19 Best Multiplayer Horror Games To Keep You Awake
The best multiplayer horror games bring a different kind of thrill. They’re low-key terrifying but hilarious at the same time. Sometimes friends A and B are screaming because friend A gets killed out of nowhere. Other times, you’re laughing as friend C behind you yells, “Follow me!” and runs straight off the cliff.
That constant push and pull between safety and danger is what makes multiplayer horror so addictive. Every session feels like a horror movie with the worst cast of survivors – your co-op mates. Nobody follows the plan. And before you know it, you’re dealing with chaos instead of monsters.
I have done all the research and put together the top 19 multiplayer horror games that will keep you and your friends awake at night. Scroll down to find all about them.
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Our Top Picks for Best Multiplayer Horror Games
We’ll kick things off with the top three multiplayer horror games. All of them demand teamwork to survive. Yet, they throw you into MADNESS where trust doesn’t last long. Together, these picks show the range of experiences horror fans can enjoy:
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Buy nowThe Outlast Trials 2024Horror hits differently in The Outlast Trials. You’re dragged into twisted experiments as a test subject. The experiments break you down and force you to make choices you’d rather avoid.
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Buy nowProject Zomboid 2013Every supply run here feel risky. You’ll loot houses, build safe spots, manage injuries, and try to keep your group alive in a sandbox where one bad decision can end a long run.
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Buy nowNo More Room in Hell 2 2026Survival here is raw grit. Eight players, barely any bullets, and one bad decision that kills your character for good.
That’s only the start of the madness. If you’re one of those players wondering if anyone knows horror games that don’t disappoint, the full rundown of multiplayer horror is still ahead.
19 Best Multiplayer Horror Games for Co-Op Chaos & Scares
What separates the top multiplayer horror games from the rest isn’t just the scares; it’s how they handle different personalities. In every group, some players will be natural leaders, and others will panic at the first sign of danger. The following games take such differences in personalities and turn them into gameplay features rather than problems.
1. The Outlast Trials [Best Psychological Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2024 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op, PvPvE (Invasion mode) |
| Cross-Play | Yes – PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Best for | Groups who want psychological horror under constant stress |
The Outlast Trials takes horror in a psychological direction like Silent Hill. You might think having friends around makes things less scary, but The Outlast Trials proves that wrong. The game places you and your friends inside cruel Cold War experiments, where trust becomes your most valuable resource.
Every trial is built around psychological pressure. The sterile labs and narrow corridors create an uneasy atmosphere, while distant sounds and approaching footsteps keep you waiting for something to go wrong. But your teammates can be just as unpredictable. One player might wander away from the group while another panics when things start falling apart, making cooperation harder when you need it most.
The main campaign follows Program Genesis, a core path of themed Trials and MK-Challenges. Completing these challenges unlocks the Farewell Mansion final exam, followed by a Reborn prestige reset that can be repeated.
In Invasion, your items and Rigs work against Imposters, so stay grouped and ue them rather than splitting up to loot.
For players who want more variety, Escalation Therapy combines randomized Trials into an endless roguelite run, while Weekly Therapy adds changing modifiers for experienced squads. The Invasion update also introduced a permanent PvP mode in which player-controlled Imposters can enter a Trial and hunt the other players. Some actively pursue the squad, while others monitor trial feeds through surveillance cameras to reveal player locations.
My Verdict: The Outlast Trials works particularly well when a group starts losing its composure. Communication becomes harder as the pressure builds, and Invasion adds another source of paranoia by turning one of the players into a potential threat. It is a strong fit for groups looking for psychological horror built around teamwork and stressful decisions.
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2. Project Zomboid [Best Sandbox Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2013 |
| Players | Multiplayer |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op, PvP, local split-screen |
| Cross-Play | Partial – PC operating systems; no Steam ↔ GOG cross-play |
| Best for | Groups who want deep zombie survival |
Project Zomboid isn’t scary because it throws scripted jumpscares at you. It’s scary because one careless decision can wipe out a character you’ve kept alive for hours. You and your friends loot houses, barricade safe spots, manage hunger and injuries, and slowly build a routine inside a world where the zombie population never really stops being a threat.
Don’t fight large groups just because you have weapons. Noise attracts more zombies, so knowing when to leave is usually more useful than winning one messy fight.
Multiplayer makes that survival loop much better. One player can search for food while someone else works on the base, fixes vehicles, or prepares for the next supply run. But splitting up is always risky – a routine trip into town can turn into a desperate escape once a few zombies become an entire horde.
My Verdict: Project Zomboid is one of the best choices here for groups that want horror to come from survival itself. The longer your group stays alive, the more every risky supply run starts to matter.
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3. No More Room in Hell 2 [Best Hardcore Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2026 |
| Players | 1–8 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op, PvE |
| Cross-Play | Yes – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Best for | Hardcore squads who want permadeath and scarce resources |
No More Room in Hell 2 takes a harsh approach to cooperative survival horror. Death is permanent, so losing a character means leaving the rest of the eight-player squad to continue without you. An infection adds another problem rather than ending the run immediately, giving the group a difficult decision about how to handle an infected teammate.
Resources are scarce, especially ammunition. Wasting a magazine on one encounter can leave the squad dangerously short when another wave arrives. When the bullets run out, players may have to rely on melee weapons while flashlights and proximity voice chat make it difficult to stay unnoticed. Coordinating a retreat can become chaotic when several players are trying to communicate at once.
In “Objective” mode, split your team between defenders and runners. Have two players focus on completing objectives while the others create chokepoints and manage zombie hordes at key doorways.
The 1.0 release added an eight-player Survival mode, a solo option without the usual permadeath rule, weekly missions, expanded character customization, the Raven Rock map, and cross-play between PC and consoles.
My Verdict: No More Room in Hell 2 puts resource management and permanent consequences at the center of its multiplayer horror. Every wasted bullet matters, and losing a teammate can change the rest of the run. It suits players who want a more punishing co-op experience where mistakes have lasting consequences.
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4. Content Warning [Best Viral Co-Op Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Year of release | 2024 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | Yes – PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Best for | Friend groups who want horror that’s as funny as it’s scary |
Content Warning takes the basic idea of exploring dangerous locations with friends and adds a recording challenge. Up to four players enter the Old World with cameras, flashlights, and limited battery power. The goal is to capture frightening creatures and chaotic moments on film, then upload the footage to SpöökTube in the hope of earning enough views.
That creates a constant trade-off between staying safe and getting better footage. Players need to move close to dangerous creatures and events while one teammate keeps the camera running.
Keep the camera focused on dangerous creatures and encounters, but watch its battery. Take turns filming so one player can lead the way while another captures footage without putting the whole team at risk.
After the expedition, the group can watch the recorded footage together back at base, turning the things that went wrong during the run into part of the experience.
My Verdict: Content Warning makes multiplayer horror work as both a survival game and a shared comedy experience. The recording mechanic gives players a reason to take risks, while watching the footage afterward makes even failed escapes memorable. It is a natural choice for groups that want their horror sessions to be as funny as they are frightening.
5. Barotrauma [Best Submarine Survival Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Players | 1–16 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op, LAN, PvP (combat missions) |
| Cross-Play | Yes – Steam & Epic Games Store |
| Best for | Large, communication-heavy crews who like role-play |
Barotrauma drops you and your crew into the frozen oceans of Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Running a submarine under extreme water pressure is difficult enough, but the depths are also home to massive alien creatures. Each player takes on a role, such as Captain, Engineer, Mechanic, or Medical Doctor, and the crew has to work together to keep the submarine running.
Things can fall apart quickly. A damaged compartment starts filling with water, the reactor begins overheating, or a creature tears through the hull, forcing everyone to react at once.
Assign one crew member to monitor the reactor and another to handle repairs. When the submarine is damaged, seal flooded compartments quickly to prevent one breach from turning into a crew-wide emergency.
What makes Barotrauma stand out is the mix of detailed submarine management and chaotic co-op survival. One crew member’s mistake can turn a routine repair into a full-scale emergency, especially when several problems happen at the same time.
My Verdict: Barotrauma works well for groups that enjoy communication-heavy survival games. Keeping the submarine running while dealing with darkness, flooding, mechanical failures, and hostile creatures creates constant pressure. The more systems go wrong, the more important it becomes for every player to know their role.
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6. Ghost Watchers [Best Ghost-Catching Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2025 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | N/A (PC only) |
| Best for | Ghost-hunting fans who want to capture spirits, not just identify them |
Ghost Watchers takes the familiar co-op ghost investigation formula and adds a more active objective. Instead of identifying a spirit and escaping the location, your team has to weaken and capture it. You can investigate abandoned houses, hospitals, and mansions while using specialized equipment to determine the ghost’s type, age, and mood. Once you have enough information, the team must complete a multi-step process to capture the entity.
The ghosts are aggressive from the start and can make each investigation unpredictable. They can throw objects, lock doors, and chase players around the location.
Identify the ghost’s type and characteristics before attempting to capture it. Gather the required capture items first, so your team is ready when the ghost becomes aggressive.
Capturing one requires the whole team to collect the right items, including things such as holy water, incense, and specialized traps. At the same time, players have to avoid attacks that can quickly overwhelm the entire group.
My Verdict: Ghost Watchers puts a more active spin on the usual paranormal investigation format. The goal is not only to figure out what kind of ghost you’re dealing with, but also to weaken and capture it. That extra objective keeps the team busy and maintains the pressure through the end of each investigation.
7. R.E.P.O. [Best Physics-Based Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2025 |
| Players | 1–6 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | N/A (PC only) |
| Best for | Groups who like chaotic extraction horror |
R.E.P.O. takes a simple extraction loop and makes almost every part of it capable of going wrong. Up to six players enter dangerous locations to recover valuable objects, but those objects are fully physics-based – meaning carrying an expensive TV or awkward piece of furniture through a monster-infested building can be harder than actually finding it.
That physics system is what gives R.E.P.O. so much personality. Teammates have to carefully lift, rotate, and move valuables without smashing them, all while trying not to attract whatever is roaming nearby. One person panicking can turn a clean extraction into a mess of dropped loot, screaming, and everyone running in different directions.
Don’t rush large or fragile valuables through tight spaces. Have two players guide awkward objects whenever possible, while someone else checks the route ahead for monsters.
The deeper you get into a run, the more tempting it becomes to push your luck for better loot. Surviving lets you spend your earnings on upgrades, which makes later runs easier, but losing control of an encounter can undo a lot of careful scavenging.
8. Killing Floor 3 [Best Wave-Shooter Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2025 |
| Players | 1–6 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op (PvE wave survival) |
| Cross-Play | Yes – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Best for | Action-focused squads who prefer guns over hiding |
Killing Floor 3 sends six players into 2091, where Horzine has created an army of bioengineered enemies known as zeds. The basic loop remains familiar: survive each wave, spend your earnings, and prepare for an even tougher assault. However, the class system has changed from KF2‘s free-choice perks to named specialists with individual 30-level skill trees, making squad composition an important decision before a match begins.
The M.E.A.T. system expands the game’s dismemberment effects, while Unreal Engine 5 gives the combat arenas a darker atmosphere. Interactive traps, including turrets and industrial fans, give teams additional ways to work together during a wave, and cross-play allows players on different platforms to join the same group.
For squads that prefer direct combat over hiding, Killing Floor 3 trades the precise frame data and 1v1 focus of the top fighting games for massive, wave-based horde shooter mayhem
Choose specialists with complementary abilities before starting a match. Use interactive traps, such as turrets and industrial fans, to control enemy approaches and give your squad more room to fight.
The launch package included seven maps and three bosses, while Tripwire has continued patching the game according to a public roadmap.
My Verdict: Killing Floor 3 focuses heavily on fast gunplay and coordinated wave survival, with specialist roles shaping how each squad approaches combat. The limited launch content can make the experience feel repetitive for players who spend a lot of time with it, but a full group can still get plenty of action from a session.
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9. Dead by Daylight [Best Asymmetrical Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Players | 5 (4 survivors vs. 1 killer) |
| Multiplayer type | Asymmetrical online PvP |
| Cross-Play | Yes – PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Best for | Players who enjoy killer-vs-survivor mind games |
Dead by Daylight stands out as one of the strongest asymmetrical multiplayer horror titles. The setup is simple: one killer versus four survivors.
The asymmetrical elements of Dead by Daylight work because both sides have completely different objectives and abilities. Survivors focus on repairing generators to open exit gates, while killers hunt them down using unique powers.
This difference creates constant tension, as survivors must balance stealth and speed, while killers rely on pressure and control to keep the game in their favor. Want more multiplayer action? This guide highlights the top multiplayer games filled with unique, fun and intense experiences.
Don’t rush an unhook if the Killer is still controlling the area. Unhooked Survivors already get brief Endurance and a speed boost by default, so focus on creating enough distance for both players to reset safely rather than relying on Borrowed Time to fix a bad rescue.
Survivors get various game modes like regular trials, custom games with friends, and special event modes. Killers only have one task: hunt survivors. Each killer has unique powers. Some can teleport across the map.
Others rely on stealth or ranged attacks. Survivors have to adjust to whoever they’re up against. Killers, meanwhile, need to read survivor behavior. This turns each match into a mind game.
My Verdict: The asymmetrical design of Dead by Daylight creates endless replay value with completely different experiences for each role. While some matches can be affected by tense player interactions, playing with friends can make the experience more enjoyable.
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10. Forewarned [Best Archaeological Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2024 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | Yes – PC & VR |
| Best for | Groups who like investigation and puzzle-solving horror |
Forewarned combines archaeological methodology with supernatural terror. You and your friends play as researchers exploring ancient tombs. Here, survival is dependent on how well you track and document your findings. The archaeological elements are surprisingly detailed.
You’re asked to photograph hieroglyphs and catalog artifacts. These tasks aren’t just filler. They tie directly into uncovering which ancient entity haunts the tomb. Every clue you record narrows down the possibilities, but it also pushes you deeper into danger.
The game flips moods fast – players go from organized and chatty to panicked and scrambling once curses come into play. For other PvE games, check this guide to the best PvE games.
Use the preparation phase in “expedition” mode to assign clear roles. Proper planning makes the difference between a smooth expedition and chaos when supernatural threats appear.
The tomb layouts change with every run in Forewarned. Certain artifacts bring valuable rewards back to camp, but others trigger deadly traps or anger the Mejai (ancient cursed spirits that guard the tombs).
When the Mejai manifests, the tone shifts from research to survival horror. Some stalk silently in the dark, others extinguish your torches, and a few mimic the voices of your teammates to spread confusion. Every encounter forces quick thinking and sharp coordination if the squad hopes to escape alive.
Voice chat adds another fun layer – the game actually listens. Talk too loud, and the entity might hear you. It’s one of the rare horror games that makes you feel like you’re actually part of an excavation gone horribly wrong.
My Verdict: I never expected an archaeological game to be this terrifying, but exploring cursed tombs with proper documentation tools is surprisingly engaging. The educational elements make you feel like legitimate researchers until ancient guardians ruin your day. It’s unique enough to stand out in a crowded genre.
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11. Secret Neighbor [Best Social Deduction Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS |
| Year of release | 2019 |
| Players | 2–6 (up to 5 kids vs. 1 Neighbor) |
| Multiplayer type | Online social deduction, asymmetrical PvP |
| Cross-Play | Partial – PS ↔ Switch; Xbox ↔ Microsoft Store PC |
| Best for | Party groups who enjoy betrayal and suspicion |
Secret Neighbor brings social deduction mechanics into the familiar Hello Neighbor setting. Taking place between Acts 1 and 2 of the main game, a squad of kids attempts to break into the Neighbor‘s creepy residence to rescue their friend locked in the basement. The twist is that one player in your group is secretly the Neighbor in disguise.
The kids must locate keys, search for items, and unlock doors to access the basement before time runs out. Meanwhile, the disguised Neighbor works to gain the squad’s trust, isolate individual players, and use traps or gadgets to eliminate them.
Watch how teammates behave before handing over keys or other items. The Neighbor may try to gain your trust or separate players, so stay alert when someone insists on leading the group away from others.
The core tension comes from constant paranoia – anyone on your team could suddenly turn out to be the villain and disrupt the entire rescue mission.
My Verdict: Secret Neighbor is a clever asymmetric party title that turns player trust into a nightmare. Watching your group second-guess each other while trying to unlock the basement creates non-stop tension and great social banter.
12. Dying Light [Best Open-World Zombie Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2015 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op, PvP |
| Cross-Play | Partial – PC storefronts only |
| Best for | Friends who enjoy parkour, zombie combat, and open-world survival horror |
Dying Light combines open-world survival with fast-paced parkour and brutal zombie combat. Set in the quarantined city of Harran, the game follows survivors navigating a world overrun by infected. You and your friends can explore the city, complete missions, scavenge for supplies, and craft weapons while trying to stay alive.
The parkour system makes exploration feel different from traditional zombie games. You can leap between rooftops, climb buildings, and use the environment to escape pursuing infected. But the real danger comes after dark, when more powerful creatures emerge and make traveling through the city far more dangerous.
Use rooftops and elevated routes to travel at night, and mark nearby safe zones before heading out. Volatiles become a major threat after dark, so plan your escape route before taking on missions or exploring unfamiliar areas.
Co-op adds another layer to the survival experience, letting up to four players tackle missions and explore Harran together. You can support each other during difficult encounters, share the risks of scavenging, and take on the infected as a team. The day-night cycle keeps the tension changing, shifting the experience from daytime exploration to nighttime survival.
My Verdict: Dying Light blends cooperative zombie survival with fluid parkour and a threatening day-night cycle. Exploring Harran with friends makes missions and scavenging more engaging, while the dangerous nighttime encounters add a steady sense of tension. It’s a fitting choice for groups who want open-world horror with plenty of action.
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13. Phasmophobia [Best Tactical Paranormal Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S (VR supported on PC and PS VR2) |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | Yes – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Best for | Dedicated teams who want tactical ghost hunting |
Phasmophobia established the template for modern cooperative ghost-hunting titles. You and up to three teammates step into the shoes of paranormal investigators tasked with identifying supernatural entities hiding inside suburban houses, abandoned schools, and sprawling campsites.
Using specialized tools – including EMF readers, spirit boxes, UV lights, and thermometers – your squad must gather evidence while monitoring sanity levels to avoid triggering a lethal hunt.
Check the activity monitor and your team’s sanity levels from the van before deciding whether to continue investigating. If a hunt begins, stop talking when hiding from a ghost that responds to voice.
What makes Phasmophobia especially tense is how much voice feeds into the investigation. Voice recognition lets you interact with tools such as the Spirit Box, Ouija Board, and Monkey Paw, while speaking near the ghost can also affect its activity. During a hunt, the danger becomes much more direct – talking or making enough noise through your microphone can reveal your position if the ghost is close enough.
With dozens of unique ghost types, randomized evidence setups, and full cross-platform support across PC and consoles, every contract demands steady focus and tight team communication.
My Verdict: Phasmophobia remains the definitive cooperative psychological horror title. The blend of voice-activated ghost behaviors and dynamic hunt mechanics ensures every investigation feels unpredictable and tense.
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14. Sons of the Forest [Best Open-World Survival Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2024 |
| Players | 1–8 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | N/A (PC only) |
| Best for | Groups who enjoy open-world survival, crafting, and horror |
Sons of the Forest drops you and your friends onto a remote island while searching for a missing billionaire. The island is filled with cannibals, mutants, and other dangers, so survival depends on gathering resources, crafting equipment, and building a safe place to regroup.
The open-world design gives your group plenty of freedom. You can explore forests and caves, build elaborate shelters, hunt for food, and venture underground to uncover the island’s secrets. But the environment becomes much more dangerous when hostile creatures start watching your movements.
Build a secure base before exploring too far from your starting area. Stock up on food, medicine, and basic weapons, so you have somewhere safe to return to when enemies become more aggressive.
Co-op makes the survival systems more engaging because everyone can contribute to building, gathering, and exploring. You can split up to collect resources or stay together when entering dangerous areas, while the changing seasons add another layer to managing food and supplies.
My Verdict: Sons of the Forest combines open-world exploration, base building, and survival horror into a flexible co-op experience. The freedom to decide where to explore and how to build your defenses makes it a strong choice for groups that enjoy survival games with a darker edge.
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15. Demonologist [Best Paranormal Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | N/A (PC only) |
| Best for | Phasmophobia fans looking for a more serious alternative |
Demonologist is a supernatural investigation game, but you shouldn’t expect to see fast-paced action like top FPS games. The main objective is to determine the type of ghost in a particular location.
This game has some similarities with Phasmophobia (Phasmophobia is quite a fun ghost-hunting game itself), but it does have its own unique features.
You have a toolkit that is packed with the latest technology to help you in your paranormal investigations. EMF readers pick up unusual energy near the entity. The spirit box lets you talk to it, and a response helps narrow down what you’re facing. A UV flashlight reveals fingerprints, while a thermometer flags cold spots. The Ouija board lets you question the entity, too, but it drains your sanity.
Use the spirit box first when you enter the location. Ask short, direct questions, and if you get a response, it will help rule out entity types.
A thermometer can detect cold spots left by spirits. The Ouija board and UV light help you to capture handprints. Even with all the technology available, one aggressive spirit can turn a peaceful investigation into a battle. The game gives you the option to both play solo and with your friend.
It’s a solid title that has resonated with fans of Lethal Company, making it worth checking out if you enjoy games with a subtle narrative and atmospheric ghost hunting.
My Verdict: Demonologist takes paranormal investigation seriously while delivering genuine supernatural tension. The evidence-gathering mechanics create natural teamwork moments that feel authentic. It’s Phasmophobia’s more serious cousin.
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16. Devour [Best Exorcism Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2021 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | Yes – Windows & macOS |
| Best for | Groups who want tense, escalating exorcism runs |
Devour puts you in tense exorcism situations. Your team must finish a set of rituals, but increasingly angry demons try to stop them. Your goal is to break the demon’s hold over the possessed cult leader, which means finding gasoline, a fire pit, and enough ritual goats to burn. A single session can last up to an hour, and the leader’s rage and speed grow as the match goes on.
The game thrives on unpredictability. At one point you and your team are dealing with a possessed farmhouse, and at another, you all are in an asylum filled with horrors.
Players frequently find themselves in situations where someone’s trying to complete an objective while others provide cover from the demon. The frantic pacing and atmospheric visuals of Devour shine when played on the best gaming PCs.
Treat ritual circles as safe zones. Position one player at each active circle so the team can quickly retreat and regroup when things get overwhelming.
The exorcism mechanics stay consistent: collect items, complete rituals, and survive the demon’s increasingly aggressive attacks. The unique hook here is escalation. At the start of each match, the possessed cult leader is manageable.
But as you complete objectives, their rage increases. The more progress you make, the faster and more aggressive the enemy becomes. This steady rise in tension keeps everyone on edge, as the final moments of each match turn into all-out panic.
My Verdict: Short sessions with escalating demon encounters create perfect tension curves. Every successful exorcism feels like a genuine team victory against impossible odds. Play if you dare!
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17. GTFO [Best Hardcore Tactical Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2021 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | N/A (PC only) |
| Best for | Hardcore tactical squads who want extreme challenge and stealth strategy |
GTFO drops a four-player squad into the Complex, a decaying underground research facility overrun by horrific bio-engineered Sleepers. Survival relies heavily on stealth, resource conservation, and silent execution rather than run-and-gun shooting. Sleeping enemies respond to movement and light, forcing players to synchronize quiet melee kills to clear rooms cleanly. A single missed swing or accidental flashlight beam can alert an entire sector, turning a quiet run into a desperate fight for survival.
Detailed preparation and constant coordination are required before stepping into every expedition. Squad members choose specialized equipment, including bio-trackers to mark targets through walls, glue guns to barricade doors, and terminal hacking commands to track down objective items. When security alarms trigger mandatory lockdown sequences, the squad must hold out against relentless hordes while managing scarce ammunition, medical packs, and tool refills.
Use the terminal command lines to log and pinpoint essential supplies before starting security scans. Knowing the exact room numbers for health packs and ammo saves critical time when defensive perimeters start breaking down.
Every Rundown level brings dynamic objectives, changing map layouts, and punishing encounters that leave zero room for uncoordinated play. The oppressive atmosphere and heavy reliance on precise squad mechanics make every successful extraction feel like a genuine accomplishment for players who stick together.
My Verdict: GTFO delivers an unyielding, high-stakes tactical horror experience that punishes reckless rushing and rewards methodical strategy. It is the ultimate test for dedicated squads looking for deep atmospheric tension, hard-fought survival, and unrelenting co-op challenges.
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18. Escape the Backrooms [Best Cooperative Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2025 (PC); 2026 (consoles) |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Multiplayer type | Online co-op |
| Cross-Play | Yes – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Best for | Fans of liminal-space and exploration horror |
When I played this game called “Escape the Backrooms,” I knew straightaway that it was inspired by the viral “Backrooms” creepypasta and turned into a co-op nightmare. You and your team are trapped in endless, eerie hallways.
The only goal is to find an exit while avoiding entities lurking there. Communication is key. The confusing layout pulls players away from each other, and regrouping is only possible through communication, just like in Lethal Company.
Entities can hear you, so stay quiet near danger. Keep your team close: teammates can no-clip into other areas, and every member must find the exit alive.
Each Backroom level has its own challenges, so players cannot stick with one strategy forever. The goal of progress is not to level up your characters but rather to unlock new areas and ways to collaborate. The more you play, the more alive the environment becomes. When you finally reach a new level, the relief hits differently.
Having said that, the tension is never fully gone because you don’t know what awaits in the next hallway. Escape the Backrooms is one of those horror games that don’t show the players any mercy for mistakes.
My Verdict: The liminal space concept creates uniquely unsettling psychological horror. Staying together becomes essential for both gameplay and psychological comfort in the endless maze-like environments. It’s surprisingly effective at creating existential dread.
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19. The Quarry [Best Cinematic Multiplayer Horror Game]
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming |
| Year of release | 2022 |
| Players | 1–8 |
| Multiplayer type | Local couch co-op (pass-the-controller), online co-op |
| Cross-Play | No – online Wolf Pack requires the same platform/version |
| Best for | Movie-night groups who want to steer a horror story together |
The Quarry is basically like an interactive horror film. Instead of pure action or survival mechanics, the game emphasizes story choices and their consequences. Up to eight players can pass the controller in local couch co-op to direct individual counselors, or join an online session where a host plays while everyone else votes on key decisions that shape the story.
The gameplay feels like watching a horror film together, but with the twist that you control what happens next. The story regularly pauses to let the group decide how characters should react. Those choices determine who lives, who dies, and how the night unfolds.
Because of its branching paths, The Quarry encourages replaying sections to uncover new scenes and alternate endings. Friends quickly become invested in the characters’ fates, debating each choice and often going back just to see how differently the story could play out.
Playing couch co-op? Decide who controls which counselors before you start so everyone stays invested. If some of your group would rather watch, Movie Mode lets you sit back and let the story play out.
The game is less traditional and more interactive, with tension coming from the fact that a bad choice could bring everyone’s demise. The story is set in Hackett’s Quarry, where summer camp counselors have been stranded on their last night.
What begins as a fun goodbye quickly turns into a nightmare full of supernatural creatures and dark secrets. The Quarry is definitely worth playing because of its multiple endings, and we all enjoy it whenever I play with my friends.
My Verdict: The Quarry succeeds as interactive cinema with genuine movie-quality production values. Multiple narrative outcomes encourage groups to explore every possible story branch together.
More Games Like The Quarry
Best Multiplayer Horror Games at a Glance
Want a quick way to compare the games on this list? The table below highlights what each multiplayer horror game is best suited for, how many players it supports, and where you can play it.
| Game | Best For | Players | Platforms | Cross-Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Outlast Trials | Psychological horror and stressful co-op | 1–4 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Yes – PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Project Zomboid | Deep sandbox zombie survival | Multiplayer | PC | Partial – PC operating systems; no Steam ↔ GOG cross-play |
| No More Room in Hell 2 | Hardcore survival and permadeath | 1–8 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Yes – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Content Warning | Funny, chaotic co-op horror | 1–4 | PC, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 | Yes – PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Barotrauma | Large, communication-heavy crews | 1–16 | PC | Yes – Steam & Epic Games Store |
| Ghost Watchers | Active ghost hunting and capture | 1–4 | PC | N/A (PC only) |
| R.E.P.O. | Chaotic physics-based extraction horror | 1–6 | PC | N/A (PC only) |
| Killing Floor 3 | Wave-based horror combat | 1–6 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Yes – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Dead by Daylight | Asymmetrical PvP and mind games | 5 | PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Yes – PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| FOREWARNED | Investigation and puzzle-solving | 1–4 | PC | Yes – PC & VR |
| Secret Neighbor | Social deduction and betrayal | 2–6 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS | Partial – PS ↔ Switch; Xbox ↔ Microsoft Store PC |
| Dying Light | Open-world zombie survival | 1–4 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Partial – PC storefronts only |
| Phasmophobia | Tactical ghost hunting | 1–4 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Yes – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Sons of the Forest | Open-world survival and crafting | 1–8 | PC | N/A (PC only) |
| Demonologist | Paranormal investigation | 1–4 | PC | N/A (PC only) |
| DEVOUR | Escalating co-op exorcism runs | 1–4 | PC | Yes – Windows & macOS |
| GTFO | Hardcore tactical co-op | 1–4 | PC | N/A (PC only) |
| Escape the Backrooms | Liminal-space exploration | 1–4 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Yes – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| The Quarry | Cinematic, choice-driven multiplayer | 1–8 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming | No – online Wolf Pack requires the same platform/version |
Whether you want a four-player ghost hunt, a large survival squad, or an asymmetrical match, this list covers several different ways to experience multiplayer horror. Check the individual entries above for more details on each game’s mechanics and multiplayer setup.
Upcoming Multiplayer Horror Games to Watch
Multiplayer horror continues to expand with new co-op, social deduction, and asymmetrical experiences on the way. Here are some upcoming titles worth keeping an eye on.
Escape from Playtime – October 21, 2026
Escape from Playtime is a 1–4-player co-op horror game set in the Poppy Playtime universe. Players explore an abandoned toy factory, solve puzzles, gather resources, and avoid creatures while trying to survive.
Mimic – October 27, 2026
Mimic combines survival horror and social deduction aboard the failing Icarus spacecraft. Players must repair the ship while one player secretly takes the role of a shape-shifting alien.
SAW: Genesis – early 2027
SAW: Genesis brings the franchise into asymmetrical multiplayer horror. One player controls the Judge, while three others work together to escape traps and survive a series of deadly challenges.
It Hears You: Together – TBA
This co-op horror game supports up to six players, who must escape a forest while avoiding a creature that hunts by sound. Staying quiet and coordinating with your team are essential to survival.
These upcoming releases offer different takes on multiplayer horror, from co-op survival to social deduction and asymmetrical gameplay.
My Overall Verdict on the Best Multiplayer Horror Games
With the updated lineup, these are the five games I’d highlight depending on what kind of multiplayer horror you’re after:
- For intense psychological co-op: The Outlast Trials – Murkoff’s Trials mix stealth, disturbing objectives, and constant pressure, so even a coordinated group can fall apart fast.
- For deep sandbox survival: Project Zomboid – every supply run, injury, and bad decision matters when your group is trying to build a life in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.
- For punishing zombie co-op: No More Room in Hell 2 – scarce resources, large co-op squads, and harsh consequences make survival feel much less forgiving than in a typical zombie shooter.
- For chaotic horror with friends: Content Warning – filming monsters for SpöökTube gives you a reason to do exactly the opposite of what survival instincts tell you and get dangerously close to the action.
- For communication-heavy survival: Barotrauma – keeping a submarine alive while systems fail, compartments flood, and creatures attack makes every crew member’s role genuinely important.
The lineup works well because these games approach multiplayer horror from very different angles. The Outlast Trials is built around psychological pressure, Project Zomboid makes survival itself frightening, No More Room in Hell 2 goes for unforgiving zombie co-op, Content Warning mixes scares with ridiculous group moments, and Barotrauma turns teamwork into its own source of tension.
FAQs
The best multiplayer horror game is The Outlast Trials. It mixes psychological horror with flawless multiplayer gameplay. You and your friends face twisted challenges where every session feels tense. All horror fans are loving this game.
Roblox has plenty of multiplayer horror, and The Mimic is one of the popular picks. Dark environments and random scares keep you cautious, and having friends nearby makes surviving more fun. (It’s unrelated to the upcoming Steam game Mimic.)
Yes, several games on this list support six or more players. Killing Floor 3 supports up to six players in wave-based co-op, and Secret Neighbor supports up to six in a social deduction match.
Yes. Identity V is one of the more established multiplayer horror options on mobile, with asymmetrical matches built around survivors escaping a player-controlled hunter. Just don’t include Dead by Daylight Mobile here anymore – its service ended on March 20, 2025.
Absolutely. Popular horror co-op games include The Forest, Phasmophobia, Left 4 Dead 2, and Dying Light. You can also try Killing Floor 3 for wave-based zombie action.
