5 Best Scary Games with Friends to Play Together

Multiplayer horror shines when teamwork turns tension into memorable moments.

This guide gathers five standout titles that pair tight cooperation with heart-pounding set pieces. R.E.P.O. launched in Early Access on February 26, 2025 and brings in-game VOIP and support for up to six players. GTFO rewards stealth and coordination, while Devour casts four players against a spreading possession.

Dead by Daylight keeps evolving as the go-to asymmetrical title, and Dead Island 2 mixes gore and comedy for drop-in co-op that preserves guest progress. Each entry emphasizes different social dynamics, from stealthy dread to frantic extraction.

Expect practical tips on player counts, what kind of horror to expect, and how proximity chat shapes your night. We’ll also cover setup notes so your group jumps in fast and stays in the action.

Key Takeaways

• 5 Best Scary Games with Friends.
• Teamwork amplifies fear: co-op play makes every scare more intense and memorable.
• Titles range from stealth-led to chaotic extraction, so match the mood to your squad.
• In-game VOIP and proximity chat often lift tension and improve coordination.
• All listed games are active and supported, offering replay value and new content.
• Simple setup tips help groups spend less time in menus and more time playing digital together.

Why playing horror games together makes the fear more fun

Cooperative horror turns survival into a social experiment where trust, timing, and quick calls change how you react to danger.

When you play digital as a group, nervous laughter and shouted callouts turn tense moments into a shared experience. Indie titles often add twists like proximity chat or environmental traps that force real teamwork.

The way you split roles—who scouts, who carries objectives, who watches the rear—makes simple tasks feel nail-biting. Small things, like agreeing on voice tools and safety rules, smooth out tech friction so the night stays focused on thrills.

• Normalize debriefs: quick talks between rounds help teams adapt.
• Swap roles: let different people shine as stealth, support, or bold players.
• Embrace failure: wiped runs become hilarious lore, not frustration.

Make sure newcomers feel supported; co-op entry lowers the barrier and turns missteps into stories everyone remembers.

How we chose the scariest co-op games worth your time

Our picks favor co-op titles that make communication the core survival tool. We weighted systems that push players to talk, plan, and adapt in the moment.

Teamwork and communication under pressure

Clear roles and constant callouts make routine objectives tense and rewarding. We prioritized games that support built-in VOIP or pair cleanly with third-party voice tools so teams never miss a cue.

Replay value, updates, and active player bases

Longevity matters: rotating maps, seasonal events, and steady developer updates keep content fresh. Early access titles like R.E.P.O. were considered for transparent roadmaps and visible momentum rather than thin promises.

• Multiplayer stability: reliable matchmaking and decent player counts for quick sessions.
• Rewarding progression: sensible checkpoints and session lengths that respect your time.
• Community health: active support, thoughtful patches, and constructive feedback loops.

5 best scary games with friends: our top picks this year

Choose a mood, pick a role, and prepare for shared shocks. The list below highlights titles that reward teamwork and tight callouts. Each selection offers a different pace, from tactical stealth to chaotic gore.

R.E.P.O. — frantic online co-op heists

R.E.P.O. (Semiwork) launched in Early Access on February 26, 2025. It supports 1–6 players on Unity and shines for its in-game VOIP.

Teams loot locations, physically haul fragile items, and dodge prowling monsters. Assign haulers, spotters, and escorts to control choke points and live to extract the haul.

GTFO — stealth, planning, and precision

GTFO forces quiet coordination. Enemies react to sound and touch, so solo runs are impractical.

Success comes from whispered plans, synced takedowns, and layered tactics where one slip wakes the hive.

Devour — cultist chaos and demon banishment

Up to four players work through maps to reverse a possession ritual. Tension scales as demons multiply and routes shrink.

It’s quick to jump into but tests composure during late-stage panics.

Dead by Daylight — asymmetrical multiplayer horror

Launched in 2016, this long-running title lets groups rotate between Killer and Survivor in private matches. Frequent updates and licensed characters keep variety high.

Dead Island 2 — gory, hilarious zombie mayhem

Released April 21, 2023, it supports online co-op with drop-in play. Co-op unlocks early and guests keep progress, making it an easy pick for casual chaos.

“Coordinated play turns tension into memorable triumphs.”

Honorable mentions for groups who want something different

Looking for compact, replayable sessions that still raise pulses? These picks deliver brisk tension and clear roles so your crew can jump in fast.

Bigfoot — hunt or be hunted in tense wilderness expeditions

Bigfoot (Early Access since 2017) tasks teams with gear prep, trap placement, and tracking an aggressive AI-driven creature.

The premise is simple: hunt the legend or die trying. Long quiet stretches give way to chaotic ambushes, rewarding calm callouts and steady scans.

The monster’s aggression and smarts force squads to coordinate flanks, retreats, and scans. Asymmetrical PvP can let a teammate become the apex predator for fresh replay value.

Pacify — quick-hit hauntings and collectible hunts

Pacify (2019) offers short, punchy runs across house, woods, and farm maps.

Teams search for items that weaken or pacify a central entity. The Headquarters remix swaps villains to keep each run surprising.

• Quick sessions: great as a warmup or palette cleanser between heavier titles.
• Replay value: try new loadouts and routes to find highlight moments worth sharing.
• Variety nights: alternate an asymmetric hunt and a fast pacification sprint to keep energy high.

New and upcoming co-op horror games to watch

This season’s slate spotlights co-op systems that blend atmosphere, action, and shared tension. Follow these releases if you plan sessions, track roadmaps, or simply like to reserve launch nights.

Little Nightmares 3 — a story built for two

Little Nightmares 3 evolves the series into a two-player journey where puzzles and platforming reward teamwork. The design favors cooperative problem solving while keeping the eerie tone intact. If you play solo, the second protagonist is AI-controlled so the mood stays consistent.

Subnautica 2 — underwater survival with 4‑player co-op

Subnautica 2 targets 2025 Early Access / Xbox Game Preview and adds 4-player co-op to deep-sea survival. Expect resource management, creature dread, and iterative updates as the community explores alien oceans together.

Haunted Paws and Killing Floor 3 — contrasting tones, shared screams

Haunted Paws sends brave dogs into a haunted house to rescue owners. It’s a lighter, charming take on horror that still delivers shared chills.

Killing Floor 3 was delayed from March 25 into later 2025. When it arrives, it could be a high-octane option for squads that prefer horde shooting and arsenal progression.

• Keep an eye on public roadmaps and systems released notes to coordinate platforms.
• Check early access paths to see how features are shipping.
• Choose based on mood: moody adventure, underwater survival, playful haunt, or full-on horde.

“With multiplayer online features central to each title, these releases aim to turn co-op sessions into season-long rituals.”

Platforms, cross-play, and accessibility: where your group can play

Start by mapping who plays on PC, console, or cloud so everyone can join fast.

Confirm each platform’s cross-play status before you buy or queue up. R.E.P.O. lists Online Co-Op for 1–6 players on PC in Early Access, while GTFO generally favors PC squad play.

Dead Island 2 supports online co-op and preserves guest progress, but co-op unlocks roughly thirty minutes into the story. Plan a short prologue run before the full squad assembles.

Dead by Daylight supports private custom matches, which are perfect for low-pressure practice and house rules.

• Check launch points: PC, console, or cloud and whether cross-play exists.
• Controller & accessibility: on PC, Steam or launchers often list gamepad support and assist options.
• Voice choice: decide on built-in VOIP or an external app so comms stay clear.
• Latency & servers: region matchmaking can affect how smoothly players connect.

Choose titles that let you play digital with simple invites and flexible lobbies to avoid long setup delays. Share quick platform tips — controller layouts, FOV, or brightness — so every player feels dialed in.

“Private lobbies and clear cross-play notes save time and keep the night focused on fun.”

Pick your poison: matching game styles to your friend group

Some squads savor slow tension and careful resource play, while others chase nonstop action.

Survival horror and resource management

GTFO rewards quiet planning. Its stealth mechanics and scarce supplies make every toolkit and bullet count. This is ideal if your group likes methodical, tense runs.

Asymmetrical cat-and-mouse thrills

Dead by Daylight leans on mind games. Asymmetry lets tacticians, risk-takers, and support players shine. If your goal is psychological play and surprise, this style fits.

Action-forward “horde” and looter experiences

Dead Island 2 pushes kinetic combat and drop-in flow. It’s the way to go when chaos, melee, and spectacle are the night’s agenda.

Devour bridges both worlds by ramping tension as maps progress. Upcoming Little Nightmares 3 offers co-op adventure puzzle-solving for pairs who prefer atmosphere over attrition.

• Match session length to attention spans.
• Rotate roles so everyone learns new ways to contribute.
• Prioritize online co-op stability and quick onboarding to get playing fast.

Align expectations early—difficulty, scare tolerance, and house rules keep the night fun for every friend and make these horror games feel like shared victories.

Early access gems vs. polished classics: what to expect

Choosing early access or a finished release changes the night’s shape. Early access titles deliver fresh mechanics and fast updates, but they also bring evolving balance and occasional rough edges.

R.E.P.O. is a clear early access highlight. It launched on February 26, 2025 and already feels alive thanks to strong in-game VOIP and tense objectives that reward teamwork in co-op horror runs.

Long-running EA projects like BIGFOOT show how some studios grow depth over years. Those projects often add behaviors and refinements that keep repeat sessions feeling new.

Polished classics — think Dead by Daylight — give steady systems, frequent content, and predictable matchmaking. Dead Island 2 leans on smooth onboarding and guest progress that saves you setup time and frustration.

Budget and tolerance for change matter. If you like following development, early access can be thrilling. If you want plug-and-play reliability, pick a polished anchor and balance sessions between the two.

• Read roadmaps and patch notes to set expectations.
• Mix a new EA title, then finish on a stable classic to guarantee a smooth capstone run.
• Consider the key thing: how much time you’ll spend chasing updates versus playing.

“A smart mix gives you fresh ideas and steady staples that keep your library alive.”

Set up for success: tools, VOIP, and house rules that amplify the scares

Set the stage before you hit play so the night runs smooth and the scares land hard. Small prep clears tech friction and keeps everyone focused on the map.

Headsets, proximity chat, and lighting for maximum immersion

Make sure every player has a clear mic and a comfortable headset; crisp comms elevate coordination and let proximity chat shine in titles like R.E.P.O. and GTFO.

Calibrate brightness and audio early. Dim lights help immersion, but keep accessibility in mind for those sensitive to jumpscares.

Session length, safe words, and revive rules to keep it fun

Agree on session length up front and build regular breaks so focus stays high. Use a simple safe word to pause or skip a tense moment and protect psychological safety.

• Voice etiquette: brief callouts only—no overtalking when multiple players shout important info.
• Match rules: decide revive, respawn, and extraction norms in private lobbies; Dead by Daylight custom rooms make this easy.
• Quick lobbies: use easy invites so you can play digital without long waits; Dead Island 2’s drop-in co-op helps here.

“Good tools and clear rules turn panic into coordinated moments everyone remembers.”

Roblox horror with friends: safer scares and creative twists

On the Roblox platform, creators craft eerie experiences that favor mood and mechanics over shock value. The site’s rules ban graphic gore, so designers lean into tension, audio cues, and playful visuals.

SCP-3008 turns a simple premise—an endless IKEA—into a base‑building survival sandbox. You gather supplies, fortify a house-like camp, and evade humorous “Staff” enemies that patrol aisles.

The True Backrooms uses sound and uncanny corridors to ratchet dread. Headsets help teams pick up faint cues and guide one another through maze levels.

Identity Fraud (Revamp) rewards pattern recall and calm callouts. Different monsters have unique behaviors—like look‑at mechanics—so communication is vital to outsmart threats and solve puzzles.

• Accessible controls: new players learn fast and can join private servers to practice.
• Age‑friendly scares: ghosts and odd creatures create tension without explicit content.
• Flexible sessions: jump in, cycle through builds, or use these titles as warmups before heavier titles.

“These roblox games make coop play feel low‑friction and welcoming for mixed groups.”

Make it a memorable horror game night

A strong theme turns loose sessions into a night your group will talk about for months. Pick a through-line—submarine dread, urban legends, or a corporate nightmare—and let each match reinforce that mood. Darkwater and Backrooms Cleanup Crew are great sources for submarine and cleanup themes, while The Headliners inspires media-driven monster scenarios.

Theme your sessions: urban legends, submarine horror, or corporate nightmares

Curate a lineup so play sessions feel connected. Start with a short warmup game that teaches systems, then escalate to your main challenge once players are synced.

Assign roles—cameraman, scout, quartermaster—so everyone has a clear job and spotlight moments.

Stream, record, and share your funniest fails and bravest moments

Decide whether to stream or record before you play. Capture highlights for social clips or a keepsake reel that celebrates your team’s goal completions and clutch saves.

• Mix modes: rotate asymmetrical hunts and survival waves so different players shine.
• Build pacing: slot lighter house-style rounds between intense sessions to give players a lot of breathing room.
• Finish strong: end on an action-forward capper so everyone decompresses happy.

“Theme nights make routine play feel like a shared event worth recording.”

Conclusion

, Close the loop by setting a small goal each session so progress feels real and shared.

The right mix of multiplayer online co-op turns tension into a lasting experience. Try a short stealth run, then follow with an action capper. R.E.P.O.’s early access VOIP, Dead by Daylight’s steady updates, and Dead Island 2’s guest progress show how varied systems keep nights fresh.

Need an easy on-ramp? Explore roblox horror collections for age-friendly tension and teamwork. Learn systems released notes and systems released january news so your group plans around drops. Rally players, pick a playlist, and play digital—when you gather with intent, monsters become moments and gaming becomes a shared victory. Read more roblox guides roblox horror.