The Amnesia series is a cult classic survival horror video game series. A number of different installments have been released over the years since the first game was launched in 2010. The series is known for its masterful storytelling, and incredible use of horror to completely immerse players – and we have the order for every game in the series in case you wanna play them all in chronological order.
The Amnesia series is so good, and every instalment so different, that some more general guides can’t help but draw comparisons between them. Some gamers love them all, while others can’t stand the series – regardless, there’s no denying that the cult classic games deserve their status. We’ve got a quick rundown of how to play each game in chronological order:
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
The first and best game in the series, The Dark Descent was released on September 8, 2010. You play as Daniel, a scientist who awakens in the ruins of Averton after he and his colleagues were attacked. When he wakes, he discovers that he has amnesia, and that all he possesses is a note, which he uses to guide himself through a gothic, gloomy, and old castle.
As Daniel attempts to find a way out of the countryside, he is plunged into unimaginable darkness and suffering. You must endure the heavy atmosphere and the chilling suspense with limited weapons: the only thing that can help you fight the monsters that terrorise you is insanity.
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
The indirect sequel to Dark Descent, the expansion game A Machine for Pigs launched on September 10, 2013. Set in old Victorian London, the game is a complete departure from its predecessor, as it is more science fiction than horror. Somewhat reminiscent of The Talos Principle, you play as the Baron, an industrial mogul whose intention is to help humanity – by destroying it. Via a machine, the Baron can see what’s happening in the world and uses it to guide his actions.
The storyline is a lot more complex, centres around philosophical and theological themes, and has a huge focus on science fiction. The game is quite a departure from the series due to its more fleshed-out story, as well as its more complex characters and plot threads.
Amnesia: Soma
Soma launched on September 22, 2015 and is was a complete departure from its predecessors. Set in the year 2104, the game follows Simon Jarrett, in an underwater facility, who wakes up to the realisation that he has no memory of what happened.
The gameplay is quite different from the rest of the series. Rather than avoiding monsters and having no weapons, you’re still fighting for your life – this time to avoid deadly shocks and other complex dangers, as well as to solve puzzles. This creates a perfect blend of horror games that creates a very tense environment which is difficult to escape from. The game features tons of jumps nightmares and sells itself on the basis that its gameplay is underpinned by a gripping story of existentialism and consciousness.
With Soma having more horror elements than the previous two games, it’s safe to say that it sits somewhere in between the second and third instalments in the Amnesia series.
Amnesia: Rebirth
The fourth game in the series and a direct sequel to The Dark Descent, Rebirth launched on October 20, 2020 and continues the story of Daniel, who wakes up in the asylum, not knowing what happened or how he got there.
As expected from the series, the eery and ominous atmosphere immerses you from the get go, astounding you with the beautiful and unique level design, as well as its disturbing sound design, which all create a feeling of uncertainty and dread.
Since the gameplay in Rebirth is so unique and different from the previous instalments, it is quite safe to say that it’s the most different, sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum from the first Amnesia game, Amnesia: The Dark Descent.
Is there a free Amnesia game available?
Another game in the series, Afterbirth, fell out of favour with Amnesia fans due to its more difficult puzzles, lack of horror elements, and questionable storyline.