Best Dark 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 dark games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free dark games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Valfaris: Mecha Therion
Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell!
The Last Faith
A dark, gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. The Last Faith thrives on merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions at your disposal. Let nothing stand in your way.
Survivors of the Dawn
A roguelite horde-survival bullet heaven with QUINTILLIONS of bullets over QUINTILLIONS of hordes. Mix weapons with items, modify, control chaos at terminals and break through tightening waves.
You Will Die Here Tonight
Immerse yourself in retro top-down visuals as you face the horrors of Breckenridge Hall through intense first-person combat. Scavenge, solve puzzles, and upgrade your gear. Do whatever it takes to survive—but remember: You Will Die Here Tonight.
The Devourer: Hunted Souls
Play as a paranormal investigator in our hybrid between first person survival and psychological horror story game. Investigate a haunted forest with up to 5 players CO-OP, try to lift the curse, experience a tragic story and take decisions together. Will you survive or will you lose your soul?
Midnight Heist
Go on heists through Midnight City alone or with up to three friends to fulfill tasks as a hacker for various organizations. Improve your reputation, earn money and uncover the secrets of shady companies in this co-op horror game.
CRYMACHINA
CRYMACHINA is an action RPG where mechanical girls strive to survive in a post-apocalyptic world to become “Real Humans''. But what does it mean to be a “Real Human”?
Dead Signal
Monitor camera feeds, report valuable info, and hand-deliver shady packages. An hourly quota of reports will test your keen eye to spot the differences, while timed deliveries will force you outside unexpectedly. Until you clock out for the night almost nowhere is safe.
Hellboy Web of Wyrd
Hellboy Web of Wyrd is a roguelike action brawler with an original story created in partnership with Dark Horse Comics and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. When an agent of the B.P.R.D. goes missing, Hellboy is sent to investigate; pulling him into the depths of the Wyrd.
The Mildew Children: Chapter 1
Featuring a blend of 2D adventure and visual novel. Chapter 1 is the very beginning of the grim tale about a village inhabited only by children who follow savage pagan traditions. A young witch Kyrphel, along with her sisters, are bound to perform a macabre Ritual in order to save their village.
EMPTY SHELL
EMPTY SHELL will throw you in a dark industrial environment, a secret facility on a Japanese island. Each volunteer has signed a contract for a "recovery operation" without being privy to too many details. A tense roguelite survival horror with a top down perspective.
The Coffin of Andy and Leyley
Walk-n-talk adventure with light puzzling. Brother and sister practice cannibalism after witnessing a botched satanic ritual.
Heads Will Roll: Reforged
Hardcore survival RPG with non-linear story that lets you play as a young medieval soldier who over the course of battles and adventures becomes the most formidable and respected knight of his era. Or, if he’s not lucky enough, perishes in the chaos of the Hundred Years' War.
The Windows Are Gone
Haunted by grief and guilt after a tragic accident, you start seeing a house in your dreams. No matter what you do, you can't get its image out of your mind. You feel it calling for you, so you answer it.
Conrad Stevenson's Paranormal P.I.
I made this first-person single player ghost hunting simulation game, trying to take an authentic approach at investigating ghosts. Use essential paranormal tools to help your community alleviate their concerns and put their minds at ease.
El Paso, Elsewhere
STAKES. GUNS. SLOW-MO. Fight werewolves and vampires in a reality-shifting motel. Dive through barricades to escape the grasp of evil puppets. Destroy the villain you loved. A new, third-person love letter to classic shooters. Neo-noir never looked so good.
Demonologist
Demonologist is a Co-Op horror game that can be played with at least 1 and up to 4 players. Your goal is to identify the type of evil spirit in cursed places and exorcise it using your equipment, either alone or with your team.
Hellsweeper VR
DARE TO DESCEND INTO HELL? Hellsweeper VR is an intense first-person action-combat VR experience. Traverse the underworld where every step brings a challenge or a chance. Gain mastery of your weapons and elemental magic, or fall to the unrelenting onslaught of hell's twisted souls.
The Backrooms: Survival
Survival horror with roguelike elements. Explore randomized levels with different items and entities while trying to maintain your thirst, hunger, and sanity, ensuring a new experience every time. Play alone or with up to TEN friends online! Cross-platform multiplayer with Nintendo Switch.Most played dark games on Steam
Take a look at the top dark games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 01st 2025.
1. Buckshot Roulette
Play Russian roulette with a 12-gauge shotgun. Four enter. One leaves. Roll the dice with your life. Good luck! Buckshot Roulette is a multiplayer, dark and gambling game developed by Mike Klubnika and published by CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on April 04th 2024 has received 92,496 reviews of which 88,870 were positive and 3,626 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 dark game, thanks to its 1,044 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
88,870
3,626
1,044
players
2. Beholder
You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you? Beholder is a dystopian , choices matter and political sim game developed by Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) and published by Alawar. Released on November 09th 2016 has received 26,777 reviews of which 24,534 were positive and 2,243 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 679 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among dark games based on player count.
9.0
24,534
2,243
679
players
3. The Coffin of Andy and Leyley
Walk-n-talk adventure with light puzzling. Brother and sister practice cannibalism after witnessing a botched satanic ritual. The Coffin of Andy and Leyley is a psychological, dark comedy and story rich game developed and published by Kit9 Studio. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 28,927 reviews of which 27,927 were positive and 1,000 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 548 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among dark games based on player count.
9.4
27,927
1,000
548
players
4. Little Nightmares II
Little Nightmares II is the second game in a series that has thrilled and captivated millions of players worldwide since 2017. Now it’s your turn to try to survive this critically acclaimed entry in the most charming horror series ever made. Little Nightmares II is a horror, adventure and singleplayer game developed by Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on February 10th 2021 has received 42,341 reviews of which 39,842 were positive and 2,499 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 222 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played dark games.
9.2
39,842
2,499
222
players
5. Cultist Simulator
Seize forbidden treasures. Summon alien gods. Feed on your disciples. Cultist Simulator is a game of apocalypse and yearning. Play as a seeker after unholy mysteries, in a 1920s-themed setting of hidden gods and secret histories. Cultist Simulator is a simulation, choices matter and strategy game developed and published by Weather Factory. Released on May 31st 2018 has received 12,804 reviews of which 10,114 were positive and 2,690 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 182 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played dark games.
7.7
10,114
2,690
182
players
6. Sally Face - Episode One
Delve into a dark adventure following the boy with a prosthetic face and a tragic past. Unravel the sinister mysteries of Sally's world to find the truth that lies hidden beneath the shadows. Sally Face - Episode One is a story rich, psychological horror and indie game developed and published by Portable Moose. Released on December 14th 2016 has received 22,251 reviews of which 21,630 were positive and 621 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 133 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played dark games.
9.5
21,630
621
133
players
7. Nine-Ball Roulette
This will be the most thrilling pool game you have ever played. Join up to 3 of your friends in this exciting pool roulette game! Eliminate each other with pool until only one person is left. Nine-Ball Roulette is a multiplayer, pool and dark game developed and published by WaveBox Labs. Released on January 13th 2025 has received 742 reviews of which 637 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 110 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played dark games.
8.1
637
105
110
players
8. SOMA
From the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent comes SOMA, a sci-fi horror game set below the waves of the Atlantic ocean. Struggle to survive a hostile world that will make you question your very existence. SOMA is a horror, psychological horror and atmospheric game developed and published by Frictional Games. Released on September 21st 2015 has received 44,854 reviews of which 43,034 were positive and 1,820 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 105 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played dark games.
9.4
43,034
1,820
105
players
9. Hatred
Hatred is a violent twin-stick shooter, in which you take the role of The Antagonist fighting against all of humanity. Hatred is a gore, violent and action game developed and published by Destructive Creations. Released on June 01st 2015 has received 21,583 reviews of which 17,935 were positive and 3,648 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 101 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played dark games.
8.2
17,935
3,648
101
players
10. INSIDE
Hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project. INSIDE is a dark, narrative-driven platformer combining intense action with challenging puzzles. It has been critically acclaimed for its moody art style, ambient soundtrack and unsettling atmosphere. INSIDE is a 2.5d, puzzle-platformer and atmospheric game developed and published by Playdead. Released on July 07th 2016 has received 67,288 reviews of which 65,213 were positive and 2,075 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played dark games.
9.5
65,213
2,075
83
players
Best deals on dark games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of dark games available on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted dark games.
1. 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 466 reviews of which 372 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for dark category.
7.5
372
94
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. DARQ: Complete Edition
DARQ tells the story of Lloyd, a boy who finds himself in the middle of a lucid nightmare. Unable to wake up, Lloyd has to face his fears and decipher the meaning of the dream. DARQ: Complete Edition is a horror, dark and adventure game developed and published by Unfold Games. Released on August 15th 2019 has received 3,994 reviews of which 3,753 were positive and 241 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in dark games.
9.0
3,753
241
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. Beholder
You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you? Beholder is a dystopian , choices matter and political sim game developed by Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) and published by Alawar. Released on November 09th 2016 has received 26,777 reviews of which 24,534 were positive and 2,243 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in dark games.
9.0
24,534
2,243
-94%
13.79€
0.82€
4. Cultist Simulator
Seize forbidden treasures. Summon alien gods. Feed on your disciples. Cultist Simulator is a game of apocalypse and yearning. Play as a seeker after unholy mysteries, in a 1920s-themed setting of hidden gods and secret histories. Cultist Simulator is a simulation, choices matter and strategy game developed and published by Weather Factory. Released on May 31st 2018 has received 12,804 reviews of which 10,114 were positive and 2,690 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.7
10,114
2,690
-87%
20.31€
2.64€
5. SILT
Dive into a surreal ocean abyss in an atmospheric puzzle-adventure. Explore dangerous waters, possess sea creatures and solve environmental puzzles to discover what lies deep below the surface… SILT is a puzzle, atmospheric and adventure game developed by Spiral Circus Games and published by Fireshine Games. Released on June 01st 2022 has received 652 reviews of which 501 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 78% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.3
501
151
-78%
14.77€
3.25€
6. Hatred
Hatred is a violent twin-stick shooter, in which you take the role of The Antagonist fighting against all of humanity. Hatred is a gore, violent and action game developed and published by Destructive Creations. Released on June 01st 2015 has received 21,583 reviews of which 17,935 were positive and 3,648 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 76% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.2
17,935
3,648
-76%
5.04€
1.21€
7. Eyes: The Horror Game
You break into the mansion at night. It’s huge and built like a maze. You're trying to escape, but the monster is after you! The chase begins. RUN!! Eyes: The Horror Game is a adventure, horror and survival horror game developed by Fearless Games and published by QubicGames and Gamersky Games. Released on May 20th 2024 has received 468 reviews of which 434 were positive and 34 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.6
434
34
-75%
4.99€
1.24€
8. Corpse Keeper
Corpse Keeper is a very challenging action-strategy roguelite. You'll need to lead a squad of three corpses to explore the grim and dark medieval world within limited time, build a powerful army of the living dead, and finally kill the demon lurking in the deep end of the cathedral. Corpse Keeper is a action rpg, dark and fantasy game developed by Melancholia Studio and published by Thermite Games. Released on May 28th 2024 has received 1,177 reviews of which 903 were positive and 274 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 74% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.4
903
274
-74%
19.19€
4.99€
9. 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. Source of Madness is a rogue-lite, lovecraftian and action game developed by Carry Castle and published by Thunderful Publishing. Released on May 11th 2022 has received 1,024 reviews of which 745 were positive and 279 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 72% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.0
745
279
-72%
19.93€
5.58€
10. The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker
YOU are a psychiatrist, trying to solve a murder whilst treating the unusual patients of the recently deceased Doctor Dekker. Type a question - patients reply in full screen video and have questions for you too but be careful what you say. Your words determine their eventual fates, and your own! The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker is a fmv, lovecraftian and atmospheric game developed and published by D'Avekki Studios Ltd. Released on May 19th 2017 has received 559 reviews of which 461 were positive and 98 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.8
461
98
-70%
8.99€
2.69€
Free dark games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play dark games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play dark games.
1. Siren Head: Awakening
Siren Head: Awakening is a first-person horror game based on Trevor Henderson's artwork. You're stuck with your car in the middle of a dark forest with nothing but your flashlight. Seek escape by finding items necessary to survive while a terrifying monster lurks the shadows. Siren Head: Awakening is a horror, dark and exploration game developed and published by Prisma Games L.L.C.. Released on October 30th 2020 has received 860 reviews of which 628 were positive and 232 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7
628
232
7
players
2. Psycholonials
While in communication with supernatural forces, two influencers launch a daring new social media brand. Psycholonials is a visual novel, dark and dark humor game developed by Andrew Hussie and published by None. Released on February 03rd 2021 has received 936 reviews of which 836 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.4
836
100
5
players
3. The Windows Are Gone
Haunted by grief and guilt after a tragic accident, you start seeing a house in your dreams. No matter what you do, you can't get its image out of your mind. You feel it calling for you, so you answer it. The Windows Are Gone is a psychological horror, atmospheric and immersive sim game developed and published by Scary Cube. Released on October 02nd 2023 has received 480 reviews of which 451 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.7
451
29
2
players
4. If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers
If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers is a narrative-driven point-and-click adventure with horror elements that explores the stories of four characters in a masked ball taking place aboard a train in the late 1920s. If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers is a point & click, story rich and pixel graphics game developed and published by Dead Idle Games. Released on September 21st 2021 has received 2,340 reviews of which 2,251 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.2
2,251
89
1
players
5. Shadow Burglar
Play as Jean, a thief with the mystical power of morphing with the shadows. Creating yourself an improbable path in the dark and carefully dealing with guards in the light, you will try to steal back your deceased brother’s paintings. Do you have what it takes to avenge his legacy? Shadow Burglar is a action, stealth and free to play game developed by Ghostly Productions and published by UQAT - Création et nouveaux médias. Released on March 01st 2022 has received 813 reviews of which 792 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.1
792
21
1
players
6. Pleh!
Pleh! is a short psychological horror walking simulator that tells the story of a depressed game developer, his intrusive thoughts and his dark mysterious secrets. Pleh! is a psychological horror, walking simulator and narration game developed and published by Jester Games. Released on March 17th 2023 has received 1,254 reviews of which 1,192 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.0
1,192
62
1
players
7. LISA: The First
A memory of madness. LISA: The First is a rpg, exploration and action rpg game developed by Dingaling Productions and published by Serenity Forge. Released on March 20th 2024 has received 302 reviews of which 251 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.7
251
51
1
players
8. Momotype
An experimental, horror visual novel about raising a virtual pet. Help a tamagotchi-like creature navigate his angst. We love Momo! Momotype is a visual novel, cute and dark game developed by and published by Rimatoad. Released on December 03rd 2021 has received 730 reviews of which 710 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.1
710
20
9. Flicker of Hope
Flicker of Hope is a suspense thriller where you play as a small candle in the ruins of a dark cathedral. Though the halls are littered with victims of a mysterious plague, you are not the only soul left. Use the properties of a candle, and a trusty douter to prevent yourself from being discovered. Flicker of Hope is a horror, stealth and indie game developed and published by Studio Whip. Released on August 02nd 2020 has received 937 reviews of which 876 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.8
876
61
10. Bear With Me - Episode One
Bear With Me is an episodic noir adventure game. Amber is trying to find her missing brother while being aided by her trusty teddy, Ted E. Bear. Bear With Me - Episode One is a noir, dark and atmospheric game developed by Exordium Games and published by Miyagi Games. Released on August 08th 2016 has received 979 reviews of which 857 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.3
857
122