Gut-Hitting Games That Sink You Into Depression With Their Story

Despite flashy visuals, terrific gameplay, and an overall enjoyable experience, some games out there don’t hit that sweet spot when it comes to delivering on the storyline aspect. On the contrary, there are titles in this business that will plummet you into depression straight up with how they present their plot and this piece intends to highlight these story-centric masterpieces in all their glory. 

I’ve had the privilege of playing thousands of games spanning multiple genres over the years, but with the following iterations, I can guarantee you a heart-rending experience filled to the brim with moments that can make you bawl your eyes out. 

Prepare For A Rollercoaster Of Emotions With These Games

Do read until the end of the write-up for the best results. 

1. Spiritfarer

An underrated gem by far and large, Spiritfarer is one game that you probably might have never even heard about. As per the title’s Steam description, this is a “cozy management game about dying,” where you play as a “ferrymaster” to those who have passed on and are about to step into the afterlife. $5 says you’re going to spend half the time playing the title crying. I’ll take cash. Thank you. 

It’s thought-provoking, bittersweet, and extremely captivating. As one Steam reviewer says it, 

A cozy exploration of the transience of life, purpose, and acceptance.

Masterpiece.”

2. Disco Elysium

While mostly super comical and hilarious on multiple levels, Disco Elysium is one of the best games to play if you’re looking for an all-in-one experience. It’s a game that will make you realize how video gaming is an art form at its finest, all the while putting forth an accurate depiction of being drunk to a T.

It’s actually genuinely incredible how the RPG manages to merge both depression and humor together, while making the player perfectly aware of what’s really going on in the backdrop. If you’ve been sitting this one out, please don’t hesitate to dive right into Disco Elysium. You won’t regret it. 

3. What Remains Of Edith Finch 

Easily a top choice when it comes down to the most high-firing games that can make you feel depressed, I’m honestly at a loss for words for describing the genius of What Remains of Edith Finch. Well, for starters, it’s a neat indie title that has flown under the radar of so many, despite being comfortably short-to-finish right under the 5-hour mark.

The story of What Remains of Edith Finch is beautiful but has a deep, melancholic element to its name that keeps you hooked right until the end. I played the game in one sitting, and I recommend that you do the same as well for the best results.  

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

While classified as a major time sink, Rockstar has made sure that Red Dead Redemption 2 is worth every minute you spend playing it, and that’s facts speaking. eXputer revisited the game in 2024 — years after its initial release — rating it 4.5/5.0, with author Obaid ur Rehman remarking, 

Even after five years, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands at the top next to new AAA titles, so it is still not too late to experience its greatness.”

It’s super rich in narrative, so do expect to get hit in the gut multiple times as you play through the campaign. However, I will admit that as compared to the rest of entries on the list, it’s not as depression-inducing, but worth mentioning all the same. 

5. Nier: Automata

Lastly, we have at our disposal what is easily one of the finest games ever made, though one that’s not without its fair share of heartbreaks. Nier: Automata by PlatinumGames is a game that’s as remarkable as they come, sporting an incredible soundtrack, terrific combat gameplay, stellar visuals, and, of course, an intertwined story spanning three characters that just take you aback with how things unravel at the end. 

The title’s sales have exceeded 7 million, so that’s a plus in terms of the franchise possibly getting a new iteration down the line. Would love to see another proper Nier game akin to the quality of Automata.