Best Co-Op Horror Games — The Scariest Titles to Play with a Friend
The best co-op horror games for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox — scary titles you can play online with a friend. Being scared together is far more engaging than going through it alone: some games force you to move quietly and stay coordinated, others pit your team against a single monster, while some immerse you in paranormal investigations. This article features the best co-op horror games in various formats: online, local, and asymmetric multiplayer.
If you're looking for co-op games without horror — check out the best co-op games across all platforms.
Co-op horror shooters and action games
This is the most demanding type of co-op horror: it’s not enough just to survive — you need to act in sync, or everything falls apart. Games in this section combine intense action with constant pressure: waves of enemies, limited resources, and the need to cover each other. Playing solo is either too difficult or simply not as fun.
GTFO
- Year: 2021;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
The first game on our list tells the story of faceless prisoners who, at the very beginning of their journey, see a serene sky — only to be sent into a deep abyss as punishment for unknown crimes. There are several locations in the game, but each one is dark and filled with horrors. The monsters are nearly blind but have sharp hearing, which makes stealth essential. The grim atmosphere, the need to move silently like a ninja, and the reliance on coordinated teamwork — all of this creates enough tension to make GTFO hard to put down.
The tension also ramps up during action-heavy moments, when you have to quickly set up turrets, deploy mines, and defend doors from waves of enemies — and then sprint with everything you’ve got toward the extraction point in the finale. If you enjoy nerve-wracking experiences like this, take a look at our list of the best horror games.
Hunt: Showdown 1896
- Year: 2019;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online).
Hunt: Showdown 1896 can’t be called a full-fledged horror — it’s more of a first-person shooter with horror elements. Still, fans of playing eerie adventures with friends shouldn’t overlook this project.
The developer is the well-known Crytek, best known for the Crysis series. This time, the studio moved away from science fiction and created a game set in American Southern Gothic, where monster hunters fight each other while trying to survive on a large map filled with various creatures.
Among Hunt: Showdown’s standout features are its impressive visuals (it is, after all, a Crytek game) and highly engaging gameplay that blends PvP and PvE elements. There are also several modes where players can team up or compete solo for rewards. If you enjoy this kind of experience, don’t miss our list of the best extraction shooters, where we’ve gathered more games like this.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite
- Year: 2021;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online).
Not particularly scary, but tense and, most importantly, highly engaging — a game set in the Alien universe.
In Aliens: Fireteam Elite, a squad of marines pushes through levels, fighting off various types of xenomorphs. The team must act quickly, stay coordinated, and make smart use of weapons and equipment. The available arsenal and gadgets depend on the chosen class and define each marine’s role: the recon deploys drones that highlight enemy silhouettes, while the technician specializes in defensive turrets.
The atmosphere is also worth highlighting: the sound design, visual style of the Aliens, gear, and environments are taken straight from the film saga, making the game feel highly authentic to its source material.
Left 4 Dead 2
- Year: 2009;
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Mac, Linux;
- Co-op: yes (online).
Despite its age, Left 4 Dead 2 remains an excellent co-op horror and one of the best zombie shooters of all time. It’s no surprise the game holds over 90% positive reviews on Steam.
The core idea is simple — you and your friends enter a map overrun with infected humans and monsters. Your goal is to kill as many enemies as possible, reach the end of the level, and avoid becoming the main course. The game features a wide range of weapons, diverse maps, and several short campaigns.
Back 4 Blood
- Year: 2021;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online).
A co-op shooter from Turtle Rock Studios, founded by many of the original creators of Left 4 Dead. As expected, Back 4 Blood is a spiritual successor to the iconic title. The core idea remains the same: move through levels, shoot regular and special zombies, dynamically spawned by an AI director.
Back 4 Blood is a solid game, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor. It lacks the same level of charm, and the developers overloaded the formula with unnecessary systems and grind. Still, if you’ve had your fill of Left 4 Dead, this is far from the worst alternative.
Killing Floor 2
- Year: 2016;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One;
- Co-op: yes (online).
Killing Floor 2 is another entry that’s more about fun than fear. It’s a high-energy first-person shooter where players team up to fend off waves of enemies, occasionally facing bosses.
There’s a wide variety of weapons, from melee to pistols and machine guns. In addition to standard co-op, Killing Floor 2 also features a 12-player PvP mode where you can test your skills against real opponents.
Killing Floor 3
- Year: 2025;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online).
At launch, Killing Floor 3 received a fair amount of criticism, but the developers have since improved the game through updates. At this point, it stands as a dynamic co-op horror shooter with a solid selection of maps, strong visuals, satisfying gunplay, and a high level of brutality. That said, the project is still held back by issues such as mediocre optimization and the presence of futuristic weapons that don’t quite fit the setting. There are no critical flaws, but there’s still room for improvement.
Resident Evil 5
- Year: 2009;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch;
- Co-op: yes (online and local).
While the fifth Resident Evil is generally considered less acclaimed than the fourth, it still managed to win over a large number of fans. This is largely due to the addition of a co-op mode, allowing players to experience the story together with a friend.
The setting of Resident Evil 5 is Africa — specifically the autonomous region of Kijuju, where an outbreak of a virus that turns people into zombies has been detected. The main characters, Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar, must uncover who is behind it all. Along the way, they encounter characters from previous entries and face off against mutant bosses.
The Mercenaries mode features four characters, a variety of weapons, and different outfits.
Resident Evil 6
- Year: 2013;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch;
- Co-op: yes (online and local).
Resident Evil 6 is often regarded by fans of the classic entries as one of the weakest installments, but in co-op it can still deliver a memorable experience. We covered this in our ranking of the best Resident Evil games. Players can go through chapters featuring different characters, including Leon and Helena, Chris and Piers, Jake and Sherry, as well as the well-known Ada Wong (though her campaign does not support co-op).
Compared to previous entries, Resident Evil 6 leans even further into explosive action, which works in favor of co-op — especially when the goal is simply to have fun with a friend.
Resident Evil Revelations 2
- Year: 2015;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita;
- Co-op: yes (online and local).
Resident Evil Revelations 2 is a spin-off from the main series that received fairly solid player reviews. The main protagonist is Claire Redfield, who suddenly finds herself in an abandoned prison. She must uncover who put her there and why. The game also features other important characters, including fan-favorite Barry Burton from the very first installment.
Players can complete the campaign together in co-op. In addition, there is the Raid Mode — essentially a Mercenaries mode on steroids.
Dead Rising 4
- Year: 2017;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One;
- Co-op: yes (online).
Another zombie action horror, but unlike Resident Evil, the story here is more comedic and serves as a light parody of classic horror films by George Romero.
Dead Rising 4 offers a semi-open world and countless ways to eliminate zombies. You can slice them up with a lightsaber, use saws and bats, blast them with a rocket launcher, or run them over with a tractor or other vehicles. The number of creative ways to kill enemies is vast, making Dead Rising more about fun first — and horror second.
Dead Space 3
- Year: 2013;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360;
- Co-op: yes (online).
At launch, fans criticized Dead Space 3 for shifting away from horror toward action. However, some of that criticism feels overstated, as the game introduced co-op for the first time, allowing players to explore a space station and survive among grotesque necromorphs together.
The game will especially appeal to fans of sci-fi horror like The Thing or Alien. One of its key features is a deep equipment upgrade system, essential for fighting monsters. Dead Space 3 also offers a solid story that continues the events of the previous two games and expands on the protagonist’s background.
Dead Island
- Year: 2011;
- Platforms: PC, Linux, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One;
- Co-op: yes (online).
The setting of Dead Island is a tropical island where a group of partygoers arrives to have a good time. But after waking up from a night of partying, they realize that in addition to a severe hangover, they now have another problem — surviving among zombies.
The game features a decent story explaining the outbreak. It can be played online with friends. One of Dead Island’s standout features is its melee combat system. Players can use almost anything as a weapon — from bats to chainsaws — while firearms are also available.
Dying Light
- Year: 2015;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch;
- Co-op: yes (online).
Dying Light is another Techland title on this list. Like Dead Island, it features an open world and zombies. However, compared to its predecessor, Dying Light significantly expands its locations, adds more weapons, and introduces advanced traversal and gameplay systems.
For example, players must pay attention to the time of day, as more dangerous monsters emerge at night — ones that only the most experienced survivors can escape from. Another standout feature is parkour, allowing players to run across rooftops, climb structures, and perform stylish moves during combat with zombies.
Interactive movies and story-driven co-op horror games
There’s no need to shoot or run — just make decisions. Games in this category are closer to films than traditional gameplay: branching narratives, QTE sequences, and the constant threat of character death. Playing in a group makes it especially engaging: everyone roots for their own character, and endings differ depending on the choices made.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan
- Year: 2019;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch;
- Co-op: yes (online and local).
In 2015, Supermassive Games released its first truly major title, Until Dawn, which became a hit. It’s no surprise the developers, after experimenting with VR, returned to interactive horror storytelling.
Yes, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan relies heavily on jump scares, and its story doesn’t stand out much from typical B-movie plots. However, it offers genuine branching paths, a solid cast, appealing visuals, and — most importantly — co-op, which makes the experience far more engaging. Spending a few days exploring every branch, making different choices, and even getting all characters killed is definitely worthwhile.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes
- Year: 2021;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online and local).
The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes is the third entry in Supermassive Games’ co-op horror anthology. This time, the setting is Iraq in 2003.
The main characters include a small squad of American soldiers, CIA agent Rachel King, and Iraqi sergeant Salim Othman. During a clash between opposing forces, an earthquake strikes, and both sides fall underground — where their terrifying journey begins.
All gameplay elements from previous entries remain intact: branching narrative, QTE sequences that determine whether characters live or die, and a lingering sense of uncertainty. It may not be outright terrifying, but it can still deliver a few solid scares.
The Quarry
- Year: 2022;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online and local).
Another Supermassive Games project makes the list — also an interactive horror experience. This is The Quarry, which features local co-op for up to eight players, allowing each participant to control a different character and follow their story.
The events take place at Hackett’s Quarry summer camp, where counselors decide to throw a party. Things quickly spiral out of control, leading the characters into dangerous and terrifying situations that determine their fate.
In The Quarry, almost any character can die. As in previous games, everything depends on the player’s decisions. As a result, the game features multiple endings, some of which are quite unexpected.
Until Dawn Remake
- Year: 2024;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5;
- Co-op: yes (online and local).
If you’re specifically interested in Supermassive Games’ debut project, take a look at the new 2024 version. Until Dawn Remake, built on Unreal Engine 5, noticeably improves the visuals with higher resolution, enhanced lighting, and better detail. However, there are drawbacks: some scenes and dialogues were reworked or removed, and these changes tend to simplify the story and make it feel less cohesive. In addition, the remake replaces the original soundtrack, which also negatively affects the overall experience. Still, despite its flaws, the remake remains playable and can serve as a solid entry point for newcomers.
Asymmetric multiplayer horror games (1 vs team)
The classic format: one player controls the monster, while the others try to survive or complete objectives. This asymmetry creates constant tension — you never know where the hunter is, and any sound could be your last. If you want to truly scare your friends — or hunt them yourself — this is your section.
Dead by Daylight
- Year: 2016;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android;
- Co-op: yes (online).
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetric horror built around a cat-and-mouse concept. A group of players must survive and escape from a killer, while another player hunts them down.
One of its key features is the large amount of content based on iconic horror franchises. The game includes characters from both films and popular game series like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. For example, Leatherface, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, the Xenomorph, Nemesis, and many other killers from well-known horror properties appear here. Recently, the game also added Vecna from Stranger Things. Overall, Dead by Daylight is a great way to spend time with friends, create memorable moments, and indulge in nostalgia for classic games and films.
BIGFOOT
- Year: 2017 (early access);
- Platform: PC
- Co-op: yes (online).
A first-person horror game where a group of players hunts Bigfoot — a mythical creature of enormous size, inhuman strength, and extreme ferocity.
In BIGFOOT, there are two modes. In the first, players fight against an AI-controlled Bigfoot. In the second, one of the players takes on the role of the creature.
To win, you need to use different weapons and outsmart the monster — assuming the player controlling it doesn’t outplay you first.
Friday the 13th: The Game
- Year: 2017;
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch;
- Co-op: online supported until 2024.
Like Dead by Daylight, Friday the 13th: The Game is a 4v1 horror experience. However, while DBD features characters from many different horror franchises, Friday the 13th focuses exclusively on its own cinematic universe.
Players can choose from several versions of Jason Voorhees — a brutally strong killer who enjoys hunting down teenagers in the most violent ways. Like the film series it’s based on, the game is filled with brutality, but it also works well as a fun co-op experience with friends.
Resident Evil: Project Resistance
- Year: 2020;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online).
The game is bundled with the remake of Resident Evil 3 and tells the story of an Umbrella training facility where a group of four survivors must face off against a player acting as a mastermind. The team has to push through dangerous locations, find special keys, and unlock the path forward. Each area gives them five minutes, and they must complete three such zones to escape the experiment. Meanwhile, their opponent releases hordes of zombies, sets traps, and unleashes iconic monsters like the Tyrant, all of which they can control.
The combat system can feel rather clunky at times. Still, if you already own the Resident Evil 3 remake, there’s no reason not to jump into the multiplayer with friends and try to survive another deadly Umbrella experiment.
Secret Neighbor
- Year: 2019;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android;
- Co-op: yes (online).
A multiplayer horror set in the Hello Neighbor universe, taking place between the first and second acts of the original game. In Secret Neighbor, players take on the role of children who, driven by curiosity, end up in a dangerous situation. They want to rescue their friend from the Neighbor’s basement — the problem is that one of them is the Neighbor.
As a result, players are split between those trying to escape and the one trying to catch them. The children must cooperate carefully, collect keys, and attempt to free their friend, while the Neighbor can use various gadgets to hunt them down.
In Silence
- Year: 2021;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
An asymmetric first-person multiplayer horror released in 2021 after a year in early access. At first glance, the gameplay is fairly straightforward: a group of five players must find parts and repair a car to escape from a monster, or solve a simple puzzle to obtain a weapon and fight back. After death, a player doesn’t leave the map but turns into a mouse (yes, a mouse) to help teammates locate important items.
The main feature of In Silence is right in its name — you must stay as quiet as possible. The monster sees poorly but hears extremely well and reacts to every sound, so constant communication is not an option. If the creature catches you, you can try to fend it off with a flashlight — assuming it still has enough charge.
There’s also a more challenging mode with fewer resources on the map, as well as a solo mode where the monster is controlled by AI.
How do you feel about the co-op horror format?
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
- Year: 2023;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online).
An asymmetric multiplayer horror based on the famous film series, with gameplay similar to Dead by Daylight or Friday the 13th: The Game, but with several important differences. First, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre focuses on realism: believable character animations, no supernatural elements, and a grounded setting. Second, survivors are not hunted by a single killer, but by several, which significantly changes the dynamic. While the killers are dangerous, they are not as overpowered as in similar games, meaning they must also cooperate with each other.
If you decide to try The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, keep in mind that support ended after the May 2025 update, and servers are transitioning to P2P. This means that servers may shut down in the coming years, so it’s best to pick it up at a discount.
Ghosts, demons, and paranormal investigation horror
A subgenre that has seen a major surge in popularity in recent years — largely thanks to the success of Phasmophobia. The core idea is simple: a team enters a haunted location to investigate, identify, or eliminate a paranormal threat. Atmosphere matters more than action here, with fear built through sound design, darkness, and the constant feeling of being watched.
Phasmophobia
- Year: 2020 (early access);
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2;
- Co-op: yes (online).
Right away, it’s worth noting that Phasmophobia is one of the best games on this list and definitely worth your attention. Released in 2020, it quickly climbed the Twitch charts thanks to its strong gameplay, dense atmosphere, and a range of unique mechanics.
You play as paranormal investigators. Your task is to enter locations with supernatural activity, gather evidence, locate the ghost, and determine what type of entity you’re dealing with. One of the key mechanics is that ghosts react to voice chat — saying their name or certain keywords can provoke a response. This forces players to be careful with communication and avoid unnecessary chatter.
It’s one of the scariest games around, and having a teammate doesn’t necessarily make it less terrifying. The fear here comes not from cheap jump scares, but from carefully built atmosphere. If you’ve missed it, it’s worth considering.
Pacify
- Year: 2019;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
Pacify is a game where players are sent into a haunted house. It starts with a real estate agent who wants to put the property up for sale but hears rumors of supernatural activity. To verify them, he hires a group from PAH Inc. (Paranormal Activity Helpers Incorporated), who are tasked with investigating the situation.
You can play with up to three friends. Players can either cooperate or act against each other. During the investigation, they must gather evidence of a dark presence by interacting with objects and searching for keys to explore the mansion. However, they must be extremely careful not to awaken the evil or become its next victims.
FOREWARNED
- Year: 2021;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
In FOREWARNED, players take on the role of archaeologists exploring ancient Egyptian ruins — unaware that something far more sinister awaits them. An ancient evil has awakened and is hungry for human souls. The team must find a way to stop powerful supernatural entities from escaping and triggering an apocalypse.
The game features procedurally generated levels, meaning each session offers a different experience. It also supports virtual reality, providing deeper immersion.
Devour
- Year: 2021;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
A game about cultists where the goal is to perform a ritual and banish an evil entity, with its backstory explained before each match.
The objectives across all maps in Devour are generally the same: find a required number of ritual items (or animals), desecrate or cleanse them at specific locations, and then destroy them. Players end up catching goats, collecting eggs and keys, all while running from possessed enemies, spiders, ghosts, and a relentless monster. The only way to defend yourself against this bloodthirsty bestiary is a UV flashlight: it eliminates regular enemies but only slows down the boss — and in the final phases, even that becomes useless.
The game also features various perks that can be selected before a match — not all are essential, but some can be quite useful. There’s also a nightmare difficulty, where players lose even their flashlight, and a solo mode for those willing to face everything alone.
Hellcoming
- Year: 2021;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
In Hellcoming (which supports up to four players), the objective is to banish a demon by destroying a special artifact that binds it to the human world. This is no simple task: the artifact is located on an altar deep within the demon’s lair, which can only be accessed through a portal. In addition, the lair is protected by magical seals corrupted by various forms of evil — cleansing them is where players must begin. The locations are large, the demon is constantly active, and various types of evil spawn throughout the map to stop players from saving the world.
Players have access to a range of tools, such as a vacuum capable of collecting liquids, a detector that helps locate demonic entities, and brushes used to clean different types of contamination. Difficulty gradually increases as players progress, along with the number of enemies trying to tear them apart.
Ghost Watchers
- Year: 2022;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
For those who enjoy ghost-themed horror, the indie studio Renderise created Ghost Watchers, where players explore abandoned houses in search of supernatural activity.
During investigations, players interact with various objects to determine the ghost’s type, age, and temperament. Spirits are divided into multiple categories, including former suicides and even full-fledged demons.
Demonologist
- Year: 2023;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
One of the more successful imitators of the highly popular Phasmophobia. Demonologist closely replicates its structure, many gameplay mechanics, and overall concept. Players enter an abandoned house inhabited by a hostile spirit and must use specialized equipment to gather clues and determine the exact type of entity.
The key difference is that after completing the investigation, players can continue playing, take on additional challenges, and even attempt an exorcism — a feature not present in Phasmophobia. It’s also worth noting that Demonologist can feel even scarier than its main competitor, which is surprising given how intense Phasmophobia already is.
Co-op horror games with exploration and extraction
The youngest and fastest-growing subgenre: a team enters a dangerous location, gathers resources or loot, and tries to escape alive. Lethality is high, predictability is zero. This is where the most chaotic stories are born — when everything is going smoothly until one player makes a noise at the worst possible moment.
Lethal Company
- Year: 2023;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” perfectly describes the mindset you should have when approaching Lethal Company. It may not be the most visually impressive game, but it is one of the most terrifying co-op experiences for a group of friends.
In Lethal Company, you and your teammates play as scrap collectors sent by a corporation to abandoned moons. You need to work quickly and efficiently to meet your quota. The problem is that the most valuable loot is usually hidden inside industrial facilities — complex labyrinths where corridors often lead nowhere. These locations are also inhabited by dangerous monsters.
Creatures in Lethal Company are divided into different types, each with unique behavior patterns. Despite the futuristic setting, players don’t encounter cyborgs or mutants, but rather ghosts, creepy animated dolls, and giant insects. These monsters feel more like something out of internet creepypastas than traditional sci-fi threats.
R.E.P.O.
- Year: 2025;
- Platforms: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
An indie hit of 2025 and a strong competitor to games like Phasmophobia and Lethal Company.
In R.E.P.O., a team of unarmed, oddly designed androids enters abandoned buildings and mansions to retrieve valuable antiques or equipment and deliver them to an extraction point. Items obey physics and have durability, so players must handle loot carefully to avoid breaking fragile objects. Sounds easy? Only in theory: the process is constantly disrupted by dangerous monsters patrolling the level. That’s why it’s crucial to stay quiet and work as a team. For more details, check out our R.E.P.O. preview.
MIMESIS
- Year: 2025;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
The newest Lethal Company-style game, released in early access in October 2025. MIMESIS doesn’t introduce many fundamentally new ideas, except for one — AI-driven mimics as enemies. They imitate player behavior, use gestures, and even replicate players’ voices in voice chat, which can easily confuse teammates and lead to fatal mistakes.
Scary survival games
Co-op horror games where the focus shifts from action to survival under constant pressure. Limited resources, fragile characters, and the need to think through every step make these games especially tense. It’s not just about hiding from threats — it’s about effective teamwork: sharing supplies, coordinating actions, and making decisions that directly determine whether anyone makes it out alive. In this category, you’ll find some of the best survival simulators available today.
The Forest
- Year: 2018;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4;
- Co-op: yes (online).
The Forest is a hit first-person survival simulator with strong horror elements. Players find themselves in a forest inhabited by bloodthirsty mutant cannibals eager to feast on human flesh. To survive, players must learn how to build shelters, craft useful items, and monitor their character’s hunger levels. For self-defense, they can use improvised weapons and traps.
7 Days to Die
- Year: 2024;
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5;
- Co-op: yes (online and local).
7 Days to Die is a popular survival game set in a zombie apocalypse. It features an enormous open world spanning an impressive 100 square kilometers. While exploring, players can either team up or fight each other.
There are hundreds of items available, along with a wide range of weapons. The game also includes crafting systems and skill progression. As for the character, it must be created from scratch, with a unique appearance and gear.
Beyond survival, players can complete various quests scattered across the map. Some NPCs allow trading and exchanging useful items. The game even supports hunting and farming. It’s essentially a sandbox that combines horror, shooter mechanics, and survival elements.
State of Decay 2
- Year: 2019;
- Platforms: Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online).
A great way to experience life in a zombie apocalypse. The events of State of Decay 2 take place in the United States after a virus outbreak that turned most of the population into bloodthirsty, mindless creatures. Survivors are forced to band together to endure harsh conditions.
Players must craft items, fortify their base, and interact with other survivors for the common good. While State of Decay 2 includes a single-player mode, it leaves the strongest impression when played with friends.
Other co-op horror games
Co-op horror titles that don’t fit neatly into standard subgenres. Here you’ll find games with unusual mechanics, experimental formats, and genre hybrids.
The Outlast Trials
- Year: 2023;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S;
- Co-op: yes (online).
The well-known Outlast series has returned — this time with a strong focus on co-op gameplay. It supports up to four players, each controlling a test subject. The main objective is to survive a series of trials designed by scientists.
The story of The Outlast Trials revolves around human subjects undergoing horrific experiments in a mysterious facility during the Cold War. To survive, they must face nightmarish scenarios and deranged prisoners.
DESOLATE
- Year: 2019;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One;
- Co-op: yes (online).
DESOLATE is a co-op horror where players form a team of up to four and travel to Granichny Island, the site of a catastrophic event. Since then, the area has been plagued by anomalies, and people have turned into mutated monsters.
Players can craft items, develop their characters, and upgrade weapons — all essential for surviving among these creatures. They must also uncover the truth behind the tragedy that led to countless deaths.
Eronoctosis: Put Yourself Together
- Year: 2021;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online and local).
A free co-op horror for two players with an unusual concept. The goal is to piece together a fractured mind by navigating through the labyrinths of a person’s nightmare-ridden psyche.
In Eronoctosis: Put Yourself Together, roles are split: one player carries a flashlight to illuminate the path and reveal hidden monsters, while the other uses a camera to eliminate them. Coordination is essential — the camera only works on enemies that have been illuminated. If a creature gets too close, the character dies, and the game restarts.
Lunch Lady
- Year: 2021;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
A co-op horror about school students. It can be played solo or with up to four players.
The story of Lunch Lady follows teenagers who, with exams approaching, decide to steal test answers from school materials. However, things don’t go as planned: at night, the school is controlled by the mysterious Lunch Lady, making the plan far more dangerous.
Players must find 10 pages of answers and keys to locked doors, then escape the school without being caught. The Lunch Lady is immortal, so hiding is the only option — especially when kitchen utensils and axes start flying at you.
The Blackout Club
- Year: 2019;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One;
- Co-op: yes (online).
The core appeal of Blackout Club lies in its atmosphere, reminiscent of works like Stranger Things, It, and Twin Peaks. The story centers on a mysterious town where people disappear, and every night, residents rise from their beds and wander the streets in a trance. Only a few children remain unaffected. They form the Blackout Club to uncover what’s really happening.
Armed with crossbows, expanding foam, smartphones, and other tools, players go out each night to investigate, gather loot, and earn progression points.
Since the game was created by developers behind Thief 3 and the BioShock series, it features the hallmark traits of immersive sims: slower pacing, multiple approaches, and varied solutions. Objectives are procedurally generated — sometimes you gather evidence, sometimes rescue someone, sometimes complete other tasks. The key is to avoid being seen by adults and a creature known as the Figure.
Loco Parentis
- Year: 2019;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
A project by Fair Games, the creators of Protocol, a title known within niche circles. In Loco Parentis, the player leaves their apartment and encounters a small, suspicious girl asking for help finding her mother. What seems like a simple task quickly turns into something far more unsettling.
The apartment building behaves in impossible ways: reaching the ground floor loops you back to the top, again and again. Each cycle reveals new story details and introduces more hostile creatures, while resources like ammo and flashlight batteries remain scarce. The psychological pressure builds steadily, and the complex puzzles are sometimes so obscure that players mistake them for bugs.
The game has its flaws, but its atmosphere is strong enough to deliver genuine scares.
Sign of Silence
- Year: 2020;
- Platform: PC;
- Co-op: yes (online).
A group of friends gets into a car accident in the mountains and ends up stranded in a terrifying forest with no signal. Their only chance to survive is to make it through the forest and reach the nearest town.
The key mechanic of Sign of Silence is noise: any action can attract monsters, so players must move quietly and coordinate their actions. The map includes forests, swamps, and abandoned urban areas. There are multiple escape options: elevator, boat, helicopter, or performing a ritual to banish the darkness.
This article was prepared by Gennady Chemeris and Fazil Dzhyndzholiia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which co-op horror is best for beginners?
For a softer start — The Quarry or Dark Pictures: House of Ashes. These are interactive movies: you follow the story and make decisions without needing to run or shoot. If you want something more active — Devour or Ghost Watchers: simple gameplay, but the atmosphere is intense from the start.
Are there good co-op horror games with local co-op (split-screen)?
Yes, though there are fewer of them. The Quarry and Dark Pictures support local co-op for up to eight players — each controls their own character. Most other games in the list are designed primarily for online play.
Which horror game on this list is the scariest?
For constant tension — GTFO and Lethal Company: the pressure never lets up. For atmospheric horror — Phasmophobia and Demonologist: fear comes from the unknown rather than jump scares.
Can these horror games be played with just two players, or do you need a full group?
Most of the games work well as a duo. GTFO and Lethal Company are designed for four players but can still be played with two — it’s just more challenging. R.E.P.O., Devour, Demonologist, and Ghost Watchers are especially well-suited for two players.
Are there any free co-op horror games?
From this list, Eronoctosis: Put Yourself Together is available for free. Dead by Daylight and Phasmophobia are paid, but are frequently discounted or given away on EGS.
The Best Video Games: Lists and Selections
- Best Open World Games: TOP-100 from Skyrim to GTA 6 (2026)
- TOP 10 best animal partners in games: the deceased Dogmeat from Fallout, the Cheeseburger bear from Far Cry 5 and dragons in Skyrim
- Top 10 Games for Low-End PCs in 2024
- Top 30 Best Story-Driven Space Games for PC
- Top 15 Games Similar to Hogwarts Legacy
- Best Summer Games
- Best 2D Platformers
- Best Video Game Remakes and Remasters on PC and Consoles (Resident Evil 4, Dead Space, FF7 and More)
- Best Co-op Games 2026: 290+ Picks for PC, PS5, Xbox & Switch
- Best Games for Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go in 2026
- Best RPGs of All Time: Top 77 on PC and Consoles
- Best First-Person Shooters: Top FPS Games on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Switch
- Best Horror Games of All Time — Top Scary Games on PC, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
- Best 4X and Grand Strategy Games
- The Most Beautiful Games with Ray Tracing
- DLCs and Expansions That Are Way Better Than the Base Game
- Best Short Games to Enjoy Over a Few Evenings
- Best Fighting Games
- Top 25 Best Metroidvania Games on PC, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
- The Most Promising Upcoming AA Games
- Best Tactical Games for PC and Consoles: Top 24 Turn-Based Tactics Games and TRPGs
- Best Extraction Shooters
- Best Nonlinear Games
- Mainline Silent Hill Games Ranked from Worst to Best
***
Co-op horror is a genre that thrives in multiplayer: fear becomes sharper, and unexpected situations turn into the best gaming memories. We update this list as new titles are released, so check back.
If you’re looking for something less scary but still cooperative, take a look at our comprehensive list of the best co-op games. If you prefer to be scared alone — here’s our selection of the best horror games.
Do co-op horror games ever scare you when playing with friends?
-
60 Best Co-op Games for Low-End PCs -
Best Vampire Games: 30 Picks from Castlevania to Bloodlines 2 -
The Best PS4 and PS5 Games with Local Co-op — Top 31 for Split-Screen Play -
TOP-10 Best First-Person Horror Games -
Top 10 big mods that completely change games -
Call of Duty Games Ranked from Worst to Best -
Best Open World Games: TOP-100 from Skyrim to GTA 6 (2026) -
Best Survival Games on PC: 65+ Picks from Valheim to Subnautica
