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Layers of Fear (2016)

Layers of Fear (2016)

A first-person psychological horror with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and storytelling. Explore an ever-shifting Victorian mansion as a painter seeking to complete his masterpiece, even at the cost of his own sanity.

88%
Very Positive
DeveloperBloober Team SA
PublisherBloober Team SA
Release DateFeb 15, 2016
-90%
$19.99$1.99
Peak Players143.9K
Metacritic73
PlatformsWindows · macOS · Linux
Adventure
Indie
AI Review Summary

Layers of Fear (2016) is a visually striking psychological horror game that emphasizes atmosphere and environmental storytelling over traditional survival mechanics. While praised for its shifting architecture and haunting narrative, it is polarizing due to its 'walking simulator' nature and lack of tangible threats.

Pros

  • Exceptional atmosphere and visual design that effectively build psychological tension.95%
  • Innovative environmental mechanics where the house shifts and changes based on player perspective.90%
  • Engaging narrative with multiple endings that provide replay value.80%
  • The Inheritance DLC is highly regarded for providing a strong thematic conclusion to the story.70%
  • Fair pricing for the length and quality of the experience.75%

Cons

  • Minimal gameplay depth, often described as a 'walking simulator' with simple puzzles.90%
  • Lack of enemies or a fail state can reduce the sense of danger for some players.85%
  • Repetitive interaction loops, specifically opening numerous drawers and doors.80%
  • Intense visual effects and 'noisy' environments may cause headaches or physical discomfort.60%
  • Relies on predictable horror tropes and jump scares that some find clichéd.70%

Notable Mentions

  • Several reviewers prefer this original 2016 version over the 2023 remake for its purer horror feel.
  • The game is frequently compared to the P.T. demo in terms of its corridor-based psychological loops.
  • Players recommend the Inheritance DLC as an essential part of the narrative experience.
Confidence: 66%
Based on the 54 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Aug 30, 2026
Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak
28
Peak · last 90 days
94
All-time peak
143.9K

Price

Current price
$19.99$1.99-90%
Lowest tracked
$1.99since Feb 11, 2026

Review Sentiment

Launch week
—
Last 30 days
82%
All-time positive
88%
Review Statistics
Total Reviews27.7K
Positive: 24.5K (88%)Negative: 3.2K (12%)

4%

Reviews from Steam Deck

0%

Dev Response Rate

28h

Avg Playtime at Review

26%

Credible Reviews