Vampires in gaming: Top 20 video games to sink your teeth into

About this gallery:

For this list, we’re focusing on games and DLCs centered around vampires (and yes, surprisingly, there are quite a few DLCs dedicated to these creatures of the night). As always, we’ve stuck to one game per franchise – because let’s be real, this could have easily turned into an all-Vampire: The Masquerade list otherwise.

Think we missed an essential vampire game? Don’t keep it bottled up – drop it in the comments and let the fang debates begin!

20. Darkwatch (2005)

Picture this: a wild west shooter where your trusty steed is a vampire curse, and your weapons pack both bullets and a whole lot of edge. Darkwatch lets you step into the boots of Jericho Cross, an outlaw-turned-immortal tasked with taking down supernatural foes. Think of it as Red Dead Redemption meets Van Helsing, but with more bloodsucking. The gameplay blends gothic horror and cowboy coolness, creating a cult classic for players who like their vampires in spurs. | © High Moon Studios

19. Redfall (2023)

Oh, Redfall, the open-world vampire game that bit off a little more than it could chew at launch. Set in a picturesque New England town overrun by hipster vampires and cultists, it’s got co-op action, quirky characters, and a lot of ambition. While its debut left some fans cold, updates have turned it into a decent choice for squad-based bloodsucking adventures. It’s proof that even the undead deserve a redemption arc. | © Arkane Studios

18. Nosferatu: The Wrath of Malachi (2003)

This game is as terrifying as finding out you left the garlic bread in the oven too long. Nosferatu: The Wrath of Malachi drops you in a spooky Gothic castle with procedurally generated rooms and a ticking clock to save your family from vampires. Its jump scares and moody atmosphere feel straight out of an old-school horror film, making it a must-play for retro horror fans. Just don’t play it alone at night. | © Idol FX

17. A Vampyre Story (2008)

In a genre dominated by broody bloodsuckers, A Vampyre Story is a refreshing sip of crimson wine. This point-and-click adventure follows Mona, an opera singer turned reluctant vampire, as she dreams of returning to Paris. With its Tim Burton-esque humor and whimsical art style, it’s a delightful romp for those who prefer their vampire stories with a bit of levity (and fewer stakes, pun intended). | © Autumn Moon Entertainment

16. BloodLust Shadowhunter (2015)

If The Sims had a goth cousin who lived in the basement, it would be BloodLust Shadowhunter. This indie RPG lets you roam an underground vampire society, making moral choices, upgrading abilities, and hunting prey. It’s gritty, weird, and packed with a surprising amount of depth for a low-budget title. The combat might not win awards, but the atmosphere is dripping with undead charm. | © WRF Studios

15. Vampire Therapist (2012)

Ever wonder what keeps vampires up at night (besides the whole sunlight thing)? Enter Vampire Therapist, a quirky, dialogue-heavy adventure where you, a psychologist, help vampires deal with their centuries of angst. Your clients range from a vampire suffering from post-coffin anxiety to one grappling with a fear of mirrors. It's less about fangs and more about feelings, but its sharp wit and offbeat humor make it a unique take on vampire lore. Plus, how often do you get to be a therapist for the undead? It's the perfect mix of macabre and hilarity. | © Moonlight Games

14. The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing (2013)

Monster-slaying has never been this dashing. The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing puts you in the boots of the younger, wittier son of the famous vampire hunter, and boy, does he live up to the family name. Set in a gorgeously gothic steampunk world, the game blends fast-paced action RPG combat with an engaging narrative. A highlight is your sarcastic ghostly sidekick, Lady Katarina, who’s just as skilled at quips as she is at bashing monsters. From vampires to werewolves to mad scientists, every encounter feels like a monster mash party you don’t want to miss. | © NeocoreGames

13. Legacy of Kain (1996–2003)

The Legacy of Kain series isn’t just a game; it’s a tragic, blood-soaked opera of destiny, betrayal, and undead drama. You’ll alternate between playing as Kain, the cold-hearted vampire lord, and Raziel, the spectral warrior hell-bent on revenge. The series' complex storylines and moral ambiguity are as timeless as the vampires it portrays. The gothic world is dripping with atmosphere, and the voice acting is nothing short of Shakespearean. Whether you're absorbing souls or making Faustian bargains, Legacy of Kain reminds us why vampires are so endlessly fascinating. | © Crystal Dynamics

12. BloodRayne (2002)

Strap on your blades and get ready for some vampire-fueled carnage, because BloodRayne doesn’t do subtle. Rayne, the game’s iconic red-haired dhampir, is a one-woman wrecking crew as she slashes through Nazis, mutants, and other unfortunate enemies. The game revels in its campy, over-the-top action, with a healthy dose of gore and sass. It’s not just about stylish combat, though; Rayne’s anti-hero charm makes her one of gaming’s most memorable vampire protagonists. Sometimes, you just want a game that’s unapologetically fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. | © Terminal Reality

11. Code Vein (2019)

If Dark Souls had a vampire cousin who loved emo aesthetics and oversized weapons, it’d be Code Vein. This post-apocalyptic action RPG throws you into a world where humanity clings to survival with the help of vampiric powers. The character customization is deep enough to turn your avatar into a gothic masterpiece, and the flashy combat feels as stylish as the game looks. But it’s not all gloom and doom – its anime-inspired melodrama injects just the right amount of absurdity to keep things entertaining. It’s a game where every boss fight feels like a high-stakes battle in an underground vampire nightclub. | © Bandai Namco

10. Infamous: Festival of Blood (2011)

Take the gritty superhero vibes of Infamous and toss in a healthy dose of vampiric chaos, and you’ve got Festival of Blood. Set during a spooky festival in New Marais, this standalone expansion lets you sink your teeth into a bloodthirsty adventure. Cole MacGrath, the series’ electrifying hero, gets turned into a vampire and must defeat the undead queen before sunrise. The result? A fast-paced, power-packed romp with fangs, electric bolts, and a hauntingly fun atmosphere. It’s short, sweet, and the perfect excuse to zap some vamps in style. | © Sucker Punch Productions

Cropped Castlevania Symphony of the Night

9. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

When it comes to vampire classics, Symphony of the Night is the game that set the gold standard. You play as Alucard, Dracula’s half-human, half-vampire son, in a sprawling, labyrinthine castle filled with secrets, monsters, and gorgeous gothic architecture. With its iconic soundtrack and revolutionary Metroidvania gameplay, this title remains a timeless masterpiece. The best part? You get to smash chandeliers and devour enemies as a suave, immortal badass. It’s moody, epic, and the ultimate love letter to everything vampiric. | © Konami

8. Vampyr (2018)

Step into the morally conflicted shoes of Dr. Jonathan Reid, a newly turned vampire struggling to save lives as a doctor while satisfying his undead thirst. Set in a grim, plague-ridden London, Vampyr delivers a dark and atmospheric tale where every decision has consequences. The branching narrative invites you to either embrace your humanity or give in to the monster within. The combat can be a bit clunky, but the story more than makes up for it, pulling you deep into its gothic embrace. It’s a game that makes being undead feel oddly… poetic. | © Dontnod Entertainment

7. El Paso, Elsewhere (2024)

Quentin Tarantino vibes meet classic third-person shooters in El Paso, Elsewhere, a surreal, neo-noir journey through a motel filled with vampires, werewolves, and eldritch horrors. You play as James Savage, battling through waves of supernatural enemies while unraveling a deeply personal story. The gunplay is stylish, the tone is unapologetically dark, and the setting feels like a fever dream you don’t want to wake up from. It’s quirky, gritty, and surprisingly emotional – a refreshing twist on the vampire genre that oozes indie charm. | © Strange Scaffold

6. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (2019)

When fans begged for a spiritual successor to Castlevania, Koji Igarashi delivered Bloodstained, a gothic Metroidvania overflowing with monstrous creativity. You play as Miriam, a cursed orphan fighting her way through a demon-infested castle while looking like a gothic fashion icon. The game is packed with secrets, customizable abilities, and absurdly detailed enemies (seriously, there’s a killer stained-glass monster). It’s a love letter to the genre, blending nostalgic charm with modern polish in a way that feels like a vampire’s eternal allure – irresistible and timeless. | © ArtPlay

5. Vampire Survivors (2021)

Don’t let the pixel art fool you – Vampire Survivors is pure chaos wrapped in roguelike simplicity. The premise? You’re stuck in a never-ending horde of undead, armed with increasingly wacky weapons, from whips to garlic auras. The goal? Survive as long as possible while unlocking new power-ups and characters. It’s addictive, satisfying, and feels like you’re starring in your very own 8-bit vampire apocalypse. Who knew pixelated bats could be this terrifying – and fun? | © poncle

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Blood and Wine (2016)

Geralt of Rivia takes a detour from monster-hunting to face off against a society of high-class, high-danger vampires in Blood and Wine. Set in the stunning region of Toussaint, this expansion is packed with political intrigue, bloody battles, and some of the best writing in the series. The moral complexity of its characters (including a vampire who just might break your heart) adds depth to an already immersive experience. It’s a rich, darkly poetic tale that feels like sipping fine wine – if that wine happened to be laced with blood. | © CD Projekt Red

3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dawnguard (2012)

Vampire lord or vampire hunter? That’s the big question in Dawnguard, the first DLC for Skyrim. Whether you choose to embrace the night or join the Dawnguard to fight the undead, the stakes (pun intended) are high. The game offers epic new powers, crossbows, and an unforgettable storyline that delves into the lore of vampires in the Elder Scrolls universe. Plus, transforming into a vampire lord comes with its own perks – literally. It’s a dark, sprawling adventure that fits perfectly into Skyrim’s already massive world. | © Bethesda Game Studios

2. V Rising (2022)

Ever dreamed of waking up as a fledgling vampire in a hostile world, crafting your own castle, and hunting unsuspecting humans? V Rising makes that dream a (virtual) reality. Combining survival mechanics with top-down action, this multiplayer gem lets you build your empire from scratch while engaging in intense PvE and PvP combat. The gothic atmosphere, paired with strategic gameplay, makes it one of the most unique vampire experiences out there. It’s like a vampire’s to-do list: rebuild, conquer, and drink responsibly. | © Stunlock Studios

Cropped Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines

1. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines (2004)

Bloodlines isn’t just a game – it’s an immersive dive into a seedy, supernatural version of Los Angeles where vampires rule the shadows. As a newly turned bloodsucker, you navigate a world of political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and intense action. The game’s unique clans and branching dialogue make every playthrough feel different, despite its famously buggy launch. Even with its rough edges, it’s hailed as a masterpiece of storytelling. It’s the perfect mix of bite and brains, setting the gold standard for vampire RPGs. | © Troika Games