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Who doesn’t like wrapping themselves up in a good, engaging, and free story? And, if you have a device or console, chances are you use it to download games.
While many companies consider raising costs for the continued playing of games with no replay value, some gamers prefer a one-time cost or free game if the playtime is short.
And when it comes to free games, maybe you’ve gotten bored of the “walking simulator” type games that fill the game stores. Perhaps you need a fresh or engaging experience.
You’re in luck if you’re looking for spine-chilling experiences without breaking the bank. Here’s a list of my “5 Must-Try Indie Horror Games for Gamers” that promise an unforgettable journey into the unknown.
1. Doki Doki Literature Club!

This cute visual novel is not what it appears to be. After it turns dark, you’ll be confronted with psychological horror through its narrative and experience fourth-wall breaks.
Developed by Team Salvato, it’s a genre-bending adventure with shocking twists that will keep you on the tips of your toes.
Initially released in 2017, this game is an excellent introduction to beginning horror gamers looking for a chilling exploration of psychological horror. But it is not a game for the easily disturbed.
2. SCP: Containment Breach

SCP: Containment Breach is a survival horror game.
Are you familiar with the Secure, Contain, and Protect (SCP) Foundation? Even if you’re not, this SCP-based game, inspired by the SCP Foundation wiki, challenges players to escape from a facility filled with paranormal entities.
Initially developed by Joonas Rikkonen in 2012, this remastered version released in 2022 has continuously generated facilities. You’ll encounter unpredictable entities with each playthrough to make each experience unique and terrifying.
Can you survive against these entities long enough – or will you meet you’re end to them?
3. Psychopomp

Psychopomp is a captivating game that plunges you into a darkly suffocating realm with an unstable protagonist. Armed with a device to help you see beyond, you must defend yourself against what’s lurking beneath.
Developed by Fading Club, you’ll be engrossed in a psychedelic-like story where you do simple quests, combat monsters, and explore a story that hints at schizophrenia, abuse, and depression.
So why play it? Well, the story leaves a lot up for interpretation, which will engage your imagination and thinking. If you are fine with the grotesque and having little explanation of the story, pick this game up and give it a try.
4. Free Will

In this game, all begins well as you approach the day. However, minor glitches occur slowly before the corruption. You, the protagonist, and System must explore the world and deal with “corruption” before it consumes all.
Developed by Kipps In A Box, this game offers a unique gameplay experience. You’ll gradually interact with the story in unconventional ways, experience fourth-wall breaking, and face moral dilemmas in this psychological horror.
From playing this horror game, I can say that if you enjoy unique game-to-player interactions and love subtle hints to mysteries, I strongly recommend it. But be sure you can handle depression, blood, and flashing lights.
5. Cry of Fear

In this psychological horror, you’ll navigate a dark city’s secrets as Simon, a young man desperately seeking answers as he grapples with his psyche. This dive into a complex story with themes of mental illness will confront you with fear while you battle demons in the world and inner demons.
Developed by Psykskallar, this game is not just about survival. It’s about delving into the deeper horrors that lurk in Simon’s mind, a challenge that will keep you on the alert.
With challenging survival mechanics and deeply atmospheric world, this game is a must-try.
Closing Thoughts
Make sure you consider the type of horror (monster, psychological, or paranormal), the gameplay mechanic (survival or strategy), and, of course, your content preference.
Each game adds a unique element to the horror genre, bringing something new and exciting. But everyone has different tastes in horror, and that’s a good thing.
Hopefully, this list proves that great scares don’t necessarily have a price tag. If you played any of these games, let me know. I’m curious to read what you thought of them.

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.