Horror games have a unique way of captivating players with their spine-chilling atmospheres and jump scares. But when you add the element of cooperative play, the experience becomes not only terrifying but also a bonding activity with friends. Whether you’re communicating to solve puzzles, survive against the odds, or outwit a player-controlled antagonist, co-op horror games offer a range of emotions from intense fear to triumphant relief. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 co-op horror games that you and your friends should definitely check out for your next gaming session.
Key Takeaways
- Phasmophobia allows players to team up as paranormal investigators, enhancing the horror with a need for strategic teamwork.
- Dead by Daylight’s unique asymmetrical gameplay pits a group of survivors against a player-controlled killer, creating unpredictable scares.
- Devour offers a chilling co-op experience where players must work together to stop a possessed cult leader.
- The Outlast Trials, with its extensive roadmap, promises to keep fans of co-op horror engaged with new content to look forward to.
- Scarlet Hollow and other titles like Half-Life: Alyx on Steam provide diverse horror experiences, from eerie visual novels to immersive VR gameplay.
1. Phasmophobia
Dive into the chilling world of Phasmophobia, a game that blends horror with cooperative detective work. You and your friends take on the roles of paranormal investigators, tasked with exploring haunted locations to identify the ghostly presence. Teamwork is crucial as you collect evidence and use ghost-hunting equipment to solve the mystery.
Phasmophobia offers a unique experience with its psychological horror elements and the thrill of online co-op gameplay. The game has garnered an impressive Steam rating of 10/10, reflecting its popularity and the gripping terror it delivers. Players can adjust the difficulty for an even more intense challenge, ensuring that each playthrough is as spine-tingling as the last.
With no shortage of paranormal events and the constant threat of a ghost hunt, Phasmophobia ensures that every session is filled with suspense and moments of sheer panic. The game’s success on Steam is a testament to its ability to deliver a truly horrifying experience, and with its upcoming console release, the frights will soon spread to an even wider audience.
2. Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight sets the standard for asymmetric multiplayer horror games. Choose your role as a merciless killer or one of the four survivors, each with a unique objective. Survivors work together to evade the killer, repair generators, and escape, while the killer uses their abilities to hunt them down. The game’s tension is palpable, with unpredictable scares and a dynamic player-driven environment.
The game’s roster of killers is a horror fan’s dream, featuring icons from various franchises. Behaviour Interactive has masterfully integrated characters like Ghostface, The Shape, Pyramid Head, and even the Nemesis from Resident Evil, each with their own terrifying skill set.
Despite an average Metascore, the thrill of playing against a human-controlled killer rather than AI has cemented Dead by Daylight as a memorable and intense co-op experience.
Available on multiple platforms, the game has been thrilling players since its release in 2016:
| Platform | Release Date |
|---|---|
| PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia, Switch, Mobile | June 14, 2016 |
3. Devour
Devour sets a chilling scene where players become cultists trying to complete a ritual to escape a monstrous entity. Released on January 28, 2021, by developers Joe Fender and Luke Fanning, this survival horror game demands teamwork and strategy to overcome the possessed antagonist at the heart of a ritual gone awry.
With a variety of maps, each offering unique challenges, Devour keeps players on their toes. The game’s consistent updates and the addition of a VR mode only heighten the immersive terror. It’s a PC exclusive that promises an evolving co-op experience.
Devour is not just about survival; it’s about the thrill of the hunt and the camaraderie that comes with facing fears together.
Here’s a quick glance at Devour’s reception:
| Platform | Release Date | Developer | Genre | Steam Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC | Jan 28, 2021 | Joe Fender, Luke Fanning | Survival Horror | 9/10 (55,240 Reviews) |
4. The Outlast Trials
The Outlast Trials offers a chilling prequel experience to the renowned Outlast series, where players are subjected to harrowing experiments in a clandestine facility. The game introduces co-op gameplay, allowing up to four players to navigate through a series of story-driven ‘trials’ designed to test their stealth and cooperation.
Released in early access in May 2023 and officially launched on March 5, the game has quickly gained traction, especially on Xbox, due to its unique blend of horror and teamwork. Despite some criticism for reduced scares in multiplayer mode, the game’s success is undeniable, with players eagerly facing gruesome challenges and leveling up their abilities.
The Outlast Trials is not just about survival, but also about the psychological terror of facing the unknown with friends.
Here’s a quick look at the game’s features:
- Multiplayer co-op for up to 4 players
- Solo play option
- Story-driven ‘therapy sessions’ and challenges
- High levels of gore and horror
While the game’s polish and scare factor may be a point of contention, its engaging multiplayer experience and the thrill of overcoming its trials with friends make it a must-play for horror enthusiasts.
5. Lethal Company
Released in October 2023, Lethal Company has quickly become a fan favorite, boasting a perfect Steam rating. Developed by Zeekerss, this cooperative survival horror plunges players into the eerie void of space. As members of a scavenging company, you and your friends explore abandoned moons, rummaging through desolate mansions and facilities in search of valuable scrap. But beware, monstrous entities lurk in the shadows, ready to unleash terror.
In Lethal Company, teamwork is paramount. Without it, the arsenal of horrors will surely overwhelm you and your crew. The game’s local co-op mode ensures a thrilling, albeit chaotic, experience with the relief of no friendly fire.
While still in early access, the game has captivated players with its unique blend of horror and scavenger gameplay. It’s not just about survival; it’s about proving your worth to an indifferent space corporation. For those new to the game, it’s highly recommended to consult Lethal Company guides to fully grasp the nuances and hit the ground running.
6. Slender – Dark Woods | ONLINE
Dive into the eerie atmosphere of Slender – Dark Woods | ONLINE, where the simple premise of finding pages in a forest becomes a chilling multiplayer experience. Play alone or join forces with friends to navigate the treacherous woods, but be warned, a sinister presence is always lurking in the shadows, ready to turn your scavenger hunt into a fight for survival.
The game’s mechanics are straightforward yet effective, creating a tension-filled adventure that’s perfect for co-op play. Here’s what you can expect:
- A multiplayer setup that allows you to play solo or with friends.
- An immersive environment that heightens the horror experience.
- The constant threat of the Slender Man, which adds to the game’s psychological terror.
While the game has been criticized for potentially becoming a "tedious, irritating scavenger hunt," the thrill of cooperation and the unpredictable nature of the Slender Man often outweigh these concerns. The key is to stay vigilant and work together to overcome the challenges that await in the dark woods.
Remember, the key to survival is not just speed, but strategy. Keep your wits about you, and don’t let fear take over.
7. That’s not my Neighbor
In the eerie corridors of That’s not my Neighbor, players take on the role of a doorman in a building that’s become a nest for doppelgangers. Developed by Nacho Sama, this game challenges you to distinguish friend from foe in a twisted game of survival and deception. With its unique premise, the game offers a fresh take on the co-op horror genre.
Priced at an accessible $2.99, the game is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it easy for friends to join forces regardless of their preferred platform. The game’s affordability and cross-platform availability have made it a popular choice among horror enthusiasts looking for a thrilling co-op experience.
Navigate through the darkened halls, collaborate with your allies, and make split-second decisions to outsmart the lurking doppelgangers. The tension escalates with each encounter, ensuring that no two playthroughs are ever the same.
Whether you’re a seasoned horror game veteran or new to the genre, That’s not my Neighbor offers a compelling blend of strategy, teamwork, and sheer terror that is sure to keep you and your friends on the edge of your seats.
8. Excitari: The Evil has Awakened
Dive into the mysterious and harrowing world of Excitari: The Evil has Awakened, a co-op horror game that pits you and your friends against the unknown in a Victorian Europe-inspired nightmare. With support for 2-5 players, this adventure game is perfect for a group looking for a spine-chilling experience.
Traverse cobblestone streets and dark spires, where every locked door holds whispered secrets and the looming question of ‘The Hunt’. The Lovecraftian atmosphere will compel you to uncover its secrets as much as survive its horrors.
Here’s what you can expect when you play Excitari:
- A co-op experience designed for 2-5 players
- A setting inspired by Victorian Europe and Lovecraftian horror
- A focus on exploration, discovery, and survival
Whether you’re coordinating with your team to unravel the game’s mysteries or fighting for survival against eldritch horrors, Excitari: The Evil has Awakened offers a unique and terrifying adventure for you and your friends.
9. Half-Life: Alyx
Stepping into the shoes of Alyx Vance, players are thrust into a deeply immersive sci-fi horror adventure. Released on March 23, 2020, by developer Valve, Half-Life: Alyx is a groundbreaking title that leverages VR technology to elevate the horror experience to new heights. While predominantly a first-person shooter, Alyx introduces elements of survival horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The game has been critically acclaimed, boasting a Metascore of 93. It’s a must-play for fans of the Half-Life series and newcomers alike, offering a fresh perspective on the franchise’s infamous alien encounters.
Half-Life: Alyx is not just a game; it’s a full-fledged VR journey that redefines the boundaries of horror and gameplay immersion.
If you’re ready to face headcrabs and combine soldiers in virtual reality, here’s what you need to know:
- Platform: PC
- Genre: FPS with survival horror elements
- Developer: Valve
Is Half-Life: Alyx a co-op experience? While the game is primarily a single-player adventure, the shared terror and discussion it sparks among friends make it a worthy addition to any co-op horror game night.
10. Scarlet Hollow
Released on June 11, 2021, Scarlet Hollow has quickly become a staple among the best horror games on Steam. Developed by Black Tabby Games, this horror RPG immerses players in the mysterious coal town their family built, where they attend their aunt’s funeral and uncover chilling secrets.
The game’s visual novel format is complemented by its eerie art style, which effectively sets a haunting atmosphere. With a Steam rating of 10/10 based on 1,579 reviews, it’s clear that Scarlet Hollow has made a significant impact on players.
Every choice in Scarlet Hollow matters. The game is planned to span seven chapters, with the first four already available, each decision shaping the narrative and determining the player’s ability to survive a week in this creepy place.
Scarlet Hollow’s gameplay involves not just exploration and dialogue choices, but also a sense of urgency and consequence. The game’s episodic nature means that players are eagerly awaiting the release of the remaining chapters to see the story to its conclusion.
Conclusion
As we’ve delved into the dark corners of cooperative horror gaming, it’s clear that the thrill of facing fears with friends is an experience like no other. From the tension-filled chases in Dead by Daylight to the eerie investigations of Phasmophobia, each game on our list offers a unique blend of terror and teamwork. Whether you’re strategizing to survive in Lethal Company or braving the supernatural in The Outlast Trials, these top 10 co-op horror games are sure to keep you and your friends on the edge of your seats. Remember, in the world of multiplayer horror, the screams are real, but so is the camaraderie. So gather your bravest allies, dim the lights, and prepare for a night filled with jumpscares and joint triumphs. Happy haunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes co-op horror games more frightening than playing alone?
Playing co-op horror games can be more frightening because you have to rely on someone else in a stressful and scary situation, which can add an extra layer of tension and unpredictability to the experience.
What are some of the best horror games to play with friends currently?
Some of the best horror games to play with friends include Phasmophobia, Dead by Daylight, Devour, The Outlast Trials, Lethal Company, and others that offer a mix of teamwork, strategy, and scares.
Can you recommend a horror game with a strong multiplayer aspect?
Dead by Daylight is a highly recommended horror game with a strong multiplayer aspect, where four players act as survivors trying to escape from one player who takes on the role of the killer.
Are there any new co-op horror games that have become best-sellers?
Yes, games like The Outlast Trials and Lethal Company have recently topped the charts and become best-sellers, offering fresh co-op horror experiences to players.
What VR horror games can I play with friends?
Half-Life: Alyx is a VR horror game that offers a solo experience with intense combat and immersive gameplay, which can be shared with friends by taking turns or discussing strategies.
Where can I find a variety of horror games to play co-op with friends?
Steam is a great platform to find a wide variety of horror games for co-op play, including titles like Lethal Company, Scarlet Hollow, and many others that cater to different preferences.
