The Best Depressing Games to Languish to in 2024

In the world of gaming, there are titles that can make us laugh, and then there are those that cloak us in melancholy. If you’re in the mood for something a bit weightier, filled with tough choices, emotional storytelling, and dark atmospheres, then this list is for you. Here we delve into some of the most poignant games that can drag your spirits down, while simultaneously offering a unique narrative experience.

Quick Overview

• Frostpunk
• I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
• INDIKA
• Kentucky Route Zero
• The Last of Us
• Papers, Please
• Rain World
• This War of Mine
• To the Moon

Frostpunk

In a world frozen over by a volcanic winter, players serve as the city’s captain, struggling to keep the last remnants of humanity alive. This survival game challenges you with moral decisions, constantly weighing the need to provide for citizens against the harsh realities of resource scarcity. Each choice reverberates, leaving you to ponder your humanity amid a backdrop of frigid desolation.

Available for $30 at Steam.

I Was a Teenage Exocolonist

This game juxtaposes lighthearted gameplay with serious themes of loss and growth. Set within a newly established colony on an alien planet, this visual novel meets deck-building adventure takes players through years filled with moments that are both whimsical and heartbreakingly real.

Available for $25 at Steam.

INDIKA

Set in an alternative 19th century Russia, players take on the role of a nun grappling with her own inner demons. This narrative adventure balances absurdity with themes of religious critique and human suffering, all while exploring the protagonist’s past.

Available for $25 at Steam.

Kentucky Route Zero

A surreal journey through America, Kentucky Route Zero offers more than just a road trip; it becomes a reflection on memory and narrative itself. The game unfolds like an interactive art piece, emphasizing human stories and experiences wrapped in a beautiful yet haunting aesthetic.

Available for $25 at Steam.

The Last of Us

This critically acclaimed title weaves a distressing narrative about survival in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by infection. The relationship between Joel and Ellie serves as a beacon of hope amid pervasive darkness. It is a game where attachment to characters often leads to heart-wrenching losses.

Available for $46 at Amazon.

Papers, Please

A unique survival simulation set in a dystopian society, where players are tasked with controlling the flow of immigration at an authoritarian checkpoint. The decisions made regarding who to let through can directly impact lives and the well-being of your own family.

Available for $10 at Steam.

Rain World

In this harsh environment, players control a creature in search of safety amid the chaos of a ruined world. The game lacks explicit guidance, thrusting players into a cycle of survival, evoking the trials faced by the underprivileged.

Available for $25 at Steam.

This War of Mine

This title turns the spotlight on civilians during a war, challenging players with difficult choices while trying to endure life in a besieged city. The realistic portrayal of survival dynamics offers an emotional and often uncomfortable experience.

Available for $20 at Steam.

To the Moon

A resonant narrative venture that deals with themes of life, memory, and death, players traverse a man’s memories as scientists strive to fulfill his last wish to visit the moon. The emotional weight and nostalgic undercurrents create a profound and memorable experience.

Available for $10 at Steam.

These games embody the complexity and range of human emotion, inviting players to engage with stories that linger long after the screen goes dark. Each title expertly crafts a narrative that isn’t just about game mechanics but resonates with the player’s personal experiences and emotions. Whether you’re seeking a transformative experience or a simple chance to reflect on life’s darker moments, these choices provide ample opportunity to delve deeper into the human condition through the lens of gaming.