Horror games become something entirely different when you’re not alone. Fear turns louder, mistakes become funnier, and every scream is shared. Co-op horror isn’t just about being scared ,it’s about surviving panic together, laughing through disasters, and creating stories you’ll remember long after the session ends.
As a professional gamer since 1998, I’ve played horror both solo and with groups. Co-op horror succeeds when it creates shared tension, forces teamwork ,and leaves room for chaos. The games below do exactly that.
Best Co-op Horror Games picks
- Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia remains the gold standard for co-op horror. Four players investigate haunted locations using voice chat, tools, and deduction ,and the ghosts listen. Talking too much can get you killed ,while silence can be just as terrifying.
The brilliance of Phasmophobia is how naturally it creates panic. When someone goes quiet on voice chat ,everyone notices.
It’s slow, methodical, and genuinely scary, especially with friends who take it seriously.
Why it works in co-op:
Shared investigation, proximity voice chat ,and unpredictable outcomes.
- Lethal Company
Lethal Company turns co-op horror into controlled chaos. Players scavenge abandoned facilities while trying to meet profit quotas, all while monsters roam freely. Communication breaks down fast, and mistakes are hilarious ,until they’re fatal.
What makes this game special is how fear and humor collide. One second you’re laughing, the next someone is screaming over the radio before going silent.
Why it works in co-op:
Unpredictable threats, emergent comedy ,and constant pressure.
- Devour
Devour is a fast-paced co-op horror game built around ritual-based objectives. Players must work together to stop possessed cult leaders while being actively hunted.
Unlike slower investigation games, Devour thrives on escalation. The more progress you make ,the more dangerous everything becomes ,forcing constant communication and coordination.
Why it works in co-op:
Clear objectives, rising intensity ,and teamwork under pressure.
- Demonologist
Demonologist leans closer to serious paranormal investigation. With detailed environments, disturbing sound design, and a heavier horror tone, it’s often compared to Phasmophobia — but darker and more oppressive.
The game rewards careful play, shared observation ,and patience. Panic usually leads to failure, which makes every co-op decision matter.
Why it works in co-op:
Shared deduction, atmospheric tension ,and slow-burn fear.
More Co-op Horror Games to play with friends
- The Outlast Trials
The Outlast Trials brings co-op to a franchise known for helplessness. Players undergo twisted “therapy” experiments together, balancing stealth, objectives, and survival.
What makes this game stand out is how it preserves Outlast’s brutality while allowing cooperation. Friends can help each other ,but they can’t eliminate the fear.
Why it works in co-op:
Coordinated survival, shared trauma ,and intense set pieces.
- GTFO
GTFO is unforgiving, tactical ,and brutally intense. This is co-op horror for serious teams. Stealth, communication, and planning are mandatory ,one mistake can wipe the entire squad.
Fear in GTFO comes from pressure and consequences. Every encounter feels dangerous ,and success depends entirely on teamwork.
Why it works in co-op:
High-stakes coordination and shared responsibility.
- Forewarned
Set in cursed Egyptian ruins ,Forewarned combines exploration, puzzles ,and mythological horror. Teams must retrieve artifacts while avoiding deadly entities that adapt to player behavior.
It’s slower than many co-op horror games ,but the atmosphere and sense of discovery make it a strong group experience.
Why it works in co-op:
Exploration-based tension and shared problem-solving.
- Pacify
Pacify is simple, fast, and chaotic. Players attempt to subdue possessed entities using ritual items, usually while everything goes wrong.
It’s not subtle and that’s the point. Pacify thrives on screaming, running ,and laughing at bad decisions.
Why it works in co-op:
Pure chaos, fast rounds, and high replay value.
More Co-op Horror Games on steam to play with friends
- Bigfoot
Bigfoot pits players against a single powerful creature in open environments. The hunt can flip instantly — from tracking the monster to being hunted by it.
The fear comes from uncertainty. You’re never sure where Bigfoot is, or when things will go wrong.
Why it works in co-op:
Open-ended hunts and shared tension.
- Inside the Backrooms
Inspired by internet horror lore, Inside the Backrooms places teams in surreal, hostile spaces filled with puzzles and entities. Progress requires communication and coordination.
The environments themselves are unsettling ,making every co-op decision feel tense.
Why it works in co-op:
Puzzle-solving under pressure and shared disorientation.
- Labyrinthine
Labyrinthine focuses on maze like environments, puzzle progression ,and monsters that punish poor coordination. Splitting up is dangerous, but staying together isn’t always safe either.
The game rewards careful teamwork and calm communication ,something that becomes difficult very quickly.
Why it works in co-op:
Navigation stress and reliance on teammates.
- Dead by Daylight
While technically asymmetrical, Dead by Daylight earns its place due to its massive social presence. Survivors must cooperate to escape, even if the killer is controlled by another player.
The shared fear, voice chat chaos ,and clutch moments make it one of the most replayable multiplayer horror games ever.
Why it works in co-op:
Social tension, teamwork ,and endless replayability.
Why Co-op Horror Hits Different
Co-op horror works because fear becomes collective. You’re not just managing your own panic ,you’re reacting to others’. Screams, mistakes, and last-second saves turn horror into shared memories.
These games aren’t just scary. They’re experiences.
Related steam pages:
- Phasmophobia Steam page.
- Lethal Company Steam page.
- DEVOUR Steam page.
- Demonologist Steam page.
- The Outlast Trials Steam page.
- GTFO Steam page.
- FOREWARNED Steam page.
- Pacify Steam page.
- BIGFOOT Steam page.
- Inside the Backrooms Steam page.
- Labyrinthine Steam page.
- Dead by Daylight Steam page.
You Can Check our Steam Horror Games Collection here:
You can also check the Best Multiplayer & Co-op Horror Games Guide.