5 Best Lovecraftian Horror Games, Ranked

Lovecraftian horror is a genre that has a unique lore and aesthetic based around it. So naturally, this started to affect video games. Games that are designed with these things in mind often have distinct aesthetics and styles. These are games that are sure to keep the player up at night as they show you horrors from another realm, so if you are looking for the best of these games. Please enjoy our list of the 5 Best Lovecraftian Horror Games, Ranked.

5. Sunless Sea

We begin by starting our list off with Sunless Sea. Sunless Sea is a rather unique game with a dark, gloomy, gothic aesthetic. While this may be a dark place, the story that serves as a throughline for the game is phenomenal. Players will be able to be at the helm of a shipwrecked ship, and you must keep your crewmates, as well as yourself, sane. This makes for a unique premise and is really quite interesting right off the bat within this title.

There is quite an astounding amount t of dialogue and story to uncover throughout this game. For example, there are at least three-hundred fifty thousand words packed into these stories. So the player who seeks out lore will be greatly rewarded in this title. In addition, players will be able to engage in quite a few activities, such as trading and combat, in the game as they try and maintain their crew. So if you enjoy Lovecraftian horror or dark horror games and themes in general, definitely check out Sunless Sea.

4. Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Next on our list, we have an entry that is part of a much larger horror franchise. Amnesia: The Dark Descent is much like its title suggests a dark descent into madness. Players are able to play this first-person survival game while trying to keep their wits about them. This leads the tension to ramp up in the game, making for a psychologically taxing experience. Players will have to survive long enough to unravel the mystery surrounding their characters. This is great for intrigue and invites the player to learn more if they so dare.

There are many different elements of the game that are designed to mess with the player's mind. These include audio cues and much more playing at inappropriate times. This leads to the player feeling disoriented and unable to figure out what exactly is going on. This is great as it really sells the immersion factor of being an amnesiac. Additionally, players will be able to traverse 3D landscapes that will ramp up the creep factor the longer you play. So if you enjoy Lovecraftian games, definitely don't miss out on one of the best horror titles on the market.

 3. Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones

Our next entry, Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones, is a game that has a rather strange presentation. The game allows players to take control of multiple characters as they unravel a mystery revolving around the world they are in. There is quite an interesting twist on the game's combat, however. The combat for this game is turn-based, which is quite different from other entries on this list. Within this game, players will be able to enjoy hard-drawn representations of Lovecraftian art.

Everything from the enemy types and many of the situations the player is placed in are connected with Lovecraft's stories. In all, there are a total of eight different character archetypes the player can choose from. Each of these brings its own flavor to your playthrough and is worth experiencing on its own. Players will have quite a few unique things to contend with, including a Sanity meter that must be monitored at all times. To close, Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones is a fantastic example of Lovecraftian horror games at the genre's best.

2. Bloodborne

A game that needs little to no introduction, Bloodborne is a fantastically dark, gothic Victorian-styled game that will have horror fans reeling. The game, which has a ton of Lovecraftian influences, allows for players to play as The Hunter. Players will have a number of classes and weapons to choose from, each of which feels distinct from one another. This goes a long way toward helping the sense of player identity within the game itself. Everything from threaded canes to hammers and more can be used as a weapon against the madness within this game.

The deep rich lore is an aspect of this game that has stood the test of time. There are few games that allow for this type of analysis and thought being put behind their characters. Firstly, there is a multitude of fans breaking down the rich lore of the game. Secondly, each of these analyses has its own perspective, which ultimately broadens the appeal of the game. So if you are looking for a Lovecraftian horror game that has stood the test of time to cement its own legacy, definitely check out Bloodborne.

1. Call of Cthulhu

Our next entry on our list, through its namesake alone, will invoke thoughts about the Lovecraftian mythos. Call of Cthulhu is one of the most accurate recreations of Lovecraftian lore we have received in game form. Players will be able to be whisked away to a world full of mystery and intrigue as they try and solve a string of murders. Playing as a detective, players must seek out answers to the things that they need to know.

The game features a Sanity meter, and as this meter falls, so will your perception of reality. This makes for a chilling gaming experience as you slowly start to question what you see. This balancing of the mind can be horrifying in and of itself. As you quickly try and make your way through the game with your mental state intact. This element makes the horror of the game more palpable. Finally, suppose you are looking for a fantastic Lovecraftian horror game to pick up for the player. In that case, this is an excellent choice for beginners or more seasoned veterans of the Lovecraftian mythos.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Lovecraftian Horror Games, Ranked? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.