10 Best Free Horror Games

The allure of free games is quite evident: not everyone can afford to keep up with the latest releases. It can be challenging to discover excellent games on a limited budget, but don't worry. Platforms like Steam and itch.io are filled with indie games that are either free or inexpensive to play.

Many of these games are highly experimental, and the horror genre, in particular, has a wealth of valuable experiences for you to explore. Some of these games have emerged from game jams, while others are the result of a single developer's artistic vision. We have curated a collection of the most spine-chilling free horror games here for your enjoyment.

10 Discover My Body

Yames is a creator who is not widely recognized or appreciated enough. Their games possess a Cronenberg-like element of body horror intertwined with social and psychological commentary. "Discover My Body" places you in the shoes of a medical student conducting body scans on a man who has willingly infected himself with a fungus that alters both the body and mind.

What unfolds next is a transformation, to put it mildly. The art style is minimalist, leaving a significant portion of the man's grotesque transformations to your imagination. If you have an inclination towards body horror, this game is tailored for you.

9 Baldi's Basics

It's difficult to ascertain whether Baldi's Basics is more humorous or frightening, but our conclusion is that it encompasses both elements equally. Some may argue that the market for mascot horror games is oversaturated, and Baldi's Basics undoubtedly satirizes the genre in a hilariously ruthless manner.

The unsettling appearance of Baldi adds to the terror every time he chases you, which happens constantly. Simultaneously, the game doesn't take itself too seriously and frequently embraces the sheer absurdity of its concept. You will find yourself laughing and crying while playing.

8 Ao Oni

The premise of Ao Oni is quite straightforward: you navigate through a mansion while being chased by a horrifying blue monster, occasionally encountering puzzles that hinder your progress. What makes it impressive is its execution. The game's design ensures that its chase sequences remain engaging, and in the final version, the puzzles offer a satisfying level of challenge without becoming overly frustrating.

Additionally, there are a few clever variations of familiar jump scares that will guarantee you never cease to scream. All in all, this game is a classic but still enjoyable, so give it a try.

7 Water Womb World

Discover My Body is not the only game in Yames' collection. This developer of low-resolution horror has explored various concepts, and Water Womb World presents a substantial amount of lore within approximately half an hour of gameplay.

A Catholic marine biologist embarks on an expedition to the depths of the ocean, hoping to discover the remnants of the Garden of Eden. However, instead of that, he stumbles upon a wealth of Lovecraftian cosmic horror. The game's narration is excellent, and the low-resolution graphics intensify the terror of the horrors that await in the deep.

6 Decadence

Decadence is a brief yet captivating psychological horror game that shares similarities with Silent Hill 2. A significant portion of the game involves exploring your apartment, which progressively becomes more surreal and non-Euclidean. As you get ready to commemorate your anniversary with your wife, things are not as they initially appear.

One aspect in which this game truly excels is the meticulous creation of an immersive atmosphere. Decadence is set in the 1980s, and the apartment's visual and auditory elements flawlessly evoke nostalgic recollections from that era. Revealing further details without delving into spoiler territory is challenging, but it is essential to brace yourself for an utterly astonishing and mind-bending revelation.

5 Yume Nikki

While Yume Nikki may not hold the distinction of being the inaugural horror game crafted in RPG Maker, it undeniably stands as one of the most unforgettable. As a reclusive protagonist who spends their time sleeping and immersed in video games, there is no cause for despair. The game's surrealist environments are virtually boundless, serving as the primary wellspring of its horror.

4 Unsorted Horror

Unsorted Horror offers a bundle of five games at the price of one! You can find this intriguing bundle on itch.io. The games included in Unsorted Horror are a collection of short atmospheric horror experiences, with most of them featuring graphics reminiscent of the PS1 era.

Tartarus Engine and Carbon Steel will take you on a journey through desolate locations, where you'll uncover their hidden secrets. The other three games in the collection are more experimental in nature. If you enjoy the idea of exploring old Soviet-style apartments while playing around with C4 explosives one minute, and then engaging in data mining with spiders the next, then this collection is perfect for you.

3 The Witch's House

The Witch's House is a horror game created with RPG Maker, and it played a significant role in defining the genre. It offers a more structured and polished experience compared to games like Yume Nikki, and despite its short length, it showcases surprisingly good writing. The game features an unforgettable plot twist towards the end that will leave a lasting impression.

The Witch's House presents a variety of puzzles that are engaging and enjoyable without being overly challenging. The game relies on a minimal number of jumpscares, instead focusing on effectively creating fear without relying on cheap tactics. Overall, it serves as an excellent introduction to the captivating world of RPG Maker horror games.

2 Doki Doki Literature Club

The original Doki Doki Literature Club for PC is available for free on both itch.io and Steam, and it's considered one of the best free visual novels ever created. Despite its initial appearance as a lighthearted high school romance, it hides a highly experimental and postmodern game, similar to titles like Undertale.

But while those games break the fourth wall to create drama or initiate a conversation, Doki Doki Literature Club breaks it for the purpose of horror. It's difficult to elaborate further on how this game defies expectations without venturing into spoiler territory.

1 Pumpkin Panic

Pumpkin Panic is undeniably the most adorable game in this list. This combination of a short farm simulation and survival horror exudes a spooky atmosphere, featuring outstanding artwork and what industry insiders would call "peak character design."

The farm simulation genre certainly lacks many horror versions, so it's fair to say that this game took some commendable creative risks. The only potential complaint one might have is that it's slightly short, but considering it's available for free, that's more than reasonable.