H. P. Lovecraft was an American author, whose tales of cosmic horror revolutionised the horror genre. His works paved the way towards a whole new subgenre, that bears his name, Lovecraftian horror. Instead of jump scars, his short tales suck you into the terrifying dread of the vastness of the universe and humanity’s overall insignificance when facing ancient, alien entities, seen in the video games like Dredge and others.
His most famous fiction work, Cthulu Mithos with monstrous beings has become a shared universe inspiring countless authors and game creators. Lovecraft’s influence can be seen across fiction, film, and video games, as his dark, mystic atmosphere is translated into the most chilling narratives seen on screen. In this list, we will introduce you or re-introduce you to some of the horror video games that have Lovecraft written all over their dark, surreal worlds.
10. Alan Wake 2 (2023)
In addition to Lovecraft, Alan Wake universe also takes inspiration from the king of horror, Stephen King. Alan Wake 2 continues the story of the original game adding a twist to the popular horror thriller. Wake is a writer facing writer’s block, and he manages to escape a nightmarish Dark Place after 13 years. You play as both Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson, battling shadowy enemies with flashlights and firearms. Saga can access a “Mind Place” to analyze clues, while Wake uses a “Writer’s Room” to manipulate the world through his writing. Released in 2023, it was a game of the year nominee it is available on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
9. Call of Cthulhu (2018)
Call of Cthulhu is a detective horror RPG directly inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s work. The game takes players to Darkwater Island in the shoes of Edward Pierce, a war veteran and private investigator. Investigating the Hawkins family’s disturbing demise on Darkwater Island, Pierce uncovers a nightmarish truth. The island’s dark history and a sinister cult worshipping cosmic entities challenge Pierce’s sanity as he confronts the unknown. Released in 2018, it is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
8. Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened is a remake that gives into a revamped storyline. The player takes on the role of a young Sherlock Holmes and with Watson chases a trail of abductions linked to a sinister cult. The developer, Frogwares, infuses the familiar detective gameplay with unsettling elements inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. Players guide Holmes through interrogations, crime scene investigations, and logic puzzles. But unlike typical Sherlock Holmes cases, here unsettling discoveries and nightmarish visions threaten Holmes’ sanity. The game delves into the psychological horror of confronting the unknown, a theme that is often central to Lovecraft’s work. This unique blend of classic detective adventure and Lovecraftian horror offers a fresh perspective on the iconic characters. Released in 2023, it is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
7. Conarium (2017)
Conarium is a Lovecraftian horror inspired by the story from the famous author, entitled “At the Mountains of Madness.” You play as Frank Gilman, a scientist who wakes up alone in a desolate Antarctic research station with no memory of what happened. The story goes as you explore the chilling environment and piece together the mystery of a forbidden experiment gone wrong. The game draws a sense of dread through surreal visuals, psychological horror, and puzzles as you uncover the chilling truth behind the missing scientists and the forbidden knowledge they pursued. Released in 2017, it is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
6. Bloodborne (2015)
Bloodborne is a gothic action RPG set in Yharnam, a plague-ridden city overrun by nightmarish creatures imagined in Lovecraft stories. Being soulslike, the fast-paced combat doesn’t let you a single moment to fear a hauntingly beautiful world, as you will fight grotesque beasts, learn their combat patterns, and along the way, unravel the secrets of the Old Ones, to escape the nightmare. Bloodborne was released in 2015 and was an exclusive for Sony consoles. There is no port still despite fans’ strong calling from the depths of their desires for a PC port.
5. The Sinking City (2019)
The Sinking City is an open-world detective game with a Lovecraft twist. As a private investigator, Charles Reed, the players will venture into the 1920s city of Oakmont, Massachusets. The player character is haunted by visions as he tries to uncover the source of the flood. The city is full of secrets and conspiracies as you battle monsters, solve puzzles, and make choices that affect the ending. As you investigate, you uncover a plot by a Great Old One to destroy the world. It was released in 2019 for PC, PS, and Xbox, while a remastered PS5 version was released in 2021 alongside an X/S version.
4. Amnesia: Rebirth (2020)
Amnesia: Rebirth is a 2020 survival horror video game by Frictional Games. It is the third installment in the sequel. In this one, players take on the role of Tasi Trianon as she explores the dark caves of desert Algeria to find her missing companions. Players will need to manage fear with light sources and matches. While there is not much combat, the game uses puzzles and sanity mechanics to keep players on their toes. Lovecraft’s influence is evident as the player discovers an alien device, hinting at forbidden knowledge, ancient civilizations, and cosmic entities. It was a critical success when released in 2020 on PC and PS4, and since then has received the next-gen update.
3. The Chant (2022)
The Chant comes from a small developer studio and as such deserves all the love it can get despite all the flaws. It is a survival horror game in which players take the role of Jess, a woman on a retreat gone wrong. The island she is on is overrun by demonic creatures and a cult, taking inspiration from such Lovecraftian stories as From Beyond and The Colour Out of Space. Players will need to manage both physical and mental health, while the game throws decent combat mechanics at players with solely melee weapons. Developed by Brass Token and published by Plaion in 2022, it is available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
2. Still Wakes the Deep (2024)
Still Wakes the Deep is a psychological horror game set in 1975 on a North Sea oil rig. You play as Caz, an electrician on the run from the law who gets trapped after a drilling accident. The damaged rig is overrun by monstrous creatures and Caz must use stealth and environmental puzzles to survive.
The game has a strong Lovecraftian influence, with the creatures resembling tentacles and the oil rig becoming infested with an unknown entity. The story is character-driven, focusing on Caz’s relationships with his co-workers and his desire to return to his family. Unlike many horror games, there is no combat, which is yet another twist to the horror genre and Caz must rely on his wits to avoid the creatures. It was released on 18 June 2024 on PC, PS5, and Xbox X/S.
1. Dredge (2023)
Dredge is a unique mix of fishing and horror that will make you question the depths of the water the next time you go out exploring. During the day, the archipelago is a fisherman’s paradise, but as the sun sets, grotesque creatures from Lovecraft stories lurk beneath the waves. Unravel the secrets of the islands, encountering cults and colossal eldritch beings. The choices you make will shape your fate. Dredge offers multiple endings, and with the new “Iron Rig” DLC arriving in August 2024, there’s even more to explore in this hauntingly beautiful world. Dredge is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
