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
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.
Armello
Armello is a grim fairy-tale board game come to life, with every match combining deep, tactical card play, rich tabletop strategy and RPG elements. Leverage subterfuge, spells and careful strategy to wrangle control of the game's chaotic odds as you quest for the throne.
STASIS
STASIS The isometric, point-and-click, sci-fi horror adventure game! In the distant future aboard a seemingly abandoned spacecraft, John Maracheck awakes from stasis. He must push himself to new physical and emotional limits and unravel the mysteries around him.
Labyronia RPG 2
You return to the land of Labyronia, now in the cold grip of an evil force. Roam the wartorn lands. You are the only one who can save the planet from destruction. The epic sequel to the critically-acclaimed Labyronia.
Port of Call
Imagine waking up on a small dock with no recollection of who you are or how you got there. The first person you find is a grumpy, old man who enlists you to work on his ferry boat which seems to have materialized behind you.
The Black Watchmen
Become a Secret Agent and investigate paranormal activities in this dark Lovecraftian universe. This Alternate Reality Game will have you explore complex puzzles in-game but also in real-life; interacting with real websites, companies, and NPCs that we created as part of our universe.
Satellite Reign
Satellite Reign is a real-time, class-based strategy game, set in an open-world cyberpunk city. You command a group of 4 agents through rain-soaked, neon-lit streets, where the law is the will of mega-corporations.
Universe Sandbox
Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe.
Planet of the Eyes
An atmospheric narrative-platformer about a service robot stranded on a mysterious planet, Planet of the Eyes features a stunning visual mix of puzzle and platforming challenges, an original musical score, and fully voiced audio logs left by another survivor. Explore the mystery of an unknown world.
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.
Farm Frenzy Collection
Enjoy the farmhouse gems with this solid set of 12 Farm Frenzy titles! Join Scarlett throughout all of her adventures in hundreds of farming challenges. Raise chickens, ostriches, and dolphins. Bake cakes, grow crops, and sell items at markets. It's an all-out farming assault with one of the most enjoyed series ever!
Shadowrun: Hong Kong - Extended Edition
Shadowrun: Hong Kong - Extended Edition is the capstone title in Harebrained Schemes' Shadowrun series - and now includes the all-new, 6+ hr Shadows of Hong Kong Bonus Campaign. Experience the most impressive Shadowrun RPG yet, hailed as one of the best cRPG / strategy games of 2015!
Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power
Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power is a platforming game of action, puzzles and adventure, and the sequel to the award winning Trine and Trine 2. Reunite with the three heroes in an all-new adventure, now for the first time in full 3D!
ZOMBI
London is falling. Are you prepared? The Last Blight is upon us. It was foretold. For the second time in history, a great plague has shrouded London in a fog of death. Big Ben tolls as thousands of unprepared die, or worse, are infected by a sickness more gruesome than death.
Volume
Pure stealth action and infinite level creation from the award-winning studio behind Thomas Was Alone. Enter the Volume to halt Gisborne Industries' corruption and train the masses to rob from the rich. Features weekly content updates in curated Staff Picks section.
Gathering Sky
Guide a flock of birds on a playful journey across the sky.
Airscape - The Fall of Gravity
Airscape is a fast-paced, ultra-challenging 60 level action platformer. You play a deep-sea octopus, kidnapped by a mechanical alien race. Jump, dodge, and swim through a skybound environment full of floating islands, water formations, and robotic terrors.
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.
Fingerbones
Explore a mysterious abandoned bunker and find notes that paint a disturbing picture.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 May 07th 2025.
1. 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 246,830 reviews of which 180,277 were positive and 66,553 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played atmospheric game, thanks to its 7,264 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.3
180,277
66,553
7,264
players
2. 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 829,157 reviews of which 797,036 were positive and 32,121 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 6,235 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.5
797,036
32,121
6,235
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 409,686 reviews of which 386,446 were positive and 23,240 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 5,647 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.3
386,446
23,240
5,647
players
4. 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 111,358 reviews of which 100,856 were positive and 10,502 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 3,114 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.9
100,856
10,502
3,114
players
5. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Discover the vast Chornobyl Exclusion Zone full of dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies and powerful artifacts. Unveil your own epic story as you make your way to the Heart of Chornobyl. Make your choices wisely, as they will determine your fate in the end. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a open world, fps and post-apocalyptic game developed by GSC Game World and published by GSC Game World (worldwide), SEGA (Japan) and 4divinity (China and South East Asia). Released on November 20th 2024 has received 111,487 reviews of which 90,084 were positive and 21,403 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,225 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.0
90,084
21,403
2,225
players
6. 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 106,766 reviews of which 97,517 were positive and 9,249 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,367 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
97,517
9,249
1,367
players
7. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time? DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT is a story rich, open world and walking simulator game developed by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and published by 505 Games. Released on March 30th 2022 has received 37,810 reviews of which 35,128 were positive and 2,682 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,334 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.1
35,128
2,682
1,334
players
8. 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 41,499 reviews of which 39,052 were positive and 2,447 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,160 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
39,052
2,447
1,160
players
9. 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 101,377 reviews of which 94,154 were positive and 7,223 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 543 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
94,154
7,223
543
players
10. 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 42,172 reviews of which 40,187 were positive and 1,985 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 444 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.4
40,187
1,985
444
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 May 07th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted atmospheric games.
1. Terraformers
Terraform Mars in this turn-based colony builder and resource management game with roguelike elements. Explore the planet, develop spectacular cities, spread life and turn the Red Planet into a green one! Terraformers is a simulation, procedural generation and survival game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 3,239 reviews of which 2,858 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for atmospheric category.
8.5
2,858
381
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in atmospheric games.
7.5
374
94
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. The Gunk
The Gunk is an action-adventure game in which you play as Rani, part of our duo of gritty space haulers. As they’re struggling to bring in funds, they chance upon an untouched planet brimming with life. They came in search of valuable resources, and it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot… The Gunk is a action-adventure, atmospheric and sci-fi game developed by Image & Form Games and published by Thunderful Publishing. Released on April 29th 2022 has received 2,664 reviews of which 2,289 were positive and 375 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in atmospheric games.
8.3
2,289
375
-94%
25.67€
1.54€
4. 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 5,329 reviews of which 3,884 were positive and 1,445 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.1
3,884
1,445
-94%
52.83€
3.17€
5. Pathologic 2
Pathologic 2 is a groundbreaking open-world horror RPG. Resist the plague. Make medicine. Heal people. Perform an autopsy. Trade to get what you need. Fight and kill if necessary. Survive. Struggle with an outbreak in a secluded rural town that is rapidly turning into hell. Pathologic 2 is a story rich, atmospheric and choices matter game developed by Ice-Pick Lodge and published by tinyBuild. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 10,840 reviews of which 9,961 were positive and 879 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.9
9,961
879
-93%
34.43€
2.41€
6. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales
The Bookwalker is a narrative adventure in which you play as Etienne Quist, a writer-turned-thief with the ability to dive into books. Use your powers to journey between reality and book worlds, and steal legendary items like Thor's Hammer and Excalibur to restore your ability to write. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales is a adventure, singleplayer and atmospheric game developed by DO MY BEST and published by tinyBuild. Released on June 22nd 2023 has received 2,100 reviews of which 1,938 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,938
162
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. A Juggler's Tale
Lead Abby the string puppet through a bruised, but beautiful fairy tale world in this cinematic adventure. Solve riddles, evade traps and shake off pursuers on the way to find freedom. Can Abby take control of her fate with all the strings attached? A Juggler's Tale is a atmospheric, fantasy and story rich game developed by kaleidoscube and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on September 29th 2021 has received 1,785 reviews of which 1,649 were positive and 136 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,649
136
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. 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 891 reviews of which 719 were positive and 172 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.7
719
172
-93%
32.71€
2.29€
9. 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 6,614 reviews of which 6,267 were positive and 347 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.2
6,267
347
-92%
25.13€
2.01€
10. 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 106,766 reviews of which 97,517 were positive and 9,249 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.0
97,517
9,249
-92%
18.75€
1.50€
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 May 07th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play atmospheric games.
1. The Mr. Rabbit Magic Show
The incredible Mr. Rabbit invites you all to a mysterious magic show! Celebrate 10 years of Rusty Lake with a new free-to-play point-and-click adventure that promises to delight and… shock you with its sleight of hand! The Mr. Rabbit Magic Show is a adventure, escape room and point & click game developed and published by Rusty Lake. Released on April 30th 2025 has received 1,701 reviews of which 1,680 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 370 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
1,680
21
370
players
2. Phobies
Phobies is a tactical card collecting strategy game where players battle one another in the surreal realm of the subconscious, where fears manifest. Use devious tactics and unleash a dazzling array of attacks and abilities to achieve victory! Phobies is a atmospheric, dark fantasy and dark humor game developed by Smoking Gun Interactive Inc. and published by Phobies Holdings Inc.. Released on March 07th 2022 has received 1,159 reviews of which 1,011 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.3
1,011
148
52
players
3. 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 9,505 reviews of which 8,639 were positive and 866 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
8,639
866
34
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, simulation and music game developed and published by projectM. Released on July 26th 2020 has received 390 reviews of which 373 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
373
17
23
players
![[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2933290/header.jpg)
5. [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 4,146 reviews of which 3,982 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
3,982
164
16
players
6. 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 860 reviews of which 713 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
7.9
713
147
15
players
7. 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 14,211 reviews of which 13,180 were positive and 1,031 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
13,180
1,031
10
players
8. Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft
Face unspeakable horrors. Succumb to madness. Welcome to a free daemonic narrative experience inspired by H. P. Lovecraft. Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft is a horror, lovecraftian and atmospheric game developed and published by Bit Golem. Released on September 24th 2021 has received 11,549 reviews of which 10,994 were positive and 555 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
10,994
555
6
players
9. 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 6,309 reviews of which 6,169 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
6,169
140
5
players
10. How Fish Is Made
Are sardines trustworthy? Are you? Do you want to be? How Fish is Made is a janky little jaunt through the world of surrealist storytelling. Now featuring a Katamari-like DLC! How Fish Is Made is a surreal, short and horror game developed by Wrong Organ, Johanna Kasurinen, Jeffrey Tomec and Martin Halldin and published by Wrong Organ and CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on January 14th 2022 has received 4,696 reviews of which 4,485 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
4,485
211
5
players