Gather ’round, ye brave (and chicken sh*t) souls, for today we embark on a journey through the eerie, shadowy realms of Dark Fantasy games.
We’ve traversed the treacherous lands to find you 9 of the best, most intriguing titles in the genre.
Prepare your armor and sharpen your wits for these magnificent gaming gems!
Praise the Sun: Dark Souls Series
Our first stop on this mystical journey is the infamous Dark Souls series. This challenging (read: hard AF) game has earned its place in the gaming pantheon with its unforgiving difficulty and mysterious lore. Plus, wowwww… the hauntingly beautiful design.
Each installment of the trilogy offers a unique adventure through the decaying realms of Lordran, Drangleic and Lothric.
Players must navigate treacherous environments, facing deadly enemies and monstrous bosses, to uncover the dark secrets of these cursed lands.
With its memorable characters, intricate combat system, and deep lore, the Dark Souls series is a must-play for any fan of the Dark Fantasy genre.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Next up, we enter the morally ambiguous world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
This game offers immersive, open-world gameplay. Players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, as he searches for his missing adopted daughter.
The Witcher 3 is filled with morally complex characters and storylines… none more memorable than the Bloody Baron.
This questline delves into the tragic tale of a broken family, a cursed wife and a tormented father. The Bloody Baron’s story is a prime example of the Dark Fantasy elements present throughout the game. Players must confront supernatural creatures, make difficult choices and unravel the tangled intermingled web of political intrigue and personal tragedy.
The Last of Us
Now with its own mega-hit HBO adaptation, this post-apocalyptic action-adventure game is a must for any Dark Fantasy gaming list.
Players assume the role of Joel, a grizzled plague survivor, as he escorts a young girl named Ellie across a ravaged America.
Danger lurks everywhere, due to the zombified, fungus-infected humans – and the remnants of society hiding in the shadows.
With its intense, emotional storytelling, gripping gameplay and hauntingly beautiful environments, The Last of Us is a masterclass in Dark Fantasy storytelling.
The game’s blend of survival-horror elements, stealth-based combat, and emotionally-shattering narrative makes it an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Don’t Starve & Don’t Starve Together
Welcome to the whimsically twisted world of Don’t Starve, a quirky and challenging survival game with dark fantasy elements aplenty. This game is one of our all-time favorites.
Players must navigate a randomly generated wilderness filled with bizarre creatures, haunting environments, and the ever-present threat of starvation. Craft tools, build shelters, and fend off the darkness in this Tim Burton-esque, hand-drawn world.
The multiplayer expansion, Don’t Starve Together, takes this eerie survival experience to the next level by allowing players to team up with friends and face the deadly world together.
Whether you choose to brave the darkness alone or with comrades, Don’t Starve and Don’t Starve Together offer a delightfully twisted take on the survival genre.
Darkest Dungeon
In this turn-based, roguelike dungeon crawler, players must recruit, train, and lead a team of flawed heroes through twisted forests, crypts, and other horrors.
Darkest Dungeon’s Lovecraftian-inspired art style and grim atmosphere set it apart in the dark fantasy genre.
Players have to manage their heroes’ stress levels (lol, what a bunch of nutters, these guys are) lest they succumb to madness, and face the ever-present threat of permadeath.
With its innovative gameplay mechanics and haunting narrative, Darkest Dungeon is a challenging and engrossing addition to the Dark Fantasy gaming realm.
Vampyr
Step into the blood-soaked shoes of Dr. Jonathan Reid in Vampyr, a dark fantasy action RPG set in 1918 London. As a newly turned vampire, Reid must balance his duty as a doctor with his newfound bloodlust.
The game offers a deep, branching narrative where players’ choices have significant consequences, forcing them to confront the moral implications of their actions.
Vampyr’s dark atmosphere and gothic setting, combined with its intricate combat system and compelling story, make it a standout title in the dark fantasy genre. Delve into the seedy underbelly of London and unravel the mysteries of the night in this chilling adventure.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
In this grim tale, players follow the story of Amicia and her younger brother, Hugo, as they navigate a war-torn, plague-ridden France. This stealth-based game features a gothic atmosphere, stunning visuals and a gripping story that will pull at your heartstrings.
Battling swarms of ravenous rats and merciless Inquisition soldiers, players must guide Amicia and Hugo through a treacherous landscape filled with danger and despair.
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a deeply emotional and cinematic experience that masterfully weaves together Dark Fantasy elements with historical events.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
This first-person survival horror game plunges players into a terrifying and sanity-draining adventure.
As protagonist Daniel, players must navigate the eerie halls of a dark, haunted castle, all while piecing together the fragments of his fractured memory.
With its sanity mechanic, Amnesia forces players to balance their need for light with the risk of attracting the horrifying creatures lurking in the shadows. GAHHH, there are some super effective jumpscares.
The game’s chilling atmosphere, immersive storytelling, and relentless tension make it a must-play for dark fantasy enthusiasts seeking a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled experience.
Bloodborne
From the twisted minds behind the Dark Souls series comes this nightmarish classic.
Bloodborne plunges players into the nightmare-fueled world of Yharnam. This dark and brooding action-RPG boasts a Lovecraftian-inspired setting filled with grotesque monsters, eldritch horrors and a decaying cityscape that will haunt your dreams.
Bloodborne’s fast-paced, aggressive combat system, intricate level design, and chilling atmosphere make it a must-play for fans of Dark Fantasy.
Prepare to face your deepest fears as you unravel the horrifying secrets of Yharnam and its twisted inhabitants.
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