H. P. Lovecraft considered the paramount creator of fictional horror genre. Horror lovers literally worship him. Obviously in time, his books adapted into movies, TV shows, and games. As a matter of fact, I have found many decent Lovecraftian games to play. I hope you like my compilation of 25 best H. P. Lovecraft video games on this page.
BEST SCP GAMES < For horror lovers.
All of the Lovecraft games I have listed are available on steam. You can play these H. P. Lovecraft games on your PC. But only a handful of them available on consoles. I guess Lovecraft is not that mainstream.
So, let’s start this list of H. P. Lovecraft game adaptations now! Here is the top 25 Lovecraftian PC games to play in 2022:
1. Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft
Dagon is the best H. P. Lovecraft video game adaptation by far. It is a voiced narrative experience in 3D graphics. Basically, a visual novel on steroids.
It also supports VR headsets. VR version is super immersive. Still, I prefer the PC version, which is equally good. Besides, its completely free to play.
2023 FREE HORROR GAMES < Other free spooks.
Above all, Dagon is the 100% faithful adaptation of the original story. Therefore, it is a must play game for H. P. Lovecraft fans.
2. The Sinking City
The Sinking City is a Lovecraftian RPG released set in the year 1920s. Basically, you take the role of a private investigator, uncovering the truth behind the corruption of the city Oakmont.
Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, the master of Horror.
A vast open world city with Lovecraftian atmosphere waiting to be explored.
You will have many tools and weapons in your arsenal to use against nightmarish creatures. So that you can survive physically. However, keeping your mental health while uncovering the truth behind the madness will be challenging.
3. Call of Cthulhu
Call of Cthulhu is pretty similar to The Sinking City, since both games main characters are private investigators. They are released three years apart. Still, both of them are up-to-date and playable in 2022.
Inspired by Chaosium’s classic pen & paper Call of Cthulhu RPG.
Delve into the world of conspiracies, cultists, and cosmic horrors. In order to survive, you need to use your detective skillset.
It is easy to survive. Your mind will suffer though. That is the side effect of Cthulhu influence after all.
Let’s continue our Cthulhu video games list. Because there are many more.
4. Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened
Sherlock Holmes meets H. P. Lovecraft universe! It doesn’t get any better than that.
The Awakened is a game where player takes the control of Sherlock Holmes. As the world’s best detective, you must investigate the Cthulhu Mythos.
Well, Sherlock might indeed be the best. But is he prepared to face supernatural forces?
It is a 2008 game. However, a remake of the game is currently in development and scheduled to launch in 2023 unless it is delayed.
5. Sunless Sea
Take the helm of your steamship and sail for the unknown. Sunless Sea is a gothic horror RPG focused on exploration. It is filled with Lovecraftian elements too. I want to congratulate Failbetter Games for creating this story rich Lovecraftian masterpiece as an independent studio.
Sunless Sea has a one motto:
LOSE YOUR MIND. EAT YOUR CREW. DIE.
Despite operating a steamship, you will feel very small in the vastness of ocean. It is also possible to recruit crewmembers during your journey.
Sunless Sea has a sequel too. It is called Sunless Skies. I have ranked it number 22 on this list.
6. The Shore
The Shore is a recently released first person story driven game with Lovecraftian elements and narration.
This game is about mystery and the unknown. You must try to survive an unknown world that will make you question your own sanity.
This is a beautifully written story, inspired by the H. P. Lovecraft. So, don’t treat it as just another horror game.
7. Dark Fracture
Dark Fracture is a psychological horror game where reality and nightmares collide. Which is the common theme of Lovecraft’s work.
Walk on the edge of madness and prepare to be fractured!
This game is not released yet. The release date is to be announced. However, you can play the demo version on steam for free.
8. The Last Door Season 1 & 2
The Last Door is a point & click game with pixel graphics. Sounds simple right? Well, sometimes simplicity leads to greatness.
This story rich indie horror game is the winner of multiple Best Games of the Year awards. Steam reviews are overwhelmingly positive as well.
The story is set in Victorian England. Something ancient and evil is corrupting the known reality. Start your journey to the brink of madness, because only you can stop this evil.
9. Darkest Dungeon
Have you played this game yet? Did you know that the Darkest Dungeon is a game heavily influenced by H. P. Lovecraft? You can easily call it a Call of Cthulhu RPG game.
This game throws terrifying eldritch enemies to your face straight out of a Lovecraft book. Elements such as cultists, cosmic horrors, madness, and forbidden knowledge creates a Lovecraftian atmosphere.
10. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a first-person camera horror adventure. You can investigate and interact with the world. An ominous world filled with mysteries. It is inspired by Lovecraft’s fiction after all.
You play the game as detective Paul Prospero, who recently received a disturbing letter from Ethan Carter. Sensing the danger, Paul went to the Ethan’s home in the Red Creek Valley. But he was too late, Ethan has vanished in the wake of a brutal murder.
11. Conarium
Conarium is an interesting Lovecraftian game. There aren’t any jump-scares or monsters actively chasing you. Instead, Conarium immerse you with occult mystery and atmosphere.
There are many secrets, Easter eggs, and multiple endings in this game. Thus, Conarium is something to play more than once!
It is inspired by At the Mountains of Madness novella, which is one of the best works of Lovecraft.
12. Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
Let’s continue with an indie Lovecraftian RPG game. Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones will take you to a journey from a doomed Arkham into the depths of the Abyss. You can create your own character for this experience. Enemies, environment, storylines, character archetypes, and companions are all based on Lovecraftian themes.
So, don’t miss this game if you like genre combination Lovecraft RPG. Because finding games with that exact genre is a pretty rare occurrence.
13. Lust From Beyond
This game is inspired not solely by Lovecraft. It is also inspired by the Swiss artist Giger. You might not know him by name but seeing his art style will make you remember rest of his work.
Anyway, Lust from Beyond is a first-person survival horror game. You play as an antiquarian tormented by weird dreams. To ravel the truth behind these strange dreams, you join the esoteric Cult of Ecstasy.
Now it is time to solve the mystery of esoteric cults, survive, and make meaningful choices.
14. Forgive Me Father
Forgive Me Father is a Lovecraftian shooter action game. This is the only shooter action game on this list. Therefore, it is unique.
To be honest, comic book style graphics are not my cup of tea. But the game received very positive reviews from steam users. I guess people enjoy this graphic style.
15. Moons of Madness
Mars exploration meets the horrors of Lovecraft. Moons of Madness is a story driven cosmic horror game. Graphics and atmosphere of this setting looks great.
Story starts like this. A mysterious signal has been recorded coming from the mars. It was of intelligent origin. Obviously, this discovery is too sensitive for public knowledge. As a scientist, you are now sent in a secret special mission in order to identify the true nature of the message.
All in all, if you are H. P. Lovecraft fan don’t miss Moons of Madness. Because it is one of the best cosmic horror video games.
16. Omen Exitio: Plague
Omen Exitio: Plague is an interactive fiction. If you like this genre, check out the other best text-based RPGs.
As a paranormal investigator, you will be solving many mysteries in an unsettling Lovecraftian world. All of your choices will have different outcomes. As a result, your story will be shaped by your decisions.
This story contains 140,000 words and 300+ hand-drawn images. All in all, anyone who claims to be the fan of Lovecraft books should give this game a shot.
17. Cultist Simulator
You didn’t expect to see a simulation game in the list of best H. P. Lovecraft video games list, right? Well, you will see why in a second.
Cultist Simulator is a game of apocalypse. You play in 1920s, the setting of hidden gods and secret histories. Totally Lovecraftian world.
Player has many options. Such as finding a cult, unraveling arcane, outwitting authorities, and transcending death. It is one of the best H. P. Lovecraft video games of all times.
18. Mansion of Madness
Mansions of Madness is a game of mystery and investigation inspired by the works of H. P. Lovecraft.
Since it is a companion app, you need to own the board game Mansion of Madness from Fantasy Flight Games.
It is a board game that requires five players. During each game, one to five players explore a location to unravel a mystery.
This game is considered the closest thing to playing a real RPG, without a GM.
19. Tormentum – Dark Sorrow
TORMENTUM is a point & click adventure game. Meaning it is both chilling and chill game to play.
Delve into a dreamlike, nightmarish atmosphere.
By the way this is the second game on this list that is inspired by both H. R. Giger and H. P. Lovecraft equally. Two great horror creators.
20. What Never Was
What Never Was is a short free to play Lovecraft game on steam. It’s one of those free Lovecraft games that offers unique experience.
Sarah tasked with clearing out her grandfather’s attic. Only to find unexplainable mysteries.
Puzzle solving and exploration in a Lovecraftian world is quite thrilling after all.
21. No One Lives Under the Lighthouse
No One Lives Under the Lighthouse is a retro horror game. Surprisingly it has the eerie and scary atmosphere of PS1 games. Which is something I’m very fond of.
Previous keeper has gone missing. Now it is your time to take care of the lighthouse. Just don’t open the door that leads to the basement under the light house. Because no one lives under the lighthouse.
22. Sunless Skies
Sunless Skies is the sequel of highly popular H. P. Lovecraftian game Sunless Sea. Obviously, it hosts a great story just like the first game. By the way you don’t need to play Sunless Sea to play this one.
It is a gothic horror RPG, focused on exploration and rich storytelling. Basically, a bridge between steampunk and Lovecraftian atmosphere.
23. Call of the Sea
Call of the Sea is a magical tale of mystery and love. The game is set in the 1930s South Pacific. Main character is Norah, looking for her missing husband.
You get to explore a beautiful island paradise. But you should know that this island hides many secrets and puzzles.
It’s rare to find a Lovecraftian game with beautiful graphics. All in all, Call of the Sea is an unique mix of genres and must be played.
24. Source of Madness
Source of Madness is a fairly new Rogue-lite action game set in a Lovecraftian world.
You will take a role of a new Acolyte and embark on a nightmarish odyssey. There will be many horrific monsters to fight. But you will have magic on your side to defeat your enemies.
25. The Land of Pain
Final game of best H. P. Lovecraft video games list is a Lovecraftian horror adventure. Something strange appears in the woods, and you must learn how to survive against this evil.
The Land of Pain features puzzles, thrilling chases, and many mysteries. Not to mention, the game itself is highly inspired from Amnesia and the Penumbra. If you like those games, you will most definitely love this one too.
2022 Lovecraftian PC video games list ends. Thank you for checking out! Now it is your turn to do some writing. Do let me know your thoughts and favorite Lovecraft games in the comment section below. I will see you soon.