Games like Through the Darkest of Times on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Through the Darkest of Times are available at the bottom of the page.
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Beholder 2
You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make!
Organs Please
A dark and satirical management sim, where you take control of a recycling factory with a twist: it recycles humans. Your job is to decide who gets to escape our dying planet in a cozy spaceship and who sacrifices their blood, sweat and tears for humanity. Literally.
Beholder
You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you?
United Penguin Kingdom
A city-building game where you build a penguin settlement and satisfy the various needs of your penguins while dealing with seals and killer whales. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, become the king, and lead the United Penguin Kingdom.
Beholder 3
When a high-ranking security officer saves you from prison, you end up a pawn in her schemes. Now you must eliminate anyone standing in the way of her secret plans and try to get your life back while working two jobs. No tenant, employee or superior is safe from your spying.
Help Will Come Tomorrow
In an uninhabitable Siberian wilderness, in a wake of October Revolution, a group of passengers survives the mysterious catastrophe of Trans-Siberian railway train. They must endure in a harsh ice-clad climate until rescue arrives. Facing many dangers, their own weaknesses and, their own prejudice.
Crisis in the Kremlin
Don’t let the Soviet Union collapse, and fall in the darkness of history or lead the Union by a new path – democracy and free market! But before you decide something, think – wouldn’t it cause more harm than good?
For the People
For the People is a mix of a political management sim and a visual novel, putting players in the shoes of an idealistic young state official tasked with shaping the future of a communist factory town. Will the party provide for the people, or are the people just cogs in its machine?..
This Is the Police
This Is the Police is a strategy/adventure game set in a city spiraling the drain. Taking the role of gritty Police Chief Jack Boyd, you'll dive into a deep story of crime and intrigue. Will Jack reach his retirement with a nice stack of bills, or will he end up broken ... or worse?
Headliner: NoviNews
Award-winning adventure where you control the news and its impact on society, your friends and career. Different choices lead to unique combinations of endings. Share your story with the community, and see what the players before you did.
Mind Scanners
Greetings. Your Mind Scanner request has been approved. Your duty is to diagnose and treat the citizens of The Structure. The patient list is long so don't waste your time. We’ll let you see your daughter soon...
Dead In Vinland
DEAD IN VINLAND is a survival/management game, mixed with RPG and adventure elements, about a Viking family trying their best to survive on a mysterious island.
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante
A narrative-driven hardcore RPG set in a gritty world ruled by real but unrelenting gods. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice has a price and entails consequences. Will you become an inquisitor, a judge, or conspire against the old order? Dare to decide!
Ostalgie: The Berlin Wall
The confrontation between the East and the West is coming to an end, but not between East and West Germany. The old party leaders are still sitting in their offices, not changing anything and waiting for exclamations from Moscow. But their end is close – Gorbachev and Kohl have already decided...
Papers, Please
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Death and Taxes
In this 2D, short narrative-based game, you assume the role of the Grim Reaper... on an office job. Your job is to decide which people are going to live or die. The consequences of your choices are yours to bear, while the mystery of your incarnation awaits revelation!
Not For Broadcast
A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way?
Anno 1800
Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you.
Dawn of Man
Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.
HEADLINER
Short, thought-provoking adventure where you are a News Editor and decide what stories get published, set in a fictional city where most people are genetically modified. Multiple unique endings let you share your story and see what the Headliner before you did.
The Fermi Paradox
The Fermi Paradox is a choice-driven sci-fi narrative strategy game in which your decisions in one corner of the galaxy can upend entire civilizations in another. Guide species through millennia and help them explore the vastness of space, make contact and, perhaps, create harmony.
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
A digital voyeur simulator where you watch strangers through surveillance cameras. Invade their privacy and witness their most intimate moments, but don’t interact with the subjects – anything could happen if you dare feed the monkeys!
All Quiet in the Trenches
All Quiet in the Trenches is a narrative turn-based strategy RPG set in World War I. Get to know your soldiers, take care of their needs and lead them in battle, trying to strike a precarious balance between the ambitions of your superiors and the survival of your men.
Do Not Feed the Monkeys 2099
Spy on strangers through security cameras, invade their privacy and discover their secrets in this digital voyeur simulator. Welcome to the future of The Primate Observation Club. Even in 2099 the rule about messing with your unlucky subjects still remains in this sequel: DO NOT feed the monkeys!Most played games like Through the Darkest of Times on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Through the Darkest of Times that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. Anno 1800
Similarity 60% Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you. Anno 1800 is a city builder, strategy and simulation game developed by Ubisoft Mainz and published by Ubisoft. Released on April 16th 2019 has received 24,235 reviews of which 19,663 were positive and 4,572 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Through the Darkest of Times, thanks to its 3,629 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.0
19,663
4,572
3,629
players
2. Tropico 6
Similarity 51% El Presidente is back! Prove yourself once again as a feared dictator or peace-loving statesman on the island state of Tropico and shape the fate of your very own banana republic through four distinctive eras. Tropico 6 is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed by Limbic Entertainment and Realmforge Studios and published by Kalypso Media. Released on March 29th 2019 has received 26,974 reviews of which 23,578 were positive and 3,396 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 969 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Through the Darkest of Times based on player count.
8.6
23,578
3,396
969
players
3. This War of Mine
Similarity 52% In This War Of Mine you do not play as an elite soldier, rather a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. The game provides an experience of war seen from an entirely new angle. This War of Mine is a survival, war and atmospheric game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on November 14th 2014 has received 101,226 reviews of which 94,009 were positive and 7,217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 606 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Through the Darkest of Times based on player count.
9.2
94,009
7,217
606
players
4. Age of History II
Similarity 53% Age of History II is a grand strategy wargame that is simple to learn yet hard to master.Your objective is to use military tactics and cunning diplomacy to either unify the world, or conquer it.Will the world bleed out or bow before you? The choice is yours.. Age of History II is a strategy, historical and war game developed by Łukasz Jakowski and published by Łukasz Jakowski Games. Released on November 21st 2018 has received 45,797 reviews of which 41,140 were positive and 4,657 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 577 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.8
41,140
4,657
577
players
5. Dawn of Man
Similarity 60% Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you. Dawn of Man is a city builder, colony sim and survival game developed and published by Madruga Works. Released on March 01st 2019 has received 16,995 reviews of which 14,762 were positive and 2,233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 474 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.5
14,762
2,233
474
players
6. Papers, Please
Similarity 61% Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling. Papers, Please is a indie, political and simulation game developed by Lucas Pope and published by 3909. Released on August 08th 2013 has received 73,579 reviews of which 71,573 were positive and 2,006 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 367 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Through the Darkest of Times.
9.6
71,573
2,006
367
players
7. Tavern Master
Similarity 53% Tavern Master is all about managing your medieval tavern. You start with a very small room, couple of benches and tables and build your way up to a huge successful tavern with a kitchen, rooms for guests, group of loyal staff and much more! Tavern Master is a management, simulation and building game developed by Untitled Studio and published by Untitled Studio and WhisperGames. Released on November 16th 2021 has received 11,086 reviews of which 10,252 were positive and 834 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 175 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Through the Darkest of Times.
9.0
10,252
834
175
players
8. Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator
Similarity 50% Start your own Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria with Freddy Fazbear Pizzeria Simulator! Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator is a free to play, horror and singleplayer game developed and published by Scott Cawthon. Released on December 04th 2017 has received 29,934 reviews of which 28,134 were positive and 1,800 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 113 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Through the Darkest of Times.
9.2
28,134
1,800
113
players
9. Democracy 4
Similarity 53% Democracy 4 lets you take the role of President / Prime minister, govern the country (choosing its policies, laws and other actions), and both transform the country as you see fit, while trying to retain enough popularity to get re-elected... Democracy 4 is a strategy, political sim and politics game developed and published by Positech Games. Released on January 13th 2022 has received 5,755 reviews of which 4,774 were positive and 981 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.1
4,774
981
83
players
10. News Tower
Similarity 55% Develop your newspaper and become New York’s new media mogul! In this tycoon, build and manage your newspaper from printer to toilet. Create your editorial line and lead your journalists through unique 1930's stories and dig out the latest scoops! News Tower is a management, simulation and strategy game developed by Sparrow Night and published by Twin Sails Interactive. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 2,110 reviews of which 2,042 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Through the Darkest of Times.
9.2
2,042
68
81
players
Best deals on games like Through the Darkest of Times on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Through the Darkest of Times available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Through the Darkest of Times.
1. The Pale Beyond
Similarity 53% You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond. The Pale Beyond is a resource management, survival and choices matter game developed by Bellular Studios and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on February 24th 2023 has received 1,814 reviews of which 1,615 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.5
1,615
199
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Not For Broadcast
Similarity 60% A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way? Not For Broadcast is a adventure, 1980s and choices matter game developed by NotGames and published by tinyBuild. Released on January 25th 2022 has received 11,456 reviews of which 10,782 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Through the Darkest of Times.
9.2
10,782
674
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
3. Beholder 2
Similarity 75% You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make! Beholder 2 is a dystopian , choices matter and strategy game developed by Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) and published by Alawar. Released on December 04th 2018 has received 6,889 reviews of which 6,038 were positive and 851 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.5
6,038
851
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
4. Song of Farca
Similarity 55% Hack into crime scenes, look for evidence, analyze data, interrogate criminals, track suspects and deal with the consequences of your decisions. This is a dark and brutal detective story with a Black Mirror-esque atmosphere of digital dominance and the narrative structure of a US crime procedural. Song of Farca is a choices matter, story rich and simulation game developed by Wooden Monkeys and published by Alawar. Released on July 21st 2021 has received 1,127 reviews of which 929 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Through the Darkest of Times.
7.9
929
198
-94%
18.33€
1.10€
5. Help Will Come Tomorrow
Similarity 67% In an uninhabitable Siberian wilderness, in a wake of October Revolution, a group of passengers survives the mysterious catastrophe of Trans-Siberian railway train. They must endure in a harsh ice-clad climate until rescue arrives. Facing many dangers, their own weaknesses and, their own prejudice. Help Will Come Tomorrow is a survival, adventure and resource management game developed by Arclight Creations and published by Klabater. Released on April 21st 2020 has received 886 reviews of which 709 were positive and 177 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Through the Darkest of Times.
7.6
709
177
-94%
19.67€
1.18€
6. Beholder
Similarity 70% You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you? Beholder is a dystopian , choices matter and political sim game developed by Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) and published by Alawar. Released on November 09th 2016 has received 26,749 reviews of which 24,513 were positive and 2,236 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Through the Darkest of Times.
9.0
24,513
2,236
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Similarity 59% A digital voyeur simulator where you watch strangers through surveillance cameras. Invade their privacy and witness their most intimate moments, but don’t interact with the subjects – anything could happen if you dare feed the monkeys! Do Not Feed the Monkeys is a point & click, political sim and management game developed by Fictiorama Studios and published by Alawar. Released on October 23rd 2018 has received 10,658 reviews of which 9,995 were positive and 663 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Through the Darkest of Times.
9.1
9,995
663
-92%
15.00€
1.20€
8. The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante
Similarity 61% A narrative-driven hardcore RPG set in a gritty world ruled by real but unrelenting gods. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice has a price and entails consequences. Will you become an inquisitor, a judge, or conspire against the old order? Dare to decide! The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is a choices matter, story rich and rpg game developed by Sever and published by 101XP. Released on March 04th 2021 has received 8,446 reviews of which 7,640 were positive and 806 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.8
7,640
806
-90%
20.00€
2.00€
9. Insurmountable
Similarity 52% Confront various terrains as a lonely mountaineer and endure the countless dangers of climbing! Many tough decisions await you in a risky environment. Make your way up and down the mountain, overcoming insurmountable heights! Insurmountable is a adventure, strategy and singleplayer game developed by ByteRockers' Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 29th 2021 has received 864 reviews of which 689 were positive and 175 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Through the Darkest of Times.
7.6
689
175
-90%
19.70€
1.97€
10. Orwell: Ignorance is Strength
Similarity 55% Step into the shoes of a government official in a top-secret department of the Orwell surveillance program. Given the power to both uncover and fabricate "the truth", how far will you go in the service of your country? Season 2 of Orwell, the award-winning surveillance thriller. Orwell: Ignorance is Strength is a simulation, choices matter and political sim game developed by Osmotic Studios and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on February 22nd 2018 has received 1,738 reviews of which 1,321 were positive and 417 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Through the Darkest of Times.
7.3
1,321
417
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
Free games like Through the Darkest of Times on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Through the Darkest of Times you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Through the Darkest of Times.
1. Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator
Similarity 50% Start your own Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria with Freddy Fazbear Pizzeria Simulator! Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator is a free to play, horror and singleplayer game developed and published by Scott Cawthon. Released on December 04th 2017 has received 29,934 reviews of which 28,134 were positive and 1,800 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 113 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Through the Darkest of Times.
9.2
28,134
1,800
113
players
2. The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt
Similarity 53% Hail to the Captain! Sail into the heart of the Caribbean in the Age of Piracy - the time of black flags and white skulls, blue waves and golden opportunities. Hoist the Jolly Roger and grab the steering wheel to sail through battles and raids, ransoms and treasures, to become the Crimson King of the Antilles! The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt is a free to play, naval combat and pirates game developed and published by Home Net Games. Released on August 24th 2016 has received 4,417 reviews of which 3,637 were positive and 780 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.0
3,637
780
31
players
3. Martial Law
Similarity 50% Martial Law is a game about difficulties that came with Communism in Poland. The story is shown from the perspective of a man who is abandoned because of his low social status. He tries his best to be there for his daughter despite the difficulties. Martial Law is a pixel graphics, free to play and choices matter game developed and published by FIXER. Released on December 23rd 2021 has received 3,781 reviews of which 3,488 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.9
3,488
293
2
players
4. The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante — Chapter 1&2
Similarity 56% A narrative-driven hardcore RPG set in a gritty world where the gods are real. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice you make has a price to pay and consequence to it. Will you become an inquisitor, a judge, or conspire against the old order? Dare to decide! The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante — Chapter 1&2 is a interactive fiction, choose your own adventure and diplomacy game developed by Sever and published by 101XP. Released on December 01st 2020 has received 2,030 reviews of which 1,957 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Through the Darkest of Times.
9.2
1,957
73
5. Trick and Treat - Visual Novel
Similarity 50% Trick & Treat is a Visual Novel that test your instincts by making choices that can get you out from the cursed forest or drive you to death… or maybe just maybe your choices can guide you to something more? Trick and Treat - Visual Novel is a free to play, anime and visual novel game developed by Eternal Night Studios and published by Alberto Herrera, Ziel Graywords and Stw projects. Released on December 30th 2016 has received 3,597 reviews of which 3,229 were positive and 368 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.6
3,229
368
6. Ukraine War Stories
Similarity 51% Ukraine War Stories is a set of visual novels about the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Set in the early months of the war, it tells the stories of civilians trapped on Russian-occupied territory. All stories are based on real events and eyewitness accounts. Ukraine War Stories is a interactive fiction, choose your own adventure and war game developed and published by Starni Games. Released on October 18th 2022 has received 1,056 reviews of which 929 were positive and 127 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Through the Darkest of Times.
8.3
929
127
7. Don't Make Love
Similarity 50% Assume the role of a praying mantis in a relationship dilemma. Torn between their mutual love and the instinct to have sex – which could lead to the male mantis’s death – the couple is on the verge of making a decision. Type anything you want in response to your partner during this life-changing conversation. Don't Make Love is a indie, casual and simulation game developed and published by Maggese. Released on October 26th 2017 has received 463 reviews of which 391 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Through the Darkest of Times.
7.9
391
72