Top 10 Cosmic Horror Video Games to Play

The realm of cosmic horror captivates audiences with its unique ability to instill feelings of existential dread and the fear of the unknown. This subgenre, predominantly inspired by the influential writer H. P.Lovecraft, has a distinct charm that resonates with many horror enthusiasts.

A quote from Lovecraft encapsulates the core of this theme perfectly: “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” This profound insight highlights what cosmic horror truly represents.

Fortunately, this intriguing subgenre is gradually gaining traction across various media platforms, especially within the video game industry. Several games are now adeptly capturing the Lovecraftian essence, providing players with spine-chilling experiences. Let’s explore some noteworthy titles that stand out in this category.

10 Eldritch

Cute with a Twist of Cosmic Horror

Despite its charming blocky graphics, Eldritch is an intense survival game that combines roguelike mechanics with immersive simulation. Players find themselves trapped in a mysterious library, striving to escape.

To succeed, you must navigate procedurally generated dungeons in search of ancient secrets and bizarre realms, confronting a myriad of unknown horrors using an array of weapons, special items, and magic. Additionally, the game features engaging stealth elements.

Imagine a delightful fusion of Lovecraft and Minecraft, promising an enjoyable labyrinth adventure. However, be aware that the game is relatively short and straightforward, with an average completion time of about two hours, which may leave players craving more upon finishing.

9 Dagon: by H. P.Lovecraft

A Free Experience Worth Exploring

Dagon: by H. P.Lovecraft is a free-to-play game that immersively presents the tale of “Dagon, ”one of Lovecraft’s seminal stories penned in 1917. It transports players into a concise, narrative-rich environment that emphasizes the dread of being lost at sea—a profound fear for Lovecraft himself—and the lurking presence of a malevolent sea deity.

This game successfully conjures that sense of dread and is particularly well-crafted, offering rich environments that invite players to step into the mind of Lovecraft and experience his visceral fears firsthand.

8 Conarium

Exploration through a Scientific Lens

Conarium takes a unique spin on horror, serving as a spiritual sequel to Lovecraft’s acclaimed work, “At the Mountains of Madness.”The narrative revolves around a scientific expedition in Antarctica that uncovers the remnants of an ancient civilization—an excellent setup for a profound psychological horror experience.

Players take on the role of Frank Gilman, one of the expedition members, and must navigate complex puzzles and immersive exploration. The game deeply resonates with Lovecraft’s themes and offers a captivating glimpse into the dread that ensues when the boundaries of understanding are pushed beyond their limits.

7 Moons of Madness

A Journey through Cosmic Space

Moons of Madness elegantly blends the essence of Lovecraftian horror within a space setting. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious version of Mars, players embody an astronaut tasked with uncovering the source of peculiar signals emanating from the planet.

The game narratively unfolds to reveal unsettling ancient mysteries, gradually building a heavy psychological atmosphere that keeps players in suspense from start to finish.

6 Call of Cthulhu

Delving into the Macabre Mysteries

Call of Cthulhu presents a strange and often clunky investigation experience, aptly reflecting the disjointed essence of cosmic horror. Players follow a private detective as he investigates a family’s mysterious demise on a secluded island. The investigation leads to eerie discoveries among the locals, suggesting that disturbing phenomena are at play.

This game offers a narrative focus full of intricate puzzles and multiple endings, enriching the overall experience. The direct connections to Cthulhu himself, the iconic entity of Lovecraft’s universe, elevate the intrigue and horror within this exceptional game.

5 The Sinking City

Facing Madness and Mystery

The Sinking City blends an open-world structure with an investigative narrative steeped in the Cthulhu mythos. Players embody a detective unraveling the enigma of a town driven to madness by unknown forces.

This atmospheric game combines elements of horror and psychological thrill, creating an engaging detective story that keeps players on the edge of their seats. The combination of storytelling and unsettling ambiance makes it one of the standout cosmic horror experiences available.

4 Darkest Dungeon

For the Brave and Strategic

Darkest Dungeon is a turn-based RPG known for its challenging mechanics, appealing to fans of both soulslike games and cosmic horror. This title captures the essence of Lovecraftian horror by placing heavy emphasis on the mental state of characters.

Players must carefully manage not only their character’s health but also the sanity of their team, infusing each decision with psychological tension and making every moment in the game significantly impactful.

3 World of Horror

A Stunning Visual Fusion

World of Horror offers a unique experience by amalgamating the influences of H. P.Lovecraft and renowned horror manga artist Junji Ito. This point-and-click narrative adventure is characterized by a retro 1-bit aesthetic, immersing players in a universe that feels reminiscent of a submerged manga in Cthulhu’s domain.

Set in a small Japanese town awakening ancient gods, the player is tasked with navigating a series of bizarre phenomena while resisting the madness that surges through the community.

2 Look Outside

A Disturbing Experience Awaits

Developed by a solo creator, Look Outside is a survival RPG that creates a haunting blend of Undertale mechanics and cosmic horror elements. Players find themselves in an apartment complex as a cosmic event unfolds. Those who peer outside plunge into insanity and can become something entirely inhuman.

Your character, unwittingly unemployed and never venturing outdoors, must explore the building to uncover the bizarre circumstances surrounding their neighbors and the chaotic transformations occurring within.

1 Bloodborne

An Unparalleled Lovecraftian Masterpiece

As our top pick, Bloodborne is an action RPG crafted by the acclaimed studio FromSoftware, encompassing renowned elements typical of Soulsborne games: intense difficulty, formidable bosses, and semi-open worlds rich with exploration.

Set in a world deeply steeped in cosmic horror, the gothic visuals and narrative eloquently convey the existential dread that accompanies the unknown. Players engage with eldritch beings and confront the harrowing realities of madness throughout their journey.

While it does not directly adapt Lovecraft’s works, Bloodborne delivers one of the most captivating and haunting Lovecraftian experiences one can encounter, leaving a memorable impact long after the controller is set down.