Best Dark 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 dark games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free dark games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Asgard's Fall — Viking Survivors
Embark on an epic saga in Asgard's Fall, a norse Survivors-like Roguelite. Fight your way through hordes of creatures and let the gods feel your relentless wrath. How will your saga unfold?
South of Midnight
South of Midnight is a new action-adventure from Compulsion Games. Explore the mythos and confront mysterious creatures of the Deep South in this modern folktale while learning to weave an ancient power to surmount obstacles and unravel your family’s hidden past.
Gnomes
A turn-based tower defense with deep roguelike progression, set in ever-expanding, procedurally generated biomes. Build, farm and defend your village as you push deeper into goblin-infested territory. Unlock powerful upgrades and craft your environment to survive the endless goblin horde.
The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered
Experience the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, now on PC. Discover Ellie and Abby’s story with graphical enhancements, gameplay modes like the roguelike survival experience No Return, and more.
Sultan's Game
The Sultan commands you to play a cruel game. Each week you draw a card, and have to complete its challenge within seven days. Forced to make dreadful choices to beat the Sultan’s Game and save your own life, you will have to find a way to survive not just the Game, but its consequences too.
Emissary Zero
Co-op horror (1-4 players). You are sent to explore a mysterious building at night. Find the Moon and try to return alive.
The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game. The player will become Khazan, the great general of the Pell Los Empire, who overcame death, and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies.
Look Outside
Look Outside is a survival horror RPG set in a single apartment building. A mysterious event turns anyone who looks out the window into grotesque monsters, leaving the world in absolute chaos. Scavenge the building to seek food, supplies, and weapons while encountering strange characters.
Unpossess: Exorcism Simulator
Unpossess is a 1-4 co-op exorcism simulator game set in the early 1900s. Players take on the role of exorcists responsible for addressing cases of human possession.
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.
Saihate Station
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men.
Do No Harm
Lovecraftian Doctor Simulator. Diagnose patients by analyzing unsettling symptoms and treat them using your Book of Medicine. Make moral choices — decide who to save or kill, discover whom to trust, and unlock multiple endings! Can you endure 30 days of perilous decisions?
Shadowveil: Legend of The Five Rings
Train unique samurai, embark on missions, and play the cards dealt each run on an epic roguelite adventure in the Legend of the Five Rings universe. Each defeat opens new strategic skill tree options and more powerful cards to face the growing threat in the Shadowlands.
Everhood 2
AN UNCONVENTIONAL ARPG where you battle enemies through musical encounters while being accompanied by a raven who promises to retrieve your voice if you slay the mighty Mind Dragon!
Garten of Banban 0
Explore the origins of the mysterious Banban’s Kindergarten. Survive the dark past of the establishment. Try to make some friends. Uncover the truth behind the place, and who you are…
BrokenLore: LOW
BrokenLore: LOW is a psychological horror game set in a mist-covered, beautiful Japanese village, blending hyper-realistic graphics with low-poly elements. The main enemy is the Gashadokuro, a yokai from Japanese folklore.
The Backrooms 1998 - Found Footage Survival Horror Game
The Backrooms: 1998 is a first-person found footage psychological horror survival game where it tells the story of a young teen after accidentally falling into the depths of The Backrooms in 1998. Roam freely, mark, explore and try unravel the story - however you are not alone. Don't scream.
Cradle of Nightmare : Flowers to you
Cradle of Nightmares: Flowers for You is an ATB turn-based game based on combat adventures made by RPGMaker. Players will take on the role of a high school student named Le Qing, who will fall into the dark and gloomy "second world" and embark on a journey to end the filthy fate of mankind.
Project Hailstorm
Step into the shoes of a researcher in the depths of the antarctic and uncover the mysteries behind Project Hailstorm.
Slender Threads
In this paranormal point-and-click adventure, a traveling salesman races to stop a string of horrific deaths in a quiet seaside town—before he’s next.
The Headliners
Co-op horror game where you play in teams of 1 to 8 reckless journalists, ready to explore a city overrun by deadly creatures to snap spectacular footage. Your only goal: make the headlines without becoming one.
DEAD LETTER DEPT.
Working at a data entry job in the big city, you type up and transcribe the lost mail and letters that have nowhere else to go. But as the days carry on oddities in the mail start to emerge, and cracks begin to appear.Most played dark games on Steam
Take a look at the top dark games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 18th 2025.
1. The Coffin of Andy and Leyley
Walk-n-talk adventure with light puzzling. Brother and sister practice cannibalism after witnessing a botched satanic ritual. The Coffin of Andy and Leyley is a psychological, dark comedy and story rich game developed and published by Kit9 Studio. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 27,684 reviews of which 26,737 were positive and 947 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played dark game, thanks to its 940 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
26,737
947
940
players
2. Buckshot Roulette
Play Russian roulette with a 12-gauge shotgun. Four enter. One leaves. Roll the dice with your life. Good luck! Buckshot Roulette is a multiplayer, dark and gambling game developed by Mike Klubnika and published by CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on April 04th 2024 has received 91,862 reviews of which 88,270 were positive and 3,592 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 902 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among dark games based on player count.
9.5
88,270
3,592
902
players
3. Cultist Simulator
Seize forbidden treasures. Summon alien gods. Feed on your disciples. Cultist Simulator is a game of apocalypse and yearning. Play as a seeker after unholy mysteries, in a 1920s-themed setting of hidden gods and secret histories. Cultist Simulator is a simulation, choices matter and strategy game developed and published by Weather Factory. Released on May 31st 2018 has received 12,737 reviews of which 10,065 were positive and 2,672 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. While seeing 237 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among dark games based on player count.
7.7
10,065
2,672
237
players
4. INSIDE
Hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project. INSIDE is a dark, narrative-driven platformer combining intense action with challenging puzzles. It has been critically acclaimed for its moody art style, ambient soundtrack and unsettling atmosphere. INSIDE is a 2.5d, puzzle-platformer and atmospheric game developed and published by Playdead. Released on July 07th 2016 has received 67,087 reviews of which 65,025 were positive and 2,062 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 142 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played dark games.
9.5
65,025
2,062
142
players
5. Little Nightmares II
Little Nightmares II is the second game in a series that has thrilled and captivated millions of players worldwide since 2017. Now it’s your turn to try to survive this critically acclaimed entry in the most charming horror series ever made. Little Nightmares II is a horror, adventure and singleplayer game developed by Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on February 10th 2021 has received 42,152 reviews of which 39,665 were positive and 2,487 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 141 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played dark games.
9.2
39,665
2,487
141
players
6. Sally Face - Episode One
Delve into a dark adventure following the boy with a prosthetic face and a tragic past. Unravel the sinister mysteries of Sally's world to find the truth that lies hidden beneath the shadows. Sally Face - Episode One is a story rich, psychological horror and indie game developed and published by Portable Moose. Released on December 14th 2016 has received 22,117 reviews of which 21,498 were positive and 619 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 118 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played dark games.
9.5
21,498
619
118
players
7. LIMBO
Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO LIMBO is a puzzle-platformer, indie and puzzle game developed and published by Playdead. Released on August 02nd 2011 has received 56,521 reviews of which 52,366 were positive and 4,155 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 103 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played dark games.
9.1
52,366
4,155
103
players
8. Nine-Ball Roulette
This will be the most thrilling pool game you have ever played. Join up to 3 of your friends in this exciting pool roulette game! Eliminate each other with pool until only one person is left. Nine-Ball Roulette is a multiplayer, pool and dark game developed and published by WaveBox Labs. Released on January 13th 2025 has received 723 reviews of which 622 were positive and 101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played dark games.
8.1
622
101
93
players
9. SOMA
From the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent comes SOMA, a sci-fi horror game set below the waves of the Atlantic ocean. Struggle to survive a hostile world that will make you question your very existence. SOMA is a horror, psychological horror and atmospheric game developed and published by Frictional Games. Released on September 21st 2015 has received 44,759 reviews of which 42,944 were positive and 1,815 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played dark games.
9.4
42,944
1,815
77
players
10. SUNLESS SEA
LOSE YOUR MIND. EAT YOUR CREW. DIE. Take the helm of your steamship and set sail for the unknown! Sunless Sea is a game of discovery, loneliness and frequent death, set in the award-winning Victorian Gothic universe of Fallen London. SUNLESS SEA is a exploration, lovecraftian and survival game developed and published by Failbetter Games. Released on February 06th 2015 has received 9,259 reviews of which 7,688 were positive and 1,571 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played dark games.
8.1
7,688
1,571
65
players
Best deals on dark games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of dark games available on Steam right now, updated on April 18th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted dark games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for dark category.
7.5
371
94
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. DARQ: Complete Edition
DARQ tells the story of Lloyd, a boy who finds himself in the middle of a lucid nightmare. Unable to wake up, Lloyd has to face his fears and decipher the meaning of the dream. DARQ: Complete Edition is a horror, dark and adventure game developed and published by Unfold Games. Released on August 15th 2019 has received 3,981 reviews of which 3,742 were positive and 239 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in dark games.
9.0
3,742
239
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. Cultist Simulator
Seize forbidden treasures. Summon alien gods. Feed on your disciples. Cultist Simulator is a game of apocalypse and yearning. Play as a seeker after unholy mysteries, in a 1920s-themed setting of hidden gods and secret histories. Cultist Simulator is a simulation, choices matter and strategy game developed and published by Weather Factory. Released on May 31st 2018 has received 12,737 reviews of which 10,065 were positive and 2,672 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in dark games.
7.7
10,065
2,672
-87%
20.31€
2.64€
4. Yesterday
Yesterday is a thrilling and dark mystery from the masters of adventure, Pendulo Studios. Yesterday is a adventure, point & click and mystery game developed by Pendulo Studios and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on March 22nd 2012 has received 969 reviews of which 807 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.9
807
162
-85%
4.99€
0.74€
5. SONG OF HORROR COMPLETE EDITION
A 3rd person, fixed-camera survival horror adventure. Fear the Presence, a mysterious entity you cannot fight: stay alert, hide, breathe slowly... Explore cursed places where unseen spirits and lost souls linger in a true horror story for the ages. SONG OF HORROR COMPLETE EDITION is a survival horror, dark and horror game developed by Protocol Games and published by 🚀 Raiser Games. Released on October 31st 2019 has received 1,207 reviews of which 992 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.8
992
215
-84%
30.50€
4.88€
6. Seen
A lonely kid desperately tries to escape his dark world. Seen is a early access, indie and dark game developed and published by Seen Games. Released on June 20th 2019 has received 9,664 reviews of which 8,832 were positive and 832 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.9
8,832
832
-83%
2.89€
0.49€
7. LIMBO
Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO LIMBO is a puzzle-platformer, indie and puzzle game developed and published by Playdead. Released on August 02nd 2011 has received 56,521 reviews of which 52,366 were positive and 4,155 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 78% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for dark games.
9.1
52,366
4,155
-78%
10.14€
2.23€
8. SILT
Dive into a surreal ocean abyss in an atmospheric puzzle-adventure. Explore dangerous waters, possess sea creatures and solve environmental puzzles to discover what lies deep below the surface… SILT is a puzzle, atmospheric and adventure game developed by Spiral Circus Games and published by Fireshine Games. Released on June 01st 2022 has received 640 reviews of which 491 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 78% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.3
491
149
-78%
15.27€
3.36€
9. Hatred
Hatred is a violent twin-stick shooter, in which you take the role of The Antagonist fighting against all of humanity. Hatred is a gore, violent and action game developed and published by Destructive Creations. Released on June 01st 2015 has received 21,539 reviews of which 17,896 were positive and 3,643 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 76% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.1
17,896
3,643
-76%
5.04€
1.21€
10. You Will Die Here Tonight
Immerse yourself in retro top-down visuals as you face the horrors of Breckenridge Hall through intense first-person combat. Scavenge, solve puzzles, and upgrade your gear. Do whatever it takes to survive—but remember: You Will Die Here Tonight. You Will Die Here Tonight is a dark, psychological horror and zombies game developed and published by Spiral Bound Interactive LLC. Released on October 31st 2023 has received 492 reviews of which 462 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.7
462
30
-75%
19.50€
4.87€
Free dark games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play dark games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 18th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play dark games.
1. Pleh!
Pleh! is a short psychological horror walking simulator that tells the story of a depressed game developer, his intrusive thoughts and his dark mysterious secrets. Pleh! is a psychological horror, walking simulator and narration game developed and published by Jester Games. Released on March 17th 2023 has received 1,251 reviews of which 1,189 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.0
1,189
62
2
players
2. LISA: The First
A memory of madness. LISA: The First is a rpg, exploration and action rpg game developed by Dingaling Productions and published by Serenity Forge. Released on March 20th 2024 has received 301 reviews of which 250 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.7
250
51
2
players
3. If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers
If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers is a narrative-driven point-and-click adventure with horror elements that explores the stories of four characters in a masked ball taking place aboard a train in the late 1920s. If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers is a point & click, story rich and pixel graphics game developed and published by Dead Idle Games. Released on September 21st 2021 has received 2,327 reviews of which 2,238 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.2
2,238
89
1
players
4. Momotype
An experimental, horror visual novel about raising a virtual pet. Help a tamagotchi-like creature navigate his angst. We love Momo! Momotype is a visual novel, cute and dark game developed by and published by Rimatoad. Released on December 03rd 2021 has received 731 reviews of which 711 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.1
711
20
1
players
5. Flicker of Hope
Flicker of Hope is a suspense thriller where you play as a small candle in the ruins of a dark cathedral. Though the halls are littered with victims of a mysterious plague, you are not the only soul left. Use the properties of a candle, and a trusty douter to prevent yourself from being discovered. Flicker of Hope is a horror, stealth and indie game developed and published by Studio Whip. Released on August 02nd 2020 has received 934 reviews of which 873 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.8
873
61
1
players
6. Siren Head: Awakening
Siren Head: Awakening is a first-person horror game based on Trevor Henderson's artwork. You're stuck with your car in the middle of a dark forest with nothing but your flashlight. Seek escape by finding items necessary to survive while a terrifying monster lurks the shadows. Siren Head: Awakening is a horror, dark and exploration game developed and published by Prisma Games L.L.C.. Released on October 30th 2020 has received 858 reviews of which 628 were positive and 230 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.0
628
230
1
players
7. Shadow Burglar
Play as Jean, a thief with the mystical power of morphing with the shadows. Creating yourself an improbable path in the dark and carefully dealing with guards in the light, you will try to steal back your deceased brother’s paintings. Do you have what it takes to avenge his legacy? Shadow Burglar is a action, stealth and free to play game developed by Ghostly Productions and published by UQAT - Création et nouveaux médias. Released on March 01st 2022 has received 809 reviews of which 788 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.1
788
21
8. The Windows Are Gone
Haunted by grief and guilt after a tragic accident, you start seeing a house in your dreams. No matter what you do, you can't get its image out of your mind. You feel it calling for you, so you answer it. The Windows Are Gone is a psychological horror, atmospheric and immersive sim game developed and published by Scary Cube. Released on October 02nd 2023 has received 475 reviews of which 446 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.7
446
29
9. Psycholonials
While in communication with supernatural forces, two influencers launch a daring new social media brand. Psycholonials is a visual novel, dark and dark humor game developed by Andrew Hussie and published by None. Released on February 03rd 2021 has received 932 reviews of which 831 were positive and 101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.4
831
101
10. Bear With Me - Episode One
Bear With Me is an episodic noir adventure game. Amber is trying to find her missing brother while being aided by her trusty teddy, Ted E. Bear. Bear With Me - Episode One is a noir, dark and atmospheric game developed by Exordium Games and published by Miyagi Games. Released on August 08th 2016 has received 979 reviews of which 857 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.3
857
122