Summary
Colony simulatorsare one of the most popular genres on Steam, thanks to the success of games such asRimWorld,Dwarf Fortress, and lesser known titles likeAmazing Cultivation Simulator. These games often offercomplex management experiencesand high replay value.
While many colony simulators are more focused on granular mechanics and deep gameplay than story, theme, or tone, a few projects manage to be thematic. Of these, even fewer take on a trulydark tone. However, some colony simulators embrace their naturally dark themes.
This somewhat obscure release from 2016 is adark, post-apocalypticcolony simulator packed with demons and dark magic.Judgment’sgameplay feels like a lighter, more accessible version ofRimWorld, but takes on a darker, apocalyptic tone.
Judgmentmay come across as almost over-the-top darkness with its Hellspawn demon enemies and occasional voiceover, butthis B-moviedarkness is arguably what makes it so distinct. With its gritty setting and downtrodden characters, as well as its focus on constant scavenging and defense against horrific creatures,Judgmentis perfect for players who enjoy over-the-top darkness.
From the developers behindThis War Of Mine,Frostpunkoffers a post-apocalyptic colony-management experience of building a city in a frozen world. Players will have to contend with the discontent, starvation, and illness of their colonists as they expand their colony in an attempt to survive.
Frostpunkcan be brutal, and extremely challenging at times. However, what makes it so dark is its stark focus on gray morality.Frostpunkconstantly asks players to make tough, even cruel decisions for their colonists, most of which force them to face dark realities.
WhileKenshimay not market itself as a colony simulator, and it can certainly be played in a multitude of ways, the late-game ofKenshican often evolve into a combination of base-building and colony management. This often happens after the player has become strong enough to defend themselves, has amassed a small fortune, and usually having gathered an abundance of party members.
With a wealth of currency and a small army in tow, players will often need tobuild a baseto act as their headquarters. WhileKenshi’sbase-building may not be as fluid as more focused colony sims, and the gameplay is much more focused on micromanagement and automation, its unique dark-fantasy setting and brutal world makeKenshia great choice for fans of darker experiences.
Thiswildly popular Rogueliteindie game features action Roguelite gameplay that tasks players with crawling through dangerous dungeons full of enemies. However, outside of these dungeons, players spend their time expanding and managing a dark cult.
Cult of the Lambmay havea cute aestheticwith its anthropomorphized animals and hand-drawn art style, but this is in stark contrast to its gameplay.Cult of the Lambmay not be the darkest colony sim out there, as its tongue is firmly in its cheek, but the cult-building theme and gameplay mechanics surrounding dark rituals and ritual sacrifice makeCult of the Lamba decidedly dark experience.
RimWorldis arguably responsible for the modern popularity of the colony sim genre. Since its release on Steam in 2018,RimWorldhas evolved with updates and DLC to become not only one of the best colony simulators, but perhaps one of the darkest.
WhileRimWorldmay not appear particularly dark or gritty on the surface, the freedom it gives players can lead to some morally gray situations.RimWorlddoesn’t shy away from dark themes and gameplay mechanics surrounding drugs, slavery, and the removal (and selling) of vital organs.RimWorldnever tells the player what they’re doing is wrong, and that’s perhaps the darkest thing about it.
This dark and gritty colony survival game tasks players with managing and protecting a group of downtrodden civilians in a war-torn world. This war-ravaged setting is packed with dark stories, characters, and heartbreaking events, makingThis War of Mineconsistently dark.
This War of Minecan be pretty emotional, thanks in large part to its theme and tone. Similar to games such asFrostpunk(from the same developer),This War of Minealso frequently asks players to make tough decisions, driving home the game’s dark theme and tying it into the gameplay.
