Darkwood

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 165 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 127 out of 165
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 165
  3. Negative: 13 out of 165

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. halfs2
    May 30, 2021
    10
    I enjoyed the soundtrack a lot, the atmosphere of the game is very good, it always makes you tense and doesn't teach you anything, as the days go by you learn how to survive the night, how to defend yourself, I'm loving the game and I paid an incredibly low price on the PC version on steam. I'm looking forward to a darkwood 2, maybe with co-op multiplayer?
  2. Crowborn
    May 10, 2017
    10
    The game was good when it came out in 2014, and since then it got massively better. The storyline has expanded immensely and many problems of yore have been dealt with accordingly. It's still getting updates, but it would already be probably the best 2D horror game out there if it was finished as it currently is.
  3. ComediantWell
    Feb 16, 2018
    10
    Пожалуй один из самых красивых, атмосферных и глубоких проектов за последнее время
  4. petillo
    Sep 6, 2017
    10
    I'm actually amazed, that there are so few ratings. I got the game through their Piratebay Torrent, which in itself is so commend worthy, read their ReadMe in it. I will however buy it on Steam aswell, because i think creative people deserve to be supported, otherwise we will all be force-fed tripple A crap all our lives.

    This game is simple, yet very very intense. You might think you    I'm actually amazed, that there are so few ratings. I got the game through their Piratebay Torrent, which in itself is so commend worthy, read their ReadMe in it. I will however buy it on Steam aswell, because i think creative people deserve to be supported, otherwise we will all be force-fed tripple A crap all our lives.

    This game is simple, yet very very intense. You might think you can't get scared because it's top down, or a graphical style which you can't get familiar with. HOWEVER, playing it with one life only, is super intense. If you like psychological horror, don't even think about it, just do yourself a favour and play it.

    And just in case any of the devs read this review: You guys are amazing and i look forward to see what else you are developing next!    … Expand
  5. Grahl1
    Nov 16, 2020
    10
    Perfect little game. It left me wanted more, left me wishing that this developer had another 10 games like this. Few games these days are done right. Darkwood could have fallen into banality if it was just another pretty game with a decent story and well-made atmosphere but without a challenge element that actually makes a game feel like a game. Fortunately, it has a very simple, but veryPerfect little game. It left me wanted more, left me wishing that this developer had another 10 games like this. Few games these days are done right. Darkwood could have fallen into banality if it was just another pretty game with a decent story and well-made atmosphere but without a challenge element that actually makes a game feel like a game. Fortunately, it has a very simple, but very effective combat system, and the survival elements add up to the challenge. One of the best games I've ever played, and probably the best indie.… Expand
  6. jstreeter
    May 3, 2020
    10
    Darkwood is a depressing and harsh fever dream, filled with despair and terror.

    This game has perfected atmosphere, storytelling, and sound design, and it all comes together to create an unforgettable experience.

    Without a doubt, it one of the best horror games of the decade.
  7. L0_GUN9
    Dec 17, 2022
    10
    Terrifying 2d game with no jumpscares but it uses amazing sound direction and art to scare you
  8. kirovairship
    May 11, 2020
    10
    Picked this game up during a steam sale, not knowing anything about it. As a horror & game fan it surprised me and I ended up loving it.
  9. IsHaplo
    Jun 11, 2021
    10
    What a game. The fact that there's nothing else like it (top-down, true survival horror, with this art style) unless Acid Wizards make a DLC, or sequel says a lot. Cannot replicate magic this good.

    Blows my mind that only 8 percent of players globally even made it to the second-half of the game. The swamp is even scarier.
  10. Sinaliked
    Aug 3, 2020
    10
    cant stop blaming myself for why finding this now !!!
    the moment i saw the gameplay i knew i would fall in love with it. OMG its atmosphere is nice.playing without a headphone but it's still scary i mean the sounds alone can do all the job for making you nervous :) keep up team (^o^)
  11. Pusichka
    Oct 28, 2020
    10
    WHEN ALL GAMES WILL HAVE THE PLOT OF THE SAME LEVEL, I WILL UNDERSTAND THAT DIED AND I AM IN THE EMBROIDERY OF OWN ILLUSIONS. EXTREMELY Pity THAT I LEARNED ABOUT THIS GAME BY ACCIDENT, AND ALL GARBAGE FROM LARGE COMPANIES WITH LOOTBOXES, GRIND, MICROTRANSACTIONS FOR SIGHT EVERY DAY. WORLD IS NOT FAIR. POLAND IS REALLY ABLE TO MAKE GAMES. FALAUT 3 OR 4 SHOULD BE LIKE THIS GAME. DARK ANDWHEN ALL GAMES WILL HAVE THE PLOT OF THE SAME LEVEL, I WILL UNDERSTAND THAT DIED AND I AM IN THE EMBROIDERY OF OWN ILLUSIONS. EXTREMELY Pity THAT I LEARNED ABOUT THIS GAME BY ACCIDENT, AND ALL GARBAGE FROM LARGE COMPANIES WITH LOOTBOXES, GRIND, MICROTRANSACTIONS FOR SIGHT EVERY DAY. WORLD IS NOT FAIR. POLAND IS REALLY ABLE TO MAKE GAMES. FALAUT 3 OR 4 SHOULD BE LIKE THIS GAME. DARK AND EXCITING. INCREDIBLE. BUT THE FALOUT GAME SERIES BECAME A SIMPLE CHILDREN'S GAME. IT'S A PITY

    КОГДА ВСЕ ИГРЫ БУДУТ ИМЕТЬ СЮЖЕТ ТАКОГО ЖЕ УРОВНЯ Я В КАКОЙ-ТО МОМЕНТ ПОЙМУ ЧТО УМЕР И НАХОЖУСЬ В ОБЪЯТИЯХ СОБСТВЕННЫХ ИЛЛЮЗИЙ. КРАЙНЕ ЖАЛЬ ЧТО Я УЗНАЛ ОБ ЭТОЙ ИГРЕ СЛУЧАЙНО, А ВСЯКИЙ МУСОР ОТ КРУПНЫХ КОМПАНИЙ С ЛУТБОКСАМИ, ГРИНДОМ, МИКРОТРАНЗАКЦИЯМИ НА ВИДУ КАЖДЫЙ ДЕНЬ. МИР НЕ СПРАВЕДЛИВ. В ПОЛЬШЕ РЕАЛЬНО УМЕЮТ ДЕЛАТЬ ИГРЫ. ФАЛАУТ 3 ИЛИ 4 ДОЛЖНЫ БЫЛИ СТАТЬ ПОХОЖИМИ НА ЭТУ ИГРУ. МРАЧНЫМИ И ЗАХВАТЫВАЮЩИМИ. НЕВЕРОЯТНЫМИ. НО СЕРИЯ ИГР ФАЛАУТ СТАЛА ПРОСТОЙ ДЕТСКОЙ ИГРОЙ. ЖАЛЬ    … Expand
  12. Hannibal1
    Dec 3, 2020
    10
    One of best games I ever played... It has everything (character building, story, immersive gameplay and so on)... Only thing i would improve is to make day last longer for more time to explore...
  13. grilledcheeze
    Jun 12, 2021
    10
    It was a grueling journey indeed. Darkwood is a tale of abandonment, despair, isolation, and desolation. It shows the dark truth and the utter helplessness of people left behind due to an illness that has plagued certain woods in Poland. The Stranger, one of the people who monitors the woods, has lost his way. He meets a Doctor who interrogated and lacerated him in order to spit out theIt was a grueling journey indeed. Darkwood is a tale of abandonment, despair, isolation, and desolation. It shows the dark truth and the utter helplessness of people left behind due to an illness that has plagued certain woods in Poland. The Stranger, one of the people who monitors the woods, has lost his way. He meets a Doctor who interrogated and lacerated him in order to spit out the way out of the woods. Left to die, the Stranger somewhat lives. He then began to embark on a journey to find the Doctor and battle through the unforgiving, hellish woods for freedom and solitude. Darkwood is a survival horror game like no other. I've never played a game like this one, especially a horror survival game where everything hits straight to the feels. It was a very unique entry to the already oversaturated genre of horror and brought a ton of new & interesting things to the table. It's a very atmospheric game; bleak and haunting. The game is very rewarding, though it is a hard and daunting task to get recompenses without surviving the difficult place the game sets in. The four current places, Dry Meadow, Silent Forest, Old Woods, and the Swamp have very unique layouts and distinct ambiances to them. Each place you progress to has an increase in difficulty, so be prepared every time. The combat wasn't great at first, mainly because this is my first formal introduction to a top-down game. It grew on me later on and got used to it so quickly, I died a lot less coming into the Silent Forest. There is a diverse type of enemies throughout the game, with each having their own unique abilities and equipment, making them hard to kill, especially during the first encounter. But the Stranger also dons abilities of his own through the gathering of cookable food for the Oven to turn into essence, which gives the player the power and advantage during battles. There is one catch though. With each tier, there will be one downside ability for the player to choose indefinitely. The story progresses pretty slowly and it's mostly because of how it depends on one's own pacing and how he/she approaches the game. Patience is essential to this, so be sure not to rush things, unless you're confident enough in your abilities and you're basically a god in these types of games. The side characters are compelling. They each have their own story to tell and personalities that reflect their appearances. The Trader, the first person you encounter in Dry Meadow, is quiet and reserved, giving no emotion at all. Cannot speak or anything, he can only write. He is the main source of getting equipment and valuables in order for the player to survive, but he needs to survive the nights in order to be given a Reputation, a mechanic that acts as the currency of the game. Wolfman, my favorite but not so favorite character as well, is very intimidating at first encounter. He doesn't give a damn about the Stranger at first but slowly opens up as you impress him with your prowess throughout the game. He has an interesting side-quest, but also a very questionable one too which is where my hate for this man, or animal, stems from. But I had no other choice. He rewards me great though, so that's somewhat a win. There are others like the Musician, a young innocent boy who only wants to free a certain someone from the grasps of an old woman. I did this boy dirty because I followed Wolfman's quest which resulted in a heartbreaking situation. This is what this game also does great. Your actions really matter. It affects the people around you and those choices reflect the character you're trying to build upon. It reminded me heavily of Fallout: New Vegas, another fantastic survival game. The music is outstanding. It gave me chills down my spine due to how eerie they sounded. I love how well it mixed up with the already tense and unrelenting atmosphere the game had and just added some more flavor to the horror aspect of it. The game doesn't have any jump scares. Really. Darkwood is an impressive game, undoubtedly one of my favorite games as of recent. Acid Wizard Studio made a gem of a game, and I wish a lot more people would try this masterpiece out. One of the best of its kind, worth a 10/10 rating.… Expand
  14. Sanitater1916
    Feb 8, 2022
    10
    10/10 best game I’ve ever played. Story is vague and always keeps you speculating and theorizing about it. It’s Absolutely horrifying, especially for the first few hours but over time, as you lean about what’s what the scariness is reduced, but in new each location you always find new horrifying abominations which give you that original scare. The characters are all unique and interesting.10/10 best game I’ve ever played. Story is vague and always keeps you speculating and theorizing about it. It’s Absolutely horrifying, especially for the first few hours but over time, as you lean about what’s what the scariness is reduced, but in new each location you always find new horrifying abominations which give you that original scare. The characters are all unique and interesting. It’s extremely immersive and a long game too, took me 41 hours to beat. The only bad thing is that normal mode is too easy and hard is too hard.… Expand
  15. darkwoodFAN
    Nov 27, 2022
    10
    Я закончил играть 30 минут назад. Ета игра ШЕДЕВР. Все персонажы проработаны. А концовка берёт за душу. Обязательно Поиграйте. Ставлю 10/10.(сорри за ошибки)
  16. Serij
    Nov 3, 2017
    9
    Darkwood is a game that questions yourself why are you actually playing this. If you really look into some horror then it deserves it. Because the nights are really stressfull.I mean really..... what is a video game about? Because this game is not fun. The days are a collecting grindfest, but the nights....the nights are just pure stress man.
  17. BlakeArius
    Jan 11, 2015
    9
    Great atmosphere, probably the creepiest 2D I've ever played, And just the right amount of pixel resolution to give both a detailed but 16-bit feel.
    The game is hard and doesn't hold your hand, you will get lost and die. But the controls work well for top-down view its just a matter of finding weapons before night hits you.
    Its currently in alpha but still plenty of game-play to be had    Great atmosphere, probably the creepiest 2D I've ever played, And just the right amount of pixel resolution to give both a detailed but 16-bit feel.
    The game is hard and doesn't hold your hand, you will get lost and die. But the controls work well for top-down view its just a matter of finding weapons before night hits you.
    Its currently in alpha but still plenty of game-play to be had at this point. Give it a go if your a fan of DAYZ, amnesia or generally hard indie games like binding of Issac.    … Expand
  18. EerieDemonble
    Dec 18, 2017
    9
    Amazing survival-horror game. Hard and drowning in dark surreal atmosphere. I was surprised how 2D top-down game can be scary. But developers managed to do that. I hope they will make part 2 and part 3. Horror genre need more good games.
    P.S. - - R.i.p. Dead Space - -
  19. gabrielmuniz
    Oct 8, 2017
    9
    Darkwood, a mysterious game with a tense atmosphere, it's not made to be totally fun but is made to be immersive, and that is the strongest point of this game, the game have scary enemies being a impressive survival horror with no jump scares, even the game being really long i think that a permanent death would fits really well on this game, they could increase 1 bar of life to apply thisDarkwood, a mysterious game with a tense atmosphere, it's not made to be totally fun but is made to be immersive, and that is the strongest point of this game, the game have scary enemies being a impressive survival horror with no jump scares, even the game being really long i think that a permanent death would fits really well on this game, they could increase 1 bar of life to apply this and leave the game balanced.… Expand
  20. HazePhase
    Apr 5, 2020
    9
    Great survival game. The story is immersive, environment is obscure and to some degree disgusting. I fell in love with the game's music as well. Don't let the looks fool you, it took me over 20 hours to complete the main story with some side quests still skipped! I genuinely wanted to find out what happens at the end.
  21. Jackermy
    Aug 1, 2020
    9
    This game is one of the best indie games that I have ever seen and moreover one of the best horror games. The atmosphere is awesome, locations are great, characters are unique and a little bit special).
    Game will never let you bored. Lore is perfect and you will be trying to find more and more about this.
    I highly recommend you to play in this game.
  22. philzlz
    Apr 11, 2023
    9
    The game evoked a very strong feeling of helplessness that I miss in modern horror games. It reminded me of one of my favorites Silent Hill with its psychological horror. Sometimes what you cant see and only hear, scares you more than what you see.

    I would lie if I said I did not get frustrated sometimes, melee combat was atrocious, the swamp was terrible to navigate and losing all my    The game evoked a very strong feeling of helplessness that I miss in modern horror games. It reminded me of one of my favorites Silent Hill with its psychological horror. Sometimes what you cant see and only hear, scares you more than what you see.

    I would lie if I said I did not get frustrated sometimes, melee combat was atrocious, the swamp was terrible to navigate and losing all my hoarded items when transitioning to it felt cheap. I liked the story and wanted to play every day to see the ending. Overall it was a depressing experience that not many games can offer, it is dark and sad but also strangely addictive.    … Expand
  23. Serpentarius31
    Feb 22, 2020
    9
    Este es un juego que me la hizo pasar bastante mal. Una obra que con sus gráficos me hizo sentir como un Silent hill y es mucho decir. Completamente estresante , opresivo , paranoico. Sus sonidos son algo que te acosan todo el tiempo y sus noches son una pesadilla que pides por favor que terminen antes de que mueras. Quizás los controles son algo lentos pero eso es excelente. Provoca queEste es un juego que me la hizo pasar bastante mal. Una obra que con sus gráficos me hizo sentir como un Silent hill y es mucho decir. Completamente estresante , opresivo , paranoico. Sus sonidos son algo que te acosan todo el tiempo y sus noches son una pesadilla que pides por favor que terminen antes de que mueras. Quizás los controles son algo lentos pero eso es excelente. Provoca que nuestro personaje sea un poco torpe y realmente es como seria cualquiera de nosotros en esa situación. Espero un Darkwood 2.… Expand
  24. comasauce11
    Jun 13, 2020
    9
    Despite its top down perspective, Darkwood delivers an incredibly horrifying atmosphere with impeccable sound design to boot. Very unique world with fantastic gameplay and pacing.
  25. StrohNamiX
    Jul 27, 2020
    9
    Pretty scary 2d horror with amazing atmosphere and intriguing story. I just recently finished resident evil 7 and liked it but I would prefer darkwood anyday. There aren't enough games like this. The atmosphere was so tense. The gameplay is unforgivable and maybe in some aspects a little bit hard. I would still recommend it to any horror fan, especially if you like the silent hill, h.p.Pretty scary 2d horror with amazing atmosphere and intriguing story. I just recently finished resident evil 7 and liked it but I would prefer darkwood anyday. There aren't enough games like this. The atmosphere was so tense. The gameplay is unforgivable and maybe in some aspects a little bit hard. I would still recommend it to any horror fan, especially if you like the silent hill, h.p. lovecraft, junji ito kind of horror.

    Story.: 9/10
    Graphics / Atmosphere / Sound.: 10/10
    Gameplay.: 7/10

    Result.: 9    … Expand
  26. Pentakill
    Sep 13, 2020
    9
    The horror depicted in this game is on another level. The sound design is so terrifying, plus the fact that if you are running from something, thanks to the really interesting camera perspective, you CAN'T see what's chasing you. I had to stop playing a couple of times to 'reset' my anxiety levels.
  27. HunterReloaded
    Dec 21, 2020
    9
    Its a really amazing game. This is the perfect horror without crappy screamers and with strange but interesting plot. But sometimes this game may be little bit boring, because all that you have to do - its just running and exploring locations with limited time.
  28. liandrom
    Apr 25, 2023
    9
    ( 9.5 / 10 )

    ( Darkwood, this game is almost a masterpiece in the survival horror genre, the game has great art design, great environments, the tension the game make on us is amazing, and you actually have fear to die, the OST is great, and the plot is MAGIC :0, must play :D )
  29. Hollika
    Apr 25, 2015
    8
    The game is still under development and things may change.
    It's a 2D horror game with some interesting story. I don't want to spoiler much, but basically you're in a forest where a plague spread and turning people into monsters, and you have to get out. The map is randomly generated, but you'll always find the same locations around. You have to survive the days and nights through all    The game is still under development and things may change.
    It's a 2D horror game with some interesting story. I don't want to spoiler much, but basically you're in a forest where a plague spread and turning people into monsters, and you have to get out. The map is randomly generated, but you'll always find the same locations around. You have to survive the days and nights through all means to solve the mystery and to get out of the woods. There are a few "quests" you can do to get some equipments or just to progress in the story, but not many. I found the game pretty scary especially at nights since you just see nothing without a light source, but the lights would just give you away so you have to rely on your hearings. The game can be really hard if you're not careful and prepared for the nights. This game is already interesting in it's alpha release, and it'll be just better when it's finished.    … Expand
  30. Sharpen
    Jul 31, 2018
    8
    Quite a good game and I would give it a good nine, but few years after release it still has some nasty lags on my computer. Looked for the solution, but found nothing. Other than that the game is fun and I like the atmosphere. The art style and animations in this game are awesome, however the controls feels a little off. I really recommend this game for every fan of horror games!
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best PC Game of 2017
60
#60 Most Discussed PC Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. XGN
    May 28, 2019
    80
    Darkwood is a thrilling survival horror game that delivers a unique experience with its pixel art top-down graphics, great sound design and gameplay in mysterious woods full of danger lurking behind every tree and corner.
    Read full review
  2. GameGrin
    Dec 15, 2017
    85
    Despite some unsatisfying gameplay systems, Darkwood can provide legitimate thrills and scares for the horror fans that miss the vibes of such classics as Silent Hill 2 and Pathologic without ever using a jump scare. Whether it is the uniquely grotesque art style or the ever-challenging design of its difficulty, Acid Wizard Studio has proven it understands what ingredients make up a good horror experience and the randomised elements of the game allow a unique narrative every time you play.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Nov 16, 2017
    75
    Darkwood’s developers have an expert grasp of what terror is, where it lurks and how to frighten the player to make him come back for more. They couldn’t decide whether they’re making a story-driven game or a sandbox, but their effort is still worth recommending to everyone who enjoys good horrors. [11/2017, p.64]
See all critic reviews »