Best Atmospheric games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated atmospheric games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free atmospheric games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Painscreek Killings
Investigate an infamous cold case in the eerie, abandoned town of Painscreek. Search for evidence, connect the dots and uncover who killed Vivian Roberts. Can you expose the truth behind this town’s dark secrets?
RAID: World War II
RAID: World War II is an action-packed four player cooperative shooter set during a time when the Nazi war machine was still winning, and hope was in short supply.
RUINER
RUINER is a brutal action shooter set in the year 2091 in the cyber metropolis Rengkok. A wired psychopath lashes out against a corrupt system to uncover the truth and retrieve his kidnapped brother under the guidance of a secretive hacker friend.
Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home is a first-person horror adventure game based on Thai myths and beliefs. The core gameplay focuses on storytelling and stealth to avoid perilous spirits hunting you. Moreover, few puzzles are added into the game, making gameplay more various.
Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death.
Figment
Figment is an action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique surreal universe filled with music, humor and multi layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind seeking to restore the courage that's been lost.
Caligo
Caligo is the darkness everyone descends into one way or another, and to each of us it's something different. For some it's a short but exciting adventure, some will see it as a place to relax. Yet others will be reminded of their worst nightmare, while for a few, it might come as a revelation.
XING: The Land Beyond
You died. Welcome to XING: The Land Beyond, an atmospheric first-person puzzle adventure for desktops and virtual reality. Enjoy your peaceful escape from the chaotic world of the living, and travel the lands of the dead.
The Journey Down: Chapter Three
The final chapter of The Journey Down, a classic point-and-click saga with an Afro-Caribbean vibe. Get ready to embark on an epic journey of brain-teasing adventure!
Darkestville Castle
Like any decent demon Cid spends his nights performing all kind of evil deeds to the peaceful people of Darkestville. Little does he know that his old arch enemy is about to change his life forever.
Terroir
Terroir is a 3D tile-based tycoon game where you manage your very own vineyard. In Terroir, you grow a variety of different grape varietals, craft your wine, and expand and manage your Chateau, all the while dealing with the weather and events that can either make or break your business.
ECHO
After a century in stasis the girl En arrives at her destination: A Palace out of legend. Out here, using forgotten technologies, she hopes to bring back a life that shouldn’t have been lost. But nothing could prepare her for what she’ll face in the ancient halls below.
Warbands: Bushido
Warbands:Bushido is a miniatures board game arena with cards, miniatures, dice and beautiful terrains to fight on, with both multiplayer battles boardgamers are used to, and challenging single-player scenarios.
Duck Season
The game of your dreams just dropped, DUCK SEASON, a hunter with ridiculous graphics. Luckily, it's summer vacation and Mom just surprised you with a one day rental of it! Unfortunately, as you binge play it becomes apparent that all is not right with Duck Season...
Dishonored®: Death of the Outsider™
From the award-winning developers at Arkane® Studios comes Dishonored®: Death of the Outsider, the next standalone adventure in the critically-acclaimed Dishonored® series.
HIVESWAP: ACT 1
A hand-drawn tribute to hilarious '90s adventure games (with none of the accompanying frustration). Play as Joey Claire, a puzzle-solving teen snatched out of her time (1994) and place (Earth) and stranded on a hostile alien planet on the brink of rebellion.
The First Tree
A beautiful, 3rd-person exploration game centered around two parallel stories: a fox trying to find her missing family, and a son reconnecting with his estranged father in Alaska. Uncover artifacts from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.
3030 Deathwar Redux - A Space Odyssey
3030 Deathwar is a unique mix of Adventure and Space Sim. Explore star systems, mine and hunt pirates in top-down mode. Leave your ship and switch into classic Adventuring mode, where you explore derelicts, talk to shady characters or head over to the space bar for a drink.
The Land of Pain
The Land of Pain is a Lovecraftian horror adventure. After something strange appears in the woods, you'll have to learn how to survive as you fend off a dark and disturbing evil. Flee from an unrelenting enemy, solve puzzles, and unravel the ancient mystery that's befallen this land.
Kitten Adventures in City Park
It's hard to be a kitten when you have such a clumsy owner! Yesterday she lost a lot of things in the park and now it's up to you to find them! Memories of that day can be helpful - you should remember where you've seen these things last and search there.
Pixel Gladiator
Distant future… Brutal gladiatorial battles is a top-rated show, extremely popular all over the Universe. You’ve been sent to the abandoned planet as one of the participants of the show. Your goal is to survive as long as possible, fighting back deadly creatures in the focus of billions of viewers.
Tokyo Dark
Legend tells of a door deep below Tokyo's sewers. All who enter are lost forever. Detective Ito's partner is missing. Explore Tokyo & uncover the darkness that lays beneath the streets in this Point & Click - meets Visual Novel - narrative adventure that questions the very core of Ito's sanity.Most played atmospheric games on Steam
Take a look at the top atmospheric games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 22nd 2025.
1. Hunt: Showdown 1896
Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a new era of the addictively unforgiving extraction shooter. In corrupted backwaters lost to history, fight back alone – or with friends – against timeless evil. Twisted monsters and other ruthless Hunters stand between you and your Bounty. Risk everything as Hunt consumes you Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a open world, extraction shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Crytek. Released on August 27th 2019 has received 246,076 reviews of which 179,792 were positive and 66,284 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played atmospheric game, thanks to its 9,314 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.3
179,792
66,284
9,314
players
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a open world, rpg and story rich game developed and published by CD PROJEKT RED. Released on May 18th 2015 has received 827,807 reviews of which 795,719 were positive and 32,088 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 7,702 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.5
795,719
32,088
7,702
players
3. DARK SOULS™ III
Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness! DARK SOULS™ III is a souls-like, dark fantasy and difficult game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by FromSoftware, Inc. and Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on April 11th 2016 has received 409,220 reviews of which 385,989 were positive and 23,231 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 4,560 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.3
385,989
23,231
4,560
players
4. Metro 2033 Redux
In 2013 the world was devastated by an apocalyptic event, annihilating almost all mankind and turning the Earth's surface into a poisonous wasteland. A handful of survivors took refuge in the depths of the Moscow underground, and human civilization entered a new Dark Age. The year is 2033. Metro 2033 Redux is a post-apocalyptic, fps and atmospheric game developed by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver. Released on August 27th 2014 has received 96,266 reviews of which 87,371 were positive and 8,895 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 4,330 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
87,371
8,895
4,330
players
5. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Discover the vast Chornobyl Exclusion Zone full of dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies and powerful artifacts. Unveil your own epic story as you make your way to the Heart of Chornobyl. Make your choices wisely, as they will determine your fate in the end. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a open world, fps and post-apocalyptic game developed by GSC Game World and published by GSC Game World (worldwide), SEGA (Japan) and 4divinity (China and South East Asia). Released on November 20th 2024 has received 110,893 reviews of which 89,668 were positive and 21,225 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 3,592 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.0
89,668
21,225
3,592
players
6. Rain World
You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious. Rain World is a difficult, atmospheric and survival game developed by Videocult and published by Akupara Games. Released on March 28th 2017 has received 40,905 reviews of which 38,494 were positive and 2,411 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,594 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
38,494
2,411
1,594
players
7. The Long Dark
THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster. The Long Dark is a survival, open world survival craft and open world game developed and published by Hinterland Studio Inc.. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 110,114 reviews of which 99,880 were positive and 10,234 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,507 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
99,880
10,234
1,507
players
8. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time? DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT is a story rich, open world and walking simulator game developed by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and published by 505 Games. Released on March 30th 2022 has received 37,520 reviews of which 34,856 were positive and 2,664 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,451 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.1
34,856
2,664
1,451
players
9. Metro: Last Light Redux
It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above. Metro: Last Light Redux is a post-apocalyptic, fps and atmospheric game developed by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver. Released on August 27th 2014 has received 68,992 reviews of which 62,486 were positive and 6,506 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 777 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.9
62,486
6,506
777
players
10. SILENT HILL 2
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2. SILENT HILL 2 is a psychological horror, horror and survival horror game developed by Bloober Team SA and published by KONAMI. Released on October 07th 2024 has received 41,621 reviews of which 39,660 were positive and 1,961 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 613 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.3
39,660
1,961
613
players
Best deals on atmospheric games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of atmospheric games available on Steam right now, updated on April 22nd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted atmospheric games.
1. Terraformers
Terraform Mars in this turn-based colony builder and resource management game with roguelike elements. Explore the planet, develop spectacular cities, spread life and turn the Red Planet into a green one! Terraformers is a simulation, procedural generation and survival game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 3,222 reviews of which 2,842 were positive and 380 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 atmospheric category.
8.5
2,842
380
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Morkredd
Morkredd is a tense, physics-based co-op puzzle game for one to two players combining skill-based puzzle-solving, a challenging balance of light and shadow, and a dark world full of secrets to unlock. Morkredd is a physics, puzzle and local co-op game developed and published by Hyper Games. Released on December 10th 2020 has received 465 reviews of which 371 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in atmospheric games.
7.5
371
94
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. Children of Silentown
Children of Silentown is a dark adventure game that tells the story of Lucy, a girl growing up in a village deep in a forest inhabited by monsters. People disappearing is nothing uncommon here, but this time, Lucy is old enough to investigate on her own. Or so she thinks. Children of Silentown is a atmospheric, point & click and adventure game developed by Elf Games and Luna2 Studio and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on January 11th 2023 has received 1,267 reviews of which 1,103 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in atmospheric games.
8.3
1,103
164
-94%
21.00€
1.26€
4. Ad Infinitum
When reality is a nightmare, nightmares become real. In this psychological horror game, you fight the terrifying creatures invading your mind. Can you save your sanity? Ad Infinitum is a horror, action and psychological horror game developed by Hekate and published by Nacon. Released on September 14th 2023 has received 863 reviews of which 695 were positive and 168 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.7
695
168
-94%
35.50€
2.13€
5. Astral Ascent
Choose one of four heroes and explore the Garden, an astral prison guarded by 12 powerful mystical bosses: the Zodiacs. Challenge them with dozens of unique spells and faithful friends by your side to unfold the story of this platform roguelite with lightning fast combat. Astral Ascent is a action roguelike, rogue-lite and hack and slash game developed by Hibernian Workshop and published by Hibernian Workshop, MP2 Games and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on November 14th 2023 has received 6,556 reviews of which 6,212 were positive and 344 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.2
6,212
344
-93%
24.71€
1.73€
6. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales
The Bookwalker is a narrative adventure in which you play as Etienne Quist, a writer-turned-thief with the ability to dive into books. Use your powers to journey between reality and book worlds, and steal legendary items like Thor's Hammer and Excalibur to restore your ability to write. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales is a adventure, singleplayer and atmospheric game developed by DO MY BEST and published by tinyBuild. Released on June 22nd 2023 has received 2,068 reviews of which 1,909 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,909
159
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. A Juggler's Tale
Lead Abby the string puppet through a bruised, but beautiful fairy tale world in this cinematic adventure. Solve riddles, evade traps and shake off pursuers on the way to find freedom. Can Abby take control of her fate with all the strings attached? A Juggler's Tale is a atmospheric, fantasy and story rich game developed by kaleidoscube and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on September 29th 2021 has received 1,767 reviews of which 1,632 were positive and 135 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,632
135
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. Midnight Protocol
Midnight Protocol is a tactical narrative-driven RPG with unique keyboard-only controls. Hack into servers, beat security systems and discover encrypted secrets while you try to find answers to why and how you got doxxed. Midnight Protocol is a singleplayer, hacking and typing game developed by LuGus Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on October 13th 2021 has received 414 reviews of which 356 were positive and 58 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.0
356
58
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. Metro 2033 Redux
In 2013 the world was devastated by an apocalyptic event, annihilating almost all mankind and turning the Earth's surface into a poisonous wasteland. A handful of survivors took refuge in the depths of the Moscow underground, and human civilization entered a new Dark Age. The year is 2033. Metro 2033 Redux is a post-apocalyptic, fps and atmospheric game developed by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver. Released on August 27th 2014 has received 96,266 reviews of which 87,371 were positive and 8,895 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.0
87,371
8,895
-92%
18.75€
1.50€
10. SCP: Secret Files
SCP: Secret Files is a collection of paranormal cases from the SCP Foundation, an organization tasked with containing dangerous anomalies. You join as an assistant researcher for Dr. Raymond Hamm and complete a strenuous induction program that will make you question everything you know. SCP: Secret Files is a adventure, story rich and psychological horror game developed by GameZoo Studio and published by Pixmain. Released on September 13th 2022 has received 4,768 reviews of which 4,224 were positive and 544 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.6
4,224
544
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
Free atmospheric games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play atmospheric games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 22nd 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play atmospheric games.
1. Phobies
Phobies is a tactical card collecting strategy game where players battle one another in the surreal realm of the subconscious, where fears manifest. Use devious tactics and unleash a dazzling array of attacks and abilities to achieve victory! Phobies is a atmospheric, dark fantasy and dark humor game developed by Smoking Gun Interactive Inc. and published by Phobies Holdings Inc.. Released on March 07th 2022 has received 1,150 reviews of which 1,003 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.3
1,003
147
60
players
2. Chill Corner
This is just an idle game for chilling, relaxing or focusing. Chill Corner is a relaxing, free to play and atmospheric game developed and published by Low-Hi Tech. Released on December 17th 2021 has received 9,493 reviews of which 8,629 were positive and 864 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
8,629
864
42
players
3. projectM Music Visualizer
Experience psychedelic and mesmerizing visuals by transforming music into equations that render into a limitless array of user-contributed visualizations. projectM Music Visualizer is a colorful, simulation and music game developed and published by projectM. Released on July 26th 2020 has received 383 reviews of which 366 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
366
17
20
players
4. Tales of Rein Ravine
Tales of Rein Ravine is an indie horse game that aims to challenge its players with unique real-life inspired riding, as well as tell an intriguing equestrian story to a young adult audience. Tales of Rein Ravine is a horses, singleplayer and female protagonist game developed and published by Maia the Horsegirl. Released on October 11th 2024 has received 851 reviews of which 711 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
7.9
711
140
20
players
![[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2933290/header.jpg)
5. [Nightmare Files] Clap Clap
Clap Clap is a short indie horror game that puts you in the shoes of a house sitter, experiencing strange occurrences in a seemingly ordinary home. [Nightmare Files] Clap Clap is a horror, free to play and adventure game developed and published by Raycastly. Released on June 03rd 2024 has received 4,057 reviews of which 3,900 were positive and 157 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
3,900
157
16
players
6. The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Have you ever dreamt of being a superhero? Meet Chris, a creative and imaginative 9 year old boy who escapes reality with fantastical adventures as his alter ego, the Awesome Captain Spirit! Captain Spirit is a free demo set in the Life is Strange universe. Contains links to Life is Strange 2 The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit is a free to play, story rich and adventure game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and published by Square Enix. Released on June 25th 2018 has received 14,186 reviews of which 13,152 were positive and 1,034 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
13,152
1,034
15
players
7. The Children of Clay
The Children of Clay is a short stop motion archeology horror game, where you have to study an ancient artefact and discover its dark secret. The Children of Clay is a horror, atmospheric and detective game developed and published by Balazs Ronyai. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,340 reviews of which 1,329 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
1,329
11
8
players
8. How Fish Is Made
Are sardines trustworthy? Are you? Do you want to be? How Fish is Made is a janky little jaunt through the world of surrealist storytelling. Now featuring a Katamari-like DLC! How Fish Is Made is a surreal, short and horror game developed by Wrong Organ, Johanna Kasurinen, Jeffrey Tomec and Martin Halldin and published by Wrong Organ and CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on January 14th 2022 has received 4,685 reviews of which 4,475 were positive and 210 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
4,475
210
7
players
9. Rental
Rental is a short and spooky adventure game about the dangers of renting a house in an unknown place. Rental is a horror, free to play and exploration game developed by Lonely House and published by Animita Project and Astrolabe Games. Released on March 07th 2024 has received 4,453 reviews of which 4,144 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
4,144
309
7
players
10. BABBDI
Find your way out of BABBDI. A short, first person exploration experience. BABBDI is a exploration, atmospheric and walking simulator game developed by Sirius Lemaitre and Leonard Lemaitre and published by Lemaitre Bros. Released on December 22nd 2022 has received 6,212 reviews of which 6,073 were positive and 139 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
6,073
139
6
players