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
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Return to the Black Mesa Research Facility as one of the military specialists assigned to eliminate Gordon Freeman. Experience an entirely new episode of single player action. Meet fierce alien opponents, and experiment with new weaponry. Named 'Game of the Year' by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.
Half-Life
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
Jurassic Park: The Game
Experience a brand new adventure set during the events of the first Jurassic Park movie and see new areas and dinosaurs in this landmark adventure 65 million years in the making!
Sleeping Dogs
As Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to take down the Triads, you'll have to fight your way up the organization without blowing your cover.
Mark of the Ninja
In Mark of the Ninja, you'll know what it is to truly be a ninja. You must be silent, agile and clever to outwit your opponents in a world of gorgeous scenery and flowing animation. Marked with cursed tattoos giving you heightened senses, every situation presents you with options.
Assassin’s Creed® IV Black Flag™
The year is 1715. Pirates rule the Caribbean and have established their own lawless Republic where corruption, greediness and cruelty are commonplace.Among these outlaws is a brash young captain named Edward Kenway.
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 15th 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 12,409 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
802,993
32,356
12,409
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 8,554 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
8,554
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 4,858 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
4,858
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 2,779 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
2,779
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 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 2,399 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.0
91,274
22,072
2,399
players
6. 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 2,220 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.9
101,846
10,729
2,220
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 1,476 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
1,476
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 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 1,016 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
39,787
2,490
1,016
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 101,740 reviews of which 94,484 were positive and 7,256 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 970 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
94,484
7,256
970
players
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 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 901 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
101,543
9,424
901
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 15th 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€
0.90€
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 6,902 reviews of which 6,537 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
6,537
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€
0.60€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.9
4,498
405
-98%
19.50€
0.46€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.9
512
25
-98%
12.49€
0.29€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.7
4,585
494
-98%
34.99€
0.90€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.6
2,595
295
-98%
21.99€
0.49€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.6
2,607
299
-98%
18.99€
0.42€
10. 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 3,293 reviews of which 2,906 were positive and 387 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.5
2,906
387
-98%
19.99€
0.44€
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 15th 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. 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 #2 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
386
17
33
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 9,527 reviews of which 8,661 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
8,661
866
31
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
7.7
743
173
27
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 4,265 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 #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
4,098
167
17
players
6. 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 6,472 reviews of which 6,328 were positive and 144 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
6,328
144
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 14,254 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 #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
13,218
1,036
13
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. 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 visual novel game developed and published by Bit Golem. Released on September 24th 2021 has received 11,635 reviews of which 11,076 were positive and 559 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.3
11,076
559
6
players
10. Krypta FM
Can you solve the mystery of the Beast of Gozdary? Krypta FM is a walking simulator, atmospheric and horror game developed and published by Under The Sink Studio. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 1,607 reviews of which 1,533 were positive and 74 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.1
1,533
74
6
players