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
The Happyhills Homicide 2: Out For Blood
He is back. Once again take control of mass serial killer John Wade. Six years later, the infamous Pale Grin resurrects from the grave to terrorize the broken town of Happyhills. This time he has more on his mind than simple killing.
The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered
Experience the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, now on PC. Discover Ellie and Abby’s story with graphical enhancements, gameplay modes like the roguelike survival experience No Return, and more.
Emissary Zero
Co-op horror (1-4 players). You are sent to explore a mysterious building at night. Find the Moon and try to return alive.
The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game. The player will become Khazan, the great general of the Pell Los Empire, who overcame death, and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies.
Look Outside
Look Outside is a survival horror RPG set in a single apartment building. A mysterious event turns anyone who looks out the window into grotesque monsters, leaving the world in absolute chaos. Scavenge the building to seek food, supplies, and weapons while encountering strange characters.
Metal Garden
Travel through an overgrown megastructure, and discover what lies beyond it. Metal Garden is a short, atmospheric singleplayer FPS game.
Unpossess: Exorcism Simulator
Unpossess is a 1-4 co-op exorcism simulator game set in the early 1900s. Players take on the role of exorcists responsible for addressing cases of human possession.
The Children of Clay
The Children of Clay is a short stop motion archeology horror game, where you have to study an ancient artefact and discover its dark secret.
Saihate Station
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men.
Do No Harm
Lovecraftian Doctor Simulator. Diagnose patients by analyzing unsettling symptoms and treat them using your Book of Medicine. Make moral choices — decide who to save or kill, discover whom to trust, and unlock multiple endings! Can you endure 30 days of perilous decisions?
Shadowveil: Legend of The Five Rings
Train unique samurai, embark on missions, and play the cards dealt each run on an epic roguelite adventure in the Legend of the Five Rings universe. Each defeat opens new strategic skill tree options and more powerful cards to face the growing threat in the Shadowlands.
Everhood 2
AN UNCONVENTIONAL ARPG where you battle enemies through musical encounters while being accompanied by a raven who promises to retrieve your voice if you slay the mighty Mind Dragon!
Garten of Banban 0
Explore the origins of the mysterious Banban’s Kindergarten. Survive the dark past of the establishment. Try to make some friends. Uncover the truth behind the place, and who you are…
BrokenLore: LOW
BrokenLore: LOW is a psychological horror game set in a mist-covered, beautiful Japanese village, blending hyper-realistic graphics with low-poly elements. The main enemy is the Gashadokuro, a yokai from Japanese folklore.
The Backrooms 1998 - Found Footage Survival Horror Game
The Backrooms: 1998 is a first-person found footage psychological horror survival game where it tells the story of a young teen after accidentally falling into the depths of The Backrooms in 1998. Roam freely, mark, explore and try unravel the story - however you are not alone. Don't scream.
TRIBE NINE
Defy the madness. Brutal Action RPG "TRIBE NINE" Set in the nation of Neo Tokyo, where absolute madness rules. Here, teens face life-or-death battles, constantly resisting the harsh and unjust world—all in pursuit of reclaiming their lost freedom and dreams.
Cradle of Nightmare : Flowers to you
Cradle of Nightmares: Flowers for You is an ATB turn-based game based on combat adventures made by RPGMaker. Players will take on the role of a high school student named Le Qing, who will fall into the dark and gloomy "second world" and embark on a journey to end the filthy fate of mankind.
Chained in the Backrooms
Chained in the Backrooms is a 1-4 player co-op, mission-based horror game. Trapped in a blurry subconscious and chained together, toy bears must solve puzzles, complete challenging missions, and survive against creatures trying to destroy them.
Project Hailstorm
Step into the shoes of a researcher in the depths of the antarctic and uncover the mysteries behind Project Hailstorm.
Slender Threads
In this paranormal point-and-click adventure, a traveling salesman races to stop a string of horrific deaths in a quiet seaside town—before he’s next.
The Headliners
Co-op horror game where you play in teams of 1 to 8 reckless journalists, ready to explore a city overrun by deadly creatures to snap spectacular footage. Your only goal: make the headlines without becoming one.
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 June 15th 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 95,541 reviews of which 91,745 were positive and 3,796 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 978 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
91,745
3,796
978
players
2. 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 30,157 reviews of which 29,090 were positive and 1,067 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 309 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among dark games based on player count.
9.4
29,090
1,067
309
players
3. 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 43,042 reviews of which 40,494 were positive and 2,548 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 298 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among dark games based on player count.
9.2
40,494
2,548
298
players
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 13,003 reviews of which 10,292 were positive and 2,711 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 268 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played dark games.
7.8
10,292
2,711
268
players
5. 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 27,747 reviews of which 25,444 were positive and 2,303 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 214 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played dark games.
9.0
25,444
2,303
214
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 22,561 reviews of which 21,939 were positive and 622 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 129 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played dark games.
9.5
21,939
622
129
players
7. 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 22,121 reviews of which 18,412 were positive and 3,709 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 114 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played dark games.
8.2
18,412
3,709
114
players
8. 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 838 reviews of which 727 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 104 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played dark games.
8.2
727
111
104
players
9. 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 68,046 reviews of which 65,954 were positive and 2,092 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played dark games.
9.5
65,954
2,092
92
players
10. LIMBO
Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO LIMBO is a puzzle-platformer, indie and puzzle game developed and published by Playdead. Released on August 02nd 2011 has received 57,284 reviews of which 53,043 were positive and 4,241 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played dark games.
9.1
53,043
4,241
84
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 June 15th 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 476 reviews of which 381 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for dark category.
7.5
381
95
-98%
19.50€
0.45€
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 27,747 reviews of which 25,444 were positive and 2,303 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in dark games.
9.0
25,444
2,303
-97%
13.79€
0.49€
3. The Darkness II
An intense first person shooter that delivers a twisted and gripping narrative of tragedy, modern crime drama, and supernatural horror. The Darkness II is a fps, action and gore game developed by Digital Extremes and published by 2K. Released on February 09th 2012 has received 19,772 reviews of which 18,121 were positive and 1,651 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in dark games.
9.0
18,121
1,651
-97%
29.99€
1.07€
4. ELDERBORN
ELDERBORN - a Metal AF* Slasher with brutal FPP melee combat and souls-like/RPG character progression. In the times of legend, barbarian tribes need a new dark messiah. Be that merciless slayer. Uncover ancient secrets in the city of doom. Forge your own destiny! *Action Fantasy. ELDERBORN is a first-person, souls-like and dark fantasy game developed and published by Hyperstrange. Released on January 30th 2020 has received 2,760 reviews of which 2,389 were positive and 371 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.3
2,389
371
-97%
12.49€
0.40€
5. Creepy Tale
Creepy quest with the atmosphere of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Go through a dangerous adventure filled with puzzles and challenges! Perhaps it is you who will be able to solve all the secrets of forest and save the peaceful creatures? Creepy Tale is a puzzle-platformer, dark and hand-drawn game developed and published by Creepy Brothers. Released on February 21st 2020 has received 2,671 reviews of which 2,310 were positive and 361 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.3
2,310
361
-96%
4.99€
0.22€
6. Happy Game
A little boy falls asleep to a horrible nightmare. Can you make him happy again? Happy Game is a horror, cute and psychedelic game developed and published by Amanita Design. Released on October 28th 2021 has received 2,902 reviews of which 2,608 were positive and 294 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.6
2,608
294
-95%
13.13€
0.78€
7. Pinstripe
An ex-minister ventures through the frozen depths of Hell in search of his kidnapped daughter. Pinstripe is a indie, adventure and casual game developed by Atmos Games and LLC and published by Armor Games Studios. Released on April 24th 2017 has received 2,526 reviews of which 2,255 were positive and 271 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.6
2,255
271
-95%
14.79€
0.82€
8. 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 13,003 reviews of which 10,292 were positive and 2,711 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.8
10,292
2,711
-95%
19.99€
1.09€
9. Bulb Boy
One gloomy night, Bulb Boy wakes suddenly from a frightening nightmare to discover that evil has overshadowed the Bulbhouse. His family has disappeared and there are horrid monsters lurking in the shadows. Gather the courage and use his glass head to save everything he loves. Bulb Boy is a adventure, indie and point & click game developed and published by Bulbware. Released on October 29th 2015 has received 1,097 reviews of which 968 were positive and 129 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.4
968
129
-94%
8.99€
0.57€
10. SUNLESS SEA
LOSE YOUR MIND. EAT YOUR CREW. DIE. Take the helm of your steamship and set sail for the unknown! Sunless Sea is a game of discovery, loneliness and frequent death, set in the award-winning Victorian Gothic universe of Fallen London. SUNLESS SEA is a exploration, lovecraftian and survival game developed and published by Failbetter Games. Released on February 06th 2015 has received 9,288 reviews of which 7,715 were positive and 1,573 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.1
7,715
1,573
-94%
18.99€
1.16€
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 June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play dark games.
1. 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 961 reviews of which 859 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.4
859
102
4
players
2. the static speaks my name
A dark/sad/weird/funny first person exploration game. You play a man on his last night alive as he obsesses over a mysterious painting. More of a story game in that it emphasizes mood and character over gameplay. Takes ten minutes to play and has "next-gen" features like a shrimp tank. the static speaks my name is a free to play, psychological horror and indie game developed and published by the whale husband. Released on August 10th 2015 has received 5,633 reviews of which 4,594 were positive and 1,039 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.9
4,594
1,039
3
players
3. 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 2,380 reviews of which 2,291 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.2
2,291
89
2
players
4. 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 871 reviews of which 633 were positive and 238 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.0
633
238
2
players
5. 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 1,258 reviews of which 1,196 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.0
1,196
62
1
players
6. Perfect Vermin
Your task is simple, exterminate all vermin. The sledge hammer you have been provided is capable of destroying almost all office appliances and furniture that may be uncooperative. Your time is running out. Perfect Vermin is a free to play, indie and surreal game developed by Talia bob Mair and Angad Matharoo and published by ItsTheTalia. Released on November 06th 2020 has received 3,665 reviews of which 3,419 were positive and 246 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
3,419
246
1
players
7. 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 943 reviews of which 881 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.8
881
62
1
players
8. 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 985 reviews of which 863 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.3
863
122
1
players
9. 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 313 reviews of which 261 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.8
261
52
1
players
10. 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 824 reviews of which 803 were positive and 21 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 dark games on Steam.
9.1
803
21