38 Best Horror Games To Play With Friends: Get Ready To Scream!
Hey horror fans! Are you looking for the ultimate thrill? Nothing beats gathering your bravest friends, dimming the lights, and diving into a terrifying video game together. If you’re on the hunt for the best horror games to play with friends, you’ve come to the right place. This list is packed with spine-chilling experiences guaranteed to make you scream, laugh, and maybe even question your friendships (just kidding… mostly!). So, grab your controllers, gather your crew, and let's dive into the 38 best horror games that will test your courage and teamwork.
Why Horror Games Are Better with Friends
Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why playing horror games with friends is an absolute game-changer. Think about it: horror movies are scary, but you're just watching. Horror games? You're in the story, making decisions, and facing the terror head-on. Now, add your friends to the mix, and suddenly you have a recipe for unforgettable moments. Playing horror games with friends amplifies the experience in so many ways. First off, there’s safety in numbers (or so you tell yourselves!). Facing a grotesque monster is a lot less daunting when you have your buddies backing you up. But more importantly, the shared experience of fear and adrenaline creates a unique bond. You'll be strategizing together, screaming together, and laughing (nervously) together. These moments forge some seriously epic memories.
Teamwork and strategy become essential. When you're alone, you might panic and make rash decisions. But with friends, you can coordinate your moves, cover each other's backs, and come up with clever plans to survive. Imagine splitting up to find key items, one person distracting the monster while the others solve a puzzle, or simply having someone to watch your back in a dark corridor. The possibilities are endless, and the sense of accomplishment when you overcome a challenge together is incredibly rewarding. Plus, let's be real, it's just fun to see your friends jump out of their seats when a jump scare hits. You can share the fear, the laughter, and the exhilaration, making the whole experience far more engaging and memorable. So, if you've ever wondered whether playing horror games with friends is worth it, the answer is a resounding yes! You'll not only have a blast, but you'll also create some legendary gaming stories that you'll be talking about for years to come. Get ready for some serious scares and unforgettable moments – but maybe keep a spare controller handy, just in case someone throws theirs in fright!
Top Cooperative Horror Games
Let’s kick things off with some of the best cooperative horror games out there. These games are designed for teamwork, so you’ll need to rely on your friends to survive. Cooperation is key in these games, and the more coordinated you are, the better your chances of making it through the night (or whatever terrifying scenario the game throws at you).
1. Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia has taken the horror gaming world by storm, and for good reason. In this game, you and your friends play as paranormal investigators tasked with identifying different types of ghosts in various haunted locations. The catch? The ghosts are actively trying to hunt you down. What makes Phasmophobia so brilliant is its focus on realism and communication. You'll need to use various ghost-hunting tools like EMF readers, spirit boxes, and video cameras to gather evidence. The ghosts react to your voices, so you'll need to communicate effectively (and quietly!) with your team. The tension is palpable as you whisper instructions, listen for ghostly whispers, and try to avoid becoming the ghost's next victim. Phasmophobia stands out because of its unique approach to horror. It's not just about jump scares; it's about the psychological dread of the unknown. You'll feel a genuine sense of vulnerability as you explore the dark, creaky environments, knowing that a malevolent entity is lurking somewhere nearby. The procedural ghost behavior also means that each playthrough is different, keeping the scares fresh and unpredictable. The use of voice recognition adds another layer of immersion, as the ghosts can respond to your questions and taunts. The feeling of absolute terror when a ghost starts hunting and you have to scramble for a hiding spot with your friends is unparalleled. It’s a true test of your teamwork and courage, and it’s guaranteed to deliver some unforgettable gaming moments. Phasmophobia is not just a game; it's an experience that will leave you and your friends on the edge of your seats, questioning every creak and shadow. The game’s popularity is a testament to its ability to tap into our primal fears, and it's a must-play for any horror fan looking for a truly terrifying cooperative experience. So gather your bravest friends, grab your ghost-hunting gear, and prepare to face the spirits – if you dare!
2. Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical multiplayer game where one player takes on the role of a killer, and the other four players are survivors trying to escape. This game is a masterclass in tension and strategy. As a survivor, you'll need to work together to repair generators, open exit gates, and avoid the killer's clutches. The killers, each with their unique abilities and playstyles, are terrifyingly effective at hunting you down. The thrill of being chased by a relentless killer while trying to work with your friends is what makes Dead by Daylight so addictive. Dead by Daylight excels in creating a constant sense of dread and urgency. The asymmetrical gameplay means that every match is different, depending on the killer and the map. Survivors must use stealth, teamwork, and their limited resources to outwit the killer. The game is filled with nail-biting moments, such as narrowly escaping a hook, performing a last-second rescue, or completing a generator just as the killer is bearing down on you. The killers themselves are a diverse and terrifying bunch, ranging from iconic horror movie villains like Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger to original creations like The Huntress and The Nurse. Each killer has their own unique powers and playstyle, forcing survivors to adapt their strategies constantly. Dead by Daylight also features a deep progression system, allowing both survivors and killers to unlock new perks and abilities. This adds a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay, as you can customize your characters to fit your playstyle. Communication is key in Dead by Daylight. Survivors need to coordinate their actions, warn each other of the killer's presence, and work together to complete objectives. A well-coordinated team of survivors can be incredibly difficult for the killer to deal with, but a single mistake can quickly lead to disaster. The game's atmosphere is also top-notch, with eerie maps, haunting sound design, and gruesome visuals that create a truly immersive horror experience. Whether you're a survivor desperately trying to escape or a killer relishing the hunt, Dead by Daylight offers a thrilling and terrifying multiplayer experience that will keep you and your friends coming back for more.
3. Back 4 Blood
From the creators of the iconic Left 4 Dead series, Back 4 Blood is a spiritual successor that delivers intense cooperative zombie-slaying action. You and your friends play as Cleaners, survivors tasked with wiping out hordes of monstrous Ridden. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, diverse arsenal of weapons, and challenging difficulty make it a blast to play with a team. Back 4 Blood ramps up the intensity with its innovative card system, which adds a layer of strategy and replayability. Before each run, you and your team build a deck of cards that provide various buffs and abilities. The game also plays cards that can throw curveballs your way, such as increasing the number of enemies or adding special mutations. This dynamic card system ensures that every playthrough feels fresh and unpredictable. The core gameplay of Back 4 Blood is all about teamwork. You'll need to coordinate your actions, share resources, and cover each other's backs to survive the relentless onslaught of Ridden. The game features a variety of enemy types, each with its own unique abilities and weaknesses. From the common Ridden to the hulking Breakers and the venomous Stingers, you'll need to adapt your tactics to take them down. Communication is paramount in Back 4 Blood. You'll need to call out enemy positions, coordinate your attacks, and warn your teammates of impending threats. The game's voice chat system makes it easy to communicate with your team, even in the heat of battle. Back 4 Blood also offers a robust progression system, allowing you to unlock new weapons, attachments, and Cleaner skins. This gives you a sense of progression as you play, and it encourages you to experiment with different builds and playstyles. The game's campaign is challenging but rewarding, and the Swarm mode offers a unique competitive experience where you can play as the Ridden against a team of Cleaners. With its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and intense cooperative gameplay, Back 4 Blood is a must-play for fans of zombie shooters and cooperative horror games. It’s a true test of your teamwork and skill, and it’s guaranteed to provide hours of thrilling, zombie-slaying fun.
Spine-Chilling Story-Driven Horror Games
If you and your friends are looking for something with a deeper narrative, these story-driven horror games will pull you in with their immersive worlds and compelling characters. These games focus on creating a sense of dread and mystery, with intricate plots that unfold as you play.
4. The Dark Pictures Anthology
The Dark Pictures Anthology is a series of standalone, cinematic horror games that offer branching narratives and multiple endings. Each game features a different cast of characters and a unique horror setting, from a haunted ghost ship to a town plagued by vampires. What makes these games great for friends is the shared story mode, where you can make choices together that impact the outcome of the game. The Dark Pictures Anthology stands out for its focus on player choice and consequence. Your decisions directly affect the characters' fates, and a single wrong move can lead to their demise. This creates a sense of tension and urgency, as you and your friends try to navigate the dangerous situations the game throws at you. The shared story mode is a fantastic way to experience these games. You and a friend can play online, making decisions together and witnessing the consequences firsthand. This adds a layer of social interaction to the gameplay, as you'll need to discuss your options and try to agree on the best course of action. Each game in the anthology features a unique and terrifying story. Man of Medan puts you on a haunted ghost ship, Little Hope traps you in a town with a dark history, House of Ashes plunges you into an ancient Sumerian temple, and The Devil in Me pits you against a sadistic serial killer. The anthology format allows for a variety of horror themes and settings, ensuring that there's something for every horror fan. The cinematic presentation of these games is also a highlight. The visuals are stunning, the voice acting is top-notch, and the stories are filled with twists and turns. You'll feel like you're in your own horror movie, making choices that determine the fate of the characters. If you're looking for a story-driven horror experience that you can share with friends, The Dark Pictures Anthology is a perfect choice. The branching narratives, multiple endings, and shared story mode make these games incredibly replayable, and the terrifying stories will keep you and your friends on the edge of your seats.
5. Until Dawn
Until Dawn is a cinematic horror game that follows a group of friends who return to a secluded mountain lodge, where a tragic event occurred a year prior. As the night unfolds, they find themselves hunted by a mysterious and deadly force. Like The Dark Pictures Anthology, your choices determine who lives and who dies, making it a thrilling and suspenseful experience. Until Dawn is a masterclass in creating a suspenseful and terrifying atmosphere. The game's setting, a secluded mountain lodge in the dead of winter, is perfect for horror. The isolation, the dark woods, and the constant threat of the unknown create a sense of dread that permeates every scene. The game's story is also incredibly well-crafted, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Until Dawn's butterfly effect system is a key element of the gameplay. Every decision you make, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the story. This creates a sense of responsibility and tension, as you know that your choices matter. The game's characters are also well-developed and relatable, making you care about their fates. You'll form attachments to these characters, and the thought of them dying will add to the game's emotional impact. The gameplay in Until Dawn is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and quick-time events. The quick-time events are particularly tense, as failing one can lead to a character's death. The game's visuals are also stunning, with realistic character models and detailed environments. The game's use of lighting and shadow creates a sense of atmosphere and dread, and the jump scares are genuinely effective. Until Dawn is a must-play for horror fans looking for a cinematic and suspenseful experience. The branching narrative, compelling characters, and terrifying atmosphere make it a game that you won't soon forget. Whether you're playing alone or with friends, Until Dawn is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
6. Resident Evil 5 & 6
While the Resident Evil franchise is known for its solo horror experiences, Resident Evil 5 and 6 introduced cooperative gameplay, allowing you and a friend to tackle the zombie hordes together. These games offer a more action-oriented take on horror, with plenty of guns, explosions, and terrifying creatures to fight. Resident Evil 5 and 6 may be more action-focused than some of the other games in the series, but they still deliver plenty of scares. The games' cooperative gameplay adds a new dimension to the experience, as you and a friend can strategize and work together to overcome the challenges. Resident Evil 5 takes place in Africa, where Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar must investigate a new bioweapon threat. The game's setting is a departure from the series' traditional locations, but it's still filled with terrifying creatures and tense moments. The cooperative gameplay in Resident Evil 5 is excellent. You and your partner must work together to survive, sharing resources, covering each other's backs, and solving puzzles. The game's action is fast-paced and intense, and the boss battles are particularly challenging. Resident Evil 6 features multiple campaigns, each with its own story and characters. The game's story is more ambitious than Resident Evil 5's, but it's still filled with memorable moments and terrifying creatures. The cooperative gameplay in Resident Evil 6 is similar to Resident Evil 5's, but it's even more refined. The game's action is even more over-the-top, and the set pieces are truly spectacular. Both Resident Evil 5 and 6 are great choices for horror fans looking for a cooperative experience. The games' action-oriented gameplay, terrifying creatures, and compelling stories make them a blast to play with friends. While they may not be as scary as some of the other games in the series, they still offer plenty of thrills and chills.
Thrilling Survival Horror Games
For those who love a challenge, survival horror games are the way to go. These games emphasize resource management, stealth, and puzzle-solving, forcing you to use your wits to survive against overwhelming odds. Playing these games with friends adds another layer of complexity and teamwork.
7. Don't Starve Together
Don't Starve Together is a standalone multiplayer expansion to the popular survival game Don't Starve. You and your friends must work together to survive in a dark and whimsical world filled with monsters, traps, and scarce resources. The game’s unique art style, challenging gameplay, and cooperative focus make it a truly unforgettable experience. Don't Starve Together is a game that truly tests your survival skills. You'll need to gather resources, build shelters, craft tools, and fend off dangerous creatures to survive in the game's harsh world. The game's permadeath mechanic adds to the tension, as a single mistake can mean the end of your run. The cooperative gameplay in Don't Starve Together is what makes it so special. You and your friends must work together to survive, sharing resources, building structures, and defending against threats. Each character has their own unique abilities and weaknesses, so you'll need to coordinate your roles to maximize your chances of survival. The game's world is filled with secrets and challenges. You'll need to explore the map, discover new resources, and uncover the mysteries of the game's lore. The game's art style is also unique and charming, with a hand-drawn aesthetic that adds to the game's whimsical atmosphere. Don't Starve Together is a challenging but rewarding survival game that's perfect for playing with friends. The game's cooperative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and unique art style make it a truly unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a survival game that will test your skills and your teamwork, Don't Starve Together is a perfect choice.
8. The Forest & Sons of the Forest
The Forest and its sequel, Sons of the Forest, are open-world survival horror games that pit you and your friends against cannibalistic mutants in a mysterious forest. These games blend crafting, exploration, and combat, creating a terrifying and immersive experience. The Forest and Sons of the Forest are known for their intense survival gameplay and their terrifying enemies. You'll need to gather resources, build shelters, craft weapons, and fend off the cannibalistic mutants that roam the forest. The games' open-world environments are vast and mysterious, filled with secrets and dangers. The crafting system in The Forest and Sons of the Forest is extensive, allowing you to build a wide range of structures and weapons. You'll need to experiment with different recipes to find the best gear for your playstyle. The combat in The Forest and Sons of the Forest is brutal and unforgiving. The mutants are aggressive and relentless, and you'll need to use stealth and tactics to survive. The cooperative gameplay in these games is excellent. You and your friends can work together to build a base, explore the world, and fight off the mutants. The game's story is also intriguing, with a mysterious plot that unfolds as you explore the world. The Forest and Sons of the Forest are great choices for horror fans looking for a challenging and immersive survival experience. The games' intense gameplay, terrifying enemies, and cooperative focus make them a blast to play with friends. If you're looking for a survival horror game that will test your skills and your courage, these games are perfect.
9. GTFO
GTFO is a hardcore cooperative horror shooter that emphasizes stealth, teamwork, and resource management. You and your friends play as scavengers tasked with exploring and extracting valuable artifacts from a vast underground complex overrun by terrifying creatures. GTFO is not for the faint of heart. The game is incredibly challenging, requiring you and your friends to communicate effectively, strategize carefully, and execute your plans flawlessly. Stealth is a key element of GTFO. You'll need to move quietly, avoid detection, and coordinate your attacks to survive the game's many threats. The game's enemies are relentless and unforgiving, and a single mistake can lead to a quick and brutal death. Resource management is also crucial in GTFO. You'll need to carefully conserve your ammo, health, and other resources to make it through the game's challenging levels. GTFO's atmosphere is incredibly tense and oppressive. The game's dark and claustrophobic environments, combined with the terrifying creatures that lurk within, create a sense of dread that permeates every moment. The cooperative gameplay in GTFO is essential. You'll need to work together with your friends to survive, coordinating your movements, sharing resources, and covering each other's backs. The game's difficulty is balanced around cooperative play, and it's nearly impossible to beat alone. GTFO is a challenging but rewarding horror game that's perfect for playing with friends. The game's intense gameplay, terrifying atmosphere, and cooperative focus make it a truly unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a horror game that will test your skills and your teamwork, GTFO is a perfect choice.
Other Notable Horror Games to Play with Friends
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a few other standout horror games that are great for playing with friends. These games offer a variety of different horror experiences, from psychological thrillers to action-packed zombie shooters.
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Killing Floor 2
- 7 Days to Die
- Devour
- Dead Island Series
- Dying Light 1 & 2
- Friday the 13th: The Game
- In Silence
- SCP: Secret Laboratory
- Cry of Fear (Co-op Mod)
- Obscure 1 & 2
- White Noise 2
- Deceit
- Hide or Die
- Voxelnauts
- Lunch Lady
- Outlast Trials
- Ghost Watchers
- Demonologist
- The Mortuary Assistant
- Propnight
- Evil Dead: The Game
- Forewarned
- Labyrinthine
- Remnant: From the Ashes
- Sker Ritual
- Phasmophobia
- Darkwood (Co-op Mod)
- We Were Here Series
Conclusion
So there you have it, guys! The 38 best horror games to play with your friends. Whether you’re into cooperative zombie slaying, story-driven adventures, or intense survival challenges, there’s something on this list for everyone. Playing horror games with friends is an experience like no other. The shared fear, the teamwork, and the unforgettable moments make for some truly epic gaming memories. So gather your bravest buddies, dim the lights, and get ready to scream… together! Remember, the best horror experiences are often the ones you share, so dive into these terrifying worlds and create some lasting memories (and maybe a few nightmares) with your friends.