Discounted 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
Monument Valley: Panoramic Edition
Embark on a journey of forgiveness through impossible environments and illusionary puzzles. Experience this meditative and calming puzzle game by manipulating monuments and creating evolving paths to explore new, surreal, and mysterious worlds.
Placid Plastic Duck Simulator
The ultimate high-tech rubber duck simulation, Placid Plastic Duck brings you dangerous levels of relaxation. With chill music, dreamy 3D graphics, and many different happy ducks, your only priority is to float around. Zero Ducks given.
Fobia - St. Dinfna Hotel
Explore a decadent hotel across different timelines and uncover the dark history of a fanatical cult and your role in their plans.
Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition
Armed with your investigative skills and the tools of the Blade Runner trade, you'll be immersed in a world that lives and breathes around you with breakthrough lighting and visual effects. Your ability to survive will be put to the test in the richest game environment ever created.
Hands of Necromancy
Hands of Necromancy is a Dark Fantasy FPS metroidvania, inspired by classics such as Heretic and made with the GZDoom engine. Wield weapons, magic or transform into a fearsome monster to slay your foes, then raise them as undead servants and unleash even more carnage to become a master Necromancer!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge reunites Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they kick shell in a beautifully realized beat ’em up.
The Hand of Merlin
The Hand of Merlin is a turn-based rogue-lite RPG in which Arthurian legend meets with sci-fi horror. Recruit mortal heroes to explore lands rife with otherworldly evil, make narrative bending choices in unique interactive encounters, and search for the lost fragments of your soul across the multiverse!
Chivalry 2
Chivalry 2 is a multiplayer first person slasher inspired by epic medieval movie battles. Players are thrust into the action of every iconic moment of the era - from clashing swords, to storms of flaming arrows, to sprawling castle sieges and more.
POSTAL: Brain Damaged
POSTAL: Brain Damaged is a new, action-oriented take on the Running With Scissors’ cult game series with throwback graphics, and fast-paced, modern gameplay. Take a wild roller coaster ride through the twisted wonderland encased in the POSTAL DUDE’S messed-up mind.
Card Shark
Card Shark is an adventure game full of cunning, intrigue, and delectable deceit. Enter a world where you’ll need to play your opponents better than you play your cards.
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy
Dynamic, procedurally generated adventure game that puts exploration first. Build your legacy as each wayfarer will change the fate of the world. Endless replayability with a huge set of difficulty modifiers. Boasting an award-winning soundtrack, a beautiful art style, and regular updates.
Eternal Threads
Eternal Threads is a single-player, first-person story-driven puzzle game of time manipulation, choice and consequence.
Outward Definitive Edition
No remarkable journey is achieved without great effort. In Outward, the cold of the night or an infected wound can be as dangerous as a predator lurking in the dark. Explore the vast world of Aurai solo or in Co-op. The Definitive Edition features both DLCs and quality of life improvements.
Plants vs. Zombies™ Garden Warfare 2: Deluxe Edition
Ready the Peashooters and prepare for the craziest, funniest shooter in the universe: Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2.
Tin Can
You've barely managed to escape your exploding spaceship. Now in an old escape pod, you hurtle through space at the mercy of the cosmos. With no knowledge of the pod’s complex systems, your life depends on a technical manual and your own wits. How long can you survive?
The Centennial Case : A Shijima Story
Unravel the mysteries of death, and find the answers to life.A unique Mystery-Adventure Game:The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story
Source of Madness
Source of Madness is a side-scrolling dark action roguelite set in a twisted Lovecraftian inspired world powered by procedural generation and AI machine learning. Take on the role of a new Acolyte as they embark on a nightmarish odyssey.
We Were Here Forever
You both awaken imprisoned inside the sinister Castle Rock - were you betrayed, or simply not that clever? Find out in the greatest co-op puzzle adventure in the We Were Here Series! Do you and your partner have what it takes to face the dark forces of this realm or will you be trapped… forever?
Brigandine The Legend of Runersia
The continent of Runersia is home to six major powers with more than 40 bases, 100 knights, and 50 types of monsters. Select a ruler, organize knights and monsters into troops, and conquer enemy bases!
Citizen Sleeper
Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future.
Trek to Yomi
As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman Hiroki is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. Faced with tragedy and bound to duty, the lone samurai must voyage beyond life and death to confront himself and decide his path forward.
Dinosaur Fossil Hunter
Become a real paleontologist, explore various environments and search for dinosaur fossils. Dig for and study the remnants of these majestic creatures to learn about their evolution. Build your own museum and experience an immersive background story.
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…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 02nd 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 246,431 reviews of which 180,027 were positive and 66,404 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 10,475 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.3
180,027
66,404
10,475
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 828,492 reviews of which 796,387 were positive and 32,105 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 7,443 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.5
796,387
32,105
7,443
players
3. 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 110,202 reviews of which 99,943 were positive and 10,259 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 4,865 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.0
99,943
10,259
4,865
players
4. 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. With 4,651 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.3
386,446
23,240
4,651
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 2,562 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
2,562
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 103,741 reviews of which 94,593 were positive and 9,148 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,272 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
94,593
9,148
2,272
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 1,407 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
1,407
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 41,211 reviews of which 38,774 were positive and 2,437 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,342 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
38,774
2,437
1,342
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 674 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
674
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 41,911 reviews of which 39,933 were positive and 1,978 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 575 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.3
39,933
1,978
575
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 02nd 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 3,234 reviews of which 2,853 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
2,853
381
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. 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 #2 best deal in atmospheric games.
8.3
2,289
375
-94%
25.67€
1.54€
3. 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 5,316 reviews of which 3,876 were positive and 1,440 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in atmospheric games.
7.1
3,876
1,440
-94%
52.83€
3.17€
4. 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 10,815 reviews of which 9,936 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 #4 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.9
9,936
879
-93%
34.43€
2.41€
5. 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 1,778 reviews of which 1,643 were positive and 135 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,643
135
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
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 2,086 reviews of which 1,925 were positive and 161 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
1,925
161
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. Midnight Protocol
Midnight Protocol is a tactical narrative-driven RPG with unique keyboard-only controls. Hack into servers, beat security systems and discover encrypted secrets while you try to find answers to why and how you got doxxed. Midnight Protocol is a singleplayer, hacking and typing game developed by LuGus Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on October 13th 2021 has received 414 reviews of which 356 were positive and 58 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.0
356
58
-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 870 reviews of which 702 were positive and 168 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
702
168
-93%
32.71€
2.29€
9. Cartel Tycoon
Cartel Tycoon is a survival business sim inspired by the ‘80s and '90s narco trade. Expand and conquer, fight off rival thugs and evade the authorities. Earn people's loyalty and strive to overcome the doomed fate of a power-hungry drug lord. Cartel Tycoon is a top-down, rts and resource management game developed by Moon Moose and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 26th 2022 has received 3,518 reviews of which 2,687 were positive and 831 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.4
2,687
831
-93%
28.86€
2.02€
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 103,741 reviews of which 94,593 were positive and 9,148 were negative resulting in a 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
94,593
9,148
-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 02nd 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 1,157 reviews of which 1,010 were positive and 147 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
1,010
147
51
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 9,499 reviews of which 8,633 were positive and 866 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
8,633
866
37
players
3. 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 386 reviews of which 369 were positive and 17 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
369
17
27
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 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 #4 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
7.9
713
147
21
players
5. 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 14,205 reviews of which 13,172 were positive and 1,033 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
13,172
1,033
13
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 6,309 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 #6 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
6,169
140
12
players
7. NaissanceE
NaissanceE is an obscure and magical first person exploration game, a philosophical trip and an artistic experience. The adventure takes place in a primitive mysterious structure and the game mainly consists to explore and feel the deep and strong ambiance of this atemporal world. NaissanceE is a exploration, indie and atmospheric game developed and published by Limasse Five. Released on February 13th 2014 has received 3,872 reviews of which 3,287 were positive and 585 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.2
3,287
585
11
players
![[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2933290/header.jpg)
8. [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 4,103 reviews of which 3,942 were positive and 161 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
3,942
161
8
players
9. Rental
Rental is a short and spooky adventure game about the dangers of renting a house in an unknown place. Rental is a horror, free to play and exploration game developed by Lonely House and published by Animita Project and Astrolabe Games. Released on March 07th 2024 has received 4,480 reviews of which 4,168 were positive and 312 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
4,168
312
8
players
10. 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 11,527 reviews of which 10,976 were positive and 551 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.3
10,976
551
7
players