Since many of the most popular titles and franchises in the horror gaming industry began as free-to-play indie games, horror game fans have benefited more than most from the explosive growth of online gaming. Since Flash games are no longer available, Steam has emerged as one of the greatest platforms for independent game makers to present their work.

This is largely due to the platform’s immense scale. This benefits players as well, as it guarantees that there are always a ton of fresh free-to-play titles on Steam ready to be found. This is especially true for horror game fans, as there are an increasing number of amazing free-to-play horror games available on Steam. 

Best Free Horror Games on Steam

HorrorVale:

The atmosphere of HorrorVale is similar to Undertale, although it’s far scarier than the Toby Fox classic. There are at least 31 playable characters in this RPG Maker game, each with their own distinct traits and story arcs, and each of whom can be recruited to join the player’s party. It’s not terrifying, despite the horror themes, but the game’s special blend of oddball charm and horrible puns makes it a lot of fun to play.

After Hours:

It may be a little rough around the edges in places, but what After Hours lacks in polish, it more than makes up for with its great atmosphere. The outstanding sound design and careful planning that went into creating the game’s atmosphere provide for some truly terrifying moments. After Hours is a free-to-play horror video game that takes place in a defunct medical facility, much like many other similar games. Adventurers face off against an unknown beast as they try to leave the abandoned facility. If you want to have any chance of survival, stealth and silence are essential.

Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft:

A “3D narrative adventure in craziness,” as its makers have dubbed it, the game is available on Steam. On Steam, the free-to-play horror game Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft is one of the most immersive experiences available. At least, it is when played in VR mode, which is a feature that the vast majority of independent game developers could only dream of integrating into their games, particularly those that are being given away for free.

Perfect Vermin:

In Perfect Vermin, players are given a sledgehammer and tasked with eliminating all rodents from a deserted office building. However, it’s not that easy, because it’s not only rats and mice that are at issue here. Players can wreck just about everything in the office, from computers to desks to chairs, which can be both cathartic and unnerving.

Dark Fracture: Prologue

Although a specific release date for Dark Fracture’s full version is yet unknown, judging from the game’s prologue, it should rank among the best free-to-play first-person horror titles available on Steam. The audio and visual elements work together to create a delightfully unsettling atmosphere, and the challenging yet thought-provoking puzzles add just the appropriate amount of difficulty.

Flesh Water:

Flesh Water is a free-to-play horror game developed and published by Euphoric Brothers. From the name alone, potential players can definitely guess what kind of experience they’re in for. Once they do, they’ll be able to direct a pet feeding company employee while they cook for a customer who’s more than a little out there. It may not sound like a lot of fun on paper, but the short indie game manages to maintain a sense of dread throughout its whole, which keeps the player’s heart pounding from the beginning to the end of the experience. The player’s objective is to prepare a sumptuous dinner for a mysterious aquatic creature. 

Ginkgo:

The magic needle mechanic in Ginkgo is really cool and serves to set the game apart from some of its competitors. In addition, it gives the designer room to include some truly original puzzles that will test the players’ ingenuity and creativity. That’s not all the game has going for it, though.

 He Needs His Medicine:

Despite their simplicity, the images of He Needs His Medicine do a great job of setting the mood, even if they won’t appeal to everyone. The voice acting, on the other hand, is shockingly decent for a free-to-play game, and it’s anything but basic. There are six possible outcomes, despite the game’s brevity, which make it worth experiencing more than once. What plot there is excellently written, however. You won’t have any trouble getting the hang of controlling the main character, but many have said the game is too easy overall.