Get Lost in the ‘Backrooms’ With These 5 Liminal Horror Video Games

May 26, 2026 - 23:55

The idea of the Backrooms struck a nerve deep in the collective mind. Most people can easily explain why they fear monsters or demons. It is much harder to put into words why an empty, quiet hallway or a forgotten waiting room feels so deeply wrong. In a world where jump scares have become predictable, this newer brand of horror relies on atmosphere and a slow-burning sense of dread. It is the fear of being stuck in a place that should not exist, a space that is both familiar and completely alien.

For those looking to experience that feeling firsthand, a handful of video games capture the essence of liminal horror better than most. These games do not rely on chasing you with a creature. Instead, they let the environment do the work. The silence becomes a character. The repetition of identical rooms becomes a threat. The feeling that you are being watched by nothing and everything at once is the real horror.

One standout is the original "Backrooms" game, often found under the title "The Backrooms 1998." It drops you into the classic yellow, damp-smelling office maze. The goal is simple: find a way out. The execution is pure anxiety. The lighting is flat, the carpets are stained, and the only sound is the hum of fluorescent lights. Another title, "Anemoiapolis," takes the concept further. It builds an entire abandoned mall, complete with empty arcades, dark food courts, and escalators that lead nowhere. The game plays with scale, making you feel tiny in a space that was built for crowds.

For a more narrative-driven experience, "The Exit 8" is a short but powerful walk through an endless subway corridor. You must spot anomalies to move forward. Miss one, and you are sent back to the start. It turns observation into a survival mechanic. "Poolrooms" is another popular entry, focusing on the iconic tiled rooms filled with clear, still water. The sound of your own footsteps echoes off the walls, and the water hides depths you cannot see. Finally, "The Complex: Found Footage" blends the Backrooms aesthetic with a found-footage camera style. It feels raw and personal, as if you are watching someone's final recording.

These games work because they tap into a primal fear of the mundane. They take the most boring places on earth and twist them into prisons. If you are tired of monsters jumping out of closets, step into these empty spaces. Just do not expect to leave feeling calm.