The best multiplayer horror games aren’t all trying to deliver the same kind of fun. Some depend on careful communication; others work because four friends make ridiculous mistakes together. The trick is knowing what sort of session you actually want before downloading or buying anything.
We’ve focused on games available to play now, with player counts and local-versus-online support shown clearly. Where a free download includes optional purchases, or crossplay works only with certain versions, those restrictions matter. This guide is intended to help you choose a game that your particular group and equipment can actually run.
Best multiplayer horror games: quick comparison
| Game | Players or type | How to play |
|---|---|---|
| Phasmophobia | Four online | A good choice for methodical fear rather than constant fighting. |
| Lethal Company | Four by default online | The original player limit is four; modded lobbies differ. |
| R.E.P.O. | Up to six online | It’s especially funny with voice chat but can be genuinely startling. |
| The Outlast Trials | Up to four online | The gruesome atmosphere and violence are much stronger than in a light party game. |
| Content Warning | Four online | It’s built for short sessions rather than a long cinematic plot. |
| DEVOUR | Four online | Better for groups that enjoy jump scares and repeated attempts. |
| Dead by Daylight | Five online | One friend plays against the others, so this isn’t traditional all-on-one-team co-op. |
| Sons of the Forest | Up to eight online | Much less tightly scripted than a dedicated horror campaign. |
| REANIMAL | Exactly two, local or online | This is the one to choose for a single partner, rather than a large online lobby. |
| Escape the Backrooms | Up to four online | The emphasis is on exploration and escape rather than heavy combat. |
1. Phasmophobia
Identify ghosts by gathering evidence with cameras, tools and an increasingly anxious team. You win by recognising the entity, not defeating it.
A good choice for methodical fear rather than constant fighting.
Who should play it? Phasmophobia makes the most sense if you want four online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
2. Lethal Company
Dangerous scrap-collecting expeditions create terrifying situations through simple tasks that go wrong. Co-operation matters while escaping to the ship.
The original player limit is four; modded lobbies differ.
Who should play it? Lethal Company makes the most sense if you want four by default online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
3. R.E.P.O.
Creepy extraction missions rely on moving valuable objects with physics, which turns carrying furniture into a team crisis.
It’s especially funny with voice chat but can be genuinely startling.
Who should play it? R.E.P.O. makes the most sense if you want up to six online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
4. The Outlast Trials
Players attempt disturbing experimental trials, sneaking past enemies and rescuing each other instead of fighting an ordinary zombie horde.
The gruesome atmosphere and violence are much stronger than in a light party game.
Who should play it? The Outlast Trials makes the most sense if you want up to four online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
5. Content Warning
Players film monsters to make viral footage before their oxygen and courage disappear. A successful recording creates stories you’ll retell afterward.
It’s built for short sessions rather than a long cinematic plot.
Who should play it? Content Warning makes the most sense if you want four online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
6. DEVOUR
A group completes rituals and gathers objects while a supernatural threat becomes increasingly aggressive. Small coordination mistakes snowball quickly.
Better for groups that enjoy jump scares and repeated attempts.
Who should play it? DEVOUR makes the most sense if you want four online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
7. Dead by Daylight
Four survivors work against a human-controlled killer in a competitive game of rescues, repairs and mind games.
One friend plays against the others, so this isn’t traditional all-on-one-team co-op.
Who should play it? Dead by Daylight makes the most sense if you want five online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
8. Sons of the Forest
Open-ended crafting horror allows friends to build shelter and explore caves packed with unsettling creatures.
Much less tightly scripted than a dedicated horror campaign.
Who should play it? Sons of the Forest makes the most sense if you want up to eight online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
9. REANIMAL
Two siblings explore a nightmarish island in Tarsier Studios’ cinematic puzzle horror adventure.
This is the one to choose for a single partner, rather than a large online lobby.
Who should play it? REANIMAL makes the most sense if you want exactly two, local or online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
10. Escape the Backrooms
Explore unsettling, maze-like environments while using teamwork to find exits and avoid lurking threats.
The emphasis is on exploration and escape rather than heavy combat.
Who should play it? Escape the Backrooms makes the most sense if you want up to four online and its particular mix of teamwork and progression. Compare the actual game modes before committing, especially when friends are using different devices. Unlike a generic multiplayer list, the best multiplayer horror games are worth considering for how well they fit the people you plan to play with.
When considering the best multiplayer horror games, focus on how the game actually plays with your group. A friendly label on a store page cannot replace checking the mode, your hardware and whether everybody can join.
How to choose from the best multiplayer horror games
Start with the number of people who are available regularly, then decide whether everybody is on the same platform. A game that allows four players online may not offer four controllers on one television. Likewise, a free game can still require a supported online account, and a PC that launches the menu may not run crowded matches smoothly.
For a one-off evening, pick something with quick sessions or a self-contained puzzle. A long RPG, survival world or progression-heavy shooter is better when the group can return consistently. You can find excellent best multiplayer horror games without forcing every friend into the same kind of experience.
Official source: Warframe official website.
