10 Surrealistic Games on PC

There are many games that create surreal experiences, transporting players into worlds that defy the usual rules of reality. These games blend the fantastic with the bizarre, often bending the mind with their unusual visuals and storytelling. From dreamlike landscapes to abstract adventures, the power of these games lies in their ability to immerse players in settings that are as strange as they are beautiful. To highlight these captivating adventures, we have curated a list of ten best PC games known for their surrealistic qualities.

10. Cruelty Squad

Cruelty Squad is a tactical first-person shooter where you take on the role of a mercenary in a dark, corporate world. In this game, you are employed by a company that specializes in covert operations, such as sabotage and assassination. The gameplay emphasizes stealth and strategy, requiring you to plan your missions with precision. You can choose from an extensive array of unique weapons, including a flechette shotgun, silenced pistols, and even a radiation emitter. Also, the game's environments vary from office buildings to suburbs and secretive compounds. You have the freedom to tackle obstacles with a range of tactics, from non-lethal approaches to full-on combat, using tools like dart guns and corrosive gas launchers.

9. Melatonin

Melatonin is a game that merges the concept of dreams with rhythmic gameplay, creating a serene yet challenging experience for players. It features soft, pastel-colored graphics that depict a dreamlike world, where the player must complete levels by matching actions to the rhythm of soothing music. Each level in Melatonin is inspired by different dreams, which dictate the gameplay mechanics and objectives. The game does not rush the player but instead encourages them to find a natural pace to synchronize their movements with the audio cues.

8. Birth

In the adventure game called Birth, players go on a journey alone to build a companion from bones and organs they collect. They explore many places in the city, like museums, coffee shops, alleys, and libraries, to find what they need. The game also has puzzles based on physics that players need to solve by interacting with their surroundings. Unique creatures populate these places, adding interest to the game. Players can also find hidden tokens to unlock secrets, deepening the game’s story and adding complexity to the gameplay. Overall, this makes Birth a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and a story about finding friendship and creativity.

7. Demonologist

Demonologist offers a thrilling cooperative experience where players team up to tackle the supernatural. The game allows you to play solo or join forces with up to three friends to explore cursed locations, each haunted by different malevolent spirits. Your main objective is to identify and expel these spirits using a variety of specialized equipment. This task requires teamwork, quick thinking, and a brave heart, as the spirits are unpredictable and the environments are filled with challenges that test your resolve and skills. And in every session of the game, players encounter random events and ghosts, which ensures that no two games are the same.

6. Pseudoregalia

In the game Pseudoregalia, players enter a dreamlike castle with Sybil, the main character. This 3D platformer Metroidvania game challenges players to grow stronger, unlock new abilities, and use an advanced movement system. They navigate through the castle's mysterious halls and rooms to find secrets, defeat enemies, and free trapped souls. It also provides a unique platforming experience by incorporating special abilities like the air kick. In this game, the combat system is easy to handle and adds fun to the exploration. It captures the classic Metroidvania spirit but also introduces new gameplay elements.

5. The Mortuary Assistant

In The Mortuary Assistant, you play a recent graduate starting an apprenticeship at River Fields Mortuary. Here, you learn to perform various tasks such as embalming and taking care of the deceased. But the job gets scarier when you find out you also need to deal with supernatural threats. Night calls to the mortuary turn into a battle for survival against demons linked to your destiny. While playing, you balance your regular duties with the urgent task of identifying and driving away demons found in the mortuary.

4. Alice: Madness Returns

In Alice: Madness Returns, players follow Alice on her journey through a dark version of Wonderland. This third-person, single-player game combines exciting combat with adventure. Alice has many weapons, like the powerful Teapot Cannon, the strong Hobby Horse, and the sharp Vorpal Blade. Players can make these weapons stronger to help Alice in her battles. The game also includes puzzles where players need to change Alice's size by making her shrink or grow to solve various challenges. While exploring Wonderland, players meet characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, and the Red Queen. And these characters help unfold the story.

3. POOLS

The world of POOLS offers a unique gaming experience that focuses on exploring rather than following a traditional gameplay. Players navigate through mysterious and surreal environments inspired by the idea of liminal spaces like backrooms. These settings create a mix of calm and unease, where the lack of monsters doesn't reduce the inherent fears of darkness, tight spaces, and getting lost. Here, the challenge is to manage the oppressive atmosphere and master the occasional mazes that require good navigation skills.

2. Viewfinder

Viewfinder invites players into a captivating world where reality bends at the click of an instant camera. In this innovative first-person adventure game, players wield the power to alter their surroundings dramatically. Using the camera, players can transform flat images—whether they be photographs, sketches, or postcards—into three-dimensional objects within the game world. As players venture through Viewfinder, they discover various hub worlds, each distinct yet interconnected through similar, complex themes. They have the freedom to dictate the pace and depth of their experience.

1. Ghostwire: Tokyo

The final game on our list of surreal games on PC is Ghostwire: Tokyo. This game takes you to a version of Tokyo where all people have suddenly vanished and spirits roam the streets. The main character joins with a ghostly partner, seeking revenge. They use a variety of powers to explore the city and fight against these spirits. Their goal is to find out why everyone disappeared and to bring peace back to Tokyo. During the game, players learn to use different magical abilities to fight and explore. These abilities help players jump high above the city, find new missions, or sneak up on enemies.

So, do you agree with our picks? Or does any other PC game that feels surreal deserve a spot here? Let us know on our socials here!