10 Best Grimdark Games You Need to Play

Grimdark environments hold an unusual allure. It’s the thought of fighting against insurmountable obstacles amidst despair and desolation that stirs a fierce resolve within gamers to conquer adversities and emerge victorious.

At times, progress may require traversing over a path strewn with obstacles, but the delightful flavor of triumph can make every step worthwhile.

Video games often employ ominous settings in their narratives, masterfully integrating the ambiance with the gaming experience. Here, we delve into ten exceptional games that excel at striking this delicate balance.

10. Blasphemous

Mea Maxima Culpa

One delightful aspect of grimdark settings is their ability to delve into the most sinister aspects of human nature, and Blasphemous achieves this by providing a perspective infused with religious symbolism.

The initial game captivated a wide audience, be it positively or negatively, due to its graphic visuals that drew heavily from Catholic symbolism. Sin and guilt permeate its narrative and design, subtly reflected in every aspect of its aesthetics and mechanics, most notably through the perspective of its protagonist, The Penitent One.

While the original Blasphemous wasn’t perfect, it delivered an exhilarating, indelible experience through its themes alone. The sequel enhances gameplay mechanics and expands the narrative, making this two-part series a compelling choice for fans of Metroidvania games set in dark, atmospheric worlds.

9. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Grimdark By Definition

In terms of bleak and ominous universes, it’s likely that Warhammer 40,000 is the one that springs to mind first. This is because it encapsulates that universe beautifully with the well-known phrase, “In a future filled with gloom and despair, all you can see is war.

After the triumph of Wrath of the Righteous, Owlcat Games chose to delve further into the harshness by developing Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. In this title, you assume the role of a Rogue Trader—a bold and occasionally ethically questionable figure who ventures through the Koronus Expanse with the objective of enhancing the dominion of the Imperium of Mankind.

In a natural and easy-to-read manner,

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader immerses you in its brutal universe, giving you a taste of some of the most intense and unsettling aspects of Warhammer 40K.

In this game, my choices sometimes push me towards some harsh and questionable acts. It’s part of the grimdark genre, where complex moral dilemmas are par for the course.

Should you be yearning for a deep dive into the grim future depicted in Warhammer 40K, not many games embody its spirit as effectively as Rogue Trader does.

8. Warhammer: Vermintide 2

Time to Purge Some Rats… AND HERETICS

To put it simply, it’s no secret that when discussing dark fantasy games, I could easily compile a list dominated by titles from the Warhammer universe. But for variety’s sake, let’s restrict our selection to one game per intellectual property. It’s clear as day that Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40K are two distinct properties, correct? Agreed.

As a gamer, let me tell you, Warhammer Fantasy is already pretty dark, but nothing compares to the bleakness of its sci-fi counterpart. But when it comes to grimdarkness, nothing beats playing a game set during the End Times – the apocalyptic version of the Warhammer universe. After all, what could possibly be more grimdark than playing a game during the literal end of the world?

Vermintide 2″ delivers an extraordinary cooperative play, filled with unrelenting action, grisly graphics, and countless waves of Skavens and Chaos followers to vanquish. Despite being released a few years ago, this game remains exceptional due to frequent updates and additional content that keep the gameplay engaging.

7. Diablo 4

Lilith’s Gruesome Crusade

Initially, when Diablo III was released, many fans expressed disappointment with its more vibrant appearance compared to previous installments. However, it appears that Blizzard has addressed this feedback head-on as Diablo IV is undeniably the darkest, most grim, and unsettling part of the series yet.

The game is incredibly grisly, brimming with grotesque bodily imagery, and steeped in an overpowering sense of despair. It’s exactly the kind of game we were looking to include on our list.

In the game “Diablo IV“, you’re allowed to roam through an expansive, open-ended environment. You have the freedom to either focus on the primary narrative or embark on personal missions. The world is filled with numerous dungeons and side activities that will keep you engaged even before you reach the endgame stage.

Ever since its debut, “Diablo IV” has continued to improve. Last year, they overhauled their loot system, making it more rewarding to search for equipment. Additionally, the seasonal content ensures that gameplay remains engaging by offering fresh challenges and incentives for players with each reset.

Regardless of whether you prefer not to invest lengthy periods optimizing your gear, the game’s storyline itself remains entertaining and provides an exceptionally engaging experience.

6. Path of Exile

A Dark Path Ahead

Characteristics of an exceptional grimdark action RPG include unending curses, obscure divine entities, relentless bloodshed, and undeniably, an abundance of dazzling, eye-catching visual effects that dominate the screen.

Path of Exile is consistently ranked among the top games similar to Diablo. Its fanbase has grown significantly since its release, largely due to the dedication of its developers in introducing fresh gameplay elements with each new season.

The intricate system in “Path of Exile,” which allows you to customize your abilities using skill gems and a vast skill network, might initially seem overwhelming to beginners. However, overcoming this initial challenge can lead to an extraordinarily rewarding experience as you delve deeper into the game.

Right now, the follow-up version is available in an early release phase, but it already looks incredibly promising. For those who are into battling numerous foes to gather gear, you might want to take a peek at “Path of Exile“.

5. Grim Dawn

Grim is Already in the Title

This game is ideal if you enjoy immersing yourself in dark fantasy action RPGs without needing a constant online presence.

In a post-apocalyptic fantasy landscape, Grim Dawn places players in a world where humanity teeters on the edge of annihilation. They must confront war, illness, and otherworldly perils. The game’s ambiance effectively portrays despair and unyielding strife. Few human strongholds remain, offering the last vestiges of hope amidst the chaos.

As I tread the perilous paths of Cairn, I find myself needing both physical strength and unyielding resolve. Grim Dawn’s dual-class system and vast skill trees offer endless possibilities for crafting builds that match my preferred playstyle. The constant stream of loot ensures that every step forward is filled with excitement and satisfaction.

I hate talking about Grim Dawn because every single time I get the itch to reinstall it.

4. Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines

Grimdark but in Style

Is it not just fantasy or sci-fi realms that can embrace a grim and dark atmosphere? After all, “Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines” unfolds in a gritty portrayal of 2000s Los Angeles.

You’re plunged into an enigmatic realm hidden from humanity, governed by a clandestine order of vampires who dominate the darkness. Assuming the role of a newly transformed nocturnal creature, you navigate through a labyrinth of concealed allegiances and opposing factions, all while deciphering a captivating tale brimming with moral dilemmas and suspense.

In the game titled “Bloodlines“, you have the liberty to assume roles such as a ruffian, a charmer, a negotiator, or a covert agent. Simultaneously, you’ll experience being immersed in a dynamic, life-like universe where appearances can be deceiving.

This game offers memorable characters, captivating narratives, and intricately designed settings, providing an adventure that stays with you even once you’ve stopped playing.

3. Darkest Dungeon

Grimdarkest

In recent times, the indie gaming world was significantly impacted by the arrival of Darkest Dungeon, a game that enthralled both players and content creators due to its stylish aesthetics, ominous ambiance, and groundbreaking mechanics.

In the world of Darkest Dungeon, I find myself drawn into a grim, oppressive atmosphere that’s masterfully crafted through an innovative stress mechanic. With each dungeon expedition, my heroes face harrowing enemies and unyielding challenges that relentlessly test their mental and physical endurance.

Under increasing stress, characters could experience significant setbacks or even succumb to heart attacks due to the strain becoming unbearable.

Every venture carries a palpable sense of urgency, for the slightest misfortune could spell doom for even the most skilled crew.

Each journey holds a strong feeling of importance, as even a small mistake can lead to the downfall of an experienced team.

The follow-up significantly revamped the core game mechanics, giving it a distinct feel compared to the original, yet preserving the same ambiance. It’s definitely worth exploring.

2. Fear and Hunger

Trigger Warnings Galore

Fear and Hunger is an extreme example of games taking inspiration to the limit; it’s relentless in its depiction of violence, strong sexual content, demonic elements, and other disturbing themes, all set within an unsettling environment that might keep you awake.

The experience is brutally honest and occasionally seems excessive, but it’s tempered by an engrossing gameplay and narrative that keeps you hooked. There’s no coddling here; your team may—and frequently does—face a grim demise in the harshest of circumstances, yet it continues to entice you to reveal further mysterious shadows.

Years following its initial release, I discovered the captivating world of Fear and Hunger, which later earned cult status among gamers. Its successor, Fear and Hunger 2: Termina, polished the gameplay while softening some contentious elements – a move that I wholeheartedly appreciate. If you’ve got a sturdy constitution and a lot of perseverance, these games deliver countless unforgettable moments that will leave you scratching your head in disbelief.

1. Dark Souls

Age Of Grimdarkness

When considering FromSoftware’s games, most seem to fit a grimdark theme; however, I believe that none portray despair, gloom, and hopelessness as effectively as the game titled Dark Souls.

In this shattered realm I inhabit, peace is but a distant memory. Rather than being champions tasked with restoring balance, we’re thrust into the role of deciding between prolonging this fragile existence or taking the drastic step of hitting the ‘reset’ button, potentially plunging everything back into chaos.

Regardless of the outcome, it’s an unyielding fight, and this persistent, grim conflict is essentially the essence of the genre.

Or:

No matter which path we choose, it’s a futile effort; that constant, relentless struggle is what truly embodies the genre.

While Dark Souls is recognized for its tough battles, clever level layouts, and unforgettable bosses, it’s the game’s gloomy ambiance and desolate environments that truly resonate with players—a persistent symbol of a world long lost.

The atmosphere that permeates the series leaves a lasting impression on viewers, striking a chord particularly with those who have experienced the burden of despair.

2025-02-06 02:10