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
Kona
Northern Canada, 1970. A strange blizzard ravages Atamipek Lake. Step into the shoes of a detective to explore the eerie village, investigate surreal events, and battle the elements to survive. Kona is a chilly interactive tale you won't soon forget.
NieR:Automata™
NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines.
Virtual Rides 3 - Funfair Simulator
Design! Control! Ride! Virtual Rides III is here! Set foot in an even bigger, more colorful, and more impressive fairground than ever before! Let your imagination be your guide! Design, control, and ride more than 15 unique attractions!
Train Sim World® 2020
Train Sim World is an immersive first-person simulator perfect for everyone, with complete in-cab interactivity, accurate detail on locos, real-world routes and hours of gameplay. Take to the rails with the brand-new Train Sim World 2020 Edition and find everything you need to master new skills.
Cosmic Express
Plan the train route for the universe's most awkward space colony!
Styx: Shards of Darkness
Styx returns in a new stealth adventure! Explore and master huge open environments, sneak past or assassinate new enemies and bosses, and experiment with the new array of lethal abilities and weapons in our goblin assassin's arsenal.
Monster Monpiece
Collect and train over 100 "monster girls" that come to life in strategic, card-based battles! Strengthen your cards with the First Crush ❤ Rub mode, taking on a hands-on role to warm them up and gain more artwork!
Shadows Peak
Shadows Peak is an atmospheric, open-world horror game focused on exploration that doesn't hold your hand. You play as a writer who has decided to visit a mysterious place called Shadows Peak to gather materials for a new book about legends.
Bad Dream: Coma
Welcome in Bad Dream: Coma. A point & click game where unique minimalistic art style creates an unforgettable and atmospheric experience. Travel through the surreal and disturbing dreamland where everything depends on your actions. You can't die but you can suffer greatly...
Dreadhalls
You are trapped deep inside a massive dungeon. Explore it, survive it and find a way to escape. Your only weapons will be stealth, your own courage, and a faint light. Dreadhalls is an intense and scary experience, not for the faint of heart. You have been warned!
Darkarta: A Broken Heart's Quest Collector's Edition
Haunted by strange curses from her orphanage days, Mary never knew the story of her dark past until that day. Enter the enchanted 'Netherworld' where your destiny was written in blood and which whispers of true love. A multi-award winner epic adventure game! Rated by many as their all time favorite!
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon® Wildlands
Create a team with up to 3 friends in Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® Wildlands and enjoy the ultimate military shooter experience set in a massive, dangerous, and responsive open world.
Deceit
Test your instincts at trust and deception in an action-filled, multiplayer first-person shooter. You wake up in unknown surroundings to the sound of the Game Master’s unfamiliar voice, surrounded by five others. A third of your group have been infected with a virus, but who will escape?
Tanki Online
Tanki Online is the free-to-play MMO-shooter with real-time PvP-battles. Throw yourself into furious tank battles shoulder to shoulder with other living players and master your skills – destroy enemy tanks, customize your futuristic armored vehicle and compete with tankers from all over the world.
Spooky's Jump Scare Mansion: HD Renovation
Can you survive 1000 rooms of cute terror? Or will you break once the cuteness starts to fade off and you're running for your life from the unspeakable hideous beings that shake and writhe in bowels of this house? They wait for you, they wait and hunger for meeting you.
Torment: Tides of Numenera
Torment: Tides of Numenera is the thematic successor to Planescape: Torment, one of the most critically acclaimed role-playing games of all time. Immerse yourself in a single-player, isometric, story-driven RPG set in Monte Cook’s Numenera universe. What does one life matter? Find your answer.
Stories Untold
Stories Untold is a compilation tape of four experimental adventures, including a remaster of the original hit episode “The House Abandon”.
Hollow Knight
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
911 Operator
Game about the difficult work of people that manage emergency lines and services. Answer incoming calls and react properly - give first aid instructions, advise, dispatch correct number of firemen / police / ambulances, or sometimes - just ignore the call. Play on ANY CITY in the world!
Dogolrax
You awake on an unknown planet with amnesia. What are those horrific monsters? Who are these mysterious priestesses? Inspired by cult classics such as "Another World", "Flashback" and others, Dogolrax aims to surprise you in ways few games have.
Four Last Things
Four Last Things is a point-and-click adventure game made from Renaissance-era paintings and public domain recordings of classical music. It is about sin, and the Four Last Things – Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell – and strives to be intelligent and ridiculous in equal measures.
Night in the Woods
NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.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. Röki
Röki is a stunning adventure set in the snowcapped wilderness. As Tove, you must explore an uncharted world of hidden legends and forgotten monsters. Solve puzzles, collect curiosities, and uncover a tale of tragic loss, as you chart your path to redemption. Röki is a adventure, puzzle and story rich game developed by Polygon Treehouse and published by United Label and CI Games. Released on July 23rd 2020 has received 2,867 reviews of which 2,576 were positive and 291 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in atmospheric games.
8.6
2,576
291
-94%
21.50€
1.29€
4. The Gunk
The Gunk is an action-adventure game in which you play as Rani, part of our duo of gritty space haulers. As they’re struggling to bring in funds, they chance upon an untouched planet brimming with life. They came in search of valuable resources, and it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot… The Gunk is a action-adventure, atmospheric and sci-fi game developed by Image & Form Games and published by Thunderful Publishing. Released on April 29th 2022 has received 2,609 reviews of which 2,242 were positive and 367 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.3
2,242
367
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.7
695
168
-94%
35.50€
2.13€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.2
6,212
344
-93%
24.71€
1.73€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,909
159
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,632
135
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. 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. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.3
1,103
164
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.0
356
58
-93%
14.29€
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