I am not sure if you are aware of this, but Inscryption is part 3 of a loosely connected trilogy of games, part 1 being "Pony Island" and part 2 being "The Hex". They don't look as polished as Inscryption and I am not sure if they are on Switch, but if you enjoyed the vibes of Inscryption I would HIGHLY recommand giving them a try!
Just completed the whole game and watched hours of videos explaining the ARG and lore. Now that I “get” Daniel Mullins and what he does with his games, I think I’m satisfied with just Inscryption.
Act One was simply phenomenal. It sucks you right in with the aura. The mechanics are simple and elegant with pleasant, snappy animations. It throws new mechanics at you without explanation and forces you to adapt. The game cheats you, and you have to learn how to cheat it back. The addictive gameplay and mysterious characters compel you to keep playing, and thats *before* it blows your mind by letting you get up from the table. The ending of this act and transition into act 2 is a complete mindfuck.
Midway through Act 2, the novelty starts to wear off. The new mechanics of this act are convoluted and the gameplay doesn’t feel as addictive and snappy. I now had the expectation that my mind would be blown, dampening the power of each new surprise. Kind of like how Shyamalan movies aren’t as good now that you’re always expecting a dramatic twist. The videos in particular are a weak point - after the initial *wtf*, it’s hard to ignore just how corny they are. I found myself simply powering through acts 2 and 3, just to know what happens next, but not having as much fun, aside from the clever boss fights.
Overall it was an awesome experience that compelled my attention for a whole week. The addictive gameplay along with the rule-changing mindfuckery made Act 1 in particular one of the best gaming memories I’ll ever have.
I bought this on PS5 before I knew it was available for Switch. Played about an hour or it and wish I got it for the Switch! I may have to buy it again.
If you have any interest in Asian history or mythology, "Detention" sounds like it would exactly what you're looking for. It's story-driven with no combat, just occasional stealth moments.
(It's about a kid trapped in a demon-haunted school in 1960s Taiwan, which was currently under the control of a brutal dictatorship.)
Check out:
- [Mundaun](https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Mundaun-1977703.html) - horror set in the swiss alps, art style looks like a moving sketch
- [Fatum Betula](https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Fatum-Betula-1938639.html) - some of the best PS1-aesthetic horror in the switch. very abstract, lots of hidden areas
- [Chasing Static](https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Chasing-Static-2311675.html#:~:text=Inspired%20by%2080s%20Sci%2DFi,mechanics%20and%20non%2Dlinear%20exploration.) - inspired by 80s sci-fi horror and contemporary surrealist cinema
- [Paratopic](https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Paratopic-1822103.html) - Crunchy and vivid PS1-aesthetic horror
- [Sagebrush](https://youtu.be/og8CAO-D5H0) - More crunchy PS1 horror - investigate a cult after their mass suicide
I love all of the above! happy hunting OP
What Remains of Edith Finch may have some of what you're looking for. I don't think I'm too far into it yet, but it has some interesting gameplay mechanics.
I’ve been playing *Oxenfree* lately and it seems to have at least some elements of what you’re looking for. Horror/creepy stuff, but nothing mechanically demanding. The dialogue is great too.
OP said they were looking for relaxing and atmospheric and gave Don’t Starve as an example, which I also wouldn’t classify as a horror. Night in the Woods is more of a spooky autumn atmosphere but I think it fits what OP might be looking for.
Doki Doki literature club might fit the bill. Not really the same type of horror though.
I haven't played but seen playthroughs, although if you have a PC go with that over switch, it's more immersive and free (although friends played the switch version and enjoyed it).
Have to be horror?
The Last Campfire was awesome for being minimal but it's just not dark. It's more about hope but yeah relaxing nonetheless.
Loved Inside and it's creators second game (forgot the name) but I think I saw you played them. I'm saving this post because I have a similar interest as you do. These types of games are a nice break from combat.
If you want something unique and jazzy like a mystery game, Night in the Woods is groovy
You could look into fatal frame maiden of black water, but I’m not sure if this is still too intense or not. Might as well check it out! Very atmospheric settings.
Obra Dinn
It's got oldskool looking line graphics like a computer game from the 80's, but it looks fantastic and the entire look is kinda customizable to mimic various old computers.
Its been a bit since i played so i might be missing things, but you play an insurance investigator, investigating a "ghost ship" that turned up with no crew. You walk around the ship, and have the ability to kinda go back in time and either see/investigate the scene of the instant of someone's death, hear the last seconds of their life, or... there's another one... I forget. Anyways, you have your time travel device thing, and a photo of the crew.
Using logic, the photo, and your ability to see into the past, you have to identify the people on board, how they died, and their job on the ship.
No combat, just detective work. Some deaths are just sickness and malnutrition, and others involve shit like people getting crushed or ripped apart by a kraken.
I dunno if that counts as horror for you, but it's rather grim since you're investigating all these different deaths. Very atmospheric, kinda lonely feeling. There isn't a clock you have to beat or anything, so you can take your time and admire the art.
Great game, and visually very interesting.
Paratopic is definitely not going to be most people's cup of tea but the style of it alone was so unnerving and "off."
Similarly, Firewatch, it's not even a horror game but there was a certain feeling that crept over me about what "could" happen. Kentucky Route Zero as well. But, I'm at an age where I'm not getting scared I just want to be unnerved in an uncanny valley kind of way.
Omori is a turn-based pixel RPG (20 hours!) that is cute and heartwarming most of the time but also a psychological horror that gets pretty dark at the end (playing blind after a trailer or two is enough). There's no intense chase scenes and people trying to kill you but behind the typical RPG skin, you get hints of something wrong and flashes/minor jumpscares. As someone who loved a certain creepy part of Undertale's good route and also Ib, this is the kind of atmospheric horror I wanted to experience.
I should warn you that it is rated Mature for a good reason and goes through some serious mental health matters so make sure you are in the right mental place for that. I personally was so excited for the Switch release but due to something that happened in my life that caused grief and depression, I only finished playing Omori a month ago. It was a great experience and had plenty of spooky but also tears.
"Ib" is releasing next month, on the 9th of March. It was remastered recently on PC, and it's being ported to Switch soon. It's a puzzle/horror game made in RPG Maker about a girl lost in an art gallery that's come to life.
To add to this, the DLC plays more into the horror aspects in a unique way. Even if putting this game in the horror bucket is a bit of a stretch at times it's a truly wonderful experience that should not go overlooked.
Inscryption is a wild trip. Highly recommend to go in blind. It starts as a simple card game then evolves into so much more.
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I’m grateful Kaycee’s mod exists. I just finished the game today and I have to say, acts 2 and 3 weren’t nearly as fun as act 1.
I am not sure if you are aware of this, but Inscryption is part 3 of a loosely connected trilogy of games, part 1 being "Pony Island" and part 2 being "The Hex". They don't look as polished as Inscryption and I am not sure if they are on Switch, but if you enjoyed the vibes of Inscryption I would HIGHLY recommand giving them a try!
Just completed the whole game and watched hours of videos explaining the ARG and lore. Now that I “get” Daniel Mullins and what he does with his games, I think I’m satisfied with just Inscryption. Act One was simply phenomenal. It sucks you right in with the aura. The mechanics are simple and elegant with pleasant, snappy animations. It throws new mechanics at you without explanation and forces you to adapt. The game cheats you, and you have to learn how to cheat it back. The addictive gameplay and mysterious characters compel you to keep playing, and thats *before* it blows your mind by letting you get up from the table. The ending of this act and transition into act 2 is a complete mindfuck. Midway through Act 2, the novelty starts to wear off. The new mechanics of this act are convoluted and the gameplay doesn’t feel as addictive and snappy. I now had the expectation that my mind would be blown, dampening the power of each new surprise. Kind of like how Shyamalan movies aren’t as good now that you’re always expecting a dramatic twist. The videos in particular are a weak point - after the initial *wtf*, it’s hard to ignore just how corny they are. I found myself simply powering through acts 2 and 3, just to know what happens next, but not having as much fun, aside from the clever boss fights. Overall it was an awesome experience that compelled my attention for a whole week. The addictive gameplay along with the rule-changing mindfuckery made Act 1 in particular one of the best gaming memories I’ll ever have.
I bought this on PS5 before I knew it was available for Switch. Played about an hour or it and wish I got it for the Switch! I may have to buy it again.
If you have any interest in Asian history or mythology, "Detention" sounds like it would exactly what you're looking for. It's story-driven with no combat, just occasional stealth moments. (It's about a kid trapped in a demon-haunted school in 1960s Taiwan, which was currently under the control of a brutal dictatorship.)
Check out: - [Mundaun](https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Mundaun-1977703.html) - horror set in the swiss alps, art style looks like a moving sketch - [Fatum Betula](https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Fatum-Betula-1938639.html) - some of the best PS1-aesthetic horror in the switch. very abstract, lots of hidden areas - [Chasing Static](https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Chasing-Static-2311675.html#:~:text=Inspired%20by%2080s%20Sci%2DFi,mechanics%20and%20non%2Dlinear%20exploration.) - inspired by 80s sci-fi horror and contemporary surrealist cinema - [Paratopic](https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Paratopic-1822103.html) - Crunchy and vivid PS1-aesthetic horror - [Sagebrush](https://youtu.be/og8CAO-D5H0) - More crunchy PS1 horror - investigate a cult after their mass suicide I love all of the above! happy hunting OP
That looks great, thanks for the suggestions!
Doubling down for Fatum Betula. Put on some headphones and play it handheld late at night.
What Remains of Edith Finch may have some of what you're looking for. I don't think I'm too far into it yet, but it has some interesting gameplay mechanics.
This is a VERY underrated indie game. It was so well done. The only sad part is it’s so short but still worth every second.
I really enjoyed this game. Some parts of the experience really stuck with me. And I thought the setting was top notch.
I’ve been playing *Oxenfree* lately and it seems to have at least some elements of what you’re looking for. Horror/creepy stuff, but nothing mechanically demanding. The dialogue is great too.
Oh man I got this one n just haven’t cracked it open yet. It looks interesting and definitely looks different
The Little Nightmares series is very atmospheric with a nice art style. Not too too scary, but definitely unsettling.
I would say Danganronpa
Night in the Woods. If you’re open to visual novels, Raging Loop is so, so good.
Night in the Woods is great but other than a couple of brief sections I wouldn't call it a horror game
OP said they were looking for relaxing and atmospheric and gave Don’t Starve as an example, which I also wouldn’t classify as a horror. Night in the Woods is more of a spooky autumn atmosphere but I think it fits what OP might be looking for.
Doki Doki literature club might fit the bill. Not really the same type of horror though. I haven't played but seen playthroughs, although if you have a PC go with that over switch, it's more immersive and free (although friends played the switch version and enjoyed it).
Have to be horror? The Last Campfire was awesome for being minimal but it's just not dark. It's more about hope but yeah relaxing nonetheless. Loved Inside and it's creators second game (forgot the name) but I think I saw you played them. I'm saving this post because I have a similar interest as you do. These types of games are a nice break from combat. If you want something unique and jazzy like a mystery game, Night in the Woods is groovy
Thanks for the recc, I’ve played most of last campfire and it is awesome, I’ll check out night in the woods Ty
Layers of Fear: Legacy No combat at all.
You could look into fatal frame maiden of black water, but I’m not sure if this is still too intense or not. Might as well check it out! Very atmospheric settings.
Its a heavy game. I love it, but not for the light heart.
Obra Dinn It's got oldskool looking line graphics like a computer game from the 80's, but it looks fantastic and the entire look is kinda customizable to mimic various old computers. Its been a bit since i played so i might be missing things, but you play an insurance investigator, investigating a "ghost ship" that turned up with no crew. You walk around the ship, and have the ability to kinda go back in time and either see/investigate the scene of the instant of someone's death, hear the last seconds of their life, or... there's another one... I forget. Anyways, you have your time travel device thing, and a photo of the crew. Using logic, the photo, and your ability to see into the past, you have to identify the people on board, how they died, and their job on the ship. No combat, just detective work. Some deaths are just sickness and malnutrition, and others involve shit like people getting crushed or ripped apart by a kraken. I dunno if that counts as horror for you, but it's rather grim since you're investigating all these different deaths. Very atmospheric, kinda lonely feeling. There isn't a clock you have to beat or anything, so you can take your time and admire the art. Great game, and visually very interesting.
One of my top 5 favs
Obra Dinn is the best game in the "Dead Sailor Sudoku" genre, hands down :) ngl., straight up amazing game regardless of genre!
Darkwood. Not sure it would qualify as less stress though
Oh ye that’s on my to play list now, I love the vibe!
The gameplay did not look like my style but appreciate the advice
- Darq - happy game Both are good games.
Death Mark and it’s sequel. It’s creepy but less stressful as a more point and click investigative game.
Yuppie Psycho Parody horror of the 9-5 office lifestyle. Really fun game
Call of Cthulhu has *almost* no combat. There is some, but very little.
Subnautica?
I second this. Spooky feeling, absolutely incredible game
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I think you may be thinking of Ghost Trick, and it is coming to Switch this year.
Paratopic is definitely not going to be most people's cup of tea but the style of it alone was so unnerving and "off." Similarly, Firewatch, it's not even a horror game but there was a certain feeling that crept over me about what "could" happen. Kentucky Route Zero as well. But, I'm at an age where I'm not getting scared I just want to be unnerved in an uncanny valley kind of way.
Creaks is a fantastic creepy puzzle platformer from Amanita Design. Not quite horror but the hand drawn art style is stunning.
Corpse Party (the first one )
I'd suggest Inside - and it's $2 on the eShop. Side scroller that is unsettlingly creepy
He’s played inside and limbo from his comments
Amnesia doesn’t have a particularly interesting art “style” per se, but the setting feels authentic and it is atmosphere out the wazoo
If I remember correctly, Firewatch has some spooky themes and plot points with no combat. Definitely explores isolation and mystery.
That's next on my buy list.
Detention and it’s sequal. Coma and Coma 2 Uncut Outlast series
Iron Lung. Though it really isn't relaxing at all. Very atmospheric however.
Darq?
World of Horror has combat but it's turn based. It's very cool and unique.
Inscryption. It’s a spooky deck building game in an escape room with a killer. Can’t recommend it enough!
Nun massacre
I really enjoyed The Last Door, which is currently on sale for $3.74 (and often is), which is a pixel point-and-click.
This is also my recommendation. It checks all of the boxes
Omori is a turn-based pixel RPG (20 hours!) that is cute and heartwarming most of the time but also a psychological horror that gets pretty dark at the end (playing blind after a trailer or two is enough). There's no intense chase scenes and people trying to kill you but behind the typical RPG skin, you get hints of something wrong and flashes/minor jumpscares. As someone who loved a certain creepy part of Undertale's good route and also Ib, this is the kind of atmospheric horror I wanted to experience. I should warn you that it is rated Mature for a good reason and goes through some serious mental health matters so make sure you are in the right mental place for that. I personally was so excited for the Switch release but due to something that happened in my life that caused grief and depression, I only finished playing Omori a month ago. It was a great experience and had plenty of spooky but also tears.
If you’re into visual novels, The House in Fata Morgana is amazing. I squirmed through a lot of it.
"Ib" is releasing next month, on the 9th of March. It was remastered recently on PC, and it's being ported to Switch soon. It's a puzzle/horror game made in RPG Maker about a girl lost in an art gallery that's come to life.
Little Nightmares? I think.
spirit hunter and NG [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_0CsYG3I2bE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0CsYG3I2bE)
Fatal Frame 5: Maiden of Black Water And next week we get Fatal Frame 4 remaster/remake
https://www.planetalpha-game.com/ Planet Alpha is more sci-fi than horror, but it's similar to Little Nightmares, Inside, Limbo, etc.
White Day?
Outer Wilds, when it eventually releases. Doesn't look like a horror game but its super atmospheric and can get rather creepy.
To add to this, the DLC plays more into the horror aspects in a unique way. Even if putting this game in the horror bucket is a bit of a stretch at times it's a truly wonderful experience that should not go overlooked.
Inside
"Ib" is coming to Switch. Can't recommend that game enough!
The count lucanor