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
Nadir: A Grimdark Deckbuilder
Nadir is a roguelike deck-builder with a twist: the cost to play a card is an enemy reaction you can predict. Craft your own cards to slay powerful demons. Gather resources, expand your city, grow in power and conquer the underworld.
Sonic Colors: Ultimate
Join Sonic in the high-speed adventure of a lifetime across a colorful interstellar amusement park. Color the Universe in Sonic Colors: Ultimate!![[Chilla's Art] The Karaoke | ヒトカラ🎤](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2200190/header.jpg)
[Chilla's Art] The Karaoke | ヒトカラ🎤
The Karaoke | ヒトカラ is a Japanese horror game about a high school girl at a Karaoke.
Inspector Schmidt - A Bavarian Tale
In a third-person RPG detective story, set in Bavaria in 1866, the medical student Valentin Schmidt travels to Wolpertshofen, when a sudden death causes turmoil in the village. Use your skills, find clues and question the villagers to stop the murders.
Deliver Us Mars
Deliver Us Mars is an atmospheric sci-fi adventure taking you on a suspense-fuelled, high-stakes mission to recover the ARK colony ships stolen by the mysterious Outward.
PERISH
PERISH is a stylish 1-4 player FPS with a cross to bear. Slay hordes of creatures on the black sands of Purgatory and sell their gold-stained corpses to craven priests. Kill magnificent bosses and use the proceeds to gain entrance to Elysium, a place of cosmic revelations.
Rhythm Sprout: Sick Beats & Bad Sweets
Enjoy chill Lo-fi walks and fight bosses to K-POP, EDM and Hip-Hop inspired tracks. Features a quirky story, 30 handcrafted levels and various EX-modes to refresh your gameplay.
SEASON: A letter to the future
Leave home for the first time to collect memories before a mysterious cataclysm washes everything away. Ride, record, meet people, and unravel the strange world around you in this third-person meditative exploration game.
BACKROOMS: APPREHENSION
A terrifying multiplayer horror experience with social deduction elements. Trapped in the Backrooms, up to ten players must try to work together to survive and expose the shapeshifting Skin Stealer hiding among them before it’s too late. Who will you trust?
Postmouse
Join Postmouse on their very first journey to deliver mail in a treacherous world unfit for a tiny mouse. Explore the ruins, meet charming characters and solve puzzles on your way through an abandoned mansion in this free, student-made adventure - all in one small mouse-sized package!
Dead Space
The sci-fi survival-horror classic returns, completely rebuilt to offer an even more immersive experience — including visual, audio, and gameplay improvements — while staying faithful to the original game’s thrilling vision.
Dread Templar
Dread Templar is a fast-paced hardcore old-school FPS, combining classic 90s shooter and modern FPS elements. Unlock and combine dozens of weapon upgrades and skills, embrace the Dread Force and obliterate hordes of fiendish enemies. Become the scariest thing in hell and get your revenge!
Death in the Water 2
Dodge and carve your way through swarms of terrifying sea creatures controlled by Death, a vicious giant mind-controlling Kraken that haunts your every move. Scavenge for hidden treasure to unlock weapons, and upgrades to help you in your fight for survival. Every dive reveals a new nightmare.
Forspoken
Forspoken follows the journey of Frey, a young New Yorker transported to the beautiful and cruel land of Athia. In search of a way home, Frey must use her newfound magical abilities to traverse sprawling landscapes and battle monstrous creatures.
The Multi-Medium
The Multi-Medium is a visually unique 2D puzzle platform adventure in which you play as an interdimensional explorer lost in the multiverse. Travel to diverse worlds, each drawn or painted by hand in a different medium and style, in search of your place in the cosmos.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition
Welcome to the 1980s. From the decade of big hair and pastel suits comes the story of one man's rise to the top of the criminal pile. Grand Theft Auto returns with Tommy Vercetti’s tale of betrayal and revenge in a neon-soaked tropical town full of excess and brimming with possibilities.
A Space for the Unbound
A magical adventure about two high school sweethearts set at the end of their school days - and the end of the world. Explore a crumbling town and help friends face their inner demons, which could be the key to stopping reality itself disintegrating. And don’t forget to pet the cats.
Lake Haven - Chrysalis
This game serves as a prequel chapter for the upcoming game 'Lake Haven'. Detective Zeke Reynold is called to investigate what he assumes will be another case he'll quickly forget, but what he finds will be sewn into the fabric of his existence forever.
The Bad Kids
As an adaptation of the popular suspecse TV series, Cat's Cradle, this game combines investigation, solving puzzles and reasoning with original stories, which can build a more Immersive experience. Game will build new stories based on original setting and focus on the inner world of the character.
Rising Front
A FPS WW1 & Revolutionary War battle simulator with a focus on Workshop Content, rag-doll physics, intelligent AI, massive battles, procedural AI cover system, real-time building system and FPS combat!
I commissioned some bees 0
Play for free! I paid artists to hide bees in 10 pieces of artwork. Can you find them all? Warning: Relaxing.
Children of Silentown
Children of Silentown is a dark adventure game that tells the story of Lucy, a girl growing up in a village deep in a forest inhabited by monsters. People disappearing is nothing uncommon here, but this time, Lucy is old enough to investigate on her own. Or so she thinks.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 12th 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 8,467 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.3
180,277
66,553
8,467
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 7,237 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
7,237
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 410,499 reviews of which 387,232 were positive and 23,267 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 7,176 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.3
387,232
23,267
7,176
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 2,945 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
2,945
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 111,847 reviews of which 90,348 were positive and 21,499 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,593 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.0
90,348
21,499
2,593
players
6. 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 38,183 reviews of which 35,473 were positive and 2,710 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,552 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.1
35,473
2,710
2,552
players
7. 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 1,415 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
97,517
9,249
1,415
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 1,244 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
1,244
players
9. 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 628 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.4
40,187
1,985
628
players
10. 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 101,499 reviews of which 94,265 were positive and 7,234 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 520 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
94,265
7,234
520
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 12th 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 469 reviews of which 374 were positive and 95 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
95
-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 2,701 reviews of which 2,323 were positive and 378 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
2,323
378
-94%
25.67€
1.54€
4. White Shadows
The wolves are watching! Venture through a captivating but brutal dystopia where our young adventurer Ravengirl will travel through this huge city’s brightest highs and delve to its darkest depths on her perilous journey of discovery and finding her destiny where hope seems in short supply. White Shadows is a puzzle, adventure and atmospheric game developed by Monokel and published by Thunderful Publishing and Mixtvision. Released on December 07th 2021 has received 689 reviews of which 555 were positive and 134 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.6
555
134
-94%
19.99€
1.19€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.1
3,884
1,445
-94%
52.83€
3.17€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.9
9,961
879
-93%
34.43€
2.41€
7. 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 2,117 reviews of which 1,953 were positive and 164 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
1,953
164
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,649
136
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.0
356
58
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.7
719
172
-93%
32.71€
2.29€
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 12th 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 2,182 reviews of which 2,158 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 265 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
2,158
24
265
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 9,504 reviews of which 8,638 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
8,638
866
34
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 870 reviews of which 722 were positive and 148 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
722
148
30
players
5. 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 396 reviews of which 379 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
379
17
29
players
![[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2933290/header.jpg)
6. [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 #6 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
3,982
164
23
players
7. 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 2,311 reviews of which 2,251 were positive and 60 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.3
2,251
60
13
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
13,180
1,031
13
players
9. Halls of Torment: Prelude
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? Halls of Torment: Prelude is a bullet hell, dark fantasy and retro game developed and published by Chasing Carrots. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,363 reviews of which 1,273 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.9
1,273
90
12
players
10. 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 6,354 reviews of which 6,212 were positive and 142 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
6,212
142
9
players