If you’re looking for the most immersive and terrifying multiplayer experiences, these horror games with proximity chat will keep you on edge as every whisper, scream, and footstep could mean the difference between survival and doom.
Horror games are terrifying on their own, but when you add proximity chat, the fear factor skyrockets. Imagine hearing your friend scream from across the map, their voice fading as something snatches them into the darkness. That’s the kind of immersive horror that makes proximity chat games so spine-chilling.
First, lets explore what is proximity chat games: Proximity chat games are multiplayer games that use a voice communication system where players can only hear others based on their in-game distance. The closer a player is to another, the louder they sound, and as they move farther away, their voice fades. This feature enhances immersion and strategy, particularly in horror games, where limited communication adds to the tension and fear factor.
If you’re looking for the best horror games with proximity chat, this list has you covered.
1. Phasmophobia
Metacritic Score: 85
Platforms: PC (VR supported)
Release Date: September 18, 2020
Developer: Kinetic Games
One of the most popular ghost-hunting games, Phasmophobia puts you and your team in haunted locations where you must gather evidence of paranormal activity. Proximity chat adds to the immersion and fear, as ghosts can hear you, and teammates’ voices fade as they move away—or get taken.
2. Lethal Company
Metacritic Score: N/A (Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam)
Platforms: PC
Release Date: October 23, 2023
Developer: Zeekerss
This co-op horror game has you scavenging abandoned industrial facilities for scrap while avoiding horrifying creatures. Proximity chat makes every moment nerve-wracking, as you must communicate with your team while keeping quiet to avoid being hunted.
3. Devour
Metacritic Score: 74
Platforms: PC
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Developer: Straight Back Games
In Devour, players must banish a demonic cult leader before she drags them to hell. The proximity chat makes teamwork essential, but it also amplifies the fear, especially when the possessed leader starts hunting. Hearing your friend scream and cut off mid-sentence? Terrifying.
4. Pacify
Metacritic Score: 72
Platforms: PC
Release Date: February 22, 2019
Developer: Shawn Hitchcock
A fast-paced, co-op horror game where players must subdue a possessed girl in a haunted house. Proximity chat adds realism and tension, as players must communicate while avoiding a sudden, terrifying attack.
5. Deceit
Metacritic Score: 77
Platforms: PC
Release Date: March 3, 2017
Developer: World Makers
A social deduction horror game where some players are secretly infected and must eliminate the others. Proximity chat creates paranoia, as players must decide who to trust while navigating the eerie environment.
6. Ghost Exile
Metacritic Score: N/A
Platforms: PC
Release Date: January 7, 2022
Developer: LostOneTeam
A ghost-hunting game similar to Phasmophobia, but with an added exorcism mechanic. Proximity chat enhances the immersion, making ghost encounters feel more authentic and terrifying.
7. Midnight Ghost Hunt
Metacritic Score: N/A
Platforms: PC
Release Date: March 31, 2022 (Early Access)
Developer: Vaulted Sky Games
A chaotic hide-and-seek horror game where ghosts and hunters battle it out. Proximity chat makes it extra fun, as ghosts can spook hunters and vice versa.
8. GTFO
Metacritic Score: 81
Platforms: PC
Release Date: December 9, 2021
Developer: 10 Chambers
A hardcore co-op horror shooter where communication is key. Proximity chat forces players to stay together—or risk getting picked off by horrifying creatures in an underground nightmare.
9. Forewarned
Metacritic Score: N/A
Platforms: PC
Release Date: September 10, 2021
Developer: Dreambyte Games
Set in ancient Egyptian tombs, Forewarned has players investigating curses and paranormal entities. Proximity chat makes team coordination feel immersive, especially when a mummy starts hunting.
10. In Silence
Metacritic Score: 75
Platforms: PC
Release Date: October 16, 2020
Developer: Ravenhood Games
One player is the monster, while the rest are survivors. The catch? The monster has super-sensitive hearing. Proximity chat makes the experience horrifying, as even whispering can be deadly.
11. The Outlast Trials
Metacritic Score: 81
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: May 18, 2023 (Early Access)
Developer: Red Barrels
A co-op survival horror experience set in the same terrifying universe as Outlast. Players take on the role of test subjects in a twisted psychological experiment. Proximity chat adds a chilling layer to the game, as you and your team must survive horrific trials while whispering to avoid detection from sadistic enemies. The tense atmosphere and brutal jump scares make this a must-play for horror fans.
12. Demonologist
Metacritic Score: N/A
Platforms: PC
Release Date: March 27, 2023 (Early Access)
Developer: Clock Wizard Games
A next-gen ghost-hunting horror game with stunning visuals and deep paranormal investigations. Think Phasmophobia, but even more terrifying and immersive. Proximity chat is essential, as players must communicate while summoning and exorcising spirits. The ghosts respond to your voice, meaning every whispered word could trigger a haunting.
13. Survive the Nights
Metacritic Score: N/A
Platforms: PC
Release Date: December 21, 2020 (Early Access)
Developer: a2z Interactive
A realistic multiplayer zombie survival game where players must fortify shelters, manage resources, and survive against relentless undead hordes. Proximity chat heightens the tension, especially in encounters with both zombies and other survivors. Do you trust the people you meet, or will they betray you for supplies? This game brings a unique survival-horror-meets-social-deduction experience.
Final Thoughts
Proximity chat takes horror gaming to a whole new level. It immerses players in fear, making every noise, every whisper, and every breath a part of the experience. Whether you’re exploring haunted houses, running from monsters, or surviving the unknown, proximity chat makes it feel real.
These games bring out the best (and worst) in cooperative horror, forcing you to rely on communication while simultaneously making it a dangerous act. The combination of teamwork, fear, and unpredictable encounters creates some of the most terrifying gaming moments imaginable.
If you love heart-pounding, scream-inducing multiplayer experiences, these are the best horror games with proximity chat to play right now. So gather your friends, turn off the lights, and get ready for some truly terrifying nights of gaming!
