Best Horror Games in The Backrooms, Ranked

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The popular online horror story, the Backrooms, is now a movie, and early reviews of A24’s film suggest it’s very good. Like many trends, the movie comes after the Backrooms had its biggest moment in the spotlight, as interest shifted within the indie horror community and on YouTube. The original Backrooms story became so well-known that it inspired a wave of video games, creating a whole new type of horror game – and some truly excellent ones. Escape the Backrooms is just one example of the many great games based on the concept.

Now that the movie is out, let’s look back at the best video games that really captured the eerie feeling of the Backrooms. Get ready for unsettling locations like yellow rooms and creepy pools, and meet the researchers trying to survive – here are the top Backrooms games you need to play.

10. Transliminal: Beyond the Backrooms

A Rogue-Lite Experience Perfect for Challenge Seekers

  • Platforms: PC
  • Release Date: November 15th, 2022
  • Developers: Corey Jeffries
  • Genres: Horror, Rogue-Lite

Rogue-lite games are known for being difficult – players have to start over completely when they die, which can be discouraging for some. It’s unusual to see horror combined with this style of gameplay, as the difficulty could easily ruin the scary atmosphere. However, Transliminal: Beyond the Backrooms successfully blends the two genres in a way that actually works well.

The Backrooms is ideal for randomly generated levels, meaning each playthrough features a unique layout and new challenges to overcome. Players can also tailor the experience to their liking – they can disable enemies and survival features for a more relaxed exploration of this version of the Backrooms, perfect for those who just want to wander and discover.

9. Inside the Backrooms

Survive with Friends

Even the popular Backrooms concept got its own multiplayer game, and it turned out to be surprisingly fun – it’s called Inside the Backrooms. It’s more than just wandering through creepy, empty spaces and trying to avoid a monster until the game ends. Players have to solve puzzles and sneak around to escape the terrifying creature, which makes for a really exciting experience.

Success in this game will require strong teamwork. The monsters are relentless and won’t let players take their time with puzzles, so someone will often need to distract them while others solve things. If you’re looking for a really good Backrooms experience to play with friends, Inside the Backrooms is a top choice.

8. Dreamcore

More Than Yellow Rooms

Most Backrooms games feature a very similar look – lots of yellow rooms. While this isn’t a bad thing, it can make different games feel the same, even though they aren’t connected. That’s why Dreamcore’s choice to use a different style is so effective. It helps the game stand out, while still capturing the nostalgic, grainy feel of ’90s VHS tapes that defines this type of game.

Instead of having consistent rooms, Dreamcore frequently changes its environments and overall look, making each area feel like a separate level. This unusual and often illogical mix of places actually strengthens the game’s surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.

7. Pools

Focuses on a Particular Section of the Backrooms

Swimming pools, though common and ordinary, can be surprisingly unsettling locations in Backrooms games. These waterways are generally peaceful, complete with expected amenities and even water park-style slides. Pools offer a mix of calm exploration and a creepy, sometimes overwhelming, atmosphere.

Similar to other games set in the Backrooms, Pools focuses on creating a creepy atmosphere rather than using monsters or jump scares. It builds fear by playing on the unsettling feeling of being lost or trapped in an empty, unfamiliar place. While players do have to find their way through a somewhat confusing area, it’s not the main focus of the game. Overall, it’s a straightforward experience designed to be immersive and unsettling.

6. The Complex: Expedition

A Creepy, Disorienting Nightmare

PGwave’s The Complex games have consistently been well-received, and Found Footage was an early success that helped establish the developer. But The Complex: Expedition is their best game yet, building on previous titles to deliver a more intricate and refined experience. Looking back, the earlier games now seem like stepping stones that led to this impressive 2025 release.

The Complex games are known for their realistic VHS visual style, and they do a great job of capturing that look. Expedition, in particular, feels like a game from the 1990s, putting you in the role of a researcher who enters a building that seems to go on forever. Like many games in the Backrooms genre, it creates horror through a feeling of being lost and confused, making players unsure of where they are or what time it is.

5. Day 7

The Backrooms Get the Puppet Combo Treatment

  • Platforms: PC
  • Release Date: September 1st, 2019
  • Developers: Puppet Combo
  • Genres: Psychological Horror

Puppet Combo gained popularity in the indie horror world by making video games that look like classic, retro horror films. These games are famous for their sudden, loud jump scares and challenging gameplay. In 2019, they were among the first to create a game based on the popular ‘Backrooms’ internet phenomenon, called Day 7 (also known as The Backrooms), which was initially released only to their Patreon supporters.

Puppet Combo reimagines the popular ‘Backrooms’ concept, emphasizing the struggle to survive. Players control Terrance, who is trapped and desperately trying to escape before succumbing to thirst, hunger, or madness. He encounters other lost people along the way, but not everyone can be trusted. The game features a surprisingly well-executed ending that offers a grounded take on this bizarre situation.

4. Anemoiapolis

A More Relaxing Backrooms Experience

It’s surprising to find a relaxing experience in a Backrooms game, since horror games are usually stressful. But that’s exactly what Anemoiapolis offers. Instead of being scared and chased, players can explore at their own pace, appreciate the scenery, and interact with the world around them to move forward.

While not a traditional action game, Anemoiapolis offers a fascinating exploration of the Backrooms, focusing more on puzzles and discovery than jump scares. It’s a great choice for players who are intrigued by the Backrooms concept but prefer a less intense, more unique experience.

3. Trepang2 (Site 83 Mission)

Who Put This Backrooms Section In My FPS Game?

Given its inspiration from creepypastas and the SCP Foundation, it wasn’t surprising that Trepang2 included a section based on the Backrooms. While players can stumble into it by falling through the level, the main way to access it is by taking on the optional Site 83 mission. This mission starts out normally, but quickly throws players into a yellow, maze-like area that initially feels like an endless loop.

Trepang2 handles this section remarkably well, seamlessly shifting from its usual fast-paced action to a more suspenseful, horror-focused experience. While Site 83 doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking for fans of the Backrooms, it’s effective because it surprises players who aren’t aware it’s there. It’s my personal favorite Backrooms experience, likely because I’m a big fan of Trepang2 overall.

2. Escape the Backrooms

Work Together to Escape

The Backrooms’ creepy settings, frightening creatures, and challenging puzzles make it a perfect fit for multiplayer games. Fancy Games recognized this and recently released their own version, Escape the Backrooms, following a similar attempt by another development team just a few months prior.

In Escape the Backrooms, up to four players are trapped in a constantly shifting maze and must work together to find the exit. But beware – 12 different creatures roam the halls! To win, everyone needs to escape, but the game makes it difficult, often splitting players up across the many strange locations within the Backrooms. It’s a challenging and scary experience, and a great way to explore the famous creepypasta with your friends.

1. The Backroom – Lost and Found

A Story-Rich and Surreal Experience

Many games explore the Backrooms, but most focus on a simple premise: you’re lost in the maze and desperately trying to escape. Gameplay usually involves solving easy puzzles, and sometimes includes monsters to create tension and chase scenes.

The Backroom – Lost and Found stands out as a surprisingly complete game, especially considering it’s free. You’ll explore various Backrooms levels on a heartwarming quest to bring a family of cute, living toy giraffes back together. While it has a looming danger, the game delivers the unsettling and scary experiences Backrooms fans expect, but in a fresh and original way.

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2026-05-29 17:06