You do not always have to spend a lot of money on a game for it to be good. Itch.io proves this. Itch.io is a great alternative to Steam when searching for good cheap horror games. Our list consists of horror games ranging from a price point of free to play to $9.99. So put those headphones on, turn the volume up, turn the lights off and get that cushion ready to cover your eyes. Let’s dig in. These are our 7 Best Horror Games you can play on Itch.io.
Fears to Fathom – Home Alone
Who's that going up the stairs?
You are home alone. Mom has left lasagne for you in the fridge. You are thinking about hanging out with your friend. It’s late, your friend cannot make it. You get a text on your phone: who’s that outside?
Fears to Fathom is an episodic horror with two episodes currently available to play: Home Alone and Norwood Hitchhike. This fantastic 15-minute horror game will have you on the edge of your seat. The story is simple but well executed as it is a home intrusion horror game. Many people have the fear of someone breaking into your house, myself included. But it’s about what you do in those situations that determine the outcome. Fight. Flight. Freeze. Your choice.
Home Alone is free to play on Itch.io
Iron Lung
Am I alone down here?
The stars and planets have vanished, humanity has survived on space stations. This is The Quiet Rapture. Resources are running out. The only option is to search barren moons for a chance of survival. You play as a convict sent on a mission to find anomalies in a moon with a blood ocean. You are placed into an iron lung, welded shut with no windows. Your oxygen is limited but if you succeed you will earn your freedom. Feel your body be engulfed in curiosity and dread, as the submarine submerges further and further into the depths of the unknown, unsearched blood ocean. You are here now. Better get to work.
Iron Lung has simple gameplay mechanics. You are given a map with coordinates to find each anomaly. You can move your submarine using the Y and X axis directional keys on the main desk. Behind you there is a screen, this will be your camera to the outside world. The iron lung is claustrophobic, impenetrable by hands and tools. Surely there is nothing else down here? Nothing could possibly exist in an ocean filled with blood. Right? But down here where there is no light, no noise but the clanging of the submarine hitting walls and debris, your only choice is to push forward.
$5.99 on Itch.io
The Convenience Store
Will you watch the tape?
During your shift a parcel is delivered to you, but who could have sent this? The motion detection doors keep opening but no one is there. There’s something strange on the monitor. What is going on with that taped off area behind the store? This game has 2 endings, which will you get?
Had to include a Chilla’s Art game on this list. You play as a female employee working the night shift at a 24hr convenience store. Serve customers, explore your surroundings and get your jobs done before your shift ends. Chilla’s Art games will trick you into believing you are playing a work simulator, as it lets you sink into a routine of performing general retail tasks. But do not be fooled, this is a slow-burning, anxiety inducing horror experience that will make you uncomfortable and uneasy at all times.
$2.99 on Itch.io
The Backrooms 1998
Georgie?
The most unique interpretation of the Backrooms. The date is September 19th, 1998, you play as a teenager who falls into the depths of the backrooms. Unsure of where you are you keep your camera rolling to record this bizarre and impossible experience. Explore your surroundings, try to piece together the story of the backrooms. But be aware, you are not alone. This is a first-person found footage horror game with great graphics. Additionally, this game uses your microphone. The most interesting part of The Backrooms 1998 is when you find the truth behind the story. Similar to that of other horror games (not typically seen in backrooms games) this horror game has a twisted conclusion.
In this seemingly endless space of yellow wallpapered labyrinths, try not to lose your head in the isolation. This time someone will hear you scream.
$9.99 on Itch.io
Nun Massacre
Life lesson: Don't trust nuns.
The masters of retro horror games, Puppet Combo are back with a new game called Stay Out of The House, released October 13tt, 2022. Their most iconic installment, Nun Massacre follows Mrs. McDonnell looking for her sick child at the Catholic School after being requested by Mother Apollonia to visit. But, as always, nothing is as it seems. Once the school doors lock behind you, you realise you may never escape. Explore the school in its entirety, locate the resources you need to unlock doors and get past obstacles. But be careful. Mother Apollonia is here. Carrying a blade. Patrolling, looking for you.
The chase music is inhuman and deafening as if the nun is distortedly screaming as she runs after you down every corridor. Is she even human? Hide under the beds, crawl through the vents. Do whatever you can to stay alive and find out what happened to your child.
$4.95 on Itch.io
FAITH
She is here.
Faith is a pixel horror trilogy with its third installment planned to be released October 21th, 2022. You play as a young priest, cleansing the world of demons and cultists. Entrusted with your holy cross, abolish and cleanse demons which try to take your very essence. The original story of Faith follows you, the player roaming through the woods, exploring what happened there. Along the way you will vanquish demons and pick up notes describing previous events. You learn of a Father Allread that previously attempted to exorcise the demons. But what happened at the Martin’s House? Piece together the story by finding all the notes. Don’t bother exercising, get exorcising.
A fantastic 8-bit horror game with 5 endings. Faith Chapter I is free to play, and Faith Chapter II is $1 on Itch.io
The Well
Curiosity killed the cat
Based on a H.P. Lovecraft poem, The Well is a one-button horror game. The story takes place after the events of the poem (Atwood and his nephew went mad digging a well at his property). Originally hired to clear the Atwood property, you help your colleague with chasing the pagan treasure hidden inside the never-ending well. The art style is very unique in its standout green pixelated appearance. The images are often distorted and hard to see, strengthening the cosmic horror. It is dark and disturbing, with a playtime average of 20 minutes, see a Lovecraftian story come to life in this tale.
Send down the rope and see how far it goes. Try not to lose your mind in the process.
$1.99 on Itch.io
For other horror related content see: 5 Best Horror Games on Game Pass (October 2022)
