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Horror games online and indie horror games are macabre masterpieces.
Finding horror games online or indie horror games in general that deliver an unforgettable horror experience isn’t always easy. I remember spending hours searching and scrolling Google and YouTube for interesting horror games. All I found were the same old storylines.
But indie horror games online often do something special with their storytelling. These games usually take risks and pull you into a gripping narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. So, grab your headphones and dim the lights as we delve into 10 indie horror games with story-driven narratives worth your time. If you like this list, check out others like it.
1. Soma

In Soma, you awaken to a mysterious underwater facility, where nothing is as it seems. As you explore, you’ll encounter eerie machinery, dangerous creatures, and mysterious clues that will make you question the nature of consciousness and identity.
The game creates a chilling atmosphere through its stunning visuals and haunting soundscapes, putting you always on edge.
Soma is one of the horror games online that makes you think. It scares you but also makes you ponder existence. The underwater setting creates an immersive experience that pulls you into its bleak world. The story unfolds through environmental storytelling and engaging dialogue, creating an emotionally resonant narrative.
While Soma excels in its narrative as found in good horror games online, the gameplay may feel slow for some players. The absence of combat might leave those seeking action feeling uninterested. However, for players who appreciate a strong story and atmospheric horror, Soma delivers it well.
2. Outlast

Step into the shoes of investigative journalist Miles Upshur as you explore Mount Massive Asylum, a nightmarish psychiatric hospital. With only a camcorder, you must swiftly navigate the twisted corridors, avoid deranged inmates, and uncover the sinister secrets within the asylum.
Outlast is a survival test in tension and terror. From the moment you step inside the asylum, you’re thrust into an almost non-stop experience that keeps your heart pounding. The game’s found footage style adds a layer of realism and terror, making every encounter feel in your face and dangerous.
The story is fleshed out through documents and environmental cues, immersing you in a chilling narrative found in great horror games online.
While the adrenaline-pumping chases are thrilling, they can become repetitive over time—especially if you get lost. The game relies heavily on jump scares, which could bore some players. However, Outlast and others in the series deliver a visceral horror experience that will satisfy fans of survival horror.
3. Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Enter the dark, cold world of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, where you play as a man with no memory of his past. As you explore a crumbling castle, you’ll confront terrifying creatures and uncover disturbing memories that reveal the truth about your past.
Amnesia is a pioneer in the horror genre, emphasizing atmosphere and sound design to create an unsettling environment that keeps you tense. The narrative comes through fragmented memories and clues around you, offering a haunting story. The game’s mechanics, like managing your sanity, add more tension to every encounter.
You may find the puzzles frustrating, as they can be challenging and vague. The lack of direction may lead to confusion, potentially breaking immersion. The graphics, while distinctive, show their age compared to newer titles. Despite these minor issues, Amnesia remains a beloved classic for horror enthusiasts.
4. Omori

In Omori, you explore a vibrant, dream-like world filled with unique characters and dark underlayers. The game takes you on a journey through Sunny’s dream world and his struggles with mental health in the real world.
Through surreal storytelling, Omori, though not like typical horror games online, does explore themes of friendship, anxiety, and self-discovery.
Among horror games online, Omori is a unique mix of psychological horror and RPG elements. Its surreal art style and haunting soundtrack perfectly complement the story’s exploration of mental health issues. The rich and poignant narrative makes you care about the characters and their journey.
The game’s pacing can be slow, which might not appeal to those looking for a traditional horror experience. Its heavy themes and unsettling content may be difficult for some players. Additionally, the abstract storytelling may leave some players feeling confused. However, for those who appreciate narrative depth and emotional storytelling, Omori is a great choice.
5. Layers of Fear

Layers of Fear puts you in the shoes of a tormented artist struggling to complete his masterpiece. As you navigate his ever-changing mansion, you’ll uncover the disturbing history behind his obsession and his descent into madness.
The game is a visual and auditory feast of fear, especially in VR, with its dynamic environments and haunting soundtrack. Through exploration and environmental storytelling, you gain insights into the narrative. The game’s unpredictable nature keeps players on their toes, as every room can shift and change unexpectedly.
While Layers of Fear is morbidly enthralling, some players might find the gameplay lacking in challenge and variety compared to other horror games online. The game relies on scripted events and lacks complex mechanics, which can lead to repetition.
The story can also feel linear and predictable at times. Despite these limitations, the game’s atmosphere and storytelling make it a worthwhile experience.
6. Kholat

Inspired by the real-life Dyatlov Pass incident, Kholat takes you on a journey through the snowy landscapes of the Ural Mountains. As you investigate the mysterious disappearance of Russian hikers, you’ll encounter supernatural forces and uncover the chilling truth behind the tragedy.
Kholat excels at creating atmospheric and immersive horror. The open-world exploration and eerie landscapes evoke a sense of isolation and mystery that draws you in. You almost feel like the icy tendrils of the mountains themselves grip you. The narration adds to the story, guiding players through suspense.
Navigating the game’s open world can be challenging due to the lack of a traditional map. Compared to other horror games online, this can lead to frustration, as players may feel lost or aimless. Yet, if you are willing to unravel mysteries, you will appreciate Kholat’s unique approach.
7. The Town of Light

Set in a meticulously recreated Italian psychiatric hospital, The Town of Light follows a young woman seeking to uncover her past. Inspired by actual events, the game explores mental illness and the treatment of patients in historical asylums.
The Town of Light delivers a narrative-driven experience. The game’s attention to historical accuracy and emotional depth sets it apart from typical horror games. The environments and haunting soundtrack create an immersive world that engages you in a disquieting setting.
The gameplay is heavily focused on exploration and storytelling, which may not appeal to players seeking more action-oriented gameplay. The heavy themes and unsettling content can also be emotionally challenging. However, the game’s narrative and historical authenticity make it an ideal choice for horror fans who are into psychological terrors.
8. Visage

Visage is set in a haunted house filled with dark secrets and malevolent entities. As you explore the home, you’ll uncover its history and face terrifying encounters that test your sanity.
As a one the highly praise horror games online, Visage captures the essence of classic horror with its eerie and unsettling storytelling. The game’s graphics and sound design build a terrifying world around you, keeping you alert for the slightest thing. By exploring the home, you unravel the story, offering a story that is haunting for the psyche.
The game’s difficulty may deter some players, as its mechanics and reliance on jump scares can lead to frustration. The episodic structure may make the story feel disjointed at times. but fans of classic horror will find Visage thrilling.
9. 9 Childs Street

Once you enter 9 Childs Street, you plunge into a darkly surreal neighborhood filled with childhood fears and foreboding secrets. As you explore the titular street, you’ll navigate through eerie homes, encounter unsettling characters, and unravel a narrative that blends psychological horror with adventure elements.
The game excels at creating an eeriness around you through sounds and colors that trick your vision. Over time, the story dives deep into the complexities of childhood trauma and fear, offering a unique perspective. This blend of psychological horror and thoughtful storytelling makes 9 Childs Street a standout in the genre.
Despite its premise, 9 Childs Street may not appeal to everyone due to its abstract storytelling and puzzles. The slow pacing might deter players looking for more fast-paced horror. This game offers a rewarding journey for those who enjoy psychological horror and narratives that provoke introspection.
10. The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope transports players to a seemingly abandoned town steeped in obscurity and superstition. As you guide a group of characters through the fog-covered streets, you’ll confront visions of the town’s dark past, uncovering tales of witch trials and the supernatural.
Little Hope provides a cinematic horror experience with a branching narrative that keeps you engaged through your choices. The game’s detailed environments enhance the storytelling, making each decision feel like it has weight. The replay value is high, as different choices lead to varied outcomes.
While Little Hope has an engaging and intriguing story, the gameplay may be lacking for some. The heavy reliance on quick-time events might not satisfy those seeking more interactive or challenging gameplay. Little Hope’s story may also be confusing to others, but it remains an engaging experience for fans of cinematic horror.
Closing Thoughts
Indie horror games and horror games online with story-driven narratives offer creativity, innovation, and immersion that challenge traditional horror storytelling. From exploring existential questions to confronting childhood fears, these games captivate and terrify.
Each title showcases the passion and talent of indie developers, delivering memorable stories that resonate long after the game is finished. Whether you’re drawn to psychological horror or adrenaline-pumping thrills, these indie horror games will satisfy your craving for something different.
Which of these games’ narrative drew you in? Were there any games not on this list that you found had an enthralling experience? Comment below and share your thoughts.

Nero lives in the United States, delving into indie horror to mainstream games. Armed with a psych degree and a passion for storytelling, he wrote stories and essays published online and in museum catalogs. Besides writing, he also likes sketching and tuning into rock music. Catch his latest posts or follow him across social media.