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
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
While imprisoned in Balduq, Adol is cursed and becomes a Monstrum. With his newfound powers, he must stop the Grimwald Nox from consuming the city.
ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
ENDER LILIES is a dark fantasy 2D action RPG about unraveling the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom. On this sorrowful journey, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights.
Livestream: Escape from Hotel Izanami
In this side-scrolling action-adventure game, you'll need to scour the inside of an abandoned hotel, looking for clues to solve the mystery of the hotel and ensure your escape from a mysterious, murderous mascot intent to kill.![[NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection] NINJA GAIDEN Σ](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/1580780/header.jpg)
[NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection] NINJA GAIDEN Σ
3 high speed ninja action titles are now available in one package!
Until We Die
Until We Die is a side-scrolling strategy game about defending your base where you have to run around as Ivan, assign tasks to people, and fight mutants in the post-apocalyptic subway!
Anima : The Reign of Darkness
Explore a dark fantasy world, descend into the darkest depths and fight hordes of demons in this fast paced Action RPG. Fully customize your character, loot hunderd of unique items and destroy the evil that is corrupting the world once again!
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection
Watch as this nostalgic yet completely reimagined storybook world unravels before your very eyes. Taking cues from both Ghosts 'n Goblins and Ghouls 'n Ghosts and giving birth to something entirely new, Resurrection is a title worthy of its name.
Strangeland
You wake in a surreal carnival, where a woman cries out to you before leaping to her death. Can either of you be saved? The denizens and devices of Strangeland answer with riddles, puzzles, and warnings of a Dark Thing lurking at the park’s peak. A new adventure from the creators of Primordia.
Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster
Reawaken your inner demon in a modernized version of the acclaimed ATLUS classic, Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster.
Vampires Dawn 3 - The Crimson Realm
Vampires Dawn 3 is a 2D retro pixel RPG full of vampires, blood and tragic moments! Follow Asgar Serrans bloody path through a world in which humankind only has the sacred crusade to prevent extinction.
Come with Me
Come with Me is a two-player cooperative game set in a puzzle filled magical world. Solve puzzles together by using your special abilities and collect memories to uncover the mystery of the world around you.
cyberpunkdreams
2090s America, torn apart by war and corporate greed. A lone traveller stands outside the gates of Cincinnati, greatest of the border cities. How far will you go to make it to the top? How far will you go to fulfil your mission?
Lost Ruins
Lost Ruins is a 2D side-scrolling survival action game, where you play as a young girl that has awoken in a strange and foreign place without her memories. Explore a dark and dangerous world, battle hideous monsters, and topple incredible bosses.
Soulworker
Fierce emotions help fuel SoulWorkers to save the world from the devastated scene of a post-apocalyptic world. In a world where only dark devastation reigns – you are the only SoulWorker to come to the rescue.
Metamorphos
Take on the role of the temple’s guardian, awakened to cleanse the temple from an evil force corrupting it. Fight and dodge your way through a series of corrupted denizens, wildlife, and guardians to confront Nafaset, the Defiler, and restore the blessed oases.
Resident Evil Village
Experience survival horror like never before in the 8th major installment in the Resident Evil franchise - Resident Evil Village. With detailed graphics, intense first-person action and masterful storytelling, the terror has never felt more realistic.
7Days Origins
7Days Origins is a single-player story game where the storyline changes based on the player's choices. For 7 days, you will meet various characters in the world of the dead. You may become allies and embark on adventures together or become enemies and fight.
Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager
Legend of Keepers is the perfect mix between Dungeon Defender and Roguelite. You have been hired as a dungeon manager by the Dungeons Company. Your job is simple: protect their dungeons!
Cognition Method: Initiation
Free demo for Cognition Method - a story-driven, first-person puzzle game inspired by Space Odyssey 2001 and Solaris. Discover an innovative mechanics of altering gravity and dive into the surreal setting. Find your way within a mysterious artifact and unveal a non-ordinary story.
Tiny Bunny
Tiny Bunny is a non-linear horror visual novel. Those, who have heard the voice of the forest, are beyond help.
Shadow Man Remastered
He is coming, stalking criminals in the spirit world and the real world. A possessed man is coming, a voodoo mask in his chest and lines of power in his back. Shadow Man is coming, trailing evil from Liveside to Deadside. To stop an apocalypse. To save your soul.
Lunch Lady
Lunch Lady is a 1-4 player online co-op survival horror game. The school final exams are coming up and the best idea you and your friends had was to steal the test answers. Find all 10 pages and don't get caught by the murderous Lunch Lady!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