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
Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room
You wake up in a spaceship with no memories. In this escape room with a sci-fi setting you will have to investigate your past solving different puzzles. Will you be able to discover what happened to you and how did you get there?
Vecter
Vecter is a fast-paced runner and shooter game where your goal is to survive by the skin of your teeth and raise hell in your path. You get in your ship, you push the throttle on max and then try to survive for as long as possible by annihilating anything that gets in your way.
Partisans 1941
Partisans 1941 is a real-time tactics game with stealth elements, set on the eastern front of WW II. As an army commander behind enemy lines you gather a group of Partisans to wage guerilla warfare against the German occupants.
SPACE / MECH / PILOT
The S/M/P Initiative is not responsible for any odd abnormalities while playing. Connections to other universes are not monitored or controlled by the video game program. Keep away from children under the age of 6. Fun to play but not to eat.
ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE
Thanks to the rising popularity of the PhoneDroid—a device which features augmented reality (A.R.)—the age of advanced technology has finally reached Tanegashima. On that island, Central Tanegashima High's "Robot Research Club" is about to have their club disbanded.
The Test: Final Revelation
The third chapter in The Test Trilogy. Answer a series of in-depth questions to reveal hidden truths about yourself and unlock secrets to discover who you really are as a person. The Final Revelation is upon us... but are you sure you TRULY want the answers you seek?
Cats Organized Neatly
In this 2D puzzle game you have the responsibility to arrange your feline friends in a way that fits the grid. Cats Organized Neatly comes with 80 different handcrafted levels and a whole bunch of cats in all shapes and sizes.
Panoptic
Panoptic is a local multiplayer VR game that pits you against a friend, where you play as either the giant Overseer or tiny Challenger in a stealthy game of cat and mouse. Will the Challenger slip away undetected through the crowds, or will the Overseer track them down with their powerful laser eye?
The Uncertain: Light At The End
The Uncertain is a story-driven adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Humanity disappeared from the face of the Earth and has been replaced by robots. Together with Emily, one of the survivors, you will have to witness how people try to live in a world ruled by robots.
Virtual Cottage
Virtual Cottage gives you a comfy place to rest and be productive without any distractions. Open the game, set yourself a goal and enjoy the atmosphere.
URUZ "Return of The Er Kishi"
Live the saga of Uruz! A fantasy epic action adventure based on Central Asian Turkish mythology and culture. Explore the ruined lands, help people, solve small puzzles, face the monsters and spiritual creatures, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
Drake Hollow
Build and defend villages of vegetable folk from deadly feral beasts in the blighted world of The Hollow. Explore, gather, and fight! You can even invite your friends. Can you craft the perfect village?
Train Station Renovation
Welcome to an old, ruined train station. A place that will give you a lot of fun! In Train Station Renovation you play as a renovation company specialized in restoring old and damaged railway stations.
Liquidators
Chernobyl, USSR, 1986. Three nuclear plant workers go on a daring mission to prevent a radioactive fallout that would affect half of Europe. Every moment is permanent, and all is at stake.
Under the Sand REDUX - a road trip simulator
You. Your car. And world under the sand.
Scarlet Hollow — Episode 1
The free-to-play first episode of a horror-mystery game with dark humor and hand-drawn art by Black Tabby Games. Note — we are retiring this store page. While the build here is still up-to-date, please download the DEMO from the main Scarlet Hollow store page. Thank you and have fun!
The Last of Waifus
You are playing as the last Waifu clearing out the fallen city from Infected whose only target is you.
Panzer Dragoon: Remake
A new, remade version of the Panzer Dragoon game – true to the original, with improved graphics and controls, that suit modern gaming standards!
Interstellar Rift
Interstellar Rift is an open world starship simulator with an emphasis on ship construction and multi-player interaction. Survive in a hostile galaxy with your own custom designed and constructed starship. Invite other players to join your crew or fight them across the galaxy!
Mafia: Definitive Edition
An inadvertent brush with the mob thrusts cabdriver Tommy Angelo into the world of organized crime. Initially uneasy about falling in with the Salieri family, the rewards become too big to ignore.
Squad
Squad is a tactical FPS that provides authentic combat experiences through teamwork, communication, and realistic combat. It bridges the gap between arcade shooter and military realism with 100-player battles, combined-arms warfare, and base building.
art of rally
Race in the golden era of rally. Drive iconic cars from the 60s to Group B on challenging stages through stylized environments inspired by real worldwide locations. Will you master the art of rally?
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 15th 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 245,681 reviews of which 179,545 were positive and 66,136 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 25,401 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.3
179,545
66,136
25,401
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 827,022 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 20,186 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.5
794,955
32,067
20,186
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 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. While seeing 8,015 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.3
385,520
23,218
8,015
players
4. 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 6,512 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8
89,324
21,081
6,512
players
5. 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 3,714 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.1
34,476
2,643
3,714
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 2,993 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
2,993
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 2,860 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
2,860
players
8. This War of Mine
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. With 1,784 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
94,009
7,217
1,784
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 1,011 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
1,011
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 912 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
912
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 15th 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. Steelrising
Paris, 1789. The French Revolution has been suppressed with bloodshed by Louis XVI and his merciless mechanical army. Aegis, a mysterious automaton masterpiece, must confront the king's army alone to save history in this challenging action-RPG. Steelrising is a souls-like, atmospheric and action game developed by Spiders and published by Nacon. Released on September 08th 2022 has received 5,267 reviews of which 3,840 were positive and 1,427 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in atmospheric games.
7.1
3,840
1,427
-96%
51.25€
2.05€
3. 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 370 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in atmospheric games.
7.5
370
95
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.6
2,570
288
-94%
21.50€
1.29€
5. 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. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.3
2,226
362
-94%
26.33€
1.58€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.7
688
166
-94%
35.50€
2.13€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.2
6,212
344
-93%
24.71€
1.73€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.0
24,489
2,237
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. 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 2,055 reviews of which 1,897 were positive and 158 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,897
158
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,625
135
-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 15th 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 694 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
694
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
66
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 9,481 reviews of which 8,619 were positive and 862 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
8,619
862
45
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 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 #4 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
7.9
702
139
26
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 4,024 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 #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
3,869
155
24
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 14,167 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 #6 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
13,135
1,032
21
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
366
17
21
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
6,073
139
11
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 4,425 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 #9 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
4,117
308
11
players
10. 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 1,189 reviews of which 1,180 were positive and 9 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.3
1,180
9
8
players