Ubuntu players have 28 horror games to choose from in this roundup, spanning relentless pursuit, psychological unease, combat, short sessions, gentler scares and co-op. Eight are listed as native Linux games; the other 20 are Windows games the roundup says to run through Steam’s Proton compatibility layer. Those labels, cloud-play listings and approximate prices are reported by Ubuntu Free in its August 18, 2026 update—not independent compatibility tests or live store checks.
Choose the kind of horror you want first
“Scary” covers very different experiences: being hunted without much ability to fight back, piecing together an unsettling story, managing ammunition in combat, or sharing a chaotic scare with friends. The groupings below follow the experience each game is presented as offering; intensity is a matter of taste, not an objective score.
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For pursuit and helpless tension
Alien: Isolation (2014) and Outlast (2013) are the roundup’s standout hide-and-survive picks, and both are listed as native Linux games. Amnesia: The Bunker (2023) is another survival-horror option, listed for Proton. These fit players who want sustained pressure more than a combat-focused power fantasy.
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SILENT HILL 2 (2024), SOMA (2015), SIGNALIS (2022) and Mouthwashing (2024) are grouped around psychological, science-fiction or narrative horror. The roundup frames these as games whose atmosphere and stories can linger, rather than as a simple jump-scare ranking. SOMA is listed as native Linux; the other three are listed for Proton.
#1 Best Overall
- XBOX WIRELESS CONTROLLER + USB-C CABLE — Includes the XBOX Wireless Controller in Carbon Black and a 9' USB-C cable. Play wirelessly or plug in for a wired gaming experience, right out of the box.*
- WIRED OR WIRELESS, YOUR CALL — Connect the included 9' USB-C cable for zero-setup wired play on console and PC. Go wireless when you want the freedom to play from the couch, the desk, or anywhere in between.
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience sculpted surfaces and refined geometry designed around how you actually hold a controller. Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of wireless battery life on standard AA batteries. When the batteries run low, plug in the included cable and keep playing without missing a beat.*
For combat and resource management
If you would rather face threats than only evade them, the roundup includes Resident Evil Requiem (2026), Resident Evil 2 (2019), Dead Space (2023), The Evil Within 2 (2017) and Cronos: The New Dawn (2025). All are presented as survival or action horror; Cronos is listed as native Linux and the other four as Proton titles.
For a shorter session
Iron Lung (2022), Buckshot Roulette (2024), Crow Country (2024), Still Wakes the Deep (2024) and Hollowbody (2024) are the roundup’s shorter-session suggestions. The list does not give completion times, so treat “short” as its editorial grouping rather than a promised number of hours. Buckshot Roulette is listed as native Linux; the other four use Proton in the roundup’s classification.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
For a lower-intensity entry point
Inscryption (2021), CARRION (2020) and Little Nightmares II (2021) offer horror through cards, action or puzzle-platforming rather than the same kind of prolonged helplessness. Inscryption and CARRION are listed as native Linux; Little Nightmares II is listed for Proton. The roundup also mentions modes in Crow Country and SOMA that reduce or remove threats, which may suit players who want their atmosphere without as much danger.
For friends
The roundup identifies The Outlast Trials (2024), DEVOUR (2021) and Murky Divers (2024) as co-op horror picks. They are all listed for Proton. Playing with others can shift the mood toward shared chaos or comedy, so group horror may appeal even if solo horror is not your thing.
Rank #3
- Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
- Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
- Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
- Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
- Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
All 28 picks at a glance
This table preserves Ubuntu Free’s reported genre, Linux route, year, cloud-play flag and approximate price. “Cloud: yes” means the roundup marked the game as cloud-playable; it is not confirmation that a particular service currently carries it in your country. Prices are the article’s approximate source-era amounts, not guaranteed current prices.
| Game | Style in roundup | Linux route listed | Year | Cloud listed | Approximate price listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alien: Isolation | Stealth survival | Native Linux | 2014 | Yes | Around $40 |
| Outlast | Hide and run | Native Linux | 2013 | Yes | Around $15 |
| Amnesia: The Bunker | Survival horror | Proton | 2023 | Yes | Around $25 |
| Visage | Haunted house | Proton | 2020 | Yes | Around $35 |
| Cry of Fear | Psychological horror | Proton; free | 2013 | Yes | Free |
| SCP: Containment Breach | Escape horror | Proton; free | 2026 | No | Free |
| SILENT HILL 2 | Psychological horror | Proton | 2024 | Yes | Around $70 |
| SOMA | Science-fiction horror | Native Linux | 2015 | Yes | Around $30 |
| SIGNALIS | Survival horror | Proton | 2022 | No | Around $20 |
| Mouthwashing | Narrative horror | Proton | 2024 | No | Around $13 |
| Darkwood | Survival horror | Native Linux | 2017 | Yes | Around $20 |
| Resident Evil Requiem | Survival horror | Proton | 2026 | Yes | Around $70 |
| Resident Evil 2 | Survival horror | Proton | 2019 | Yes | Around $40 |
| Dead Space | Science-fiction horror | Proton | 2023 | Yes | Around $60 |
| The Evil Within 2 | Action horror | Proton | 2017 | Yes | Around $40 |
| Cronos: The New Dawn | Survival horror | Native Linux | 2025 | Yes | Around $60 |
| Iron Lung | Short horror | Proton | 2022 | No | Around $8 |
| Buckshot Roulette | Tabletop horror | Native Linux | 2024 | Yes | Around $3 |
| Crow Country | Retro survival horror | Proton | 2024 | Yes | Around $20 |
| Still Wakes the Deep | Narrative horror | Proton | 2024 | Yes | Around $35 |
| Hollowbody | Survival horror | Proton | 2024 | No | Around $17 |
| Inscryption | Card-game horror | Native Linux | 2021 | Yes | Around $20 |
| CARRION | Action horror | Native Linux | 2020 | Yes | Around $20 |
| Little Nightmares II | Puzzle horror | Proton | 2021 | Yes | Around $30 |
| Doki Doki Literature Club | Visual-novel horror | Proton; free | 2017 | No | Free |
| The Outlast Trials | Co-op horror | Proton | 2024 | Yes | Around $40 |
| DEVOUR | Co-op horror | Proton | 2021 | Yes | Around $10 |
| Murky Divers | Co-op horror | Proton | 2024 | Yes | Around $9 |
Which games are native Linux, and which need Proton?
Ubuntu Free’s August 18, 2026 roundup reports eight native Linux games: Alien: Isolation, Outlast, SOMA, Darkwood, Cronos: The New Dawn, Buckshot Roulette, Inscryption and CARRION. It classifies the remaining 20 as Windows games to run using Proton. These are the roundup’s labels, not independent tests; game updates, drivers and system configuration can affect results.
Rank #4
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
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- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
Canonical describes Proton as Valve software that lets Windows games run on Linux through Steam Play. Native games install and run without Proton. For non-native titles, Proton is a compatibility layer rather than a guarantee that every feature will work. Canonical’s guidance, updated April 29, 2026, says unsupported titles vary greatly in functionality and recommends checking the game-specific reports on ProtonDB.
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How to enable Proton in Steam on Ubuntu
For a Windows game that is not already offered as a native Linux version, enable Steam Play’s compatibility tool in Steam:
Best Value
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- A familiar control layout that doesn't require a learning curve to be able to use, with all the same buttons as on an Xbox 360.
- The unique floating D-pad rests on four switches-instead of a single pivot point-making it responsive to quick changes in direction.
- The six-foot cord lets you lean back and play a comfortable distance from your PC monitor.
- Open Steam and select Steam > Settings.
- Choose Compatibility (the Steam Play settings area in Canonical’s guide).
- Enable Steam Play for other titles, then restart Steam if prompted.
- Install the game and try launching it. If it fails or behaves poorly, check its ProtonDB reports before changing compatibility versions or troubleshooting other components.
To select a tool for one game, open its Library entry, choose Properties > Compatibility, enable the option to force a specific Steam Play compatibility tool, and select an available tool. Exact wording can vary with Steam updates. Canonical’s current setup directions are at Configure Proton/Steam Play.
Hardware, cloud play and buying checks
The roundup does not provide system requirements or performance tests, so it cannot establish which games will run well on a particular Ubuntu computer. It marks many games as cloud-playable and presents streaming as an alternative when local hardware is older or inadequate, but cloud catalogs and regional availability can change. Before buying or streaming, check the game’s current storefront listing, the edition and region, its system requirements, and whether the relevant cloud service currently offers it where you live. The listed prices are approximate rather than current quotes.
- Older or modest hardware: Check each game’s minimum requirements and recent player reports; the list alone is not a performance guide.
- Proton title: Look up the exact game and current reports on ProtonDB, then enable Steam Play if necessary.
- Cloud option: Confirm current catalog inclusion, country availability, network requirements and any service conditions before relying on streaming.
- Price-sensitive purchase: Verify today’s regional price and edition on the storefront rather than treating the roundup’s approximate amount as a live price.
Why Alan Wake 2 is not included
The roundup does not explain why Alan Wake 2 is absent, so there is no evidence-based reason to assign to the omission. Its 28-game list should be read as a curated selection, not a complete catalog of horror games that may be playable on Ubuntu.
Sources and scope
The game descriptions, year, Linux route, cloud flags and approximate prices above are attributed to Ubuntu Free’s Best Horror Games for Ubuntu – 28 Picks to Play in the Dark, updated August 18, 2026. Steam Play setup and Proton guidance follow Canonical’s Configure Proton/Steam Play, last updated April 29, 2026. Compatibility, availability and prices can change after those dates.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
