The dark fantasy aesthetic has been infused into the gaming world ever since the early days, and since then, some of the most popular and impressive titles have come from grim, gothic worlds full of death and decay. There is something alluring about entering a world as a knight or a spellcaster and being tasked with taking on monumental threats ranging from corrupted soldiers to massive dragons, and having little to no breaks from the persistent darkness choking the environment.
The Best Dark Fantasy MMOs
From genre classic to modern iterations, dark fantasy has seeped its way into the MMO genre, and it doesn't look like it will let go any time soon.
Thankfully, the genre isn't ready to take a break just yet. Just around the corner are plenty of upcoming dark fantasy games that are looking to stand out from the crowd of bleakness. Players have challenging Soulslikes that blend swords and guns in an exciting combat loop, follow-ups to smash hits that have been eagerly awaiting their sequel's arrival, and brand-new developers trying to take a bold step into a dark landscape that is hotly contested by some of gaming's most respected franchises.
Valor Mortis
Soulslike Intensity From A First-Person Perspective
Valor Mortis
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- One More Level
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, RPG, First-Person
Valor Mortis takes the gloomy, decaying world of post-Napoleonic Europe and turns it into a first-person Soulslike built around tight parries, dash windows, and supernatural abilities. Players rise from a battlefield grave as William, a former soldier of the Grande Armée, reborn with the same plague that is rotting the continent, and must uncover the horrifying conspiracy that threatens the world itself.
From a visual standpoint, Valor Mortis appears gritty and visceral, with players getting up close and personal in every encounter and being forced to master the combat mechanics or be prepared to die trying. What makes the game particularly exciting is that it is being developed by the studio behind Ghostrunner, which means that a lot of the aggressive combat DNA should carry over to this historical fantasy world, demanding precision and timing at all times to succeed.
Nioh 3
The Next Chapter In The Fight Against The Yokai
Nioh 3
- Released
- February 6, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo
Nioh 3 continues Team Ninja’s dark fantasy samurai lineage but expands its structure into a broader, tension-filled open field rather than isolated semi-linear missions. The villages are swallowed by yokai corruption, which makes every area appear as though it has been infected by a dark influence, so players will need to gear up quickly and fight against the many evils in the world on their journey to conquer the Crucible.
7 Best Dark Fantasy Platformers, Ranked
Dark fantasy and platforming don't often mix, but when they work together, they can produce unforgettable experiences.
Combat remains the primary draw of Nioh 3, as players are gifted with the ability to fluidly swap between Samurai and Ninja styles; one favoring mobility, the other, stance-based dueling. Enemy variety looks to be even broader than ever, giving players plenty of opportunities to test their skills against a range of foes but also demanding that they learn new attack chains to survive each subsequent encounter.
Mistfall Hunter
Taking On Aggressive Beasts And Seasoned Warriors Alike
Mistfall Hunter
- Released
- March, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
Mistfall Hunter takes the extraction genre and drops it into a grimdark fantasy world where dead gods have poisoned the land and reality is mutating what remains of humanity. Players take on the role of an immortal Gyldhunter sent back into the mist to find and take what they can carry before the world (or a rival team) kills them for it.
What makes the game stand out is its combat. Rather than shooting like in most extraction games, Mistfall Hunter offers a mix of magic and blades, with each class offering its own unique playstyle for players to master and take into the battle against the darkness. This makes the game feel distinct from other extraction games, both from a gameplay perspective but also in its setting, as there are very few high-profile RPGs that explore darker themes while also giving players the satisfaction that comes with intense skill-based combat.
Mortal Shell 2
Stepping Back Into The Bodies Of Others
Mortal Shell II
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Cold Symmetry
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, Action RPG, Fantasy
Mortal Shell 2 is the long-awaited follow-up to one of the most impressive Soulslikes of the last decade. The game's core mechanic of swapping Shells returns, giving players the ability to swap between bodies that each possess different weapons, stats, and histories to be uncovered. This time around, a lot of the shallower systems are being expanded, with more upgrade options and a greater emphasis on exploration to allow players to feel more connected to the dark world around them.
Visually, the game looks to be a big step-up, with graphical improvements across the board and a gorgeous yet unsettling aesthetic that makes Mortal Shell 2 feel more like a horror movie than a game at times. Players will have plenty of challenges to overcome, from enemies scattered around the barren world to intense boss fights that look to be taking a big leap forward in scope and difficulty, something which fans of the genre will welcome with open arms.
Tears Of Metal
Large-Scale Battles Full Of Explosions And Chaos
Tears of Metal
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
Tears of Metal is a cooperative roguelike adventure set in the Scottish Highlands that has players slashing through entire armies and marching forward with a courageous set of troops all their own. The gameplay loop revolves around choosing new locations to storm and slowly upgrading both the characters and the soldiers themselves, ensuring that even in defeat, players will still be able to progress.
8 Best Dark Fantasy Horror Games
Dark fantasy games often run parallel to horror, eschewing the magic and wonder of high fantasy for the dark and grotesque scenes in these titles.
Battles are bloody and chaotic, with enemies approaching from all sides, demanding constant attention from players to make it out alive. It also manages to blend fantasy abilities that can wreak havoc on the battlefield with grounded yet satisfying swordplay, giving players the power to topple large opponents and take on the hordes of foes however they choose.
7 Best Dark Fantasy Video Game Franchises, Ranked
Dark fantasy series like Diablo and Thief have delivered evolving worlds with rich lore and immersive nightmares across multiple installments.