10 Greatest Dark Fantasy Video Games of All Time

One great part of consuming media is being able to go into new fantastical worlds, and video games in particular are great for this. They give a far more immersive feeling, as players can see the world from their point of view and have meaningful interactions with the world around them. Some of the best fantasy games ever are The Legend of Zelda and Baldur’s Gate 3.

While there are many escapist-like fantasy video games, there are some worlds that fans don’t want to go to, and they all belong to the dark fantasy genre. This list will rank the ten best dark fantasy video games of all time based on gameplay, narrative, design, originality, darkness, visuals, popularity, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and overall quality.

10

‘Dark Souls III’ (2016)

Image via Namco Bandai Games

FromSoftware is a critically acclaimed game studio known for its dark fantasy games, meaning they have multiple entries on this list, starting with Dark Souls 3. The First Flame is fading in the kingdom of Lothric, and its only savior is the Unkindled Champion, who must hunt down the Lords of Cinder and return them to their thrones.

Realistically, any Dark Souls game could be on this list, as they each have unique strengths and aspects that make them great. However, Dark Souls 3 is the best out of a great bunch, mainly because of its story, modern game design, and revitalized gameplay that delivered a smoother experience. Known for its challenging yet rewarding combat, it is the must-play game in a staple dark fantasy franchise.

9

‘Darkest Dungeon’ (2016)

Image via Red Hook Studios

Some of the best dark fantasy games are indies, and Darkest Dungeon in particular is an experience fans won’t soon forget. After players inherit an abandoned estate from a corrupted relative, they dig too deep and unleash unspeakable horrors. Now, it is up to the player to hire, train, and manage mercenaries as they send them down to explore the catacombs, cleansing the evil out.

Darkest Dungeon subverts expectations by making itself an RPG where damage isn’t taken from monsters, but from the psychological trauma of being too far in the dungeon. These mechanics that were down the characters play into the narrative and its themes of human frailty. Darkest Dungeon is a haunting psychological game with plenty of dark fantasy intrigue that will hook any player into the abyss.

8

‘Dragon’s Dogma’ (2012)

Image via Capcom

After a well-reviewed sequel just recently came out, fans should remember the original Dragon’s Dogma and its dark fantasy excellence. Living in a quaint fishing village, a dragon suddenly attacks, stealing the player’s heart. Now, gamers must travel around the kingdom in search of the dragon, hoping to reclaim their heart and unearth dark truths and learn about twisted mysteries.

This title has an amazing video game sequel, but the first is still more of a dark fantasy and captivating experience, which is why it lands on this list. Dragon’s Dogma does dark fantasy like no other, truly making the player vulnerable to the horrors of the world, such as making nightfall pitch black. The low visibility and constant danger make this dark fantasy even more immersive and unforgiving.

7

‘Dishonored’ (2012)

Image via Bethesda Softworks

The genre’s best efforts come in many shapes and sizes, and one of them is Dishonored, a steampunk dark fantasy. After he is framed for the murder of the Empress, Corto becomes an assassin to clear his name and rescue the Empress’ daughter, who has been locked away inside the dark town.

A lot of the games on this list have a distinct fantasy feel, but Dishonored is a wholly unique beast. Still, the gloomy world and setting fit the dark fantasy genre. Best known for its stellar level design where vertical ground is so important, introducing parkour and stealth, Dishonored blends that distinct stealth with brutal action. It is an emergent game with endless possibilities, especially in such a dark world.

6

‘Planescape: Torment’ (1999)

Image via Black Isle Studios

This list features some of the most popular fantasy video games of all time, but one of the lesser-known titles featured here is Planescape: Torment. Controlling a character known as the Nameless One, players are an amnesiac immortal who embarks on a mysterious journey to a bizarre dimension where they learn about their past lives and why they have the secret of immortality.

RPGs mainly focus on fighting monsters, collecting loot, and repeating those steps, but Planescape: Torment revitalizes this genre with a new gameplay loop centered around reading, philosophizing, and understanding deep, personal lore. This influential game innovated and became one of the greatest RPG titles in the meantime, proving to be a dark fantasy masterpiece.

5

‘Dragon Age: Origins’ (2009)

Image via BioWare

The Dragon Age franchise used to be one of the most celebrated out of all fantasy video games, and while the series has been on the decline, Dragon Age: Origins remains one of the best fantasy games ever. Players control the newly recruited Grey Warden, who must set out on an adventure and unite the multiple factions to face the emerging threat of the Blight.

In terms of pure fantasy experiences, it doesn’t get much better than Dragon Age: Origins, which offers players a wide variety of things to do and become. Not only is the gameplay loop fun and engaging, but the branching narratives, when paired with dark fantasy worldbuilding, create an expansive narrative with political intrigue and fantastical wonder. Dragon Age: Origins is a grimdark triumph, the complete fantasy package and a video game that deserves more love nowadays.

4

‘Bloodborne’ (2015)

FromSoftware’s next game on this list is also a fan-favorite, Bloodborne, which fans are still waiting for a PC port or remake of. When players arrive in the gothic city of Yharnam looking for a mysterious medical treatment, they learn that a curse is turning the residents into monsters. As they make their way through the city, more eldritch horrors reveal their true intent and terror.

Bloodborne is known for having incredible enemies that make up some of the best villains in video games, proving that the bosses are challenging, terrifying, and fun to play against. The blend of gothic horror and Lovecraftian cosmic nightmares is a unique aspect that spices up the dark fantasy genre. Not to mention, Bloodborne has magnificent combat that, with no shields, makes gameplay even more stressful.

3

‘Fear & Hunger’ (2018)

Image via Miro Haverinen

Most of the games on this list are somewhat popular, but alongside Planescape: Torment, Fear & Hunger doesn’t match the rest’s popularity despite being critically acclaimed and having a dedicated fanbase. But that doesn’t mean anything for its quality, as players consider it one of the best survival horror RPGs. Players choose one of four characters who travel through an anachronistic dungeon in search of the mercenary leader.

Fear & Hunger doesn’t follow a dedicated story, but each descent into the unknown is a new tale for players to craft as their decisions slowly build a messed-up scenario with worldbuilding implications and twisted discoveries. The eerie art style perfectly fits the vibe and tone of the game, not to mention the character designs and moments are next-level gruesome and dark, which is why Fear & Hunger leaves such an impressive dark fantasy impression.

2

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Image via CD Projekt Red

Of all the video games on this list, only this one has a live-action adaptation, but The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still the definitive way to experience this franchise. Geralt of Rivia must put aside his usual monster-hunting duties to search for his daughter, Ciri, in a war-torn world as she is being chased by an otherworldly entity that wants to use her for her power.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt may not be as bleak as most games on this list, but it is still a dark world with horror at every corner. With some of the best and most prestigious storytelling in video game history, every bit of the story has emotional, personal, political, and philosophical intrigue. Even the side quests turn into profound mini-tales with lessons and drama, making the narrative framework an impressive feat that is woven into every aspect of the game.

1

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment

FromSoftware has not one, not two, but three video games on this list, including the best dark fantasy video game of all time, Elden Ring. When the titular object shatters into pieces, the children of the queen take possession of them. Now, it is up to the Tarnished to travel around the Lands Between to defeat the demi-god children and collect the pieces of the ring, combining them in order to become the Elden Lord.

Elden Ring is the pinnacle of the dark fantasy genre, combining FromSoftware’s unforgiving yet thrilling combat and general dark atmosphere with George R.R. Martin‘s prestigious writing and worldbuilding. The world is beautiful yet deeply tragic, and with challenging bosses awaiting them at every corner, players never know what to expect. Exploration is encouraged in clever ways, but the dark vibe, narrative, and tone highlight how incredible a fantasy Elden Ring is.