When it comes to being scared, horror games are one of the easiest ways to give yourself a fright. And you don’t have to spend a dime to get a spooky evening’s worth of terror. Itch.io’s database of scary experiences is quite robust, with a variety of great indie titles to choose from. Finding something to play can be daunting, however. So here are the top 10 best free horror games on Itch.io.
Top 10 Best Free Horror Games on Itch.io
10. Pumpkin Panic
Pumpkin Panic by Bilalaika is a cozy farm game. At least on the surface. Under the comforting garden vibes hides a sinister truth. Escape from the creature in the shadows in this hour-long adventure. Play Pumpkin Panic here.
9. Teke Teke: Moonlit Dread
Teke Teke: Moonlit Dread is based on the Japanese folklore of Teke Teke, where a schoolgirl gets killed by a train when she falls on the tracks. She’ll run after those she finds and slice them in half with her scythe, mimicking her deathblow. It’s a cat-and-mouse chase in this 15-minute game. Play Teke Teke: Moonlit Dread here.
8. Voices of the Void
Voices of the Void puts you into the role of a lonesome scientist as you decipher messages from space. You can have a variety of encounters in the demo, which has 30 in-game days to play through. There’s a variety of secrets and Easter eggs to discover, as well. Will you make contact? Play Voices of the Void here.
7. The Phantom of the Black Rose Revue: Act 1
A visual novel, The Phantom of the Black Rose Revue: Act 1 launches you into the role of a rising theater starlet. As your fame grows, so do the mysteries surrounding the Black Rose Revue. Not only that, but a series of increasingly obsessive letters begin to arrive. Your choices will either pave the path to the spotlight or thrust you deeper into the shadows. Play The Phantom of the Black Rose Revue: Act 1 here.
6. Stop Burying Me Alive, Beautiful!
You wake up to the sound of your beloved girlfriend as she flings another shovel of dirt onto you. Actively being buried alive, this atmospheric visual novel comes with multiple possible endings. Fight for your life and against the rats who’ve come to the show. Play Stop Burying Me Alive, Beautiful! here.
5. The Final Pin
The Final Pin comes from the creator of other hit games, The Shopping List and Broken Through. This one, however, pits you against the Crow Killer. You’re sure he’s searching for you, watching you even. Using a variety of investigative tactics, figure out the mysteries of the Crow Killer — just don’t wind up dead. Play The Final Pin here.
4. The Shopping List
After having moved to a new town, you’re attempting to complete your shopping list. However, it feels like someone is constantly watching you. Filled with different puzzles and startling revelations about your past, complete your list and make it back to your new home. Play The Shopping List here.
3. Something in the Well
There’s something that’s crawled out of the well. At first, it’s hard to hear amongst the woodland sounds. Utilizing security cameras, you’re aware that it’s trying to reach you inside. This is a short 10-minute game with two possible endings and plenty of chills. Play Something in the Well here.
2. The Smiling Man Remake
If you’re looking to replay the original Smiling Man, you’re in luck. Along with the Blue Tidal story, there’s an alternate game mode where you can play a fully reimagined version of the game. It even has multiple endings. Play The Smiling Man Remake here.
1. The Windows are Gone
You’ve dreamed of this house for so long. Now you’re finally here, moving in. The Windows are Gone is a retro, atmospheric, psychological game that focuses on exploration. Learn what happened to the previous owner of your abode or succumb to the mystery with multiple endings. Play The Windows are Gone here.
Those are the top 10 best free horror games on Itch.io. Many can be played in a single sitting and replayed due to their multiple endings. For more horror games, check out our other recommendations, such as our best horror games for Halloween and our roundup of great horror selections on Steam for less than $10.
