Dark fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that combines elements of horror with elements of fantasy. There have been lots of literature in this subgenre, but there’s also been some great anime, TV shows, and video games as well.
As a huge fan of fantasy books and games, I’ve gone on a search to find some of the best dark fantasy video games that you can play right now. Be warned though, some of these are not for the faint of heart or the queasy of stomach.
Dark fantasy is known for its gore, gross visuals, and sometimes disturbing moments. But, if you like a good thrill, then jump right on into these fantastic games!
1. Dishonored
This game is one of my most favorite of all time. It’s not only exciting, but it’s got some great action, wonderful stealth, and some heavy themes.
Of course, this has to get on a list for dark fantasy any day. A city gripped by the Plague with the backdrop of a corrupt cult of shadow assassins and an industrial feel is perfect for this list.
Dishonored stars Corvo Attano, a bodyguard for the late Queen, who must kill a group of traitors and help the Queen’s daughter take her rightful place on the throne. There’s plenty of magic in this game, which is why it lands in the fantasy category.
Be warned though, this game can be brutal.
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2. A Plague Tale: Innocence
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a horrifyingly good game with a very, very dark story playing throughout. Once again, we’ve got the Plague gripping Medieval France. At the center of it are two siblings: Amicia and Hugo.
The Inquisition is after them and they must survive through the plague-ridden world of Europe. The game is full of dark and suspenseful moments and emphasizes stealth gameplay in order to survive.
This game can get really disturbing at times, but as a dark fantasy, it’s phenomenal.
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3. The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
The Witcher series is a quintessential staple of the fantasy genre in video games. Due to its dark nature though, it’s definitely a great example of what a dark fantasy game is.
The Witcher stars Geralt of Rivia, and the third installment is the most popular one to date. The Wild Hunt are terrifying but awesomely designed, and the magic is strong in this game for sure.
There’s a lot to love about the Witcher. Plus, did you know that a Wild Hunt is from mythology and old lore? Perfect for some mythology-lovers out there to take a dive into.
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4. Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a new contender to the ring (no pun intended) and has swept the gaming world by a storm. And it’s also the perfect soulsborne game for our list.
Soulsborne games are amazing dark fantasy titles that really put a challenge in their design. Elden Ring is by far one of the best out there, with amazing visuals, exciting gameplay, and brutal fights, it’s sure to be enjoyable and awesome.
Honorable Mentions:
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5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The peak of fantasy RPG games is at Skyrim for sure. Skyrim is one of the most popular games every made, and for good reason. It’s replayable, exciting, and can be modded to pure glory. No playthrough needs to be alike with mods, folks.
Plus, its gritty dark world and violent visuals set in an epic fantasy world make for a perfect dark fantasy title. If you haven’t tried out Skyrim yet, you’re really missing out on a ton.
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Any other dark fantasy games you recommend? Let us know in the comments below. Also tell us if you’ve played any of these titles and what you liked about them the most!
Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
