With the anticipated release of Cyberpunk 2077, the dystopian motifs of the cyberpunk genre seem to be all the rage these days. There’s another style that uses darker, grittier technological traits, and it’s known as steampunk. This is a technological aesthetic that’s based on steam and electricity and often takes place in a Victorian setting. While this overlapping theme doesn’t seem to garner quite as much attention outside sci-fi buffs, it’s nonetheless a rich subgenre with a passionate fanbase.
The unique, rich imagery invokes the imagination with its 19th-century themes of rusted steam-powered machinery and gear-laden gadgets. Naturally, this helps set the foundation for some epic, atmospheric gaming experiences. While there’s not a long list to draw from compared to sci-fi novels, films, or anime, there are plenty of examples of great games that run with this style in some form.
13 Sunless Sea
Steampunk is often known for its gloomy atmosphere, and there’s certainly a palpable sense of these traits when exploring the desolate waters of Sunless Sea, an ‘18 release by Failbetter Games. The game is partly an expansion of the browser adventure title called Fallen London, fleshing out the experience with loads of readable backstory and ominous sea creatures.
This steampunk game consists of a slow-moving and simple journey for the most part, as the rich settings and somber tunes take center stage. There’s a sense of wonder as you explore these sunken ruins of Victorian-era London. This roguelike survival romp for PC and PS4 is definitely worth giving a try if you fancy the 19th-century motif.
12 Frostpunk
Frostpunk is a city-building strategy steampunk survival game that takes place in an apocalyptic future in which any kind of energy source is jealously guarded. The entire planet is frozen under a volcanic winter, and the player has to build a city, gather other survivors, and get through the winter.
Players can experience several different scenarios, all of which include variations in the same setting. The game was released for Microsoft Windows first, with consoles, macOS, and Android following a year later.
11 Machinarium
You’ve got the potential for some charming, lavish art styles when running with the steampunk look, and Amanita Design’s graphic adventure by the name of Machinarium is a solid example of this.
This game utilizes an intuitive point-and-click mechanic and dresses it up with some authentically gritty, detailed wastelands and run-down machinery. The steampunk-style assets prove a suitable fit, given that it features an array of puzzles that will have you tinkering with various buttons, knobs, and other gadgetry. This is a cool little artistic adventure that’s worth the time.
10 Professor Layton And The Unwound Future
One of the more enduring projects that showcase the unique traits of Nintendo’s DS is the Professor Layton series. This delightful steampunk game adventure feels like a virtual cartoon show mixed with a fantastical storybook. Fans of this puzzle series often point to this 3rd iteration as the peak in the franchise, giving credence to the notion that the “3rd time is a charm.”
The creative point-and-drag puzzles have drawn a slew of fans over the years, as have the entertaining animated cutscenes that further paint the scene. The rich English settings are laced with cool set pieces and steampunk gadgets - namely the time machine, which Layton and Luke are called upon to check out during the game’s introduction.
9 The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Nintendo’s beloved Legend of Zelda series has been a staple in fantasy-based adventures; which tend to stress magic over machinery. Yet, this unique journey for young Link largely revolves around the use of traveling about by train. Much like Skyword Sword’s usage of flying, and Wind Waker’s adherence to sailing, the means of transport here is a 19th-century-style train, which officially makes this a steampunk game.
Players still get the familiar fantasy tropes and thrilling sword-based combat fans have come to love, but DS’ Spirit Tracks injects a bit of its retro-technical flair that allows it to stand out. It’s easy to get roped in when chugging along in this 25-hour odyssey.
8 Steamworld Dig 2
This charmingly colorful romp is oozing with a steampunk atmosphere and exploration-based gameplay that Minecraft and Terraria fans are sure to love. Indeed, the Steamworld Dig games play like a somewhat smaller version of Re-Logic’s epic; but one that’s similarly rife with fun content.
It’s tough to get more prototypically “steampunk” than a clanky robotic protagonist powered by steam. In addition to steampunk, you’ll likely be getting some Indiana Jones vibes too, as you spend your time exploring vast caverns and mining for various goods. Unlock new steam-powered mechanisms and weapons like pressure bombs for more efficient bots, making for an increasingly rewarding journey.
7 The Misadventures Of P.B. Winterbottom
A puzzle platformer that curious gamers can find on the Xbox Live Arcade and Microsoft Windows, The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom has been compared to games like Portal but with a quirky and often rude wit.
The titular main character of this steampunk game has two main abilities, collecting pies and making clones of himself. The design of the game is unmistakenly steampunk, including a variety of gears and cranes on a monochrome background reminiscent of Victorian-era rotoscope movies.
6 Grandia
While the PlayStation was taking off with its renowned Final Fantasy games, Game Arts had quietly crafted an underrated RPG epic with Grandia for the rival Saturn. The game did receive a PS port soon after, along with an eventual HD Switch remaster.
Grandia balances colorful fantasy worlds and magic with technological elements, adding a sense of “grandiosity,” if you’ll excuse the pun. Fans are often drawn to the appealing system of combat, which balances turn-based concepts with free-flowing action. While the strictly “steampunk” elements are light, there’s certainly a mechanical and industrial vibe to many of the areas throughout this 40-plus hour journey.
5 Dishonored
There has been a trend in modern gaming to decorate scenes with profoundly grey, gritty hues. Yet, this action-stealth romp by Arkane Studios manages to feel distinct in its heavy use of grimy industrial themes. The city of Dunwall exudes a dismal feel with its run-down and rusted decor.
While the mechanisms of Dishonored’s harsh landscapes run on oil rather than steam, there’s plenty of that familiar steampunk style that blends dystopian sci-fi with retro themes. Fans have found much to love with this PS4 and Xbox One franchise; not just with its atmosphere, but also with its satisfying, complex stealth gameplay.
4 Skies Of Arcadia
Oldtime airships are an emblematic feature in much steampunk-themed content, and Skies of Arcadia utilizes this element overtly and terrifically. Sailing the vast skies with your airship as you travel the floating continents creates a sense of wonder and majesty that fans of this motif tend to love.
The game features an array of unique elemental powers and vibrant fantasy themes, combined with a more technological edge, giving Skies a distinct sense of atmosphere. Fans of this Dreamcast classic have praised the game for its rich world-building, fun exploration, and rewarding turn-based combat.
3 The Order Of 1886
Released for the Playstation 4 in 2015, The Order of 1886 is set in an alternate timeline that includes the tech and design of steampunk. The storyline puts the Arthurian Round Table in a modern version of London, and the player takes on the character of Sir Galahad in their quest to defend the city against a variety of monsters.
According to the game’s lore, certain human beings turned half-animal in the 7th or 8th century, also about the same time knightly orders were rising in power. The modern incarnation is the Order of Knights and the variety of weapons and other items used in the game mix medieval and steampunk technology.
2 Bioshock
Along with epics like The Elder Scrolls series, the breakout hit BioShock helped paved the way for a new era of dynamic open-world games in a 3D space. The amount of freedom allotted in this makes for an exhilarating experience, which is enhanced further by the dark, gloomy underwater setting of Rapture.
The game - and the series as a whole - draws heavily on steampunk for its visual influences, and it certainly shows. This eerie shooter blends intense action with exploration and light RPG traits. The end result is an immersive experience and mechanical marvel that draws you in and doesn’t let go.
1 Final Fantasy 6
In a departure from the more stock Medieval settings that made up Square’s prior Final Fantasy games, this renowned 6th rendition goes full-throttle into steampunk territory. Much like FFVII’s distinctly cyberpunk influences, this SNES gem shines with its darker themes, strengthened by a gritty steampunk overlay.
While the game’s gothic atmosphere and moving narrative take center stage, there’s no shortage of enjoyable gameplay. Fans have praised the detailed battle system featuring tons of unique abilities, spells, and party member options.
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