Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Darkwood (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Darkwood on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: DREDGE, which both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric.
- Darkwood is tagged Horror, Survival Horror, Top-Down, Atmospheric, Survival, Dark, Indie, Open World by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
DREDGE
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Exploration, Lovecraftian and Inventory Management.
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.
DREDGE at a glance Released 2023 Studio Black Salt Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 56,620 Price $10.79 ExplorationLovecraftianInventory ManagementPsychological HorrorHorrorRPGSurvival HorrorIndie
- 2
SUNLESS SEA
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Exploration, Lovecraftian and Survival; released around the same time (2015).
LOSE YOUR MIND. EAT YOUR CREW. DIE. Take the helm of your steamship and set sail for the unknown! Sunless Sea is a game of discovery, loneliness and frequent death, set in the award-winning Victorian Gothic universe of Fallen London.
SUNLESS SEA at a glance Released 2015 Studio Failbetter Games Player sentiment 83% positive of 9,554 Price $18.99 ExplorationLovecraftianSurvivalDarkRPGRogue-likeIndieHorror
- 3
We Happy Few
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Indie and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2018).
From the independent studio that brought you Contrast, We Happy Few is an action/adventure game set in a drug-fuelled, retrofuturistic city in an alternative 1960s England. Hide, fight and conform your way out of this delusional, Joy-obsessed world.
We Happy Few at a glance Released 2018 Studio Compulsion Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 13,772 Price $59.99 SurvivalIndiePsychological HorrorHorrorExplorationDarkCraftingSurvival Horror
- 4
Call of Cthulhu
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Lovecraftian, Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2018).
1924. Private Investigator Pierce is sent to look into the tragic death of the Hawkins family. Plunge into a world of creeping madness and cosmic horror. Cryptic clues, shadowy figures, and pure terror bar your way as you fight to retain your sanity and solve an otherworldly mystery.
Call of Cthulhu at a glance Released 2018 Studio Cyanide Studio Player sentiment 79% positive of 13,871 Price $19.99 LovecraftianHorrorPsychological HorrorRPGDarkSurvival HorrorGore
- 5
Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Dark; released around the same time (2016).
Welcome to Circus Baby's Pizza World, where family fun and interactivity go beyond anything you've seen at those *other* pizza places! Now hiring: Late night technician. Must enjoy cramped spaces and be comfortable around active machinery. Not responsible for death or dismemberment.
Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location at a glance Released 2016 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 90% positive of 12,642 Price $7.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorDarkSurvivalIndiePsychological HorrorGore
- 6
Slender: The Arrival
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Indie; released around the same time (2013).
Slender Man returns more terrifying than ever. You're on your own. No one to help you. No one to hear you scream. Relive the horror all over again with cutting edge visuals for the 10th Anniversary Update and experience survival horror at its finest.
Slender: The Arrival at a glance Released 2013 Studio Blue Isle Studios Player sentiment 88% positive of 9,349 Price $19.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorIndieDarkPsychological HorrorSurvivalExploration
- 7
Kholat
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and Survival Horror; released around the same time (2015).
The most terrifying journey of your life set in the beautiful winter scenery of the Ural Mountains. Uncover the horrific mystery behind the Dyatlov Pass Incident. Narrated by the famous Sean Bean.
Kholat at a glance Released 2015 Studio IMGN.PRO Player sentiment 66% positive of 6,913 Price $19.99 HorrorPsychological HorrorSurvival HorrorIndieExplorationSurvivalDark
- 8
The Forest
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Horror and Crafting; released around the same time (2018).
As the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator.
The Forest at a glance Released 2018 Studio Endnight Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 680,814 Price $19.99 SurvivalHorrorCraftingBuildingSurvival HorrorExplorationGoreIndie
- 9
Resident Evil Village
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Survival Horror, Horror and Gore; released around the same time (2021).
Experience survival horror like never before in the 8th major installment in the Resident Evil franchise - Resident Evil Village. With detailed graphics, intense first-person action and masterful storytelling, the terror has never felt more realistic.
Resident Evil Village at a glance Released 2021 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 96% positive of 153,329 Price $39.99 Survival HorrorHorrorGoreDarkSurvivalPsychological Horror
- 10
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2019).
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted is a collection of classic and original mini-games set in the Five Nights universe. Experience the horror in flat (non-VR) mode or VR. Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are supported. A VR Headset is NOT required to play.
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED at a glance Released 2019 Studio Steel Wool Studios Player sentiment 96% positive of 13,118 Price $29.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPsychological HorrorDarkSurvivalIndie
- 11
Ultimate Custom Night
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Survival; released around the same time (2018).
Welcome to the ultimate FNAF mashup, featuring 50 selectable characters and custom difficulties!
Ultimate Custom Night at a glance Released 2018 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 95% positive of 62,777 Price Free HorrorSurvival HorrorSurvivalDarkIndiePsychological Horror
- 12
Five Nights at Freddy's 2
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2014).
Welcome back to the new and improved Freddy Fazbear's Pizza! As always, Fazbear Entertainment is not responsible for death or dismemberment.
Five Nights at Freddy's 2 at a glance Released 2014 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 94% positive of 26,115 Price $7.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPsychological HorrorIndieDarkSurvival
- 13
Five Nights at Freddy's 4
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Dark; released around the same time (2015).
In this last chapter of the Five Nights at Freddy's original story, you must once again defend yourself against Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie, Foxy, and even worse things that lurk in the shadows.
Five Nights at Freddy's 4 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 93% positive of 16,924 Price $7.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorDarkPsychological HorrorSurvivalIndie
- 14
The Evil Within 2
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2017).
Detective Sebastian Castellanos has lost everything, including his daughter, Lily. To save her, he must descend into the nightmarish world of STEM. Horrifying threats emerge from every corner, and he must rely on his wits to survive. For his one chance at redemption, the only way out is in.
The Evil Within 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Tango Gameworks Player sentiment 92% positive of 30,959 Price $39.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPsychological HorrorGoreSurvivalDark
- 15
Five Nights at Freddy's 3
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2015).
Thirty years after Freddy Fazbear's Pizza closed it's doors, the events that took place there have become nothing more than a rumor and a childhood memory, but the owners of "Fazbear's Fright: The Horror Attraction" are determined to revive the legend and make the experience as authentic as possible for patrons, going to great l
Five Nights at Freddy's 3 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Scott Cawthon Player sentiment 90% positive of 11,334 Price $7.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPsychological HorrorIndieSurvivalDark
- 16
Metro Exodus
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival and Exploration; released around the same time (2020).
Flee the shattered ruins of the Moscow Metro and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness. Explore vast, non-linear levels, lose yourself in an immersive, sandbox survival experience, and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year in the greatest Metro adventure yet.
Metro Exodus at a glance Released 2020 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 135,440 Price $29.99 HorrorSurvivalExplorationSurvival HorrorGorePsychological Horror
- 17
The Evil Within
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2014).
Developed by Shinji Mikami -- creator of the seminal Resident Evil series -- and the talented team at Tango Gameworks, The Evil Within embodies the meaning of pure survival horror. Highly-crafted environments, horrifying anxiety, and an intricate story are combined to create an immersive world that will bring you to the height of tension.
The Evil Within at a glance Released 2014 Studio Tango Gameworks Player sentiment 85% positive of 33,579 Price $19.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPsychological HorrorGoreSurvivalDark
- 18
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Horror, Gore and Psychological Horror.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent, a first person survival horror. A game about immersion, discovery and living through a nightmare. An experience that will chill you to the core.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent at a glance Released 2010 Studio Frictional Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 35,674 Price $1.99 HorrorGorePsychological HorrorSurvival HorrorDarkLovecraftianIndieExploration
- 19
Friday the 13th: The Game
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Gore; released around the same time (2017).
Jason is back! Jason Voorhees is unleashed and stalking the grounds of Camp Crystal Lake! Take on the role as Jason Voorhees and Camp Crystal Lake counselors. This is the game you’ve been waiting for; the chance to kill or be killed on Friday the 13th!
Friday the 13th: The Game at a glance Released 2017 Studio IllFonic Player sentiment 80% positive of 76,840 Price Not listed HorrorSurvival HorrorGoreSurvivalPsychological HorrorDark
- 20
In Silence
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2021).
In Silence is a multiplayer horror game. One player takes on the role of the monster who has hypersensitive hearing abilities and is almost completely blind. The other players(2-6) play as survivors, trying to escape or hunting the monster.
In Silence at a glance Released 2021 Studio Ravenhood Games Player sentiment 74% positive of 11,956 Price $3.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPsychological HorrorSurvivalDarkGore
- 21
Outlast
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2013).
Hell is an experiment you can't survive in Outlast, a first-person survival horror game developed by veterans of some of the biggest game franchises in history. As investigative journalist Miles Upshur, explore Mount Massive Asylum and try to survive long enough to discover its terrible secret... if you dare.
Outlast at a glance Released 2013 Studio Red Barrels Player sentiment 96% positive of 138,407 Price $14.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPsychological HorrorGoreSurvivalDarkIndie
- 22
Outlast 2
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Psychological Horror and Survival Horror; released around the same time (2017).
Outlast 2 introduces you to Sullivan Knoth and his followers, who left our wicked world behind to give birth to Temple Gate, a town, deep in the wilderness and hidden from civilization. Knoth and his flock are preparing for the tribulations of the end of times and you’re right in the thick of it.
Outlast 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Red Barrels Player sentiment 91% positive of 64,380 Price $4.99 HorrorPsychological HorrorSurvival HorrorGoreDarkSurvivalIndie
- 23
SCP: Secret Laboratory
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological, atmospheric and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Survival; released around the same time (2017).
Deep within a secure underground facility, a sudden containment breach allows many of the secured anomalies to escape from their chambers. Assist the Foundation in re-securing the facility, help the Insurgency in their goal to capture it, or wreak havoc as an SCP in a frantic bid to escape.
SCP: Secret Laboratory at a glance Released 2017 Studio Northwood Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 234,020 Price Free HorrorSurvival HorrorSurvivalPsychological HorrorIndie
- 24
DEVOUR
Why it matched: both survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Psychological Horror; released around the same time (2021).
DEVOUR is a co-op horror survival game for 1-4 players. Stop possessed cultists before they drag you to hell. Run. Scream. Hide. Just don't get caught.
DEVOUR at a glance Released 2021 Studio Straight Back Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 88,093 Price $9.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorPsychological HorrorDarkSurvivalIndieGore
Common questions
What game is most like Darkwood?
DREDGE, on the evidence we have. It both open world, survival, horror, psychological and atmospheric. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Darkwood" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Darkwood. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.