Steampunk and horror — can you imagine a better duo?

A world powered by steam, gigantic machines, vast cities built in the Victorian style, and dark corners hiding terrifying secrets. Steampunk horror games can pull you into this incredible atmosphere, where retro-futuristic technology mixes with fear.

If you’re a fan of both steampunk vibes and horror video games, you’re in the right place. In this article, we present five titles that stand out not only for their atmosphere but also for their intriguing storylines and unique approach to the genre. Our criteria? Obvious! The dark steampunk vibe, amazing stories, and a unique visual style! Interested? Then let’s go!

GameReleaseGenreDeveloper
Sunless Sea 2019-05-02 Adventure-horror Failbetter Games
Close To The Sun 2019-05-02 Adventure Horror Storm in a Teacup
The Town Of Light 2016-02-26 Adventure LKA
Lies Of P 2023-09-19 Action Round8 Studio
Bioshock Remastered 2016-09-15 Action & Shooter 2K Australia
Vampyr 2018-06-05 RPG DONTNOD Entertainment
Amnesia A Machine For Pigs 2013-09-10 Adventure The Chinese Room

Vampyr

Release date:2018-06-05
Genre:RPG
Developer:DONTNOD Entertainment

In Vampyr, you play as Jonathan Reid, a doctor who becomes a vampire after World War I. The game is set in a steampunk London, where a mysterious plague is spreading, and the dark streets hold many secrets.

Vampyr is not only about fighting vampires, but also about a moral dilemma — as a doctor, should you save people or satisfy your growing thirst for blood?

The game impresses with its dense atmosphere, combining steampunk elements with gothic horror. In Vampyr, a world full of tension and dark mystery, awaits us!

Key features
  • dynamic combat system
  • engaging story
  • environment reacting to player choices

Bloodborne

Release date:2015-03-24
Genre:Adventure
Developer:FromSoftware

Bloodborne is one of the most iconic games in the steampunk horror genre.

The game takes you to the dark city of Yharnam, plagued by a mysterious illness, where nightmarish creatures lurk in the shadows. Your task is to fight the dark forces threatening the city and its inhabitants.

Bloodborne is a must-play for demanding action game fans. This title features a particularly challenging combat system and an incredible atmosphere that blends horror with steampunk elements.

Key features
  • character creation from scratch
  • terrifying scenery
  • challenging combat system and permadeath

Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs

Release date:2013-09-10
Genre:Adventure
Developer:The Chinese Room

Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs takes you to an alternate version of 19th-century London.

The player takes on the role of industrialist Oswald Mandus, who, after a mysterious awakening, discovers that his factory hides nightmarish secrets. To make matters worse, his children have disappeared. Can he save them?

A Machine for Pigs is an excellent blend of psychological horror and steampunk, where machines become tools of both production and terror.

Key features
  • the most terrifying story ever told in a video game
  • atmospheric soundtrack
  • environmental puzzles

The Order: 1886

Release date:2015-02-20
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Ready At Dawn

The Order: 1886 takes you to an alternate version of Victorian England, where technology is used to fight supernatural creatures.

You play as a member of the Order — an elite group of knights who protect London from werewolves and other dark forces.

The Order: 1886 stands out with stunning graphics and a gripping storyline, creating a steampunk world brimming with battles against supernatural beings.

Key features
  • dynamic shooting sequences
  • cinematic storytelling
  • realistic graphics

Masochisia

Release date:2015-10-09
Genre:Indie
Developer:Oldblood

Masochisia is an exceptionally dark and unusual game that takes you into a world of steampunk nightmares. It’s the story of a young boy discovering his dark, terrifying future.

Masochisia is a horror that affects the psyche, offering one of the darkest and most disturbing stories in a steampunk setting.

The game is mainly based on narration and psychological horror, with a unique aesthetic and atmosphere that make it a one-of-a-kind experience.

Key features
  • dark atmosphere
  • atmospheric graphics
  • terrifying soundtrack

Summary

Steampunk and horror are a combination that provides endless possibilities for creating dark yet captivating games. Each of the titles on our list stands out not only for its atmosphere and story but also for its unique style. If you’re looking for something that will give you chills and pull you in for hours, be sure to check out our suggestions! Of course, only if you dare ;).