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 Emperor's Own: Alpha Teaser
The Emperor’s Own is a story-driven adventure game with RPG elements, set in an alternate universe, inspired by the Russian Empire at the dawn of the 19th century. It features multi-dimensional characters, difficult moral dilemmas, and a mature, branching narrative.
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.
Visage
Visage is a first-person psychological horror game. Explore a mysterious ever-changing house in a slow-paced, atmospheric world that combines both uncannily comforting and horrifyingly realistic environments, and enjoy a genuinely terrifying experience.
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series contains all 4 Seasons, 400 Days, and The Walking Dead: Michonne, which includes over 50 hours of gameplay across 23 unique episodes.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope
Trapped and isolated in the abandoned town of Little Hope, 4 college students and their teacher must escape the nightmarish apparitions that relentlessly pursue them through an impenetrable fog.
The Case Book of Arne
A vampire and a girl... who are they? The two of them have a secret and solve a strange case... In a world where paranormal activity takes place, "Player" solves a case in which a non-human becomes a suspect. Such a "detective adventure" is coming to STEAM.
Transient: Extended Edition
H.P. Lovecraft meets Cyberpunk. Delve deep into a dystopian world and investigate what is happening to you and your friends in a domed city. Solve puzzles, hack systems and plug in to explore other dimensions. Discover a truth that might tear apart your sanity and question your very existence.
Dread X Collection 3
Experience 12 all-new games made exclusively for this unique horror anthology. Explore a mysterious castle that changes as you play. Keep your wits about you as the line between cute and creepy begins to blur. Uncover the next chapter in the ongoing Dread X Collection storyline.
Amnesia: Rebirth
A first-person horror adventure. Uncover your past and survive the Algerian desert. Fear is your enemy; stay calm to not succumb to an illness threatening you and your loved one. Avoid darkness, hide from monsters and solve puzzles. Adventure Mode available for a less scary experience.
The Horror Of Salazar House
Will you solve the mystery of the Salazar manor or will you become another permanent inhabitant? An Italian horror inspired adventure game!
Lucifer Within Us
Solve 3 increasingly intricate murders by examining the evidence -- find the motive, the means, and the opportunity. Use testimonies of the suspects as evidence by examining every detail for contradictions... and signs of sin. Purify the possessed. Purge the daemons.
Kingdom Rush Vengeance - Tower Defense
It's payback time! Lead your mighty dark army and make the Kingdom tremble with every step. Build powerful towers, choose your arsenal for destruction, and find the deadliest combination - train legendary heroes and lead them to victory!
Ring of Pain
Enter the Ring of Pain, a roguelike card crawler where encounters come to you. Each step around the ring a dire decision. Go for the loot or backstab a creeping horror? Meet strange friends bearing gifts and treasure. Choose your gear wisely to survive and discover the secrets of the Ring of Pain.
The Signifier Director's Cut
This story-driven adventure follows a mystery of death and despair from reality into the surreal realms of objective memories and subjective experiences. Search the mind, solve puzzles, and unravel the dark truth in this psychological thriller.
Cube Escape Collection
In this classic point-and-click adventure anthology you follow the path of Dale and Laura and other famous Rusty lake characters such as Mr. Crow and Mr. Owl. The series will be updated, preserved and bundled to survive the end of the Flash Games era.
Space Travel Idle
If you ever dreamed of exploring space at a relaxed pace, here's a journey designed for you.
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is a 4 player online co-op psychological horror. Paranormal activity is on the rise and it’s up to you and your team to use all the ghost-hunting equipment at your disposal in order to gather as much evidence as you can.
Metel - Horror Escape
Metel - Horror Escape is a first-person 3D game in the quest, horror genre. Welcome to the home of an insane maniac hungry for new blood and suffering! You are a victim in his hands. Be careful trying to find a way out. The maniac should not notice your escape attempt.
Sense - 不祥的预感: A Cyberpunk Ghost Story
A 2.5D horror game inspired by Clock Tower and Fatal Frame, mixing cyberpunk with traditional Cantonese folklore. With careful attention to pacing, atmosphere and storytelling, Sense hopes to return the horror genre to its roots by celebrating visceral horror and the slow, fearful creep of dread.
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 18th 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 712 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
91,745
3,796
712
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 278 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
278
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 206 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
206
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 195 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
195
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 182 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
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 22,561 reviews of which 21,939 were positive and 622 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 128 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
128
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. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played dark games.
8.2
18,412
3,709
99
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 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 #8 spot among the most played dark games.
9.4
43,530
1,835
84
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played dark games.
8.2
727
111
73
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 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 #10 spot among the most played dark games.
9.5
65,954
2,092
59
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 18th 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. 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 #7 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.1
7,715
1,573
-95%
18.99€
1.05€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for dark games.
8.4
968
129
-94%
8.99€
0.57€
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 1,069 reviews of which 776 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for dark games.
7.0
776
293
-94%
19.99€
1.20€
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 18th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play dark games.
1. 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 #1 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
7.9
4,594
1,039
4
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
3
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
3
players
4. 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 1,260 reviews of which 1,198 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.0
1,198
62
1
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.0
3,419
246
1
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.8
881
62
1
players
7. The Feast
The Feast is an invitation to a bizarre family dinner party that takes an unexpected turn. Join the most surreal meal of your life, discover what you truly stand for, and create your own tragic spectacle in this short thought-inspiring and unforgettable adventure with multiple endings. The Feast is a multiple endings, dark and free to play game developed by Sever and published by Prismatika. Released on December 15th 2022 has received 740 reviews of which 517 were positive and 223 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
6.7
517
223
1
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.1
803
21
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
9.1
716
20
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played free dark games on Steam.
8.7
459
29