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
The Last Plague: Blight
The Last Plague: Blight is an authentic survival experience rooted in realism and immersion. Endure the hazards of a brutal open world and uncover the origins of a mysterious disease. You are humanity’s final hope in ending the Blight
Esports History
Esports History is an RPG sim where you start as a regular guy, and work your way up to the very top of esports. Defeat bosses in tournaments, make a name for yourself within the esports community, and become a real pro!
Monomyth
MONOMYTH is an immersive, first-person dungeon-crawling RPG inspired by the genre's late classics. Embark on a journey through a vast and highly interactive game world as you unravel the mysteries hidden beneath the ancient fortress of Lysandria.
Old Market Simulator
Old Market Simulator is a 1-4 player co-op game where you manage your market by ordering goods, growing produce, raising animals, fishing, and crafting items in your workshop, while hiring employees and expanding your business.
Pinball Spire
Action adventure meets pinball in this one-of-a-kind pinballvania adventure. When a mysterious spire appears from thin air, it's up to an intrepid pinball to bump, spin, shoot, and flip its way to the top and solve the tower’s mysteries!
Endoparasitic 2
Three limbs ripped off, infected with a deadly parasite, you must survive. Drag yourself through the hallways of an infested arcship, fight off twisted eldritch creatures, craft vaccines and ammunition, and escape to civilization.
OneShot: World Machine Edition
A completely self-contained portable version of one of the highest user-rated games. Built on an entirely new engine with new UI, support for Steam Deck, & more. Features world-bending puzzles, intriguing denizens, surreal environments, and a captivating story about the truth of the game's reality.
Into the Necrovale
Into the Necrovale is an Action RPG in which you collect powerful items that interact with one another. You must be clever with your build if you hope to pierce the mysteries and dangers of the Necrovale, where a thousand generations of miscreants and criminals have been banished.
Dread Dawn
This is an open-world zombie survival game set in a quarantined city. You play as a student left behind due to missing the evacuation convoy. Together with classmates and other survivors, you must defend the school, survive, and await rescue.
63 Days
Coming of age as a part of the first generation born free, WWII stripped me of my family, home, and future. Now I'm left with only one choice: to get my revenge and independence, or die trying. The odds are against us: will our tactics, stealth and teamwork be enough?
ZERO PROTOCOL
In this immersive sci-fi thriller, you will experience the atmosphere of classic 3D games as you solve puzzles, follow an intriguing non-linear storyline, and engage in battles with monsters.
Ravenswatch
Fallen heroes of old folk tales and legends: you are on the verge of a crucial battle against the Nightmare invading and corrupting your world. A roguelike action game from the creators of Curse of the Dead Gods©, playable solo or in online co-op.
Shadows of Doubt
An immersive sandbox detective stealth game set in a fully simulated sci-fi noir city of crime and corruption. Think like a private investigator and take on jobs to earn cash on your path to catching a serial killer. If you don’t catch them - they will kill again…
Breachway
Explore the galaxy in this deckbuilding, sci-fi roguelike where ship upgrades and crew management are key to your survival. Optimize resource generation, engage in intense turn-based battles, and take on ever-growing threats as you seek out The Signal.
Mouthwashing
The five crew members of the Tulpar are stranded in the empty reaches of space, shrouded in perpetual sunset. God is not watching.
Beyond Hanwell
Explore Westminster, London on a journey to the ruins of Hanwell. Fight with whatever you can find or use the environment to defend yourself against an ever increasing scourge of Anomalies.
Echo Point Nova
Echo Point Nova is an open-world FPS that offers unparalleled freedom and thrilling speed. Designed for both singleplayer and coop. From the creators of Severed Steel.
Halls of Torment
Slay hordes of terrifying monsters in this horde survival roguelite. Descend into the Halls of Torment where the Lords of the underworld await you. Treasures, magical trinkets, and a growing cast of heroes will grant you the power to vanquish these horrors from beyond. How long can you survive?
Bloomtown: A Different Story
Bloomtown: A Different Story is a narrative JRPG mixing turn-based combat, monster taming and social RPG set in a seemingly pleasant 1960s Americana world. Join Emily and her group of friends to save their cozy town from the demonic creatures that live in the hearts of its residents!
Tiny Glade
Tiny Glade is a small diorama builder where you doodle whimsical castles, cozy cottages & romantic ruins. Explore gridless building chemistry as the game adorns your glades with procedural detail. No management, combat or goals: just kick back and turn forgotten meadows into lovable dioramas.
Frostpunk 2
Develop, expand, and advance your city in a society survival game set 30 years after an apocalyptic blizzard ravaged Earth. In Frostpunk 2, you face not only the perils of never-ending winter, but also the powerful factions that watch your every step inside the Council Hall.
Lorn's Lure
An android is led through a vast structure by a glitch in his visual system. Lorn's Lure is an atmospheric narrative first-person platformer with novel climb-anything mechanics and modernized retro 3D graphics.
Just a To the Moon Series Beach Episode
The Beach Episode™ of To the Moon, Finding Paradise, and Impostor Factory. But something's off.
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 June 16th 2025.
1. 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 835,349 reviews of which 802,993 were positive and 32,356 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 atmospheric game, thanks to its 12,939 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
802,993
32,356
12,939
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 248,220 reviews of which 181,110 were positive and 67,110 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. While seeing 7,231 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among atmospheric games based on player count.
7.2
181,110
67,110
7,231
players
3. DARK SOULS™ III
Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness! DARK SOULS™ III is a souls-like, dark fantasy and difficult game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by FromSoftware, Inc. and Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on April 11th 2016 has received 413,775 reviews of which 390,326 were positive and 23,449 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 5,188 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.3
390,326
23,449
5,188
players
4. 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 39,516 reviews of which 36,697 were positive and 2,819 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 3,768 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.1
36,697
2,819
3,768
players
5. 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 112,575 reviews of which 101,846 were positive and 10,729 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,353 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.9
101,846
10,729
2,353
players
6. 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 113,346 reviews of which 91,274 were positive and 22,072 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,308 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.0
91,274
22,072
2,308
players
7. 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 43,049 reviews of which 41,028 were positive and 2,021 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,056 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.4
41,028
2,021
2,056
players
8. This War of Mine
In This War Of Mine you do not play as an elite soldier, rather a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. The game provides an experience of war seen from an entirely new angle. This War of Mine is a survival, war and atmospheric game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on November 14th 2014 has received 101,740 reviews of which 94,484 were positive and 7,256 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,041 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
94,484
7,256
1,041
players
9. 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 110,967 reviews of which 101,543 were positive and 9,424 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 996 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
101,543
9,424
996
players
10. 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 42,277 reviews of which 39,787 were positive and 2,490 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 994 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
39,787
2,490
994
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted atmospheric games.
1. 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 934 reviews of which 750 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for atmospheric category.
7.6
750
184
-99%
34.99€
0.67€
2. Steelrising
Paris, 1789. The French Revolution has been suppressed with bloodshed by Louis XVI and his merciless mechanical army. Aegis, a mysterious automaton masterpiece, must confront the king's army alone to save history in this challenging action-RPG. Steelrising is a souls-like, atmospheric and action game developed by Spiders and published by Nacon. Released on September 08th 2022 has received 5,416 reviews of which 3,942 were positive and 1,474 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in atmospheric games.
7.1
3,942
1,474
-99%
49.99€
0.89€
3. 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 6,914 reviews of which 6,549 were positive and 365 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in atmospheric games.
9.2
6,549
365
-98%
24.50€
0.54€
4. Amnesia: The Bunker
Amnesia: The Bunker is a first-person horror game set in a WW1 bunker. A relentless, AI-driven monster stalks you. Survival depends on finding tools, crafting items, and keeping the lights on. Amnesia: The Bunker is a horror, survival horror and atmospheric game developed and published by Frictional Games. Released on June 06th 2023 has received 9,094 reviews of which 8,501 were positive and 593 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.1
8,501
593
-98%
24.50€
0.70€
5. Shady Part of Me
Overcome emotional struggles across a touching narrative filled with twists and surprises. Embark on a dream-like journey, with breathtaking artistic direction and the enthralling voice of Hannah Murray (Game of Thrones, Skins). Shady Part of Me is a indie, puzzle and atmospheric game developed by Douze Dixièmes and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on December 10th 2020 has received 2,696 reviews of which 2,549 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.0
2,549
147
-98%
14.99€
0.44€
6. Ghost of a Tale
Ghost of a Tale is an action-RPG game in which you play as Tilo, a mouse and minstrel thrown into a perilous adventure. Through stealth and cunning you’ll be able to explore the secrets of Dwindling Heights Keep and navigate its dangers. Ghost of a Tale is a adventure, stealth and atmospheric game developed and published by SeithCG. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 4,903 reviews of which 4,498 were positive and 405 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.9
4,498
405
-98%
19.50€
0.46€
7. The Journey Down: Chapter Two
Chapter Two of The Journey Down, a classic point-and-click saga with an Afro-Caribbean vibe. Get ready to embark on an epic journey of brain-teasing adventure! The Journey Down: Chapter Two is a atmospheric, noir and adventure game developed and published by SkyGoblin. Released on August 25th 2014 has received 537 reviews of which 512 were positive and 25 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.9
512
25
-98%
12.49€
0.29€
8. RiME
A land of discovery stretches out before you. Explore the beautiful, rugged world of RiME. Armed with your wits and a will to overcome—and the guidance of a helpful fox—you must explore the enigmatic island, reach the tower's peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets. RiME is a adventure, puzzle and exploration game developed by Tequila Works and QLOC and published by Grey Box and Six Foot. Released on May 26th 2017 has received 5,079 reviews of which 4,585 were positive and 494 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.7
4,585
494
-98%
34.99€
0.90€
9. 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 2,890 reviews of which 2,595 were positive and 295 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.6
2,595
295
-98%
21.99€
0.49€
10. Haiku, the Robot
Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you. Haiku, the Robot is a metroidvania, adventure and exploration game developed and published by Mister Morris Games. Released on April 28th 2022 has received 2,906 reviews of which 2,607 were positive and 299 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.6
2,607
299
-98%
18.99€
0.43€
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play atmospheric games.
1. 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 1,183 reviews of which 1,029 were positive and 154 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.3
1,029
154
42
players
2. 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 9,523 reviews of which 8,659 were positive and 864 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
8,659
864
35
players
3. 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 916 reviews of which 743 were positive and 173 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
7.7
743
173
29
players
4. 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, music and old school game developed and published by projectM. Released on July 26th 2020 has received 403 reviews of which 386 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
386
17
23
players
5. 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 6,514 reviews of which 6,369 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
6,369
145
17
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 14,254 reviews of which 13,218 were positive and 1,036 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
13,218
1,036
17
players
![[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2933290/header.jpg)
7. [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 4,265 reviews of which 4,098 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
4,098
167
14
players
8. Unsorted Horror
A collection of 5 short first-person horror games, that revolve around detailed machinery and dread. Unsorted Horror is a atmospheric, simulation and psychological horror game developed and published by Mike Klubnika. Released on August 01st 2023 has received 2,430 reviews of which 2,365 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.3
2,365
65
9
players
9. 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 4,784 reviews of which 4,566 were positive and 218 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
4,566
218
8
players
10. The Children of Clay
The Children of Clay is a short stop motion archeology horror game, where you have to study an ancient artefact and discover its dark secret. The Children of Clay is a horror, atmospheric and detective game developed and published by Balazs Ronyai. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,808 reviews of which 1,790 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
1,790
18
7
players