One of the most unique and creative sub-genres of games is dark fantasy. Dark fantasy games can cover a multitude of experiences from more horror-tinged games to more traditional high fantasy games. Often dark fantasy games take a more gothic, spooky, or impending doom feel to the story or world-building. Oftentimes a pure fantasy game provides you with more lighthearted tones and narrative beats with characters that might focus on a singular goal of saving the realm.
Dark fantasy games can take many forms from RPGs to action-adventure games with everything in between. While these types of gaming experiences might not be discussed quite as much in the discourse, there are a plethora of titles that truly stand above the rest to offer players a moodier take on traditional fantasy tropes.
Updated on March 19th, 2022 by Geoffrey Martin: Dark fantasy games, no matter the genre, generally provide hauntingly beautiful and often macabre worlds to explore and discover. Whether you enjoy action-adventure titles, RPGs, or something in between, there is likely a dark fantasy game catered to you. What makes this sub-genre so special to many players is that these game worlds and characters are usually made of your standard fantasy archetypes but imbued with some form of darkness, likely from a harrowing event. If you are looking for even more dark fantasy games to add to your library then check out these additions to this extensive list.
12 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt likely needs no introduction seeing as it has received near-universal acclaim due to its magnificent world-building, nuanced characters, thought-provoking side quests, and hours of fantastical content. This game might just be the epitome of dark fantasy as you slay countless monsters as Geralt of Rivia.
The narrative approach to this game means that many monsters, including banshees, werewolves, and even vampires, all have some sort of ulterior motive, and aren't just traditional fodder like in many similar action RPGs. Plus, as Geralt, you get to explore a bevy of gorgeously realized fantasy locations such as castles, dungeons, and open fields with all of them somehow tinged by darkness.
11 Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is an utterly punishing, bleak, and very oppressive strategy RPG with myriad roguelike elements. You play as a hapless group of misfits made up of thieves, warriors, healers, and the like as they seek to delve deeper into the titular dungeon. Along the way, our "heroes" must contend with both the demons of the world and the ones in their minds.
Yes, Darkest Dungeon might seem like a traditional fantasy strategy roguelike game, but it quickly becomes apparent that our cast of characters deal with some serious psychological issues that affect the gameplay and the narrative. This game can often come across as a horror game with plenty of shocking moments and macabre setpieces. Tread lightly and carefully when venturing through the Darkest Dungeon.
10 Styx: Shards Of Darkness
Styx: Shards of Darkness is a dark stealth adventure game taking place in a fantasy Elven city. Styx is a goblin of sorts who is a master of stealth. You can feel the dark fantasy vibes as you explore creepy, derelict towns, moody mansions, and plenty of outdoor environments as well.
This is pure stealth gameplay where you need to focus on hiding in the shadows and taking out foes from a distance. Styx is able to fight but he isn't near as capable at doing so in comparison to his sneaking tactics. If stealth adventures are your thing then Styx: Shards of Darkness provides nice dark fantasy gameplay.
9 Diablo 3: Reaper Of Souls
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls is a remarkable solo or co-op action-adventure RPG taking place in a truly macabre setting where you must fight to save the remnants of humanity. In this game, you can choose from a wide variety of characters such as a witch doctor, a barbarian, a demon hunter, and even a monk.
Diable 3: Reaper of Souls does a great job at taking the high fantasy affair seen on its counterparts but adding in horror flourishes such as spooky cemeteries and decrepit villages. The action here is nonstop as you defeat hordes of evil minions in order to grow stronger and get even better loot to upgrade your customizable character.
8 Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a cult classic game and for good reason. This traditional RPG is turn on its head with intense first or third-person action, plenty of vampire powers, and some thoughtful dialogue choices that completely change the story and characters.
Bloodlines takes place in a gothic and gritty alternate Los Angeles where vampires live with humans but must maintain the masquerade so as to not be found out. The fantasy here is more akin to a horror game with all things supernatural but it's one experience that begs to be played for fans of vampires and the macabre.
7 Bloodborne
Bloodborne might be the best example of dark fantasy in the entirety of this list because the explorable world of Yharnam is one part beautiful, one part striking, and all parts haunting. As a hunter, you are tasked with tracking down all sorts of terrible monsters and saving the fantastical city from being ravaged by unimaginable darkness.
The locations and beasties that you come up against in Bloodborne and machinations of nightmares from grotesque swamp creatures to hulking, fleshy brutes who are eager to send you to your demise. Bloodborne is first and foremost a strategic action-adventure game but imbues plenty of mysticism and RPG elements to keep you moving forward even with the punishing difficulty.
6 Hunter: The Reckoning
Hunter: The Reckoning is an OG Xbox game that features vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and all sorts of other creatures. You are tasked to rid these monstrosities of the darkness-tinged world that was created by any means necessary, often while also trying to save hapless citizens in need. Taking place from an isometric perspective, Hunter: The Reckoning features a lot of action combat with a wide arsenal to choose from.
One of the unique features of the game is the intense and harrowing boss fights. The game does take place in a more modern setting but the dark fantasy vibes come into play with the inclusion of magic and otherworldly beings.
5 Vampyr
In Vampyr, you play as Dr. Jonthan Reid, a man with quite the predicament. Dr. Reid is both a renowned blood transfusion doctor but is also a vampire. Taking place in late 19th century London, Vampyr is pure dark fantasy bliss. While this game doesn't feature the high fantasy tropes that are in many other similar games, it is all about the supernatural in a gothic setting.
What makes Vampy stand out is the plethora of tantalizing vampiric abilities for you to unlock and discover. You are given the choice in this game if you want to feed on the blood of civilians haplessly or stick to a more righteous path. The choice is ultimately yours and whichever you choose will shape the story.
4 Darksiders 2
Out of all the Darksiders games, of which there are four in total, Darksider 2 might just be the best at offering a pure dark-fantasy experience. In Darksiders 2 you take on the role of Death, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. You are able to explore a wide variety of locations as Death from snowy and icy mountain peaks to open fields to creepy castles, Darksiders 2 has a lot to offer.
The gameplay here is varied and fun with a loot-driven system whereby Death can use an expansive arsenal of swords, scythes, axes, hammers, and the like. Even the incredible music in this game will have you feeling like you are on a true fantasy adventure.
3 Alice: Madness Returns
Alice: Madness Return is an underrated gem of a game from the Xbox 360 and PS3 era of gaming. You take on the titular role of Alice who happens to be going insane after losing her family in a devastating house fire that she may or may not have something to do with. Alice: Madness Returns takes the Alice charm but turns it on its head instead offering a very dark and macabre version of the classic story.
This is a game that relishes in the horror side of the otherwise quite lively and fantastical Alice story. The monsters you face are true aberrations and nightmare fuel but along the way, you will discover characters you know, albeit, with darker personas.
2 Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 might be an odd entry to this list since it's not quite a fantasy game, but more of a sci-fi adventure. However, to dismiss Mass Effect 2 as only being a sci-fi game would degrade what is undoubtedly a dark fantasy, albeit, in a sci-fi setting. The world and lore surrounding Commander Shepherd, the Normandy, the Reapers, and the like is steeped in fantasy but with a dark, universe-ending tone.
The fantasy elements lie in the heart of exploration and combat whereby you explore exotic locales and meeting crazy, quirky, and downright creative characters, some of which join your party. The combat as well is filled with exciting and fantastical weaponry that is sure to scratch that dark sci-fi fantasy itch.
1 Shadow Hearts
Shadow Heart is a PS2-era dark, horror-themed RPG that stars Yuri as he makes his way across diverse and creative fantasy locations in order to save his love from dark despair. Make no mistake about it, the original Shadow Hearts is a horror RPG through and through but features enough traditional fantasy tropes to keep it in that sub-genre.
The most unique and fun aspect of this game is the Judgement Ring system where turn-based battles are played out by selecting a slot on a ring that will either enhance or downgrade your attacks and abilities.