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
Prehistoric Hunt
Dive into intense dinosaur hunting adventures with your friends. Complete hunting contracts for Preton Corporation. Gather rewards, improve your equipment and become a master hunter. Are you the hunter or the hunted?
Summerland
Summerland is a first-person narrative game about morality and the afterlife. You take control of Matthew, a detective reliving the events of his past, being questioned on his morals along the way. In every door lies another memory, and every memory unlocks another door.
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante — Chapter 1&2
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!
Chronos: Before the Ashes
Chronos: Before the Ashes is an atmospheric RPG that chronicles a hero’s lifelong quest to save their homeland from a great evil.
Winter Resort Simulator 2
Winter Resort Simulator 2 is the extensive simulation of a ski area with all its exciting technical facilities and vehicles.
HIVESWAP: ACT 2
Continue Joey and Xefros’s adventure through the dark and dangerous planet Alternia. Meet dozens of unique and memorable characters, some more helpful than others, as you navigate this volatile alien culture. Hurry up! There’s a train to catch.
Aurora: A Child's Journey
Guide Aurora through this beautiful adventure using her imagination to discover who's responsible for the fire that is ravaging her village and its surroundings.
UNREAL LIFE
And now, for today's story.
At Dead Of Night
At Dead Of Night is part horror film, part horror game and part ghost hunt. It blends live-action and graphics to create a unique immersive horror experience like no other.
Shenmue III
Shenmue III sees the eagerly anticipated continuation of the epic story-driven saga. Take control of Ryo Hazuki, a teenage martial artist, determined to unravel the mystery behind his father's murder and to exact revenge on the killer.
PowerBeatsVR - VR Fitness
PowerBeatsVR is a high-intensity VR fitness game where you box, dodge, and squat to the rhythm of upbeat music. Choose between official songs with leaderboards and dozens of professional workouts or train with your own music using the generator. See those calories burn and your pulse racing.
CATch the Stars
CATch the Stars is a minimalist puzzle with a pleasant and original soundtrack. Click on the right star, solve the puzzles and form constellations with a beautiful and relaxing environment. No score, no timer and no pressure.
Firefighting Simulator - The Squad
Firefighting Simulator lets you experience what it means to fight fires up close as an active part of a major US city's firefighting crew - together with up to 3 friends in the co-op multiplayer- or in the single player mode.
Fragile
Get pulled into the nightmares of reality as you play as an abducted girl from the ger district of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Uncover a secret organization that deals in human trafficking and other horrendous activities. Try to escape from the scariest place on earth!
Mists of Aiden
Mists of Aiden is a first-person story driven horror game. You play as a thief trapped in an eerie mansion. Each choice can open a new mystery of the house and lead to a unique walkthrough and ending. Uncover final secret of the house. Uncover your own secrets.
Arc Apellago
Traverse the sky in this open-air platformer featuring elegant, fluid movement and swift combat. Play as a mysterious assassin-like wielder of spirit energy to strike down enemies, restore the great guardian statue and return the land to the earth
Perfect Vermin
Your task is simple, exterminate all vermin. The sledge hammer you have been provided is capable of destroying almost all office appliances and furniture that may be uncooperative. Your time is running out.
Choice of Life: Middle Ages
A card game in a Medieval setting where you make decisions on which not only your life will depend, but also the future of the kingdom!
What Comes After
What Comes After is a side-scrolling adventure and a short heartwarming story about learning how to love yourself. Help Vivi in her journey on the train to the afterlife and back.
Chicken Police - Paint it RED!
A wild tale of love, death, chickens, and redemption! Chicken Police is a buddy-cop noir adventure with a carefully crafted world, a gritty story, and absurd humor. The game mixes classic adventure games with visual novel-style storytelling, presented in a beak-droppingly unique art style.
Jendo: Origins
This is a comedy about high-schoolers friends, getting into extremely absurd and ridiculous situations.
The Emperor's Own: Alpha Teaser
The Emperor’s Own is a story-driven adventure game with RPG elements, set in an alternate universe, inspired by the Russian Empire at the dawn of the 19th century. It features multi-dimensional characters, difficult moral dilemmas, and a mature, branching narrative.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 16th 2025.
1. 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 93,304 reviews of which 84,551 were positive and 8,753 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played atmospheric game, thanks to its 13,485 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.9
84,551
8,753
13,485
players
2. 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 245,681 reviews of which 179,545 were positive and 66,136 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. While seeing 8,331 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among atmospheric games based on player count.
7.3
179,545
66,136
8,331
players
3. 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 827,022 reviews of which 794,955 were positive and 32,067 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 6,458 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.5
794,955
32,067
6,458
players
4. 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 408,738 reviews of which 385,520 were positive and 23,218 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,825 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.3
385,520
23,218
3,825
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 110,405 reviews of which 89,324 were positive and 21,081 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. With 2,608 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8
89,324
21,081
2,608
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 40,460 reviews of which 38,104 were positive and 2,356 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,898 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
38,104
2,356
1,898
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 110,028 reviews of which 99,810 were positive and 10,218 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,414 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
99,810
10,218
1,414
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 37,119 reviews of which 34,476 were positive and 2,643 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,408 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.1
34,476
2,643
1,408
players
9. BioShock™ Remastered
BioShock is a shooter unlike any other, loaded with unique weapons and tactics. Complete with an arsenal of revolvers, shotguns, and grenade launchers, players will be forced to genetically modify their DNA to become an even deadlier weapon. BioShock™ Remastered is a fps, story rich and atmospheric game developed by 2K Boston, 2K Australia and Blind Squirrel and published by Feral interactive (Mac) and 2K. Released on September 15th 2016 has received 57,324 reviews of which 47,103 were positive and 10,221 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 569 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.1
47,103
10,221
569
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 41,296 reviews of which 39,355 were positive and 1,941 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 568 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.4
39,355
1,941
568
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 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted atmospheric games.
1. 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 93,304 reviews of which 84,551 were positive and 8,753 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10.
8.9
84,551
8,753
-100%
2. 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 2,858 reviews of which 2,570 were positive and 288 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in atmospheric games.
8.6
2,570
288
-94%
21.50€
1.29€
3. 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 2,588 reviews of which 2,226 were positive and 362 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
2,226
362
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
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 854 reviews of which 688 were positive and 166 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
688
166
-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. 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? 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 26,726 reviews of which 24,489 were positive and 2,237 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 atmospheric games.
9.0
24,489
2,237
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
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 1,760 reviews of which 1,625 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
1,625
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 1,259 reviews of which 1,096 were positive and 163 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
1,096
163
-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 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play atmospheric games.
1. 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 93,304 reviews of which 84,551 were positive and 8,753 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 13,485 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.9
84,551
8,753
13,485
players
2. 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 1,147 reviews of which 1,000 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.3
1,000
147
53
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
8,629
864
44
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
366
17
19
players
5. 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 841 reviews of which 702 were positive and 139 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
7.9
702
139
15
players
![[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2933290/header.jpg)
6. [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 4,024 reviews of which 3,869 were positive and 155 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
3,869
155
13
players
7. 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 4,658 reviews of which 4,450 were positive and 208 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
4,450
208
11
players
8. 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 14,167 reviews of which 13,135 were positive and 1,032 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
13,135
1,032
10
players
9. Halls of Torment: Prelude
Slay hordes of terrifying monsters in this horde survival roguelite. Descend into the Halls of Torment where the Lords of the underworld await you. Treasures, magical trinkets, and a growing cast of heroes will grant you the power to vanquish these horrors from beyond. How long can you survive? Halls of Torment: Prelude is a bullet hell, dark fantasy and retro game developed and published by Chasing Carrots. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,360 reviews of which 1,269 were positive and 91 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
1,269
91
7
players
10. 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 4,425 reviews of which 4,117 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
4,117
308
6
players