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
DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition
DISTRAINT is a 2D psychological horror adventure game for PC. In order to secure a partnership in a famous company, Price seizes the property of an elderly woman. In that very moment, he finds out the price of his humanity.
Toby: The Secret Mine
A challenging puzzle platformer inspired by games like Limbo and Badland.
Spooky Bonus
Uncover dark forces emanating from the heart of Old Town, and grab spooky accessories for your front yard makeover, too! You’ll be spellbound by this adorably ghoulish horror-themed puzzle game.
The Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.
Dropsy
Dropsy is a non-traditional take on the classic point and click adventure formula starring the game’s perpetually carefree namesake clown as he explores a richly detailed world full of colorful characters and sinister secrets, doling out hugs along the way.
METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN
Ushering in a new era for the METAL GEAR franchise with cutting-edge technology powered by the Fox Engine, METAL GEAR SOLID V: The Phantom Pain, will provide players a first-rate gaming experience as they are offered tactical freedom to carry out open-world missions.
Forget Me Not: My Organic Garden
“Master, Master! I did it!!” "I can hear you, no need to shout! Oh, my! This is a rather firm Kidney." My Organic Garden is an avant-garde organ-clicking game. Whether it’s to get Master’s praise, or to please the customer, click away and ship those organs!
In Between
In Between is set inside the mind of a man hit by a cruel twist of fate. Together you are on a journey through the protagonist's head, a world that doesn’t obey the laws of physics.
the static speaks my name
A dark/sad/weird/funny first person exploration game. You play a man on his last night alive as he obsesses over a mysterious painting. More of a story game in that it emphasizes mood and character over gameplay. Takes ten minutes to play and has "next-gen" features like a shrimp tank.
Putrefaction
Putrefaction is a First Person Shooter with horror elements, lots of enemies and weapons, heavily inspired by old-school shooter classics.
Fingerbones
Explore a mysterious abandoned bunker and find notes that paint a disturbing picture.
Gynophobia
Gynophobia is a horror themed shooter about abnormal fear of women. Gynophobia is using classic first person shooter gameplay, to convey story about Mark, who is suffering from different phobias, including abnormal fear of woman.
Spooky's Jump Scare Mansion
Can you survive 1000 rooms of cute terror? Or will you break once the cuteness starts to fade off and you're running for your life from the unspeakable hideous beings that shake and writhe in bowels of this house? They wait for you, they wait and hunger for meeting you.
Five Nights at Freddy's 4
In this last chapter of the Five Nights at Freddy's original story, you must once again defend yourself against Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie, Foxy, and even worse things that lurk in the shadows.
Blues and Bullets
Blues and Bullets is a dark and violent crime thriller. Set in an alternative Eliot Ness & Al Capone story, Blues and Bullets blends a stunning script with detective work to deliver an amazing interactive experience.
Anna's Quest
With her telekinesis, unorthodox use of torture instruments, a knack for improvisation and the help of a shady fox she makes her way from the peaks of Glass Mountain to the deepest dungeon.
Batman™: Arkham Knight
Batman™: Arkham Knight brings the award-winning Arkham trilogy from Rocksteady Studios to its epic conclusion. Developed exclusively for New-Gen platforms, Batman: Arkham Knight introduces Rocksteady's uniquely designed version of the Batmobile.
Spooky Cats
Oh no! This cute little kitty cat is alone and lost in a haunted house! Only by collecting pennies and defeating monsters can she find the way out! Use your fast fingers to defeat this adorably dark and funny platform game.
Notch - The Innocent LunA: Eclipsed SinnerS
This is an isolated town, a town of memories that have been forgotten by its people. However, this small town has not been quiet and peaceful since the murders began... Time passes by, where are the sinful spirits going? Are my memories reality, or just a dream?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 May 05th 2025.
1. 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 93,243 reviews of which 89,570 were positive and 3,673 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played dark game, thanks to its 975 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
89,570
3,673
975
players
2. 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 28,927 reviews of which 27,927 were positive and 1,000 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 604 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among dark games based on player count.
9.4
27,927
1,000
604
players
3. 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 26,777 reviews of which 24,534 were positive and 2,243 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 377 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among dark games based on player count.
9.0
24,534
2,243
377
players
4. 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 42,341 reviews of which 39,842 were positive and 2,499 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 284 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played dark games.
9.2
39,842
2,499
284
players
5. 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 12,876 reviews of which 10,178 were positive and 2,698 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 177 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played dark games.
7.7
10,178
2,698
177
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 22,251 reviews of which 21,630 were positive and 621 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 136 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played dark games.
9.5
21,630
621
136
players
7. 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 757 reviews of which 652 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 121 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played dark games.
8.1
652
105
121
players
8. 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 21,728 reviews of which 18,064 were positive and 3,664 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 110 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played dark games.
8.2
18,064
3,664
110
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 44,854 reviews of which 43,034 were positive and 1,820 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 105 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played dark games.
9.4
43,034
1,820
105
players
10. 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 67,288 reviews of which 65,213 were positive and 2,075 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played dark games.
9.5
65,213
2,075
92
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 May 05th 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 468 reviews of which 374 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
374
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 3,994 reviews of which 3,753 were positive and 241 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
3,753
241
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. 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 26,777 reviews of which 24,534 were positive and 2,243 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in dark games.
9.0
24,534
2,243
-94%
13.79€
0.82€
4. 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 12,876 reviews of which 10,178 were positive and 2,698 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.7
10,178
2,698
-87%
20.31€
2.64€
5. Apartament 1406: Horror
Apartment 1406 is an intense horror game, that challenges you to constantly survive in a hostile environment. Collect items to survive against limited ammo and creatures that lurk in the dark. Solve the puzzles and survive in this dark game. Apartament 1406: Horror is a indie, horror and adventure game developed and published by Airem. Released on August 24th 2023 has received 531 reviews of which 407 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.3
407
124
-83%
4.99€
0.84€
6. 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 660 reviews of which 507 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 78% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.3
507
153
-78%
14.77€
3.25€
7. 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 21,728 reviews of which 18,064 were positive and 3,664 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 76% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.2
18,064
3,664
-76%
5.04€
1.21€
8. Eyes: The Horror Game
You break into the mansion at night. It’s huge and built like a maze. You're trying to escape, but the monster is after you! The chase begins. RUN!! Eyes: The Horror Game is a adventure, horror and survival horror game developed by Fearless Games and published by QubicGames and Gamersky Games. Released on May 20th 2024 has received 468 reviews of which 434 were positive and 34 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.6
434
34
-75%
4.99€
1.24€
9. Sea of Solitude
When humans get too lonely, they turn into monsters… Set sail across a beautiful and evolving world of darkness and light, and discover what it means to be human. Sea of Solitude is a adventure, platformer and singleplayer game developed by Jo-Mei Games and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 04th 2020 has received 1,978 reviews of which 1,651 were positive and 327 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.0
1,651
327
-75%
19.99€
4.99€
10. Corpse Keeper
Corpse Keeper is a very challenging action-strategy roguelite. You'll need to lead a squad of three corpses to explore the grim and dark medieval world within limited time, build a powerful army of the living dead, and finally kill the demon lurking in the deep end of the cathedral. Corpse Keeper is a action rpg, dark and fantasy game developed by Melancholia Studio and published by Thermite Games. Released on May 28th 2024 has received 1,177 reviews of which 903 were positive and 274 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 74% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.4
903
274
-74%
19.19€
4.99€
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 May 05th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play dark games.
1. 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 2,345 reviews of which 2,256 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.2
2,256
89
2
players
2. 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 938 reviews of which 877 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.8
877
61
1
players
3. 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 481 reviews of which 452 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.7
452
29
1
players
4. 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 941 reviews of which 840 were positive and 101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.4
840
101
1
players
5. the static speaks my name
A dark/sad/weird/funny first person exploration game. You play a man on his last night alive as he obsesses over a mysterious painting. More of a story game in that it emphasizes mood and character over gameplay. Takes ten minutes to play and has "next-gen" features like a shrimp tank. the static speaks my name is a free to play, psychological horror and indie game developed and published by the whale husband. Released on August 10th 2015 has received 5,618 reviews of which 4,584 were positive and 1,034 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.9
4,584
1,034
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 860 reviews of which 628 were positive and 232 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7
628
232
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 813 reviews of which 792 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
792
21
8. 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 730 reviews of which 710 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.1
710
20
9. 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 1,256 reviews of which 1,194 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.0
1,194
62
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