The Complete List of Amnesia Games in Chronological & Release Order

The Amnesia series, developed by Frictional Games, is a collection of first-person horror games that have garnered attention for their innovative mechanics and contributions to the horror genre. With millions of copies sold worldwide, the franchise has expanded to include five short stories, two music albums, and merchandise. In this guide, we will break down each game in the Amnesia series, exploring their unique features and contributions to the horror gaming landscape.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)

In The Dark Descent, players assume the role of Daniel, a man suffering from amnesia, as he explores the eerie Brennenburg castle. Drawing inspiration from Frictional Games’ previous series, Penumbra, this game features similar puzzle mechanics. Players must interact with doors and machinery to solve puzzles that advance their journey through the castle. One of the most notable mechanics in the game is Daniel’s sanity meter, which measures his mental state. Spending too much time in the dark or directly facing monsters lowers Daniel’s sanity, leading to auditory and visual hallucinations.

Upon its release, Amnesia: The Dark Descent received critical acclaim for its genuinely scary horror elements. The game sold over 1 million copies and is regarded as one of the best adventure/horror games of all time. The series also gained significant popularity through the support of YouTubers, particularly PewDiePie, whose Amnesia videos garnered millions of views.

Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (2013)

Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, although not a direct sequel to The Dark Descent, takes place in the same universe and timeframe. Players follow Oswald Mandus, the great grand-nephew of Daniel, as he unravels the secrets of his past with the help of the Engineer. Oswald grapples with the memories of his trip to an Aztec temple in Mexico and the fate of his two sons.

In an effort to introduce fresh gameplay elements, the developers removed certain features that were present in the first game. The Sanity Meter, which punished players for being in the dark or looking at enemies, was eliminated. Health regeneration was also automatic, eliminating the need for health vials. Additionally, the inventory system was removed.

Upon its release, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs received mixed reviews. While the story and narrative were well-executed, the horror elements and mechanics were criticized for their departure from the original game.

Amnesia: Rebirth (2020)

Amnesia: Rebirth serves as a sequel to The Dark Descent, placing players in the shoes of Tasi Trianon. Tasi finds herself stranded in the desolate African landscape after a plane crash, suffering from amnesia and with the rest of the passengers missing. As she unravels the mystery behind the crash, Tasi encounters NPCs, monsters, and ancient ruins, all while discovering that she is pregnant. The game features multiple endings, similar to The Dark Descent.

Learning from fan feedback on A Machine for Pigs, the developers reintroduced the Sanity Meter in Amnesia: Rebirth. If Tasi remains in the dark for too long, her sanity deteriorates, leading to hallucinations and strange visual effects. Additionally, a new mechanic allows players to skip past monsters after dying, providing a different approach compared to the first game, which relied solely on save points and replaying levels.

Amnesia: Rebirth received positive reviews upon its release for bringing back classic mechanics. While some fans felt that the story did not match the quality of A Machine for Pigs, it is still considered a worthy sequel to the original game.

Amnesia: The Bunker (2023)

Amnesia: The Bunker takes players back to World War I, where they assume the role of French soldier Henri Clement trapped in a bunker. Players must navigate the claustrophobic environment while being hunted by a light-hating monster. Unlike previous titles in the series, The Bunker introduces combat elements, allowing players to use pistols and shotguns to defend themselves. The game offers a semi-open world experience with less emphasis on narrative and more focus on open-ended gameplay.

Upon its release, Amnesia: The Bunker received praise for its sandbox elements, making the game more replayable and immersive. While some critics noted the lack of a strong narrative, the innovative mechanics compensated for this, creating a unique and unforgettable gaming experience.

With this complete list of Amnesia games, you can explore the series chronologically and in release order. Whether you prefer the psychological horror of The Dark Descent, the atmospheric storytelling of A Machine for Pigs, the return of classic mechanics in Rebirth, or the innovative sandbox experience of The Bunker, the Amnesia series offers a range of terrifying adventures for horror gaming enthusiasts.