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
Andy's Apple Farm
Play minigames and discover the hidden truth in this retro-style horror game
Pumpkin Eater
Pumpkin Eater is a visual novel about grief, pumpkin heads, and human decomposition. 100% medically accurate.
The Last Stand: Aftermath
From the creators of The Last Stand: Union City and Dead Zone comes an all-new singleplayer rogue-lite action adventure. After you become infected by the zombie virus, you set out to explore the post-apocalypse and find hope for your fellow survivors. You can still make a difference. Don't give up.
Evil God Korone
An unexpected collaboration from Tsugunohi, the game where horror invades daily life, and VTuber Inugami Korone, from VTuber group hololive. Inugami Korone, who has been live streaming many horror game, has become an evil goddess and taken over Tsugunohi. Now, chop your finger and give it to her.
Uninvited Guest
Uninvited Guest is a first-person psychological horror game set in 1930. You play as a villager who was destined to end up in an old mansion.
Bloodshore
Bloodshore is an interactive action movie about a televised battle royale between high-profile streamers, entertainers and death row inmates. You control the fate of Nick, a washed-up actor who fights for a life-changing cash prize.
Flesh Water
This is your last day as a worker for a pet feeding service, and depending on how the day goes, your life. Prepare the final meal for a client's odd pet that lives in an abandoned pool all while trying to make it out safely and avoid mistakes.
Hypnagogia 無限の夢 Boundless Dreams
Meet colorful characters, discover mysterious secrets, and reassemble the fractured remains of an ethereal crystal as you explore a series of abstract worlds based on dreams, nightmares, and the places in between.
In Silence
In Silence is a multiplayer horror game. One player takes on the role of the monster who has hypersensitive hearing abilities and is almost completely blind. The other players(2-6) play as survivors, trying to escape or hunting the monster.
Horror Story: Hallowseed
Horror Story: Hallowseed is a story-driven psychological horror game. An obscure event causes two of your friends to disappear while you were camping in the woods. Left alone and stranded in an unknown place, you need to seek the answers about what happened, face the horror and find your friends.
Happy Game
A little boy falls asleep to a horrible nightmare. Can you make him happy again?
FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Maiden of Black Water
“FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Maiden of Black Water” comes to Steam for the first time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the horror-adventure series FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO. The game is set on sacred Mt. Hikami, a site of many mysterious and terrifying incidents.
Kathy Rain: Director's Cut
The award-winning point-and-click adventure returns in the Director's Cut with an extended story, additional puzzles, and new areas to explore. Witness the rise of an iconic detective as you uncover a dark and sinister truth hiding behind the calm exterior of a small rural town.
The Black Heart
The Black Heart is a VS 2d fighting game in the tradition of Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat, where 6 creatures face each other in cruel battles with gothic aesthetic.
Lay a Beauty to Rest: The Darkness Peach Blossom Spring
Love-suspense AVG with the theme of "The Peach Blossom Spring". The equinox flowers, bloom for one thousand years and wither for one thousand years. Eternal paradise. Do you choose to stay here, escape here, or bury everything here?
The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes
At the close of the Iraq War, Special Forces hunting for weapons of mass destruction unearth something far deadlier – a buried Sumerian temple containing a nest of unearthly creatures. To survive the night below, they must forge a brotherhood with their enemies from the world above.
Corpse Party (2021)
Explore the haunted halls of Heavenly Host Elementary in Corpse Party (2021), the horror cult classic now updated for the next generation.
Inscryption
Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...
Chasing Static
A psychological horror short story. Explore the untouched wilderness of rural Wales as you uncover the forgotten remains of a mysterious facility and find the truth behind the missing villagers of Hearth.
Evil Tonight
Silvia never runs from evil—she makes it her business. Eccentric yet warm-hearted, this seasoned modern exorcist has mastered the art of confronting the supernatural, turning haunted places into tangible nightmares. But on this fateful night, nothing goes as planned.
My Beautiful Paper Smile
Welcome, child, to your new home. Here you shall learn the art of perfection. Here you shall learn to smile. Be sure that smile doesn’t fade into sadness, or you will need to run and hide…
The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare
When a nightmare creeps into reality, the only ones that can help are those whose magical powers we’ve believed in since childhood. A brave teddy bear and his fairy sidekick head to the darker side of “happily ever after” to rescue his owner, Alicia.
Poppy Playtime
You must stay alive in this horror/puzzle adventure. Try to survive the vengeful toys waiting for you in the abandoned toy factory. Use your GrabPack to hack electrical circuits or nab anything from afar. Explore the mysterious facility... and don't get caught.
Eronoctosis: Put Yourself Together
A 2-Player Networked Horror Co-Op game. Explore the deepest recesses of your mind to put yourself back together. Work together to defend yourself from its denizens.
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 17th 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 775 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
91,745
3,796
775
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 266 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
266
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 240 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
240
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 228 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
228
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 174 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
174
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 109 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
109
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 838 reviews of which 727 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played dark games.
8.2
727
111
94
players
8. 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. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played dark games.
8.2
18,412
3,709
83
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
75
players
10. 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 45,365 reviews of which 43,530 were positive and 1,835 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played dark games.
9.4
43,530
1,835
75
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 17th 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.
8.6
2,255
271
14.79€
8. 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 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.1
7,715
1,573
-95%
18.99€
1.05€
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. 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. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for dark games.
9.1
53,043
4,241
-92%
9.99€
0.88€
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 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play dark games.
1. 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 #1 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.8
881
62
3
players
2. 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 #2 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.2
2,291
89
2
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.4
859
102
2
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.8
261
52
2
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.0
633
238
2
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. 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 488 reviews of which 459 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.7
459
29
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. 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 #9 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.1
803
21
10. 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 736 reviews of which 716 were positive and 20 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
716
20