Are you looking for some of the best co-op horror video games to try out with your buddies? You are in luck, as we are here with our best co-op horror picks.
From survival horror roots in Resident Evil to viral indie hits like Phasmophobia, the horror genre has evolved over the years. It has become a perfect mix of fear and fun, especially after introducing intense survival mechanics that force players to rely on each other.
Without any further delay, let's begin your horror adventure.
Phasmophobia
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+ 7You know what? Unlike most horror games that rely on the same scripted jumpscares, Phasmophobia excels in unpredictability. No two ghost hunts feel the same, and that’s precisely what keeps players returning.
You and your team are ghost hunters hired to investigate haunted locations. Your job is to figure out what kind of spirit lurks in the building by collecting evidence using special tools. The more time you spend in the haunted place, the angrier the ghost gets.
Complete the investigation, get paid, and use the money to buy better gear for your next one that will be even scarier.
Left 4 Dead 2
click to enlarge + 7Released in 2009 by Valve, this fast-paced survival horror game still receives praise among horror fans. The game is set in a world overrun by a deadly virus that turns people into aggressive zombies. Four survivors—Coach, Ellis, Nick, and Rochelle—attempt to find a safe haven amid the chaos.
There are also multiple modes beyond the standard campaign. "Versus Mode" lets players take control of Special Infected and hunt down survivor teams, while "Survival Mode" throws endless waves of zombies at you to see how long you can last.
L4D1's AI Director 2.0 can change the weather, pathways, and enemy spawns, and it will feel unique every time you replay it.
Dead by Daylight
click to enlarge + 7Dead by Daylight is a 4v1 survival horror experience that splits its gameplay into two distinct perspectives: Survivor and Killer. As a Survivor, you’re dropped onto a map with a simple goal: repair five generators to power the exit gates and escape before the Killer catches you.
Flip the script, and you’re the killer now. Each killer comes with a unique power. The game is designed to favor you in this role, as you will be much faster, stronger, and armed with a terror radius.
Beyond a simple cat-and-mouse game is its mechanical depth. Both Killers and Survivors have perk systems that are customizable abilities that let you tweak your playstyle accordingly.
The Outlast Trials
click to enlarge + 7Released in 2023 by Red Barrels, The Outlast Trials implements the franchise’s signature formula of psychological horror: heart-pounding chases. Unlike the first two Outlast games, which followed journalists investigating horrifying locations, players act as test subjects forcibly taken by the Murkoff Corporation during the Cold War era.
You have to work on your stealth skills, as you have no weapons in this game. With night-vision goggles (with a battery that drains far too quickly) and a handful of tactical items like bricks, bottles, and lockpicks, you must navigate trials filled with puzzles and objectives. Having your friends by your side will give you tactical advantages, but you can also play this game solo.
Lethal Company
click to enlarge + 7Currently in early access and soon to be released for Windows. This game puts you and up to three other players into the shoes of low-wage employees working for a mysterious corporate entity. Players land on a moon, gather scrap items that are metal components and discarded toys, and return to their ship before a midnight deadline, after which the vessel departs automatically.
Progression in this game is tied to earning credits through scrap sales, which can be spent on equipment upgrades. Lethal Company is at its best when played with friends.
Killing Floor 2
click to enlarge + 7Set in a near-future Europe, the game takes place after a failed experiment by the biotech company Horzine that led to the creation of horrific clones known as Zeds.
In its cooperative mode, up to six players can team up online. Each player chooses a unique class, called a "Perk," which determines their role in the team.
The game offers a massive arsenal of weapons, ranging from realistic firearms like shotguns and assault rifles to over-the-top sci-fi gadgets like laser guns and freeze-throwers.
Core gameplay revolves around surviving waves of Zeds. Each wave gets progressively harder, with more enemies and stronger variants. In the final wave, you will be in a boss fight against a massive, terrifying Zed.
Devour
click to enlarge + 7Occult-based horror has become a popular theme among horror game developers. One such game is Devour, which was released in 2021 by Straight. Devour follows a straightforward yet intense gameplay loop in which players must collect ritual items while avoiding an increasingly aggressive, horrific entity.
The plot follows a group of former cult members who attempt to stop their possessed leader, Anna Puerta, from unleashing the demon Azazel. Players must find and destroy specific objects scattered around the map to do this. Once an item is sacrificed, the entity becomes stronger and more aggressive.
It can be played solo or with up to four players, but teamwork is essential for survival.
That’s it! While these games are among the best, many other praiseworthy horror titles didn’t make the list. However, fans still rate them highly, and they include some classic titles for solo players:
- Dying Light 2
- The Forest
- Pacify
- Dead Space (Remake)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Whether alone or with friends, get yourself immersed in some of these great horror games. It's never too early for Halloween!
For more articles like this, take a look at our Survival and Horror Games and Guides page.