Creepy Solo Games for A Night In

Game nights with the girlies are the best. Period.

There is just something about logging onto Discord after a stressful day, knowing you're about to track into crazy adventures and supernatural horrors, all with your crazy group of friends. Laughter and screaming are guaranteed to melt the world and the stress away.

But sometimes, a quiet night with yourself is just as satisfying. For those nights, when I just don't have the battery to socialize or maybe the group isn't available, I've been turning to these little gems. They aren't in any particular order, but all are worth at least a little look.

Cult of the Lamb + Woolhaven

This is an easy go-to for me. I had wanted this game since I saw the advertisements for it, and it was the first game I purchased on my Switch, even snagging it the night it was released.

You play as the last of the Lambs, sacrificed to please the old gods. Only in death are you saved by the One Who Waits, who instructs you to rebuild his cult, power, and influence - only then giving him the ability to rise again. It's a great mix of cute and creepy, with all the fun of dungeon-crawler and farming elements. Just be prepared to become the world's most powerful babysitter, because all the cult members are a bunch of needy toddlers.

The newest DLC just dropped recently on January 22nd, in Woolhaven, which is as big as the initial game and expands greatly on the lore and backstory of the Lamb. With this new addition, it really is the best time to dive in, and it's one I highly recommend.

Dredge

Dredge has a special little place in my heart. The game is beautifully designed with unique artwork, gorgeous environments, topped with a cute and cozy atmosphere, and a healthy dose of creepy and Lovecraftian. This was another game that I eagerly awaited its release, and I was not disappointed. I love this game so much that after I officially catch the last fish, I plan on resetting it and starting over!

In this little game, you are a mysterious fisherman who just recently washed ashore with no memories or clues but the boat he was found in. Your presence is even more suspicious as it correlates with darkness in the ocean and weird fish being pulled from the waters. Lucky for you, the town's only fisherman has disappeared, and they are in need of a replacement. The mayor is even willing to overlook your potential dark origins if you take up the job. This sets you on a path to not only uncover what happened to you but to discover the mysteries of five different environments and collect over 100 fascinating ocean fish.

Since its release, the devs have released two different DLC's, opening up an icy terrain and an oil rig that awakens a dormant darkness. If your favorite part of Animal Crossing was collecting all the bugs and fish, you will adore this game. And although collecting is the main element, there are plenty of quests and secrets to discover to keep things consistently interesting.

WytchWood

Speaking of collecting, this game also has collecting at the forefront of its gameplay, only this time you're doing it to stay stocked with ingredients for all your magical potions.

In WytchWood, you play as an ancient witch awakened only to discover she's forgotten the last few decades in her napping. Her only guide is a sarcastic demon goat who demands his repayment. To unlock your memories and fulfill your forgotten promise, you are sent on quests to collect the souls of four devilish creatures. On your journey, you'll cross a variety of terrains, come face to face with monsters, folklore, and deal with silly humans, all while collecting ingredients along the way to craft new potions and spells.

This game is quite stunning - the art is unique and bright with a very small sprinkling of spooky. Out of all the games on this list, this one is the most chill and a great one for a relaxing night in. If you enjoy folklore and storytelling with a heavy serving of adventure, this one is a lovely game to pick up. Also, if you are a fan of Baba Yaga - the main character gives big Baba Yaga vibes.

Sunkin Engine

This game is an early access and is still being developed and updated. I still wanted to add it because the foundation is very enjoyable, and I'm excited to see how the developers continue expanding the world. I actually purchased this game after trying out the demo and fell in love with its gloomy, nautical, Lovecraftian vibes. Oh, you know, like another game I have on this little list. Seriously, the more I play games, the more I realize I truly have a type.

In this PC game, you play as the prodigal son, returning to his father's village and boat shop after his sudden death. Only there is something weird about…everything. The shop is haunted, the villagers are keeping secrets, something is watching you, and there's the mysterious book that's landed in your possession - gifted from your father and hinting that his death might not have been natural. Take up your father's old job as a boat repairman as you dig deeper into uncovering what the town is hiding and what power the book truly possesses - before it possesses you.

And that’s that. I hope my little list helped you uncover a new possible favorite. I truly love all these games, but am always excited to uncover new ones. Let me know in the comments if you are planning to try out any one of these.

Happy gaming, and remember to always question the whistle coming from the woods.

Lys