7 Best Horror Games You Definitely Didn’t Play

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It appears there’s an overwhelming abundance of terrifying content readily accessible for us. Short, free horror titles, exciting early access games and demos, along with remarkable independent releases that often outshine big-budget studios, make it challenging to manage the torrent of horror releases each year. Steam and itch.io are brimming with hidden treasures, yet few receive the recognition they deserve in the spotlight.

You might be familiar with popular titles like Mouthwashing, Crow Country, and Bad Parenting that made headlines in 2024. However, there are several lesser-known games that haven’t received as much attention but truly deserve recognition. Think of games such as “No, I’m Not a Human”, “I’m on Observation Duty”, “Static Dread”, “We Harvest Shadows”, “KARMA: The Dark World”, and many others. You may even be familiar with the work of renowned indie horror game developers like Puppet Combo, Chilla’s Art, and rayll. These games might not have been in the spotlight yet, but they certainly deserve a longer-lasting applause on platforms like YouTube.

Each year, numerous less-recognized horror games emerge, often overlooking some truly remarkable ones. We’ve handpicked 7 lesser-known yet exceptional horror titles from the crowd. It might be surprising if you’ve already experienced them! These underappreciated horrors on Steam have garnered a shockingly low number of reviews and we strongly recommend giving them a try.

1) 10 Dead Doves

Games Like It: Fatum Betula, Sorry We’re Closed, and Yumi Nikki.

This game, titled “10 Dead Doves, feels as if it’s been conjured by the creative genius of David Lynch himself. It’s a chilling horror experience that leaves you bewildered yet captivated as you watch the events unfold on-screen. Despite its perplexing narrative and abstract nature, coupled with engaging dialogue, it’s remarkably hard to pull yourself away from it. We’ve struggled to find comparable games, for 10 Dead Doves stands alone in its genre blend of horror and comedy. The game offers an immersive atmosphere ripe for exploration, while presenting a peculiar storyline that challenges understanding. With its unique cosmic horror approach and fixed-camera angles, the art direction and storytelling in 10 Dead Doves make it a lasting impression.

2) XXX_CYBERRAT_XXX

Games Like It: Welcome to the Game, Start Survey?, and s.p.l.i.t.

The game “CYBERRAT” is a chilling hacking horror experience that will unsettle both your intellect and emotions. Similar to titles like “Welcome to the Game” and “Scrutinized“, “CYBERRAT” blends supernatural elements with the eeriness of home invasions. You’ll find yourself in a precarious situation with a price on your head, needing to take pills to ward off monstrous entities. The tension in this game arises from balancing various mechanics simultaneously.

One unique aspect of “CYBERRAT” is that the horror creeps up on you subtly, building in the background like a simmering pot. As you become absorbed in your money-making schemes, it’s easy to forget about the looming terror. But beware! If you allow yourself to get too complacent, you could experience the scare of a lifetime.

3) Funeralopolis: Last Days

Games Like It: Silent Hill 4: The Room, Static Dread: The Lighthouse, and Look Outside.

The captivating game, Funeralopolis, immerses you in a Lovecraftian universe. Due to an outbreak, you’re confined to your apartment within a city that was once serene. It’s as if a regular lockdown had taken a cosmic turn for the worse. The detail and suspense in Funeralopolis outshine many horror games, creating an atmosphere of mystery and dread that leads to an abyss of despair. With multiple conclusions and numerous aspects worth admiring, Funeralopolis stands out as one of my top indie horror game picks. I can’t help but wish for more content, as I’d happily invest countless hours exploring every corner of this enchanting world.

4) Hollow Cocoon

Games Like It: Resident Evil, Jisatsu, and MASKED DEVOURER.

In the heart of a spooky residence, pursued by an unnerving stalker, Hollow Cocoon stands out as a contemporary take on the classic Resident Evil series. This game skillfully blends elements from Amnesia and Resident Evil to deliver an authentic horror experience. The visuals are captivating, the puzzles offer engaging challenges through backtracking, and the persistent presence of the supernatural entity keeps you constantly on your toes.

The narrative is intriguing, but it might not quite measure up against other games in terms of novelty. If you’re not easily spooked by the entity, this game might not be for you. However, if you’re a fan of puzzle-oriented horror games that delve deep into the psychological aspects of fear, Hollow Cocoon is definitely worth checking out.

5) Midnight Scenes

Games Like It: The Drifter, NextDoor, and Night in the Woods.

If The Twilight Zone were transformed into a video game series, it would be akin to Midnight Scenes. These captivating pixelated side-scrollers effortlessly draw you into their mystical and intriguing universes. Octavi Navarro’s interpretation of The Twilight Zone is quite charming, as each “episode” delivers a bite-sized dose of horrifying entertainment without becoming overly prolonged. The games are reasonably priced, boasting exceptional writing, nail-biting scares, and an atmosphere that compels exploration. These horror titles may not take long to complete, but they are certainly worth your investment of time and money. So, unwind, get comfortable, and savor your experience in the Midnight Scenes.

6) Night Freak

Games Like It: Bloodwash, Christmas Massacre, and Fears to Fathom: Norwood Hitchhike.

It’s clear something sinister and unsettling is approaching when you find yourself as a character in a horror video game. With your parents away and no one to call if things go awry, the fixed camera angles instill a foreboding sense of uncertainty since you can’t tell what lurks around each corner. The youthful viewpoint fuels your imagination, making it seem like something could leap out at any moment. Adding to the tension is the recurring thought that a murderer is on the loose and specifically targeting children. Night Freak, while short, offers an entertaining experience with a chilling conclusion that catches you off guard.

7) Power Drill Massacre

Games Like It: Manhunt, Murder House, and Northbury Grove.

Hailing from the powerhouse of horror games, Puppet Combo – a one-person developer who’s known for creating chilling experiences like the nerve-wracking “Nun Massacre”, the anxiety-inducing “Stay Away from the House”, and the brilliant “Murder House” – presents “Power Drill Terror”. Although this game is still in early access, 10 years after its initial release, it continues to be one of the most challenging horror games out there. With a reputation for being incredibly tough to complete, “Power Drill Terror” is merciless and unforgiving towards anyone bold enough to venture into it. It’s claustrophobic, intense, and stressful. Best of luck surviving this one!

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2025-08-16 14:12