If you’re a fan of horror movies, you probably love horror gaming as well. There’s nothing better than being the one in control of the horrific, terrifying fate that unveils right before your eyes, amirite? In this post, we’re exploring an arsenal of 21 multiplayer horror games that promise to elevate your gaming nights to new heights of terror. With a special spotlight on multiplayer functionality, we ensure that no gamer ever braves the darkness alone.
Whether you’re a devotee of survival horror, a connoisseur of zombie apocalypses, or a sleuth of supernatural mysteries, our handpicked selection is your ticket to a heart-pounding journey. So gather your most courageous companions, and let’s embark on a voyage through the games that redefine the essence of fear. Here are the best crossplay horror games:
Table of Contents
The Outlast Trials
Step into the twisted world of “The Outlast Trials,” where you and your friends are subjects in a sinister experiment. You can choose to play the game solo or with up to three friends in its cooperative multiplayer mode. This game pushes the boundaries of terror, forcing players to make harrowing decisions to survive. This is the third installment in the Outlast series, and it serves as a prequel to the first two games.
Players find themselves in a mysterious Cold War experiment performed by the notorious Murkoff corporation. Similar to previous installments, you’ll play from a first-person perspective, with night goggles being your best friend as you navigate the terror that awaits. However, The Outlast Trials features character classes and skill trees, allowing you to unlock and utilize different abilities as your make your way through.
With its blend of psychological horror, survival elements, and the added tension of cooperative play, “The Outlast Trials” offers a harrowing experience that taps into the primal fears of isolation, control, and the unknown, making it a must-play for aficionados of the genre seeking a new level of interactive terror.
Until Dawn
“Until Dawn” offers a cinematic horror experience where every choice shapes your fate. The game plays out like a horror film, where you get to make the decisions. In the game, you play as eight young adults who have to survive on a mountain in the winter time as they realize their lives are being threatened. One of Until Dawn’s key features is the “butterfly effect” system, in which every decision you make can alter the story drastically. Another favorite feature of mine is one of the quick time events you encounter in certain scenarios where you literally have to keep the controller still, and if you move it could result in your death.
Oh, and did I mention the different characters are played by top-tier actors, like Rami Malek, Hayden Panettiere, Peter Stormare, and more?
You’ll find the multiplayer part of this game is similar to other Supermassive Games discussed next, where you can play locally with friends and pass the controller around when it’s time to control a different character. This game is a masterclass in tension and consequence, perfect for those who enjoy narrative depth with their scares. In my humble opinion, this is in the top 3 of best horror games made in recent memory. (Although it’s nearly 10 years old now. Damn, time flies.)
The Quarry
“The Quarry” seemed like it was going to be the true successor to Until Dawn. For me, every entry into the Dark Anthology franchise always seemed to be missing something, so I was stoked to pick up The Quarry. Released in 2022, “The Quarry” invites players to navigate a night of frightful mysteries with life-or-death decisions. Story-wise, you control nine teenage counselors who must survive their last night at a summer camp amongst supernatural creatures and violent locals.
Its multiplayer mode adds a layer of unpredictability, as players’ choices can drastically alter the course of the story. Similar to other Supermassive Games outings, we’re treated to an ensemble of amazing actors to guide us through the horror. Notable actors who star in The Quarry include David Arquette, Ariel Winter, Brenda Song, Skyler Gisondo, and many others. We get online and local multiplayer modes, where you can choose to pass the controller around locally with friends, or make key decisions together with others online.
The Dark Anthology Games
The Dark Anthology Series, brought to you by the same folks who made Until Dawn, continues the same type of atmosphere and gameplay that players experienced the first time around with Until Dawn. This series stands out for its rich storytelling and eerie atmosphere. Each game presents a new tale, filled with dark twists and chilling choices. Multiple endings await anyone who picks up these titles.
You can play with others as well, as the game offers an online cooperative mode as well as couch-coop. A quick ranking for me personally from worst to best: Man of Medan, House of Ashes, The Devil In Me, Little Hope. All four games are available on Xbox, PC, and Playstation, while you can only play Man of Medan and Little Hope on the Nintendo Switch.
Purchase The Dark Anthology Games
Left 4 Dead 1/2
Left 4 Dead is a household name when it comes to horror video games. These iconic games are pillars of cooperative horror, pitting players against hordes of zombies. Renowned for its emphasis on teamwork, these games challenge players to work together to navigate through various levels while facing relentless waves of the infected. You get to select from different characters, each with a unique personality and background, adding to the world-building and lore you in which you’ll find yourself enveloped. Camaraderie and chaos are inherent in these titles.
Killing Floor 2
The survival horror game “Killing Floor 2” immerses players in a dystopian world overrun by horrific, bio-engineered creatures known as Zeds, delivering an intense, blood-soaked experience that’s both exhilarating and terrifying. This game shines with its multiplayer facet, where players can band together in cooperative mode to face waves of these monstrous adversaries, fostering a sense of camaraderie and tactical teamwork that’s extremely satisfying.
Horror enthusiasts will find the game to be the perfect blend of action and horror.
Call of Duty Black Ops III (Zombies)
Call of Duty: Black Ops III is very frequently touted as the COD with the best zombie mode. One downside that is expressed by some gamers is that it gets a bit too fantastical, as it introduces dragons and space creatures. For an experience that’s a bit more realistic, perhaps try a different COD: Zombie mode before this one. This title offers a thrilling zombie mode that combines the series’ signature gameplay with undead horror.
Zombie Mode offers more than just frenetic gunplay; it’s a test of survival, wits, and teamwork that appeals to players looking for a thrilling, cooperative combat experience set against a backdrop of unrelenting horror. Grab a buddy or two for some zombie-killing online multiplayer fun.
Purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Sons of the Forest
“Sons of the Forest” is a survival horror game shrouded in mystery, and it’s a sequel to the 2014 video game simply titled “The Forest”. In SOTF, you’re sent to a mysterious island to search for a missing CEO and his family. What you don’t know is that the island is infested with cannibalistic monsters. You can build weapons and buildings to help you survive as you uncover an ancient secret buried deep underground.
You can grab up to seven of your friends as this horror game entry supports up to eight-player cooperative multiplayer. Sons of the Forest was released on PC only with no console release in sight.
GTFO
“GTFO” demands teamwork and strategy, as players delve into terrifying depths to retrieve valuable artifacts. This is a first-person shooter with a bit of a unique premise. Players control prisoners within the game who are sent into a facility that has been taken over by monsters, and they must use guns, melee weapons, and tools to get rid of the monsters and complete missions. It’s a hit among horror fans who value tactical gameplay and enjoy coordinated team efforts in high-stress scenarios.
This was voted best Cooperative Game at E3 2018 by the website DualShockers.
Dying Light 1/2
Parkour meets the apocalypse in “Dying Light,” where players run around a zombie-infested city. Its mix of action and horror attracts a diverse range of horror lovers. These games distinguish themselves with a day-night cycle that drastically alters gameplay; by day, players scavenge for resources and craft weapons in a relatively benign world, but by night, they become the prey of far more aggressive and terrifying zombies. The multiplayer aspect shines as players are able to join forces to navigate the treaccerous world together, share resources, strategize in real-time, and face hordes of zombies in intense co-op missions.
The Dying Light games combine the adrenaline rush of action games with a thick, ominous atmosphere of horror, making this one of the most iconic multiplayer horror games.
Purchase The Dying Light Games
Barotrauma
If side-scrolling action is more your forte, Barotrauma is the multiplayer horror game for you. Set in the claustrophobic confines of a submarine traversing the inhospitable oceans of Europa, “Barotrauma” challenges players to survive undersea horrors. At the beginning of each round, players choose from 6 roles, each with its own unique responsibilities and duties. Then, the game gives the players a mission to complete, and the fun begins.
Barotrauma features procedurally generated environments and a constant threat of submarine malfunctions, external pressures, and alient creatures. The game creates a claustrophobic atmosphere and ever-present sense of danger similar to some of the best horror movies in existence.
Resident Evil 5
The “Resident Evil” series is iconic when it comes to zombie games. As anyone with a pulse these days knows …. and maybe those without a pulse as well … a big part of these games is fighting off hordes of zombies. Resident Evil 5 took it to another level, though, as this installment was the first to be designed for two-player cooperative play. Five years after the events of Resident Evil 4, Chris Redfield and new partner Sheva Alomar are sent to West Africa to investigate a potential terrorist threat.
This entry into the franchise is notable for delving further down the action game path rather than just straight survival horror. Resident Evil fans are truly spoiled these days, with monumental legacies in both the horror movie and game categories.
Resident Evil 6
Continuing with another installment in the iconic franchise, “Resident Evil 6” stands its ground as a monumental entry. Why will players love this game as opposed to the others? It contains a robust multiplayer feature, and players can experience the terror alongside friends. There are multiple campaigns to choose from, each one focusing on a different character, and the way the stories intertwine with each other is top notch.
Fighting zombies is not the only goal of the game, as players strive to solve puzzles and navigate unique, chilling environments as well. The horror movie aficionado in you will love this game, as you experience jump scares and a constant sense of dread throughout.
F.E.A.R 3
Combining horror with first-person shooter gameplay, “F.E.A.R 3” offers a co-op campaign that’s both terrifying and action-packed. This game will keep you on the edge of your seat as you encounter slow-motion gunfights and encounters with ghastly apparitions. As a horror movie fan, you’ll love the game’s storytelling elements and cinematic visuals. Dive into this horror game and experience a compelling experience that will cater to your love for the genre.
Part 2: Crossplay Horror Games
Dead by Daylight
A beloved title in the horror community, “Dead by Daylight” unites players across platforms in a game of cat and mouse. The game pits four survivors against one horror villain. Through various methods (most notably restoring broken generators) the players try to evade the villain and escape the map. It’s very similar to the Friday the 13th game. Since DBD was released, there have been others with similar gameplay, like Evil Dead The Game and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
This game does support cross-platform play, and there is an ever-growing catalog of content to explore with a new chapter being released every few months. These chapters often include new playable characters, items, and locations from horror franchises we all know and love.
Friday the 13th
Step into the shoes of camp counselors or Jason Voorhees in this homage to arguably the best franchise in the slasher horror genre. Players can harness the spirit of different versions of Jason or play as a camp counselor and attempt to pool togetherr their resources to escape the map. If you have the means to play this game, it’s an absolute must-play for horror fans. Unfortunately, due to licensing issues, this video game is no longer for sale, and its online servers will be discontinued as of December 31st, 2024.
Helldivers 2
“Helldivers 2” offers intense co-op action with a sci-fi twist, and it’s a refreshing take on modern multiplayer games. In Helldivers 2, you can have up to 4 players in your squad, and you visit various planets trying to save the galaxy from bug, robots, and more. The game is stuffed full of unique, atmospheric planets and plenty of sh*t your pants moments. This is the perfect game for Starship Troopers fans. Envelope yourself in cosmic horror and save the galaxy. For democracy!
Evil Dead The Game
“Evil Dead: The Game” plunges players into a spine-chilling world where the iconic lore of the Evil Dead franchise comes to life with an electrifying twist. In this harrowing multiplayer experience, players are given the choice to embrace the darkness as malevolent forces or to band together as iconic characters from the Evil Dead universe, each armed with their own unique skills and a determined will to survive. The game masterfully intertwines elements of horror, strategy, and intense action, creating a dynamic and unpredictable environment where the dread of the unknown is a constant companion.
As the eerie woods and abandoned cabins set the stage, players must navigate through a tapestry of terror, where the Necronomicon’s dark powers are unleashed, and the line between ally and foe can blur in the blink of an eye. With its gripping narrative, heart-pounding gameplay, and a seamless blend of cooperative and competitive elements, “Evil Dead: The Game” offers a blood-curdling adventure that redefines the boundaries of horror in video gaming.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
As we continue our list of crossplay horror games, we invite you to dive into the heart of darkness with “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” video game, a terrifyingly immersive experience that captures the essence of the iconic horror franchise. In this spine-chilling game, players are thrust into the macabre world of Leatherface and his deranged family, where survival hinges on stealth, strategy, and a steady nerve. The game expertly crafts an atmosphere of relentless dread, with every shadow and creaking floorboard heightening the sense of impending doom.
Players must navigate the eerie, desolate landscapes of rural Texas, where danger lurks behind every corner and the roar of a chainsaw sends shivers down the spine. With a focus on psychological horror, intense gameplay, and a faithful adherence to the source material’s grim aesthetic, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” offers horror aficionados an unforgettable journey into madness, where the line between hunter and hunted is as thin as a chainsaw blade.
Whether you’re outwitting the sadistic family or evading Leatherface’s deadly grip, this game promises a heart-pounding experience that will leave even the most seasoned horror fans gasping for breath.
Purchase Texas Chainsaw Massacre Game
Phasmophobia
Become a ghost hunter in “Phasmophobia,” where players band together and investigate paranormal activity. The goal of the game is to identify what type of ghost is haunting a certain location. Players unravel the mystery by finding clues and communicating with each other through local voice chat as well as in-game walkie talkies.
The ghosts can even hear you and potentially respond to the things you’re saying! There are 24 different ghost types, so there’s plenty of game to be played here. It’s truly a unique crossplay horror game experience.
Roblox (Horror Games)
Closing out our list of crossplay horror games, Roblox’s vast platform includes an array of horror games created by its community. Although on the surface Roblox may seem like it’s only for children, I’ve witnessed some pretty scary things come across in their user-created games. Roblox now has cross-platform support, so you can play on mobile or console.
Our journey through the realm of multiplayer horror gaming concludes here, but the thrill of the chase has just begun. Whether you’re planning to dive into these games head-first or prefer to watch seasoned streamers navigate their terrors, there’s no shortage of fear-inducing fun to be had.
These 21 games represent the best of what multiplayer horror has to offer, blending chills, thrills, and the joy of shared experiences. So, what are you waiting for? The night is dark and full of terrors, and it’s time to face them together. Take your pick from this selection of multiplayer and crossplay horror games, convince your group of friends to join you in the dread, and good luck.
I know that a horror fan rarely has their appetite satisfied, so if you’re looking for more great posts to read, make sure to check out recent ones like 43 Movies like As Above, So Below, or even 27 Horror Movies That Start With The Letter ‘S’. Thanks for visiting Nonstop Horror, and remember to embrace the dread, all year ’round.
