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
A Place, Forbidden
A Place, Forbidden is a first-person, lo-fi horror-puzzle game set in the Library of Ouroboros, a seemingly innocuous library that, rumor has it, contains knowledge not meant for the eyes of mortal man. We hope you enjoy your visit.
The Almost Gone
Experience the intricate dioramas and connections of your life, and the ripples we all make, in this award-winning narrative puzzle game about death, loss, and mental health.
Car Trader Simulator - Welcome to the Business
Welcome to the prologue to Car Trader Simulator. Here you will learn all the most important in mechanics and economics in the game and you will play your first mission.
Fatum Betula
Placed in a world without change, you must create fate by watering an ancient plant. Determine a future and live with it.
Heavy Rain
Experience a gripping psychological thriller filled with innumerable twists and turns. The hunt is on for a murderer known only as the Origami Killer. Four characters, each following their own leads, must take part in a desperate attempt to prevent the killer from claiming a new victim.
Outer Wilds
Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.
Beyond: Two Souls
A unique psychological action thriller delivered by A-list Hollywood performances by Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe, Beyond: Two Souls takes you on a thrilling journey across the globe as you play out the remarkable life of Jodie Holmes.
West of Dead
Descend into the grim and gritty world of Purgatory in this cover-based shooter which combines the fluidity of twin-stick controls and tactical cover usage. Dodge behind cover as you try to outgun your enemies in the unknown procedurally generated hunting grounds.
Detroit: Become Human
Detroit: Become Human puts the destiny of both mankind and androids in your hands, taking you to a near future where machines have become more intelligent than humans. Every choice you make affects the outcome of the game, with one of the most intricately branching narratives ever created.
Need for Speed™ Payback
Set in the underworld of Fortune Valley, you and your crew were divided by betrayal and reunited by revenge to take down The House, a nefarious cartel that rules the city’s casinos, criminals and cops. In this corrupt gambler’s paradise, the stakes are high and The House always wins.
Saint Kotar: The Yellow Mask
Follow the fear of Benedek Dohnany and Nikolay Kalyakin and play the onset of a dark and chilling narrative adventure. Make decisions and affect the events that precede a macabre series of murders, allegedly related to devil worship and witchcraft.
Desperados III
Desperados III is a story-driven, hardcore tactical stealth game, set in a ruthless Wild West scenario. Play smart if you want to succeed. A good plan can make the difference between survival and finding yourself at the business end of a pistol.
GOHOME
This is a third-person horror game set in a residential area in 2000s Japan. It's the complete version of the free horror game GOHOME, which was released in 2019 and caused a boom. The map has been doubled, and six more ghosts, including hidden characters, have been added to the game.
Colt Canyon
Shoot your way through a hostile canyon full of hidden treasures, weapons, obstacles and all kinds of bloodthirsty scum! Colt Canyon is a stylish pixel art shooter with roguelike elements and real-time combat where you save your kidnapped partner from the ruthless bandits.
Barn Finders
Search for valuable items stashed in abandoned barns. Take part in storage auctions, bid high and buy yourself a chance to find exclusive items hidden in the past.![[Chilla's Art] Missing Children | 行方不明](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/1306620/header.jpg)
[Chilla's Art] Missing Children | 行方不明
Missing Children | 行方不明 is a Japanese horror-themed adventure game about a bully detective searching for reported missing children.
Battlefield™ 1
Battlefield™ 1 takes you back to The Great War, WW1, where new technology and worldwide conflict changed the face of warfare forever.
Evan's Remains
Years after a boy genius named Evan disappears, a bizarre letter arrives. Evan wants a girl named Dysis to come find him. As Dysis, you’ll need to solve an intricate series of puzzles to unravel the entire mystery—and bring Evan home.
STAR WARS™ Battlefront
The STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Ultimate Edition includes the STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Deluxe Edition as well as the STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Season Pass.
Battlefield™ Hardline
Strategy. Speed. Story. These are the core pillars of Battlefield™ Hardline, a cops vs. criminals experience unlike any other.
Battlefield 3™
Enjoy total freedom to fight the way you want. Explore 29 massive multiplayer maps and use loads of vehicles, weapons, and gadgets to help you turn up the heat. Every second of battle gets you closer to unlocking tons of extras and moving up in the Ranks. So get in the action.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 17th 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 12,201 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.9
84,551
8,753
12,201
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 10,261 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
10,261
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 6,998 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
6,998
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 4,097 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
4,097
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 3,277 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
3,277
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 1,834 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
1,834
players
7. 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 1,456 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.1
34,476
2,643
1,456
players
8. 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 1,385 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
99,810
10,218
1,385
players
9. 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 554 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.4
39,355
1,941
554
players
10. 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 553 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.1
47,103
10,221
553
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 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted atmospheric games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for atmospheric category.
8.6
2,570
288
-94%
21.50€
1.29€
2. 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 #2 best deal in atmospheric games.
8.3
2,226
362
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in atmospheric games.
7.7
688
166
-94%
35.50€
2.13€
4. 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 #4 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.2
6,212
344
-93%
24.71€
1.73€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.0
24,489
2,237
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
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. 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 #8 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.3
1,096
163
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.0
356
58
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
10. Jusant
Enjoy meditative vibes in Jusant, an action-puzzle climbing game. Scale an immeasurably tall tower and ascend to new heights alongside your watery companion. Master your climbing tools, find your way up through diverse biomes, and piece together the tower’s past. Jusant is a atmospheric, action-adventure and parkour game developed and published by DON'T NOD. Released on October 31st 2023 has received 4,679 reviews of which 4,364 were positive and 315 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.0
4,364
315
-92%
24.88€
1.99€
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 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play atmospheric games.
1. 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 #1 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
8,629
864
38
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 1,150 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 #2 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.3
1,003
147
35
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
6,073
139
30
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
24
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
366
17
22
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
19
players
7. Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft
Face unspeakable horrors. Succumb to madness. Welcome to a free daemonic narrative experience inspired by H. P. Lovecraft. Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft is a horror, lovecraftian and atmospheric game developed and published by Bit Golem. Released on September 24th 2021 has received 11,482 reviews of which 10,933 were positive and 549 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.3
10,933
549
13
players
![[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2933290/header.jpg)
8. [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 #8 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
3,900
157
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. 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 #10 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
4,450
208
6
players