Play If You Dare: The Best Co-Op Horror Games Ever Made

Not everyone’s cut out for solo horror marathons in the dead of night. Some players want power in numbers—teaming up to survive the anarchy of Sons of the Forest or chuckle through the anxiety of Phasmophobia. That’s the thing in co-op horror: Fear becomes a team sport.

From modern masterpieces to cult classics, the co-op horror subgenre has exploded over the years. These games provide refined, bloodcurdling experiences from stressful survival missions to chaotic ghost hunts.

The best horror co-op games mix fright and teamwork in all the proper ways, whether that means outwitting otherworldly threats, firing through swarms of creatures, investigating a haunted asylum, or piecing together puzzles before something discovers the team. Memorable squad synchronization, split-second choices, and uncontrolled improvisation all play a part

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1326470/Sons_Of_The_Forest/

So gather the crew, check the corners, and brace for impact. These are the co-op horror games worth losing sleep over.

Single-player horror is all about being helpless, alone, and way too underprepared for what’s crawling out of the dark. Every flickering corridor, every sluggish groan, every jumpscare, every unexpected blackout? It's directed squarely at one person; there is no one else to yell with should things go wrong.

Now, spice that up with co-op.

Here, terror turns into a team sport. Phasmophobia, GTFO, Sons of the Forest, Dead by Daylight throw squads into total craziness. You're screaming into your mic, begging your pal not to aggravate the ghost while someone else panic-drops the only flashlight mid-hunt; you're no more solo stealthing across a mansion.

Multiplayer horror games ask for much more than simply guts. They require cooperation, unambiguous communications, fast reactions, and—yes—a reasonable degree of trust. One wrong move, and it's a complete wipe. Forget to check the corners in L4D2? Boom—Hunter on your face. Miss a sound cue in Dead by Daylight? Now you’re on a hook while your teammate hides in a locker. In GTFO, a single misstep turns a stealth op into a screaming sprint through hell with zero ammo and 10% health.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/493520/GTFO/

co-op horror games turn fear into chaos. They mess with group dynamics. One friend goes full Leroy Jenkins, another plays the overly cautious “wait, let’s scout first” guy, and someone’s always trying to solo loot while the rest get murdered.

And that's the thrill. These games aren’t about surviving alone—they’re about surviving together... barely.

Finding the finest horror co-op games is about determining how you want to be scared together, not only about what's unsettling. Are you hankering after indie pandemonium like Devour or Phasmaphobia, or something cinematic like Resident Evil? Which among slow-burn hauntings, frantic survival, or all-out monster hunts appeals to you?

This list covers the most unforgettable co-op horror games for PS5, PC, and beyond, whether you're huddled in terror or screaming strategies mid-panic. These aren't ranked; every title here offers something special. Choose your nightmare and hit start.

Content Warning throws four players in diving suits into a cursed coal pit with one goal: film something terrifying and go viral on “SpöökTube.” It’s as if Lethal Company and Blair Witch had a child raised by meme lords. You grab a janky VHS camcorder, head into the “Old World,” and hope to capture just enough carnage to earn internet clout. Ideally, without getting turned into spaghetti by a spider with a steam iron for a face.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2881650/Content_Warning/

There’s no real progression system and no big narrative twist. The terror’s real enough, but Content Warning doesn’t want to scare you straight. It wants you to scream, laugh, and become internet-famous doing it. And somehow, that makes it weirdly wholesome.

Content Warning - Official Trailer

Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game where one player takes on the role of a killer, and four others try to survive and escape. Survivors must stealthily repair generators scattered across a procedurally generated map to open the exits while the killer hunts them down. The tense balance between teamwork and quick-time skill checks defines survival gaming; failing even a minor timed event can notify the killer of your presence.

Source: https://deadbydaylight.com/

Every round is a tiny horror film featuring random, high-stakes interactions. A heartbeat sound warns survivors of approaching danger, and dramatic chases through pallets and windows become desperate races for survival. Even death doesn’t always mean failure, as the game rewards bold plays and altruism with Bloodpoints, which are used for upgrades. From map layouts and killer psychology to the excitement of last-minute escapes, the game's mechanics force players to roleplay as either ruthless predators or smart prey, generating stories that are intense, varied, and unforgettable.

Dead by Daylight | Launch Trailer

One to four players of the co-op survival horror game Devour have to stop Anna Puerta, a cult leader, from finishing a demonic ritual. Played in a poorly lit rural house, gameplay centers on hunting ten cursed goats using hay, fuel, and a central altar. A UV flashlight is the only weapon for protection; it can momentarily shock Anna and drive creeping devils away.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1274570/DEVOUR/

Anna gets more violent as gamers burn more goats. She wanders at first, but every sacrifice sets out a bloodcurdling scream, alerting her to a perilous phase in which she aggressively hunts players. The UV light won’t stop her if her eyes glow red, and getting caught means being dragged to a random part of the house—forcing teammates to heal you with first aid kits. If everyone is downed at once, the game ends. Item and enemy spawn points shift every run, adding variety and replayability.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIridrRzU3w

Devour's suspense stems mostly from the atmosphere. From growls to far-off thunder, claustrophobic lighting, confusing room layouts, and ambient music create suspense. Though the underlying loop is basic, its execution is forceful and efficient. When playing in co-op, success is extremely fulfilling since it depends on communication and fast reactions under pressure.

Forewarned feels like Phasmophobia’s spicier cousin that grew up watching The Mummy and decided trust is for the weak. This 1–4 player co-op horror game teleports you deep inside cursed Egyptian tombs, where your job is to identify a restless Mejai spirit using evidence like extinguished flames, footsteps, or reanimated corpses. Sounds familiar, right?

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1562420/FOREWARNED/

Once you steal the artifact from the inner tomb, the Mejai goes physical, the entrance locks behind you, and things go mad. On top of that, dead teammates can return as cursed mummies—and yes, they can absolutely kill you. PvP betrayal? Optional.

FOREWARNED - Official Announcement Trailer

The tombs themselves are grand and gorgeously creepy. You’ll be solving puzzles and dodging spike pits. Between sessions, you can display loot in your personal museum, dig into ancient lore, or tinker with game modes—from full-co-op teamwork to treasure-hoarding PvP madness. Forewarned is already a standout among new horror co-op games, especially for players who like their scares laced with just a little backstabbing.

Nothing good ever happens in a labyrinth. Especially not one shrouded in fog, crawling with monsters, and designed by someone with a deep hatred for player coordination. Labyrinthine drops four unlucky souls into a maze where every turn looks the same, every shrine feels cursed, and every glowstick is a pink breadcrumb leading nowhere.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1302240/Labyrinthine/

The goal sounds simple: collect seals, solve puzzles, and escape. But in reality, there’s no map. No mercy. Just dead ends and shrines made of skulls waiting around every corner.

Each chapter features handcrafted horrors and smarter AI, while the randomized Case Files offer chaos on loop. Progression unlocks harder difficulties, new cosmetics, and XP. But the real reward is surviving long enough to laugh about it.

Labyrinthine Official Game Trailer

Labyrinthine nails the vibes: claustrophobic, chaotic, and occasionally hilarious. Monsters hit hard, teammates get lost, and glowsticks only make things worse. This is a perfect co-op horror game for horror fans, masochists, or both.

Welcome to the worst employment opportunity available in the Galaxy. Lethal Company sends four players to scour haunted moons for trash to reach a profit quota after strapping them into hazardous suits. It is utterly insane: half horror, part satire. Once the clock strikes five thirty PM, everything wants you dead.

Source: https://www.shacknews.com/article/137893/lethal-company-180k-concurrent-players-steam

Real weapons are walkie-talkies, flashlights, and perhaps a stop sign, depending on your luck. Everything makes noise, and noise gets you killed. From the gloomy Brakkens' stalk to the sheer horror the Jester represents, the creatures are shockingly creatively imaginative.

Even silence becomes a strategy. The voice chat system reacts to in-game proximity and volume, meaning screaming too loud could literally be your death sentence. Or your friend’s.

Lethal Company - Trailer

Lethal Company masters the survival horror loop, even with some jank and repeated layouts. It's lo-fi and unpredictable, with just the ideal blend of total clownery and actual horror. Every run develops a narrative from last-second escapes to full-squad wipeouts. Not fully released yet, it's already a favored co-op horror game available.

Pacify doesn’t explain itself. You're in a haunted mansion with no guidance and a ghost girl who moves faster than the plot. The first few losses seem cheap, like getting spawn-killed in a game when no one informed you of the rules. Once the loop clicks—find keys, burn dolls, survive—it becomes a tight, replayable puzzle that strongly strikes with a team.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/967050/Pacify/

Every doll that is burnt makes the ghost girl furious. Every key opens another place for her to hunt you. Pacify dolls buy time, but only if you're holding one. One-item slots and randomized layouts mean that coordination counts more than bravery. Move too slowly or split up at the wrong moment, and it's over.

Pacify - Gameplay Trailer #1

The "Dolls" mode is rapid, tight, and continuously tense. Later additions like "Farm" slow things down, but they lose the urgency that made the original work. With the right group, Pacify delivers brief and unforgettable fast, frenzied terror—rough around the edges.

Phasmophobia is a co-operative ghost-hunting sim where up to four players use investigative tools—EMF readers, thermometers, spirit boxes, UV lights, and video cameras—to identify what type of ghost is haunting a location. Every spirit leaves behind different evidence. Your task is to compile that proof before the ghost decides to kill you.

Source: https://www.analogstickgaming.com/game-reviews-1/2024/10/27/phasmophobia

The mechanics also lean heavily on in-game voice chat, which isn’t just for communication—it’s part of the gameplay. Some ghosts respond to voice prompts and can hear your conversations, making every “hello?” or panicked shout a potential risk. Sound, lighting, and item placement are key strategies. Players must make choices: split up to cover ground faster, or stick together for safety? Console versions retain most of the PC experience, though they drop voice recognition and introduce clunky UI. Still, the core loop remains strong: an eerie mix of slow-burn deduction and escalating dread, powered by smart use of player limitations and environmental cues.

Phasmophobia - Launch Trailer

What starts as a simple loot-and-scoot mission turns into a co-op meltdown fast. Teammates scream over proximity chat while levitating microwaves into walls, dodging killer clowns, and arguing about who dropped the $800 crystal. Enemies vary wildly. You can meet laser-eyed clowns, blind shotgun maniacs, and evil gnomes that shred your haul and your will to live.

R.E.P.O. Release Trailer

R.E.P.O. isn’t polished—it’s chaos in a box. But between the creative monster designs, hilarious physics, and sheer unpredictability, it delivers one of the most entertaining co-op multiplayer horror games out there. Even failure is fun here.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel of co-op horror survival games, but it does slap on a fun co-op twist and an irresistible B-movie vibe. You tag-team across two timelines: Claire and Moira are stuck in a Saw-style prison complex, while Barry and spooky child Natalia arrive six months later to clean up the mess. The action’s tight, the puzzles finally kick in around Episode 3, and one boss battle is gloriously disgusting.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/287290/Resident_Evil_Revelations_2/

What Revelations 2 lacks in visual flair, it makes up for with gameplay variety and one brilliant surprise: Raid Mode. Particularly once online co-op drops, this side mode is a bullet storm of unlockables, challenge missions, and loadout tweaking that might eat through your whole weekend. Even normal foes might cause trouble since the enemy AI is speedier and more aggressive than in past Resi games. This is a solid spinoff with a pulpy tale, exciting two-character gameplay, and just enough unique concepts to enthrall players returning for more.

https://youtu.be/AwcU7E1TprM?si=YlsL2s9GlZ3ma9r2

Pure chaos packed inside one of the best free horror co-op games available is SCP: Secret Laboratory. Inspired by the cult classic SCP: Containment Breach, this multiplayer twist sends you into a decaying facility where five very different factions collide in a web of shifting alliances and kill-on-sight directives.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/700330/SCP_Secret_Laboratory

Every one of the several characters you can play in the game has a different objective. You might be a D-Class inmate trying to get away, a soldier dispatched to save others, or even one of the perilous SCP creatures stalking everyone down. Every role alters your game performance. Since players and items appear in random spots and the map is full of locked doors and scary surprises, every match feels different.

Parabellum Now Available | SCP: Secret Laboratory (Gameplay Trailer)

The mechanics span squad operations, stealth, environmental management, and full-on supernatural battle. Acting as a dungeon master, SCP-079, the AI, locks doors and leads colleagues across cameras. SCP-106 takes users into a lethal maze-like pocket world and passes through walls. Every position has distinctive gear loads, movement patterns, and techniques; even fundamental gunplay is impacted by awkward recoil and spray patterns that reward practice and synchronization. SCP: Secret Laboratory creates unparalleled suspense and unpredictability, even with technological flaws like server problems or trolls commandeering the intercom. Few free co-op horror games can match the intense, asymmetrical feeling the title presents when it plays flawlessly.

Sons of the Forest has officially left Early Access, and while it doesn’t reinvent the experience, the 1.0 update brings enough polish, additions, and fixes to make a strong horror survival game even better. Set years after The Forest, this sequel places you in a sprawling wilderness teeming with secrets, resources, and threats.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1326470/Sons_Of_The_Forest/

Though still a little clunky, combat has been rebalanced to stress survival above force. Ranged weapons are powerful but scarce, and melee encounters are risky and often brutal. Some new enemy types (such the hideous, leg-walking "Legsy") keep the experience fresh, while mutants and cannibals employ wiser strategies, including ambushing, taunting, or retiring when alone. These encounters feel tight, particularly in dark caves where losing your illumination may be lethal.

Sons of the Forest - Official Gameplay Trailer

Man of Medan blends cinematic horror with interactive storytelling, but it’s the branching decisions that drive the tension. Every action can trigger butterfly effects that reshape character traits, relationships, and ultimately, who makes it out alive. With multiple perspectives and scenes, players are constantly forced to second-guess their instincts. The “Movie Night” and two-player online co-op modes take it even further.

Source: https://www.thedarkpictures.com/games/man-of-medan

You search for hints, walk through dark halls, and decide which path alters the narrative. Sometimes, you’ll need to press buttons quickly during action scenes—these quick-time events can be intense. Should you make mistakes, a character might die—permanently. Though they can make it difficult to move around in places that appear the same, the fixed camera angles give the game the impression of a movie.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan – Launch Trailer | PS4

What sets Man of Medan apart is its replayability. Alternate playthroughs unlock “Curator’s Cut” scenes that shift player roles and offer new outcomes. Though the game’s pacing stumbles early and the ship’s environments blur together, the thrill of experimenting with branching paths, discovering who lives or dies, and testing just how far one decision can ripple through the narrative makes it a satisfying horror package. This horror co-op game is less about the scares and more about the tension between trust, betrayal, and timing.

The Quarry acts as a summer camp slasher film penned for horror fans. You take charge of nine camp counselors caught in the wilderness for one last night of poor decisions, mysterious animals, and escalating anarchy. Every choice guides the blood-soaked story, and with enough false turns, the whole cast can be eliminated before morning. It’s part murder mystery, part monster movie. It is also packed with enough twists to make even genre veterans guess wrong.

Source: https://www.pcgamer.com/the-quarry-review/

Unlike most co-op horror games on Steam, this one isn’t about twitch reflexes or tactical teamplay. Instead, it's a cinematic rollercoaster. There's even a Movie Mode for pure spectators and couch co-op support that turns the game into a playable horror film. Supermassive's signature style—slow pacing, intense choices, and QTE-heavy action—returns in full force, backed by a killer cast including David Arquette, Brenda Song, and Justice Smith.

The Quarry | Official Announce Trailer | 2K

The drama strikes hard, even if the gameplay is light. Expect neither combat nor thorough exploration; this is more Until Dawn 2.0 than Left 4 Dead. The Quarry is a must-play, nonetheless, for those who would like branching routes, gut-punch deaths, and "we should have picked the other option" events. It's about seeing your poor choices come to pass together, not about surviving together.

If Outlast’s single-player nightmares made you sweat, The Outlast Trials turns up the pressure and throws your friends into the chaos with you. You’re no longer just a lone journalist in a mental hospital—you’re one of several unfortunate test subjects tossed into grotesque Cold War-era simulations run by the sadistic Murkoff Corporation.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1304930/The_Outlast_Trials/

The game shines brightest in the first few hours. The game is most brilliant in the first several hours. The degree of design keeps your heart pounding; the killers are deranged; the AI is smart. You acquire weapons, perks, and rigs that make every run seem like a fresh challenge, but the repetition sets in quickly. With just a few basic maps and no adversary variation, you will find yourself returning to the same haunted carnival or courthouse much too often. Still, when the anxiety strikes just right—that is, when your teammate runs into a trap—it produces a rush that is difficult to match.

Not every co-op horror game delivers the same kind of chills. Some lean into slow-burn suspense, while others throw you straight into chaos. Choosing the right one depends on your group’s size, play style, and appetite for fear. Here’s how to zero in on the best horror co-op games for your next game night.

Certain horror games are designed for duos, others for teams of four or more. Games like Phasmophobia and The Outlast Trials let everyone take particular roles—scouting, support, distraction, or intel—should you be rolling with a full team. Smaller groups would value more simplified titles like Devour or Sons of the Forest, which scale well for fewer people but nevertheless maintain the suspense.

Think about your group's preferred play as well. Look for games with several challenges if someone enjoys solving riddles and thrives under pressure. Different roles serve to keep everyone engaged and committed

Horror comes in many flavors. Psychological dread, body horror, monster mayhem, or eerie silence—your group’s tolerance will shape the experience. Some of the best horror co-op games focus on atmosphere (The Forest), others on jump scares (Devour), or tense strategy (GTFO).

Source: https://steamcommunity.com/games/1274570/announcements/detail/2909843811895555568

Make sure the horror type matches your vibe. If you're after slow tension and immersion, pick a survival game with environmental storytelling. If you want adrenaline and screams, something fast-paced with frequent scares might be a better fit.

Is your team tactical or more about reaction speed? While Back 4 Blood and Dead by Daylight are primarily about fast reflexes and split-second judgments, games like Lethal Company and GTFO reward thorough planning and communication.

Some games strike a mix between depth and terror. If your team prefers one over the other, however, steer toward a game that highlights that strength. The finest sessions are those in which you choose a game that fits your team's natural style.

Console players should keep an eye on platform availability. A growing number of co-op horror games PS5 offer strong multiplayer support, including Resident Evil Resistance, The Dark Pictures Anthology, and Dead by Daylight. Check for cross-platform play if your group is spread across PC and consoles—nothing ruins the mood like platform lock-in.

Choosing the appropriate co-op horror game is about your shared survival, not only about the horrors. Choose one that fits your squad's strengths, keep the lights low, and get ready to sprint.

A good co-op horror game balances fear, teamwork, and tension.

Yes, many co-op horror games like Escape the Backrooms or We Were Here blend horror with puzzle-solving to create suspenseful, brain-teasing experiences.

Some titles, like The Dark Pictures Anthology, feature permadeath where choices or mistakes can permanently kill off characters, adding real weight to every decision.

Yes, several co-op horror games adjust enemy strength, spawn rates, or objectives depending on the number of players to keep the experience balanced and tense.

Games like Devour, Ghost Exorcism Inc., and Forewarned also center around paranormal investigation and teamwork in creepy, unpredictable environments.

The finest co-op horror games transport you to twisted worlds where co-operation is your only lifeline. Many of today's best titles draw on horror classics: Dead by Daylight channels the tension of slasher flicks, The Forest combines survival with Lovecraftian mystery, and The Outlast Trials pulls players far into psychological terror using techniques that make vulnerability part of the experience. There is no shortage of creative wealth to mine, whether your inspiration comes from intense stories or high-stakes gameplay.

If you’re looking to create a spine-chilling gem—whether it’s a story-driven descent into madness or a replayable multiplayer nightmare—Argentics is the best partner to bring it to life. From evocative visual direction to closely calibrated co-op gameplay, we have every specialist required to create amazing horror experiences. Above all, we live and breathe gaming. And gamers feel it. Players experience this in every scream when studios build with enthusiasm.

So channel fear into fun with Argentics, the studio that knows how to make horror feel personal and powerful.