The subgenre known as grimdark is characterized by its bleak and harsh worlds, morally ambiguous characters, and dystopian themes. Universes like Warhammer: 40,000 and gritty fantasies such as Game of Thrones exemplify this genre.
Although grimdark themes are prevalent in film, television, and literature, their representation in video games, beyond the realm of Warhammer: 40,000, is relatively limited. However, indie games, not bound by the constraints of appealing to mass audiences, have the freedom to immerse players in darker, grittier realms. Here are some standout grimdark indie experiences.
1 Tails Of Iron - A Gritty Soulslike Adventure
Steam User Rating: 88%
This soulslike RPG delivers unforgiving, methodical combat with an active healing item, dodge roll, and parrying mechanics. Tails Of Iron introduces innovation with color-coded attacks to keep players engaged and enhance enemy telegraphing.
Set in a war-torn world where rats suffer from an invasion of menacing frogs, players assume the role of Redgi, tasked with embarking on a treacherous journey following the brutal death of his father, the king. The game's world exudes a dark and gritty ambiance, providing a striking contrast to its anthropomorphic characters.
2 Darkest Dungeon - Strategy RPG Embracing Imperfections
Steam User Rating: 91%
This turn-based strategy RPG adopts a brutal roguelike structure with permanent death mechanics, intensifying the peril of every dungeon delve. Featuring a dark and gritty hand-drawn art style, Darkest Dungeon incorporates various unforgiving elements that complement its grimdark atmosphere.
The characters comprising a party in Darkest Dungeon are deeply flawed, and as they experience stress during their dungeon explorations, these flaws manifest in highly detrimental ways. This perpetual uncertainty, coupled with the lack of trust between the player and their party, further enhances Darkest Dungeon's grimdark essence, while the Lovecraftian horrors contribute to the game's overall grimness.
3 Quasimorph - Uncompromising Survival Extraction-Shooter Roguelite
Steam User Rating: 78%
- Platforms: PC
- Released: December 8, 2022
- Developer: Magnum Scriptum
Set in a dark dystopian science fiction future controlled by corporations and plagued by horrific creatures, Quasimorph presents a world that is downtrodden, gritty, and unforgiving, reflected in its gameplay mechanics.
Players are tasked with venturing into horror-infested space stations to retrieve valuable items before attempting to extract with as much loot as possible. In Quasimorph, death does not spell the end, but it does result in the loss of all possessions. This unrelenting, unforgiving gameplay, along with the game's survival mechanics, perfectly align with Quasimorph's atmosphere and tone.