Horror hits differently when you’re not alone…
But “co-op horror” on Steam comes in two flavors:
- The fun chaotic stuff where everyone screams, panics, and laughs their way through the nightmare.
- And the real survival horror, where teamwork isn’t optional ,it’s mandatory if you want to make it out alive.
This list focuses specifically on survival-driven co-op horror ,tension, resource management, monster encounters, tactical teamwork, and that delicious “we’re screwed unless we do this right” feeling.
If you and your squad want real co-op horror, this is the good stuff.
Best Co-op Survival Horror Games picks
- GTFO
GTFO isn’t casual friendly at all. It’s hardcore co-op survival horror built around stealth, low ammo, pitch black environments, and high stakes teamwork. Every mission is a synchronized dance of timing, communication, and pure stress. When this game gets intense, it feels like a horror raid.
Why it leads:
Nothing on Steam matches GTFO’s combination of fear, tactics, and brutality.
- Lethal Company
A perfect mix of tension and hilarious meltdown moments. You and your team break into industrial facilities to gather scrap while monsters roam the halls. The vibes swing between “creeping dread” and “WHY IS IT CHASING ME RUN,” which is exactly why people can’t stop playing it.
Why it works:
Emergent horror + teamwork + chaos = endless replayability.
- Phasmophobia
Still the gold standard for co-op ghost hunting. Identify a ghost type using tools, clues, and communication, then try to avoid getting grabbed during hunts. Every ghost behaves differently, and every mission has a distinct volatility that keeps the experience fresh.
Why it’s essential:
Predictable systems + unpredictable outcomes = perfect co-op tension.
- Sons of the Forest
Survival-crafting horror with a dark edge. You build bases, craft weapons, survive cannibal ambushes, raid bunkers ,and explore terrifying cave systems. Co-op makes it feel like an expedition better gear, smarter strategies, bigger problems.
Why it’s here:
It’s an open world survival horror playground, especially with friends.
5. The Outlast Trials
You and your squad participate in sadistic “tests” run by a deranged organization. No guns. No comfortable spaces. Just stealth, panic ,and brutal trial scenarios designed to break you. It’s Outlast but engineered for teamwork.
Why it belongs:
Intensity. Pure psychological stress with co-op dependency.
- Remnant 2
Not strictly horror, but the enemy designs, worlds, and bosses all carry heavy horror influence. It’s a third-person action shooter with cosmic dread, grotesque monsters, and occasionally terrifying environments. Co-op brings out the best in its combat flow.
Why it fits:
Co-op progression + horror biome variety = a power trio.
- Dead by Daylight
4v1 asymmetrical survival horror that still dominates the genre. Whether you’re trying to escape with your team or tormenting them as the killer, there’s a tension curve that few games replicate.
Why it’s included:
High replayability + iconic horror tone + constant updates.
- Devour
A simple loop done extremely well: collect ritual items while a possessed entity hunts your squad. Difficulty ramps fast, and the jump scares hit hard. Quick sessions, fast panic, memorable runs.
Why it’s fun:
Instant thrills, low entry cost, huge adrenaline spikes.
- Cry of Fear (Co-op Campaign)
A cult classic psychological horror game with a full co-op campaign. Dark streets, limited ammo, twisted enemies, and slow-burn atmosphere. Playing this with friends hits different.
Why it stays relevant:
Old-school survival horror, but with genuine co-op intent.
10. The Forest
The original cannibal-infested survival experience. Craft, build, explore, survive. The caves remain some of the most terrifying environments ever put in a co-op survival game.
Why it endures:
Exploration + danger + survival = a timeless horror loop.
- Killing Floor 2
Horde-based FPS action horror with mutants, gore ,and heavy metal energy. Not traditional survival horror, but the pressure in late waves absolutely counts. Perfect for squads who want intense combat with horror aesthetics.
Why it’s here :
Still one of the best co-op monster shooters ever made.
- Escape the Backrooms
A modern co-op survival horror hit with steadily increasing dread. You and your team explore various Backrooms levels, empty halls, industrial mazes, basement nightmares ,while avoiding unpredictable entities. Communication and navigation matter more than combat.
Why it’s a strong replacement:
Recent, extremely popular, actively updated, and genuinely terrifying in co-op.
Related steam pages:
- GTFO Steam page.
- Lethal Company Steam page.
- Phasmophobia Steam page.
- Sons Of The Forest Steam page.
- The Outlast Trials Steam page.
- REMNANT II page.
- Dead by Daylight page.
- DEVOUR page.
- Cry of Fear page.
- The Forest page.
- Killing Floor 2 page.
- Escape the Backrooms Steam page.
You might also be interested in the Best co-op horror games on steam.
Also in this Best Open world Horror games on steam.
Check the complete Guide to horror games on steam here.
You can check our Steam games collection below:
