smart about what you carry with you, which makes the game feel even more real and scary. Also, the game is really good at making you feel all alone, with clues and secrets hidden around that make you want to explore, even when you're scared of what you might find.

4. Outlast 2

Outlast 2 is the kind of horror game that turns any quiet evening into a heart-pounding experience. It's known for delivering scares that stick with you. In this game, you're Blake Langermann, a cameraman who along with his wife, dives deep into the mysteries of rural Arizona to investigate a murder. As Blake, you find yourself in a creepy village where it seems like the sun never rises, and the locals are far from welcoming. You have three choices: run, hide, or end up caught. The terror is constant, powered by the game's simple yet effective mechanics.

Then there's the camera. Your trusty video camera is what you use to see in the dark, but it's also your biggest challenge. It's like your lifeline in the darkness, a small window of sight that makes you feel both safe and scared at the same time. When the camera's battery starts to run low, so does your confidence. The game's way of telling its story is just as scary as the story itself. The twisted images and strange symbols you come across are the kind that stick in your mind long after you stop playing. All in all, it is one of the best horror games on Steam that you can't miss.

3. SOMA

SOMA stands out on the list of the best horror games on Steam, not because it's full of jump scares, but because it messes with your head. In this game, you wake up in an underwater lab called PATHOS-II, and right away, things feel off. You're playing as Simon Jarrett, and you quickly learn that this isn't where you're supposed to be. The game's deep-sea setting makes you feel small and trapped, a feeling that gets under your skin as you play.

Moreover, SOMA is really good at making you feel tense without the usual horror game tricks. Frictional Games knows how to create a spooky mood just by using sounds and the game's environment. The whole time, you're hearing the lab making weird sounds, which reminds you that there's a whole ocean just waiting to come crashing in. It's a game that's scary because of the story and the setting, not because things pop out at you, and that's why it's special on Steam's horror game list.

2. The Outlast Trials

Continuing our list of the best horror on Steam, The Outlast Trials is gearing up to be a new fan favorite. With a setting in the Cold War era, players become unwilling test subjects in a twisted experiment run by the Murkoff Corporation. But you're not alone in this dark journey, though. The game lets you decide whether to face the horrors solo or team up with friends. Dive into challenges by yourself or work with a group of up to four. Although teaming up isn't required for all the game's tasks, having allies can make a big difference in surviving and finding your way out of the sinister facility.

The gameplay stays true to the Outlast roots, it's all about staying out of sight, dodging enemies, and running for your life when you need to. The creators have thrown in a bunch of handy tools to help you keep hidden or make a quick getaway. You'll have the chance to stun your pursuers, blind them, peek through walls, and patch yourself up if you get hurt. Just remember, these tools have to be earned and improved upon as you play, adding to the challenge.

1. Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village delivers a different kind of survival horror with incredibly realistic graphics and a first-person view that puts you right in the middle of the action. You play as Ethan Winters, who, after going through terrifying events in the previous game, is trying to start a fresh life with his wife Mia. But peace doesn't last long, and soon Ethan is thrown into another nightmarish adventure. This time around, the game makes sure you feel every fight and scary moment up close, thanks to playing from Ethan's perspective.

Ethan's story in Resident Evil Village starts off peaceful but quickly turns dark when a new disaster strikes. The game is full of twists that keep you guessing and foes that will stalk Ethan relentlessly. There's a mix of familiar faces and mysterious new characters, and one of the big surprises is Chris Redfield, a hero from past games, who now seems to have some dark secrets. The village itself is full of dangers, and you have to figure out how to survive against a bunch of terrifying enemies who are all out to get you. It undoubtedly earns a spot on our list of best horror games on Steam.

So, what's your take on our list? Are there any other titles on Steam that have given you the same level of thrill and suspense? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.