Horror games are often most effective when played alone, but that doesn’t mean they have to be solitary experiences. Teaming up with friends can make even the most terrifying moments more manageable - and sometimes even more entertaining.
As Halloween approaches, creepy co-op games offer the perfect blend of scares and fun. From action-packed zombie shooters to psychological thrillers, the Epic Games Store has a strong lineup of horror and horror-adjacent titles that are best enjoyed with a group.
Best Creepy Co-Op Games to Play
Reimagining the Horror Experience With Friends
Some games thrive on teamwork, while others test how well a group can stay calm under pressure. Dead by Daylight remains one of the standout examples. The asymmetrical multiplayer format lets one player hunt down four survivors, creating unpredictable moments in every match.
Players can step into the role of classic horror icons like Michael Myers, Leatherface, and the Xenomorph, or join as survivors inspired by Stranger Things, Saw, Tokyo Ghoul, and even Dungeons & Dragons. Despite its frightening atmosphere, the game’s focus on teamwork and communication makes it one of the most replayable co-op horror titles available.
When Parkour Meets Survival Horror
Dying Light: The Beast, the latest installment in Techland’s long-running zombie franchise, takes the parkour-driven survival experience to new heights. The game’s day-night cycle keeps players alert, with the most dangerous threats emerging after sunset.
Moving across rooftops and scaling buildings is more than just a traversal method - it’s a lifeline. Playing with friends amplifies the intensity, as coordinating escapes and nighttime scavenging runs become essential for survival. The high-risk, high-reward structure makes every nighttime outing a nerve-wracking but rewarding experience.
Co-Op Challenge Meets Atmospheric Storytelling
For players who prefer strategic combat and intricate world design, Remnant II delivers a challenging but satisfying co-op experience. Drawing inspiration from Soulslike mechanics, Remnant II combines procedural generation with intense third-person shooting.
No two playthroughs feel exactly the same, and the game encourages repeated runs with its randomized world layouts and gear drops. Though it can be played solo, Remnant II thrives when tackled with friends, allowing squads to balance their builds and cover each other during the game’s toughest boss fights.
Psychological Terror in Groups
If traditional combat-heavy horror isn’t appealing, The Outlast Trials offers something more psychological. Players must rely on stealth, strategy, and teamwork to survive a series of disturbing experiments, each filled with relentless enemies and unsettling environments.
There’s little opportunity for direct confrontation, so communication is critical. Teams must decide who distracts the threats while others complete objectives. The result is a tense experience that blends horror with coordination, creating moments of panic, relief, and laughter all in one session.
Action and Atmosphere in Equal Measure
World War Z caters to players who enjoy more action-driven experiences without sacrificing atmosphere. Inspired by the film and novel, the game takes squads through global missions filled with large-scale zombie battles. Hundreds of enemies can flood the screen at once, forcing players to rely on positioning and teamwork to survive. The visual spectacle of massive hordes climbing walls and swarming fortifications makes World War Z a perfect balance between chaos and strategy.
Similarly, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction combines tactical shooter gameplay with a sci-fi horror twist. Borrowing from Rainbow Six Siege, this spinoff challenges players to navigate alien-infested environments with precision and caution. Team communication, slow pacing, and gadget management all contribute to a suspenseful experience that rewards patience over brute force.
Tactical Realism and Classic Sci-Fi Horror
For fans of realism, Ready or Not provides a tense, grounded experience that borders on horror. The tactical SWAT shooter tasks players with handling intense, unpredictable missions where one wrong move can end a run. Despite lacking supernatural elements, the game’s detailed environments and immersive sound design make it genuinely unsettling, proving that realistic tension can be just as effective as monsters and jump scares.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster brings a legendary sci-fi horror title into the co-op era. Originally a single-player experience, this version supports up to four players exploring a derelict starship overrun by hostile AI and mutated creatures. Its focus on exploration, resource management, and environmental storytelling creates an eerie but captivating co-op experience that blends old-school design with modern connectivity.
Why These Games Stand Out
Each of these titles offers a distinct take on cooperative horror, ranging from action-packed chaos to slow-burn tension. Whether players are working together to outsmart a killer, survive the undead, or uncover the mysteries of a haunted spaceship, these experiences are built to test coordination and nerves alike. The combination of atmosphere, teamwork, and challenge makes these games perfect choices for the Halloween season - or any time a group wants to get a little scared together.
Here’s the full list of all the games mentioned:
- Dead by Daylight
- Dying Light: The Beast
- Remnant II
- The Outlast Trials
- World War Z
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction
- Ready or Not
- System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best creepy co-op games to play this Halloween? Some of the top picks include Dead by Daylight, Dying Light: The Beast, The Outlast Trials, Remnant II, World War Z, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction.
Are these games suitable for players who don’t usually like horror? Yes. Titles like World War Z and Ready or Not focus more on action or realism rather than pure horror, making them easier entry points for players new to the genre.
Can all of these games be played online with friends? Each title supports online multiplayer, with most designed specifically around co-op gameplay. Some, such as System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster, even include crossplay options.
Which creepy co-op game is the scariest? The Outlast Trials is often considered the most frightening due to its limited combat and reliance on teamwork under extreme pressure.
Where can these games be found? All of the mentioned titles are available for purchase and download through the Epic Games Store.
