If you’re a fan of narrative-driven games with rich lore, slow-burning horror, and immersive exploration, Sunless Skies should already be on your radar. Developed by Failbetter Games and released in 2019, this indie gem is a spiritual successor to Sunless Sea and part of the same universe as Fallen London. But instead of the endless oceans, you’re now soaring through the heavens in a Victorian-era locomotive.
A Steampunk World Above the Stars
Set in a bizarre, alternate version of space where the British Empire has extended its reach into the cosmos, Sunless Skies throws players into a celestial Gothic horror setting. This isn’t the NASA-style space exploration we’re used to — instead, think steam engines, eldritch horrors, and parasitic stars. You’re the captain of a spacefaring train, and your mission is to navigate a treacherous web of factions, politics, monsters, and mysteries.
Gameplay: Strategy Meets Storytelling
The gameplay blends survival, resource management, exploration, and deep storytelling. You must manage your crew’s hunger, sanity (called “Terror”), fuel, and supplies as you travel between outposts. The real hook, though, is the writing. Every decision has weight, and the branching narratives are often poetic, philosophical, and deeply unsettling.
Combat exists, but it’s secondary to exploration and storytelling. It’s more about atmosphere and choices than twitch reflexes, which makes it ideal for players who love narrative games and immersive worlds.
Writing That Feels Literary
Failbetter Games is known for their exceptional writing, and Sunless Skies may be their finest work. The game is packed with strange, beautiful, and often tragic stories. Want to become a smuggler for the devils of Hell? Investigate a haunted sun? Help a sentient locomotive achieve immortality? It’s all possible — and written in gorgeous, melancholic prose.
Art & Music: Beauty in the Void
Visually, Sunless Skies is stunning. The hand-drawn environments are eerie and otherworldly, ranging from dark, frozen wastelands to surreal, living worlds. The ambient soundtrack adds to the haunting atmosphere, making the stars feel both majestic and terrifying.
Why You Should Play It in 2025
Even in 2025, Sunless Skies holds up brilliantly. With modern gaming leaning into live-service models and fast-paced action, Sunless Skies is a refreshing break. It invites you to slow down, reflect, and immerse yourself in a deeply crafted universe. For fans of horror, literature, or narrative-heavy indie games, this is a must-play.
Final Verdict
Sunless Skies isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for constant action or traditional gameplay loops, it may feel slow. But if you’re someone who appreciates beautiful writing, atmospheric world-building, and emotional depth, this game will captivate you from start to finish.