Let’s face it—screaming in terror is always more fun when someone’s screaming right back. Horror games have come a long way from single-player nightmares, evolving into shared battlegrounds where survival isn’t just about reflexes but trust, timing, and teamwork. Whether it’s sneaking through cursed forests, banishing demons, or getting hunted by monsters with a taste for chaos, the co-op horror genre has cracked open a new kind of thrill.
Below is the Blix team’s compilation of the best co-op horror games of different years. Each game is handpicked for its spine-chilling gameplay, collaborative mechanics, and pure scare factor. We often make similar lists – like “The 15 Hottest Anime Games of 2025” or “20 Addictive Xbox Multiplayer Games Worth Your Time,” but the best horror games were hard to choose.
Those games often prey on isolation, but throw in a couple of screaming friends, and the fear multiplies. Whether it’s the subtle psychological tension or raw chaos, the shared experience of surviving (or failing) together creates memories players won’t forget. And if anyone claims they weren’t scared, they’re lying or muted their mic.
Contents
- 1 Highlights
- 2 10 Best Co-Op Horror Games List
- 3 When Fear Becomes a Team Sport
- 4 Phasmophobia
- 5 How Co-op Works
- 6 Notable Features
- 7 Resident Evil 5
- 8 How Co-op Works
- 9 Notable Features
- 10 Left 4 Dead 2
- 11 How Co-op Works
- 12 Notable Features
- 13 The Outlast Trials
- 14 How Co-op Works
- 15 Notable Features
- 16 Dead Space 3
- 17 How Co-op Works
- 18 Notable Features
- 19 Killing Floor 2
- 20 How Co-op Works
- 21 Notable Features
- 22 F.E.A.R. 3
- 23 How Co-op Works
- 24 Notable Features
- 25 Evil Dead: The Game
- 26 How Co-op Works
- 27 Notable Features
- 28 Lethal Company
- 29 How Co-op Works
- 30 Notable Features
- 31 DEVOUR
- 32 How Co-op Works
- 33 Notable Features
- 34 Co-op Horror FAQ: Things That’ll Haunt You Later
Highlights
- A brief explanation of why co-op horrors rule
- Best 10 Horrors pick
- Separate stressing that games’ benefits, what is needed for co-op, and how it works
- Additional: FAQ about general co-op horrors questions
10 Best Co-Op Horror Games List
| Phasmophobia | Killing Floor |
| Resident Evil 5 | F.E.A.R. 3 |
| Left 4 Dead 2 | Evil Dead: The Game |
| The Outlast Trials | Lethal Company |
| Dead Space 3 | DEVOUR |
When Fear Becomes a Team Sport
Co-op hasn’t just added a second flashlight to horror—it’s fundamentally reshaped how tension builds and how fear is processed. Traditional horror relies on solitude, but co-op introduces unpredictability through player interaction.
One teammate panicking and sprinting away can ruin a stealth plan or attract something… hungry. Voice chat becomes part of the horror ecosystem—fear is contagious, and hearing a friend’s shaky breathing or sudden scream ramps up the anxiety.
But co-op also adds layers of strategy, dependency, and sometimes dark comedy. It forces players to adapt, communicate under pressure, and make snap decisions that could save the team—or doom them all. The monsters are scary, sure—but sometimes, it’s the teammates that truly terrify.
Phasmophobia
- Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation 5
- Metacritic score: 76
- Price: $19.99
- Release Date: September 18, 2020
- Player Count: 1-4
Step into the shoes of paranormal investigators, venturing into haunted locations to gather evidence of the supernatural. Equipped with tools like EMF readers and spirit boxes, players must identify the type of ghost lurking within. The catch? The ghosts are as unpredictable as a cat on catnip, ensuring no two investigations are identical.
How Co-op Works
Players team up (2–4) as ghost hunters. Each uses specific tools (thermometers, EMF readers, spirit boxes), and everyone must communicate constantly, especially since ghosts react to voices.
Notable Features
- Immersive VR support for those who enjoy heart-pounding scares.
- Dynamic AI that reacts to players’ actions and even their voices.
- Regular updates introducing new maps, equipment, and ghost types.
Gameplay
Resident Evil 5
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Metacritic score: 83
- Price: $19.99
- Release Date: September 15. 2009
- Player Count: 2
Chris Redfield and his new partner, Sheva Alomar, are deployed to Africa to investigate a bioterrorism threat. Facing hordes of infected enemies, the duo uncovers a plot that could change the world forever. It’s like a vacation gone horribly wrong, with fewer margaritas and more mutants.
How Co-op Works
The game is designed for two-player cooperative gameplay. One player controls Chris, and the other controls Sheva. Co-op can be played online or offline via split-screen. Players must work together to solve puzzles, share ammunition, and tackle enemies.
Notable Features
- First in the series to introduce cooperative gameplay.
- A diverse arsenal of weapons and melee attacks.
- Intense boss battles that require teamwork and strategy.
Gameplay
Left 4 Dead 2
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One (via backward compatibility)
- Metacritic score: 89
- Price: $9.99
- Release Date: November 17, 2009
- Player Count: 1-4
Set in the aftermath of an apocalyptic pandemic, players control one of four survivors fending off hordes of infected. The game emphasizes fast-paced action, requiring players to stick together to survive. Think of it as the ultimate test of friendship under pressure.
How Co-op Works
Four-player cooperative campaigns where players fight through levels filled with infected. Teamwork is crucial; players must help each other fend off enemies, heal, and revive fallen teammates.
Notable Features
- AI Director 2.0 dynamically adjusts the game’s difficulty based on players’ performance.
- Diverse special infected enemies that require unique strategies to defeat.
- An extensive modding community that continues to produce new content.
Gameplay
The Outlast Trials
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Metacritic score: 75
- Price: $39.99
- Release Date: March 5, 2024
- Player Count: 1-4
Set during the Cold War, players are involuntary test subjects in a twisted experiment. Together, they must navigate terrifying trials while questioning their sanity. It’s like a trust fall exercise, but the person catching you is a deranged scientist.
How Co-op Works
Players (up to 4) are test subjects completing brutal trials in a Cold War facility. Tasks include stealth, puzzles, and surviving psychological torture. Everyone has different abilities, so smart role division matters.
Notable Features
- First in the Outlast series to introduce co-op gameplay.
- Diverse trials that test players’ stealth, puzzle-solving, and survival skills.
- A progression system allowing customization and skill development.
Gameplay
Dead Space 3
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Metacritic score: 78
- Price: $19.99
- Release Date: February 5, 2013
- Player Count: 1-2
Isaac Clarke teams up with Sergeant John Carver to uncover the source of the Necromorph outbreak. The frozen planet of Tau Volantis holds the key, but its secrets are as welcoming as a locked door in a horror movie.
How Co-op Works
The game features drop-in/drop-out online co-op. One player controls Isaac, and the other controls Carver. Co-op introduces unique story elements and missions not available in single-player mode.
Notable Features
- Weapon crafting system allowing players to create custom tools of destruction.
- Co-op-exclusive missions that delve deeper into Carver’s backstory.
- Challenging enemies that require strategic dismemberment.
Gameplay
Killing Floor 2
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Metacritic score: 79
- Price: $29.99
- Release Date: November 18. 2016
- Player Count: 1-6
In Killing Floor, players band together to combat waves of grotesque specimens in post-apocalyptic England. The game’s emphasis on cooperative survival and relentless action has solidified its status among co-op enthusiasts.
How Co-op Works
Up to six players collaborate to eliminate successive waves of increasingly challenging enemies. Teamwork is vital, as players must support each other to withstand the onslaught.
Notable Features
- Persistent Perks system, allowing players to convert in-game achievements into permanent character enhancements.
- Fully configurable game settings, enabling customization of difficulty levels and enemy waves.
- Visceral gore system, providing a highly immersive and intense gameplay experience.
Gameplay
F.E.A.R. 3
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Metacritic score: 75
- Price: $19.99
- Release Date: June 21, 2011
- Player Count: 1-2
F.E.A.R. 3 introduces a unique co-op experience where players control two brothers with distinct abilities, navigating a narrative filled with supernatural horror and intense action.
How Co-op Works
Two-player co-op allows one player to control Point Man, a traditional shooter character with the ability to slow down time, while the other controls Paxton Fettel, who possesses psychic abilities and can inhabit enemy bodies. This dynamic offers varied gameplay experiences.
Notable Features
- Divergent co-op system, encouraging both cooperation and competition between players.
- Multiple multiplayer modes, including “Soul King” and “Contractions,” offering diverse gameplay challenges.
- Evolved cover system, enhancing tactical combat scenarios.
Gameplay
Evil Dead: The Game
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S,
- Metacritic score: 76
- Price: $29.99
- Release Date: April 26, 2023
- Player Count: 4v1
Based on the iconic horror franchise, Evil Dead: The Game pits players against demonic forces in an asymmetrical multiplayer setup, blending horror and humor.
How Co-op Works
Teams of up to four survivors work together to complete objectives and battle against player-controlled or AI demons. Each survivor has unique abilities, encouraging strategic team compositions.
Notable Features
- Authentic representation of characters and settings from the Evil Dead universe.
- Variety of playable demons, each offering different challenges to survivors.
- Dynamic weather and time-of-day systems affecting gameplay strategies.
Gameplay
Lethal Company
- Platform: PC
- Metacritic score: 90 (Based on PC Gamer review)
- Price: $9.99
- Release Date: October 24, 2023
- Player Count: 1-4
In Lethal Company, players are employees of a dubious corporation tasked with retrieving valuable items from haunted locations. The game’s unpredictable ghosts ensure chaotic and often hilarious gameplay.
How Co-op Works
Teams of 2–4 players enter abandoned sites to scavenge loot while evading deadly entities. Cooperation is crucial, with roles such as monitoring security cameras or exploring the premises.
Notable Features
- Procedurally generated maps, offering endless replayability.
- Emphasis on teamwork and communication for survival.
- A blend of horror and comedy, creating a unique experience.
Gameplay
DEVOUR
- Platform: PC
- Metacritic score: TBD
- Price: $9.99
- Release Date: January 28, 2021
- Player Count: 1-4
In DEVOUR, players are ex-cult members attempting to stop their possessed leader from unleashing hell. The mission involves gathering ritual items while evading relentless pursuit, akin to a twisted game of hide and seek.
How Co-op Works
Up to four players collaborate to perform rituals to banish a possessed cult leader. The gameplay involves collecting items, avoiding jump-scares, and reviving each other when things go awry.
Notable Features
- Intense gameplay that escalates in difficulty as the ritual progresses.
- Multiple maps, each presenting unique challenges and lore.
- Supports up to four-player co-op, enhancing the shared horror experience.
Gameplay
Co-op Horror FAQ: Things That’ll Haunt You Later
Do these games scale difficulty based on player count?
Yes, most do! Titles like Left 4 Dead 2, Phasmophobia, and Killing Floor dynamically scale enemy spawns or ghost aggression based on how many players are in the game. Fewer teammates? Expect fewer threats—but don’t expect them to be nicer.
Can progress or unlocks be shared in co-op?
It depends. Some games, like The Outlast Trials and Dead Space 3, let each player keep their progression and gear upgrades, even if they’re not the host. Others, like DEVOUR, are more session-based with no long-term progression, so it’s all about the moment (and the mayhem).
Are these games better with friends or strangers?
Technically, both work—but let’s be real: playing Evil Dead or GTFO with a random mute named xXGhost420Xx doesn’t exactly scream “teamwork.” Voice chat, trust, and timing make or break co-op horror, so squad up with people willing to scream and strategize.
Are there jump scares, or is it more psychological?
Different flavors of fear. Phasmophobia and Escape the Backrooms are slow-burn and psychological, while F.E.A.R. 3 and Lethal Company love to throw jump-scares right in the player’s face. Most games blend both—so yes, keep that heart rate monitor close.
Do these games have mod support or custom content?
Absolutely. Left 4 Dead Two is legendary for its Workshop mods, and Phasmophobia has a thriving unofficial modding scene. Mods can range from new maps to character skins to complete gameplay tweaks—just remember: not all mods are friend-friendly or scream-proof.
