Apps & Games Help You Choose
Gaming can be an expensive hobby, and horror games are no exception. But what if we told you that there are some terrifying games on Steam that won’t cost you a penny? Yes, you read that right. These games are available for free on the popular gaming platform and are guaranteed to give you a good scare.
In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best free horror games on Steam. From jump scares to psychological horror, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!
1. Cry of Fear
Cry of Fear is a free-to-play survival horror game developed by Team Psykskallar. The game was originally a Half-Life mod but was later released as a standalone game on Steam. Cry of Fear follows the story of a young man named Simon who wakes up in an alleyway with no memory of how he got there.
The game is known for its intense atmosphere and jump scares. It also features a co-op mode, allowing players to experience the horror with a friend. Cry of Fear has received critical acclaim for its story, gameplay, and overall scare factor.
| Developer | Team Psykskallar |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 25, 2013 |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Price | Free |
2. Spooky’s Jump Scare Mansion
Spooky’s Jump Scare Mansion, also known as Spooky’s House of Jump Scares, is a first-person horror game developed by Lag Studios. The game takes place in a haunted mansion filled with jump scares and creepy creatures. The player must make their way through 1000 rooms, each one more terrifying than the last.
The game has a unique art style that combines cute and creepy. It also features multiple endings, adding to its replay value. Spooky’s Jump Scare Mansion has been praised for its humor and scares.
| Developer | Lag Studios |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 28, 2015 |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Price | Free |
3. The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan – Friend’s Pass
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan is a survival horror game developed by Supermassive Games. While the game isn’t free to play, it does offer a “Friend’s Pass” option that allows players to experience the game’s multiplayer mode with a friend who owns the full game.
The game follows a group of friends who embark on a diving trip and find themselves trapped on a ghost ship. The player must make choices that affect the outcome of the story and the survival of the characters. The game’s multiplayer mode allows players to make decisions together and see the consequences of their choices.
| Developer | Supermassive Games |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 30, 2019 |
| Platforms | Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
| Price | Free with Friend’s Pass |
4. The Exorcist: Legion VR – Chapter 1: First Rites
The Exorcist: Legion VR is a virtual reality horror game developed by Wolf & Wood Interactive. While the full game is not free, the first chapter, “First Rites,” is available for free on Steam. The game puts the player in the role of an exorcist who must investigate and exorcise demonic possessions.
The game is known for its immersive VR experience and its use of sound and visuals to create a terrifying atmosphere. The Exorcist: Legion VR has received critical acclaim for its scares and overall quality.
| Developer | Wolf & Wood Interactive |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 5, 2017 |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Price | Free for Chapter 1 |
5. Doki Doki Literature Club!
Doki Doki Literature Club! is a visual novel developed by Team Salvato. While the game may not seem like a horror game at first glance, it quickly takes a dark turn. The game follows the player as they join a literature club and interact with its members.
The game is known for its psychological horror and fourth-wall breaking elements. It has received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and scares. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a must-play for horror fans who are looking for something different.
| Developer | Team Salvato |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 22, 2017 |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Price | Free |
6. Emily Wants to Play
Emily Wants to Play is a survival horror game developed by Shawn Hitchcock. The game takes place in a house where the player is a pizza delivery boy who gets trapped by a group of dolls who come to life. The player must survive the night by solving puzzles and avoiding the dolls.
The game is known for its jump scares and creepy atmosphere. It also features multiple endings, adding to its replay value. Emily Wants to Play has received mixed reviews but is still worth checking out for horror fans.
| Developer | Shawn Hitchcock |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 10, 2015 |
| Platforms | Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
| Price | Free |
7. Deceit
Deceit is a multiplayer horror game developed by Automaton. The game puts the player in the role of a survivor or an infected in a group of six players. The survivors must work together to escape a facility while the infected must deceive and kill the survivors.
The game is known for its unique gameplay mechanics and intense atmosphere. It also features voice chat, allowing players to communicate with each other in real-time. Deceit has received mixed reviews but is still worth checking out for its innovative take on the horror genre.
| Developer | Automaton |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 29, 2018 |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Price | Free |
8. No More Room in Hell
No More Room in Hell is a cooperative survival horror game developed by No More Room in Hell Team. The game takes place in a zombie-infested world where the player must work with others to survive. The game features realistic mechanics such as limited ammo and a focus on teamwork.
The game is known for its intense gameplay and realistic mechanics. It also features multiple game modes, adding to its replay value. No More Room in Hell has received positive reviews for its attention to detail and overall quality.
| Developer | No More Room in Hell Team |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 31, 2011 |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Price | Free |
9. The Cursed Forest
The Cursed Forest is a horror adventure game developed by KPy3O. The game takes place in a forest where the player must uncover the mystery of a missing child. The game features puzzles and exploration, as well as jump scares and creepy creatures.
The game is known for its beautiful graphics and intense atmosphere. It also features multiple endings, adding to its replay value. The Cursed Forest has received positive reviews for its storytelling and overall quality.
| Developer | KPy3O |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 25, 2019 |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Price | Free |
10. The Joy of Creation: Reborn
The Joy of Creation: Reborn is a free-to-play survival horror game developed by Nikson. The game is based on the popular Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise and puts the player in the role of a night watchman who must survive the night against animatronic creatures.
The game is known for its intense gameplay and jump scares. It also features multiple modes, adding to its replay value. The Joy of Creation: Reborn has received positive reviews for its scares and overall quality.
| Developer | Nikson |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 17, 2016 |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Price | Free |
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many free horror games available on Steam. Whether you’re into jump scares or psychological horror, there’s something for everyone. So, why not give these games a try and see if you can handle the terror?
Remember, these games may be free, but they’re not for the faint of heart. Make sure you’re prepared for a scare before diving in. Happy gaming!
People Also Ask
What is the scariest free game on Steam?
The scariest free game on Steam is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, some of the most popular and terrifying free games on Steam include Cry of Fear, Spooky’s Jump Scare Mansion, and Doki Doki Literature Club!
Can I play horror games for free on Steam?
Yes, there are many free horror games available on Steam. These games range from jump scares to psychological horror and are guaranteed to give you a good scare.
Are free horror games on Steam good?
Yes, many free horror games on Steam are good. While they may not have the same budget as their triple-A counterparts, these games offer unique gameplay mechanics and terrifying experiences. They’re also a great way to try out the horror genre without breaking the bank.
