View source for Amnesia: The Dark Descent



{{Infobox video game
| title      = Amnesia: The Dark Descent
| image      = Amnesia-The-Dark-Descent-Cover-Art.png
| caption    = European Windows box art
| developer  = [[Frictional Games]]
| publisher  = Frictional Games
| designer   = {{ubl|Thomas Grip|Jens Nilsson}}
| programmer = {{ubl|Thomas Grip|Luis A. Rodero Morales}}
| writer     = {{ubl|Mikael Hedberg|Thomas Grip}}
| composer   = [[Mikko Tarmia]]
| series     = ''Amnesia''
| engine     = [[Frictional Games#Technology|HPL Engine 2]]
| platforms  = {{ubl|[[Linux]]|[[macOS|Mac OS X]]|[[Windows|Windows]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]}}
| released   = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|8 September 2010}}|{{ubl|'''Linux''', '''OS X''', '''Windows'''|8 September 2010|'''PlayStation 4'''|22 November 2016|'''Xbox One'''|28 September 2018|'''Switch'''|12 September 2019}}
}}
| genre      = [[Survival horror]], [[adventure game|adventure]]
| modes      = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}

'''''Amnesia: The Dark Descent''''' is a 2010 [[survival horror]] [[adventure game]] developed and published by [[Frictional Games]]. It was first released on 8 September 2010 for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS|Mac OS X]], and [[Linux]]. Later, it was released to [[PlayStation 4]] on 22 November 2016, [[Xbox One]] on 28 September 2018, and [[Nintendo Switch]] on 12 September 2019 as part of ''The Amnesia Collection''. The game follows Daniel, who must explore the dark and foreboding Castle Brennenburg, while trying to maintain his sanity by avoiding monsters and unsettling events.

''Amnesia'' was met with a positive critical reception upon release. Reviewers consistently highlighted its innovative approach to survival horror, unique gameplay mechanics, and ability to evoke genuine fear, though some noted shortcomings in its narrative resolution and technical aspects. The game won a number of awards and garnered retrospective praise as one of the most influential games of the decade, and one of the best horror games of all time. It is also credited as contributing to the rise of popular [[Let's Play]] videos on the streaming platform [[YouTube]].

''Amnesia'' was followed by ''[[Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs]]'' (2013), an indirect sequel developed by [[The Chinese Room]]. In 2016, ''Amnesia: The Collection'' was released, a compilation that included ''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'', its expansion ''Amnesia: Justine'' (2011), and ''Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs''. In 2020, the series made a return with ''[[Amnesia: Rebirth]]'', developed by Frictional Games, and serving as a direct sequel to ''The Dark Descent.'' The most recent addition to the franchise was released in 2023, titled ''[[Amnesia: The Bunker]]''.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Amnesia The Dark Descent screenshot.jpg|thumb|Daniel is chased by a Grunt, one of several monsters encountered in the castle.]]
''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' is a [[first-person (video gaming)|first-person]] [[survival horror]]<ref name="gamespot1">{{cite web |title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent for PC |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/978772-amnesia-the-dark-descent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014131745/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/978772-amnesia-the-dark-descent/ |archive-date=14 October 2012 |access-date=5 February 2012 |publisher=GameRankings |quote=Age rating=Pegi 16, M for mature}}</ref> [[adventure game]]. The player takes control of Daniel, who must navigate Castle Brennenburg while avoiding various dangers and solving puzzles. The gameplay retains the physical object interaction used in the [[Penumbra (video game series)|''Penumbra'' series]], allowing for physics-based puzzles and interactions such as opening doors and fixing machinery.<ref name="eurogamerpreview">{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=John |date=2010-07-05 |title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent – PC Hands On |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/amnesia-hands-on |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100911061848/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/amnesia-hands-on?page=1 |archive-date=September 11, 2010 |access-date=2025-11-14 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> Smaller items can be stored in an inventory menu, while larger objects can be raised by holding down a mouse button and pushing or pulling the mouse. Objects such as doors or levers can be manipulated by using the mouse in a fashion that imitates moving the said object. The difficulty level can be adjusted before starting the game, but cannot be readjusted once the game has begun.

In addition to a health indicator, Daniel's [[sanity]]<ref name="eurogamerpreview" /> must be managed, centered around an "afraid of darkness" mechanic. According to designer Thomas Grip, "the idea was basically that the darkness itself should be an enemy."<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine |last=Grip |first=Thomas |date=July 12, 2011 |title=The Terrifying Tale of Amnesia |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/The-Terrifying-Tale-of-Amnesia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003234651/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/9011-The-Terrifying-Tale-of-Amnesia.5 |archive-date=October 3, 2014 |magazine=The Escapist}}</ref> Sanity is reduced by staying in the dark for too long, witnessing unsettling events or looking directly at monsters. Low sanity causes visual and auditory hallucinations and an increased chance of attracting monsters, while its complete depletion results in a temporary drop in mobility, or death in higher difficulties. Light sources help restore sanity, and if none are available, Daniel may use tinderboxes to ignite candles and torches or deploy an oil-burning lantern. The number of tinderboxes and the amount of oil available are both limited, even more so in higher difficulties.

If a monster sees Daniel, it will chase him until he evades its sight. Daniel has no means of fighting monsters, so he must either avoid being seen, run away or hide. Daniel can withstand only a few attacks from a monster before he dies, which will cause the most recent save of the game to load. The player can restore Daniel's health by using [[laudanum]] found throughout the game. The player can hinder monsters by closing doors and building barricades from nearby objects. Monsters can destroy doors and knock over objects. Hiding in dark areas where monsters will not notice Daniel is also effective, but will decrease Daniel's sanity. 

=== Hard Mode ===
''Amnesia: The Dark Descent''<nowiki/>'s Hard Mode was released for Xbox One and PC on 28 September 2018, in which several gameplay mechanics are altered to create a more challenging experience. [[Autosave|Autosaving]] is disabled, requiring players to manually save, which costs four tinderboxes per save, making resource management even more crucial.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Alice |date=2018-09-21 |title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent adding Hard Mode for hard nuts |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/amnesia-the-dark-descent-adding-hard-mode |access-date=2025-01-13 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2018-09-21 |title=What is Amnesia's Hard Mode? – Frictional Games |url=https://frictionalgames.com/2018-09-what-is-amnesias-hard-mode/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Additionally, if the player's sanity reaches zero, they die.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

Hard mode also reduces the availability of essential supplies, such as oil and tinderboxes, making it harder to maintain the player's lantern and save progress. Enemies, including the Gatherers, also become faster and deal more damage.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> Further, these monsters will spend more time searching for the player.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> Unlike in normal mode, there is no "danger music" to warn players when enemies are nearby.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

==Plot==
On 19 August 1839, a young man awakens in the dark and empty halls of Brennenburg Castle in [[Kingdom of Prussia|Prussia]] with no memory about himself or his past.<ref name="game">[http://www.amnesiagame.com/#game ''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' – Game Information] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922045609/http://www.amnesiagame.com/#game |date=22 September 2010 }} Frictional Games</ref> All he can remember is that his name is Daniel, that he lives in [[Mayfair]], and that someone or something is hunting him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leeuwen |first=Jeffrey van |date=May 15, 2010 |title=[interview] Frictional Games |url=http://www.tgdb.nl/computer/specials/8614-interview-frictional-games.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520033709/http://www.tgdb.nl/computer/specials/8614-interview-frictional-games.html |archive-date=2010-05-20 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=Tgdb Entertainment |language=nl-nl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Callaham |first=John |date=June 19, 2010 |title=E3 2010: We talk with Frictional Games about Amnesia: The Dark Descent |url=http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/06/19/e3-2010-we-talk-with-frictional-games-about-amnesia-the-dark-d/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621052527/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/06/19/e3-2010-we-talk-with-frictional-games-about-amnesia-the-dark-d/ |archive-date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=Big Download |language=en-us}}</ref> Shortly after regaining consciousness, Daniel finds a note he wrote to himself, which informs him that he has deliberately erased his own memory and is being hunted by a "Shadow", an unearthly presence that manifests itself through fleshy, acidic growths spreading throughout the castle. The note instructs Daniel to descend into the Inner Sanctum of the castle in order to find and kill its [[baron]], Alexander.

As he makes his way through the castle, Daniel gradually learns both about its mysteries and about his own past, through notes and diaries he finds as well as through sudden flashbacks and visions. The origin of his situation is a mysterious orb that he recovered from the [[Tin Hinan Tomb]] in [[French Algeria|Algeria]]. When the orb was shattered, Daniel received a vision which enabled him to reassemble it, unleashing the Shadow in the process. Each of the experts he consulted in person about the orb was later found gruesomely dismembered. Disturbed by this, Daniel desperately exhausted all archaeological leads into strange orbs until contacted by Alexander, who summoned him to Brennenburg. There, Alexander informed him that the Shadow was slowly stalking him, killing everyone he came into contact with, and will not stop until it kills him as well. Alexander promised a means of repelling the Shadow by ritualistically coating the orb with a "vitae" substance, which could only be harvested from humans experiencing extreme pain and agony. Alexander's true purpose is to use Daniel's vitae-enriched orb to return to his native dimension, from which he was banished centuries prior. To achieve this end, Alexander and Daniel gathered vitae by torturing prisoners in the castle dungeons, many of whom were innocent people that Alexander claimed to be murderous criminals.

To maximize the production of vitae, the victims were forced to consume a potion that induced amnesia, so that they could never grow accustomed to their torment. Daniel slowly realized that the rituals were becoming less effective and the Shadow getting ever closer. Desperate to survive, he became sadistic in his attempts to harvest vitae, and accidentally killed two escaping prisoners, a mother and her young daughter, in a fit of rage. Following the final ritual, Alexander sensed Daniel's guilt and declining faith in him and left him for dead as a result. Realizing how Alexander had manipulated him, Daniel swore revenge and consumed an amnesia potion in order to overcome his paralyzing guilt.

As Daniel nears the Inner Sanctum, he encounters [[Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa]], a man who had once studied the orbs with his student [[Johann Weyer]] and has since been kept alive and imprisoned by Alexander, due to his extensive knowledge on the subject and as leverage against Weyer. He tells Daniel that Weyer stole Alexander's previous orb and harnessed its power to travel between dimensions. When Daniel asserts that he has learned to reassemble orbs, Agrippa instructs him to find his own shattered orb, which is needed to breach the Inner Sanctum. Agrippa also asks Daniel to take with him his head, which can be severed alive using a tonic invented by Weyer, and throw it into the inter-dimensional portal after Alexander opens it. 

Once Daniel enters the Inner Sanctum, he finds Alexander preparing to open the portal. From here, there are three possible endings:
* If the player does nothing, Alexander enters the portal, leaving Daniel to be killed by the Shadow and descends into darkness, while Alexander tells him his sacrifice will be forever celebrated.
* If the player prevents the portal from opening by knocking over its support columns, the Shadow kills Alexander and spares Daniel, allowing him to leave the castle, content with his redemption.
* If the player throws Agrippa's head into the portal, the Shadow kills both Alexander and Daniel. In the darkness, Agrippa assures Daniel that everything will be alright, calling upon Weyer to help him.
* A secret fourth ending, similar to the one where Alexander escapes, can be obtained at an earlier point when Daniel is captured and imprisoned by Gatherers. If the player waits in the prison cell for an extended period of time, the shadow will arrive and kill Daniel, with Alexander once more thanking him for his sacrifice.

===''Amnesia: Justine''===
The player takes control of an unnamed woman, who awakens with amnesia in a dungeon cell. A phonograph in the cell contains a recording by a woman named Justine, who tells the unnamed woman that she is the subject of a psychological test. The woman must overcome three puzzles to escape the dungeon. In each, she has the option of simply abandoning the puzzle and walking away, but doing so will cause an innocent victim to die. She is also pursued by the Suitors, three monstrous characters who turn out to be Justine's former paramours, now twisted by physical and psychological torture. After surviving the puzzle sections, the woman discovers a phonograph dangling from the ceiling, which causes the walls of the chamber to close in and threaten to crush the woman. She passes out, but awakens unharmed and begins to congratulate herself, revealing that the woman is Justine herself, who staged the entire experiment to see if she still had any compassion for humanity within herself. The ending sequence's dialogue differs depending on the number of people Justine had rescued.

==Development==
Work began on the game while ''[[Penumbra: Requiem]]'' was still being developed, with the company working on both projects at the same time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=John |date=2009-02-17 |title=Frictional Games On Penumbra And The Future |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/interview-frictional-games-on-penumbra-and-the-future |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111225727/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/02/17/interview-frictional-games-on-penumbra-and-the-future/ |archive-date=November 11, 2010 |access-date=2025-11-14 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en}}</ref> The game was first known under two working titles: ''Unknown'' and ''Lux Tenebras''. It was not until 3 November 2009 that it was announced as its current title, ''Amnesia'', and 13 November with the release of the game's website and a game trailer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewstory&threadid=104320 |title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent Revealed |publisher=Blue's News |date=14 November 2009 |access-date=25 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamershell.com/news_87098.html |title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent Trailer |publisher=GamersHell |date=13 November 2009 |access-date=25 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009161339/http://www.gamershell.com/news_87098.html |archive-date=9 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Initial designs of the game varied considerably from the final game, with the developers interested in reintroducing more combat elements similar to those utilized in their first commercial title ''[[Penumbra: Overture]]''. The developers soon discovered that they encountered many of the same problems and difficulties that plagued the combat in that game, and the design was further changed to be more similar to the style set out by ''Overture''{{'}}s sequel ''[[Penumbra: Black Plague]]''.<ref>[http://linuxgamingnews.org/2009/11/25/interview-with-frictional-games-amnesia/ Interview With Frictional Games – Amnesia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820032040/http://linuxgamingnews.org/2009/11/25/interview-with-frictional-games-amnesia/ |date=20 August 2011 }} Linux Gaming News, 25 November 2009</ref>

On 5 February 2010, it was announced that the game had reached the alpha stage of development on all platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2010 |title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent goes alpha |url=http://www.linuxgames.com/archives/14762 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211155424/http://www.linuxgames.com/archives/14762 |archive-date=2010-02-11 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=LinuxGames}}</ref><ref>[http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/02/alpha-beginning-of-end.html Alpha – the beginning of the end!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310204617/http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/02/alpha-beginning-of-end.html |date=10 March 2012 }} Frictional Games Blog</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kruse |first=Cord |date=February 9, 2010 |title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent Reaches Alpha |url=http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ID=18584 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606221351/http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ID=18584 |archive-date=2011-06-06 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=Inside Mac Games News}}</ref> Two weeks later the developers released a new teaser trailer that showed actual gameplay footage, and the developers began accepting pre-orders for the game through their website. Also revealed was that the game was at that point being tested on all three intended platforms. It was also announced that the game would be released simultaneously for all of them in August 2010.<ref>[http://linuxgamingnews.org/2010/02/19/amnesia-the-dark-descent-teaser-web-site-pre-order/ Amnesia: The Dark Descent – Teaser, Web Site & Pre-order] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124192247/http://linuxgamingnews.org/2010/02/19/amnesia-the-dark-descent-teaser-web-site-pre-order/ |date=24 November 2010 }} Linux Gaming News, 19 February 2010</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 19, 2010 |title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent – Teaser, Web Site and Pre-Order |url=http://www.charged.co.za/2010/02/19/amnesia-the-dark-descent-teaser-web-site-and-pre-order |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430113636/http://www.charged.co.za/2010/02/19/amnesia-the-dark-descent-teaser-web-site-and-pre-order |archive-date=2012-04-30 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=Charged}}</ref> This was later rescheduled, and the game was then expected to have an 8 September 2010 release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 22, 2010 |title=Disturbing details regarding the release of "Amnesia: The Dark Descent" revealed! |url=http://www.frictionalgames.com/site/node/103 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903140500/http://www.frictionalgames.com/site/node/103 |archive-date=2010-09-03 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=Frictional Games |language=en}}</ref> It was then later announced on 27 August 2010 that the game had officially gone [[Software release life cycle#Release|Gold]] and would soon be ready for sale.<ref>[http://linuxgamingnews.org/2010/08/29/amnesia-the-dark-descent-gone-gold/ Amnesia: The Dark Descent Gone Gold] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902222440/http://linuxgamingnews.org/2010/08/29/amnesia-the-dark-descent-gone-gold/ |date=2 September 2010 }} Linux Gaming News, 29 August 2010 (Article by Maxim Bardin)</ref> On 3 September, the game's demo was released containing selected parts of the gameplay and story. It was then successfully released on 8 September 2010.<ref>[http://www.linuxjournal.com/content/scary-new-horror-adventure-available-linux Scary New Horror Adventure Available for Linux] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917125726/http://www.linuxjournal.com/content/scary-new-horror-adventure-available-linux |date=17 September 2010 }} [[Linux Journal]], 13 September 2010 (Article by Susan Linton)</ref>

If the game reached 2,000 pre-orders by 31 May 2010, Frictional promised it would release extra content for the game. The goal was finally met in early May, after the pre-orders were offered at a discount made available until 31 May. This was done due to the success of ''Penumbra: Overture'' as a part of the first [[Humble Indie Bundle]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2010 |title=Insane Amnesia Discount! |url=http://www.frictionalgames.com/site/node/101 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924021315/http://www.frictionalgames.com/site/node/101 |archive-date=2010-09-24 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=Frictional Games |language=en}}</ref> The extra content was revealed to be commentary,<ref>[http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/05/2000-pre-orders-reached.html "some commentary for the release"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708035924/http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/05/2000-pre-orders-reached.html |date=8 July 2011 }} Frictional Games, 11 May 2010</ref> and they explained in the comments section of the same page that its intended function was similar to that of [[Valve Corporation|Valve]]'s commentary system that began in the ''[[Half-Life 2]]'' series.<ref>[http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/05/2000-pre-orders-reached.html?showComment=1273579916104#c832591351368538635 "similar to the way HL2ep2 does it"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708040101/http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/05/2000-pre-orders-reached.html?showComment=1273579916104#c832591351368538635 |date=8 July 2011 }} Frictional Games, 11 May 2010</ref> The authors cite "Soul Made Flesh" by [[Carl Zimmer]] and older horror movies such as ''[[The Haunting (1963 film)|The Haunting]]'' as being inspirations for the mood and style of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chakraborty |first=Angsuman |date=September 15, 2010 |title=Thomas Grip of Frictional Games Speaks on Amnesia: The Dark Descent With GaeaTimes.com |url=http://gadgetophilia.com/thomas-grip-of-frictional-games-speaks-on-amnesia-the-dark-descent-with-gaeatimescom/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921084714/http://gadgetophilia.com/thomas-grip-of-frictional-games-speaks-on-amnesia-the-dark-descent-with-gaeatimescom/ |archive-date=2010-09-21 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=Gadgetophilia}}</ref> Other critics have drawn parallels between the game's story and the writings of [[H. P. Lovecraft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3529168/amnesia-dark-descent-still-greatest-lovecraftian-horror-game/|title=How 'Amnesia: The Dark Descent' Is STILL The Greatest Lovecraftian Horror Game|publisher=Bloody Disgusting|first1=Niall|last1=Condon|date=24 October 2018|access-date=3 December 2018|archive-date=6 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106221424/https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3529168/amnesia-dark-descent-still-greatest-lovecraftian-horror-game/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Thomas Grip, one of the game's main developers, would later write up a post-mortem of the game titled "The Terrifying Tale of Amnesia" for ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'', where he outlined in detail the process of the game's development, mostly focusing on its ever-changing design and the financial problems that plagued the developers for most of the game's development.<ref name=":4" /> A [[PlayStation 4]] version – ''Amnesia Collection'' – was released on 22 November 2016 via [[PlayStation Network]]; this title includes ''The Dark Descent'', its expansion ''Amnesia: Justine,'' and the sequel ''[[Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs]]''.<ref name="AmnesiaCollection">{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2016/10/19/amnesia-collection-heads-to-ps4-in-november/|title=Amnesia Collection heads to PS4 in November|first=Stephany|last=Nunneley|date=19 October 2016|website=[[VG247]]|access-date=19 October 2016|archive-date=20 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020202010/http://www.vg247.com/2016/10/19/amnesia-collection-heads-to-ps4-in-november/|url-status=live}}</ref> Just two days after its release on PS4, Frictional Games posted a tweet stating that the port managed to recoup all costs and "more".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/11/24/amnesia-collection-ps4-already-turning-a-profit-for-frictional-games/|title=Amnesia Collection Already Turning a Profit For Frictional Games|first=Tyler|last=Treese|date=24 November 2016|access-date=26 November 2016|archive-date=26 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126152612/http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/11/24/amnesia-collection-ps4-already-turning-a-profit-for-frictional-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 September 2020, it was announced that ''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' would be made open source.<ref>{{cite web|date=23 September 2020|title=Amnesia is now open source!|url=https://frictionalgames.com/2020-09-amnesia-is-now-open-source/|website=frictionalgames.com|access-date=23 September 2020|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200923140608/https://frictionalgames.com/2020-09-amnesia-is-now-open-source/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Soundtrack===
{{Infobox album
| name       = Amnesia: The Dark Descent (Original Game Soundtrack)
| type       = Soundtrack
| artist     = Mikko Tarmia
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released   = {{Start date|df=yes|2011|05|17}}
| recorded   =
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Video game music|Video game soundtrack]]
| length     = 34:41
| label      = The Sound of Fiction
| producer   =
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}
The game's music was composed by [[Mikko Tarmia]] and released for download on 17 May 2011.

==Downloadable content==
On 12 April 2011, Frictional Games released an extra free level for owners of the [[Steam (service)|Steam]] version of ''Amnesia''. This additional campaign is set apart from Brennenburg Castle. ''Justine'' was released on Steam as a way to promote the then-upcoming release of ''[[Portal 2]]'', as getting 100% on the campaign (all of the collectables, all of the analysis and making correct choices) unlocks a message from the fictional company Aperture Science. The content was made available for all of the game's supported platforms and versions as part of the ''Amnesia'' v1.2 update on 17 May 2011.<ref name="LGN-Article">{{cite web |last=Bardin |first=Maxim |date=17 November 2010 |title=Amnesia: Justine – Now Available To Everyone |url=http://linuxgamingnews.org/2011/05/17/amnesia-justine-now-available-to-everyone/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522091131/http://linuxgamingnews.org/2011/05/17/amnesia-justine-now-available-to-everyone/ |archive-date=22 May 2011 |access-date=18 May 2011 |publisher=Linux Gaming News}}</ref>

It is possible to create custom stories for ''Amnesia'' that can then be loaded in the game.<ref>[http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/09/editors-are-out.html In The Games Of Madness: Editors are out!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126045056/http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/09/editors-are-out.html |date=26 January 2011 }} Frictional Games</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/07/the-lasting-legacy-of-amnesia-the-dark-descent/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118045049/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/07/the-lasting-legacy-of-amnesia-the-dark-descent/|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 January 2022|title=The Legacy Of Amnesia: The Dark Descent|first=Hayley|last=Williams|date=2021-07-01|access-date=2024-01-31|website=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref> Various tools for the [[Frictional Games#Technology|HPL Engine 2]] have been released that allow the creation of unique [[Level (video gaming)|levels]], [[3D model|models]], [[Particle system|particle effects]] and materials, using an interface similar to Valve's Hammer Editing Software.<ref>[http://hpl2.frictionalgames.com/tools Tools – HPL2 Documentation] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918011341/http://hpl2.frictionalgames.com/tools |date=18 September 2010}} Frictional Games</ref> Game logic can be implemented using the [[AngelScript]] scripting language.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moddb.com/games/amnesia-the-dark-descent/addons|title=Addons - Amnesia: The Dark Descent|website=Mod DB|date=3 September 2010 |access-date=9 January 2011|archive-date=18 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918121725/http://www.moddb.com/games/amnesia-the-dark-descent/addons|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moddb.com/games/amnesia-the-dark-descent/mods|title=Mods - Amnesia: The Dark Descent|website=Mod DB|date=3 September 2010 |access-date=9 January 2011|archive-date=17 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117115113/http://www.moddb.com/games/amnesia-the-dark-descent/mods|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Finished Custom Stories for Download |url=http://www.frictionalgames.com/forum/thread-4528-post-39673.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114024921/http://www.frictionalgames.com/forum/thread-4528-post-39673.html |archive-date=2011-01-14 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=Frictionalgames.com |language=en}}</ref> A prominent example of a custom story is ''[[Penumbra: Necrologue]]'', a fan-made sequel to Frictional's earlier ''[[Penumbra (video game series)|Penumbra]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fandomspot.com/amnesia-dark-descent-best-mods-stories/|title=15 Best Mods & Custom Stories For Amnesia: The Dark Descent|first=Nelson|last=Chitty|access-date=2024-01-31|website=FandomSpot}}</ref>

On 23 September 2020, Frictional Games announced that they would be releasing the [[source code]] for both ''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' and ''Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Fraser|date=23 September 2020|title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent and A Machine for Pigs are now open source|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/amnesia-the-dark-descent-and-a-machine-for-pigs-are-now-open-source/|access-date=23 September 2020|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US|archive-date=11 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111043143/https://www.pcgamer.com/amnesia-the-dark-descent-and-a-machine-for-pigs-are-now-open-source/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both games are available as [[open-source video game]]s under [[GNU General Public License|GNU GPL-3.0-or-later]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Amnesia is now open source!|url=https://frictionalgames.com/2020-09-amnesia-is-now-open-source/|access-date=23 September 2020|website=Frictional Games|date=23 September 2020 |language=en-GB|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200923140608/https://frictionalgames.com/2020-09-amnesia-is-now-open-source/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent Source Code|date=23 September 2020|url=https://github.com/FrictionalGames/AmnesiaTheDarkDescent|publisher=Frictional Games|access-date=23 September 2020|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923142806/https://github.com/FrictionalGames/AmnesiaTheDarkDescent|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregators -->
| MC = PC: 85/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/amnesia-the-dark-descent/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=23 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830080811/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/amnesia-the-dark-descent |archive-date=30 August 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| AdvGamers = 4.5/5<ref name="Adventure Gamers Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,1206 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100911075925/http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id%2C1206 |title=review: ''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' |last=Berens |first=Nathaniel |website=[[Adventure Gamers]] |date=8 September 2010 |archive-date=11 September 2010 |access-date=9 September 2010 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
| Destruct = 9/10<ref name="Destruct">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-amnesia-the-dark-descent-185225.phtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003064929/http://www.destructoid.com/review-amnesia-the-dark-descent-185225.phtml |title=Review: ''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' |last=Tolentino |first=Josh |website=[[Destructoid]] |date=30 September 2010 |archive-date=3 October 2010 |access-date=23 May 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| EuroG = 8/10<ref name="Eurogamer review">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-07-amnesia-the-dark-descent-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909111528/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-07-amnesia-the-dark-descent-review |title=''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' PC Review |last=Smith |first=Quintin |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=7 September 2010 |archive-date=9 September 2010 |access-date=7 September 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 9.25/10<ref name="Game Informer Review">{{cite magazine |url=https://gameinformer.com/games/amnesia_the_dark_descent/b/pc/archive/2010/09/08/horror-done-right.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123055055/http://gameinformer.com/games/amnesia_the_dark_descent/b/pc/archive/2010/09/08/horror-done-right.aspx |title=''Amnesia'' Review: Horror Done Right |last=Biessener |first=Adam |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=8 September 2010 |archive-date=23 November 2010 |access-date=9 September 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Gamekult = 8/10<ref name="Gamekult">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamekult.com/tout/jeux/fiches/J000093049_test.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007184106/http://www.gamekult.com/tout/jeux/fiches/J000093049_test.html |title=''Amnesia : The Dark Descent'', le test sur PC |language=French |author=Dr Chocapic |website=[[Gamekult]] |date=5 October 2010 |archive-date=7 October 2010 |access-date=23 May 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="GSpotRev">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/amnesiathedarkdescent/review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007201016/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/amnesiathedarkdescent/review.html |title=''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' Review for PC |last=Todd |first=Brett |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=30 September 2010 |archive-date=7 October 2010 |access-date=23 May 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GameZone = 7.5/10<ref name="GameZoneRev">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamezone.com/reviews/item/amnesia_the_dark_descent_review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020050555/http://pc.gamezone.com/reviews/item/amnesia_the_dark_descent_review/ |title=''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' review |last=Rowe |first=Brian |website=GameZone |date=17 October 2010 |archive-date=20 October 2010 |access-date=23 May 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.5/10<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/111/1118326p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906234924/http://pc.ign.com/articles/111/1118326p1.html |title=''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' Review |last=Onyett |first=Charles |website=[[IGN]] |date=3 September 2010 |archive-date=6 September 2010 |access-date=7 September 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Joystiq = 4/5<ref name="Joystiq">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/amnesia-the-dark-descent-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031090054/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/amnesia-the-dark-descent-review/ |title=''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' review: In the mouth of madness |last=Mitchell |first=Richard |website=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=29 October 2010 |archive-date=31 October 2010 |access-date=23 May 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| MS = 6/10<ref name="MSRev">{{cite web |url=http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_analisis.php?pic=PC&idj=cw4c287472411ca&id=cw4c823e96a2b42 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100908233500/http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_analisis.php?pic=PC&idj=cw4c287472411ca&id=cw4c823e96a2b42 |title=''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' |language=Spanish |last=González |first=Ramón Méndez |website=MeriStation |date=7 September 2010 |archive-date=8 September 2010 |access-date=23 May 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| PALGN = 9/10<ref name="PALGN">{{cite web |url=http://palgn.com.au/pc-gaming/17268/amnesia-the-dark-descent-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928015942/http://palgn.com.au/pc-gaming/17268/amnesia-the-dark-descent-review/ |title=''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' Review |last=Chen |first=Bev |website=PALGN |date=26 September 2010 |archive-date=28 September 2010 |access-date=23 May 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| PCGUK = 88%<ref name="PC Gamer review">{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/09/06/amnesia-the-dark-descent-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100908011422/http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/09/06/amnesia-the-dark-descent-review/ |title=''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' review |last=Bickham |first=Al |website=[[PC Gamer|PC Gamer Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=6 September 2010 |archive-date=8 September 2010 |access-date=8 September 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| TELE = 9/10<ref name="TeleRev">{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/7996823/Amnesia-The-Dark-Descent-video-game-review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914020239/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/7996823/Amnesia-The-Dark-Descent-video-game-review.html |title=''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' game review |last=Raze |first=Ashton |website=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |publisher=[[Telegraph Media Group]] |date=13 September 2010 |archive-date=14 September 2010 |access-date=23 May 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Igromania]]''
| rev1Score = 8/10<ref name="Igromania review">{{cite web|url=http://www.igromania.ru/articles/108517/Amnesia_The_Dark_Descent.htm|publisher=[[Igromania]]|title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent PC Review|last=Smith|first=Quintin|date=7 September 2010|access-date=7 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100929005003/http://www.igromania.ru/articles/108517/Amnesia_The_Dark_Descent.htm|archive-date=29 September 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
''Amnesia: The Dark Descent'' received "generally favorable" reviews according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="Metacritic"/> Josh Tolentino of ''[[Destructoid]]'', Adam Biessener of ''[[Game Informer]]'', and Bev Chen of ''PALGN'' saw ''Amnesia'' as a return to true survival horror, contrasting it with action-heavy titles like ''[[Resident Evil]]'' or ''[[Dead Space]]''.<ref name="Destruct"/><ref name="Game Informer Review"/><ref name="PALGN"/> Its focus on powerlessness and psychological horror was seen as a bold, influential move, with Ashton Raze of ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' calling it a "masterwork of horror" and Al Bickham of ''[[PC Gamer]]'' noting its superiority to modern blockbusters.<ref name="PC Gamer review"/><ref name="TeleRev"/>

Critics unanimously lauded ''Amnesia'' for its oppressive, terrifying atmosphere. The game's use of darkness, sound design, and minimalistic music was said to create a constant sense of dread. Biessener, ''[[Adventure Gamers]]''{{'}}s Nathaniel Berens, and ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Charles Onyett described it as one of the scariest games ever made, with moments that induce genuine panic and fear of the unknown.<ref name="Adventure Gamers Review"/><ref name="Game Informer Review"/><ref name="IGN review"/> The game's lack of combat was widely appreciated as a bold choice, emphasizing vulnerability. Raze and ''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Quintin Smith noted that the inability to fight monsters heightens tension, forcing players to run or hide, which amplifies the horror.<ref name="Eurogamer review"/><ref name="TeleRev"/> The sound design was a standout feature, with ambient noises like creaking doors, distant screams, and footsteps creating immersion. Berens and Raze particularly praised the audio for its role in sustaining unease,<ref name="Adventure Gamers Review"/><ref name="TeleRev"/> though Brian Rowe of ''GameZone'' noted some repetitive sound cues slightly diminish the effect over time.<ref name="GameZoneRev"/>

The sanity mechanic, where prolonged exposure to darkness or monsters drains Daniel's mental stability, was universally praised for adding depth to the gameplay. Tolentino and ''[[Joystiq]]''{{'}}s Richard Mitchell highlighted the role of visual and auditory distortions in immersing players in Daniel's deteriorating psyche.<ref name="Destruct"/><ref name="Joystiq"/> The interplay between light and dark, where light preserves sanity but increases visibility and darkness offers safety but risks insanity, was regarded as a core strength. Bickham and ''[[Gamekult]]''{{'}}s Dr. Chocapic commended this risk-reward balance, noting its constant tension and strategic resource management.<ref name="Gamekult"/><ref name="PC Gamer review"/>

The first-person, physics-based interaction system, inherited from Frictional's ''Penumbra'' series, was widely appreciated for its immersive quality. Berens, Raze, and ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s Brett Todd noted that actions like opening doors or manipulating objects with realistic mouse gestures enhance the tactile experience.<ref name="Adventure Gamers Review"/><ref name="GSpotRev"/><ref name="TeleRev"/> Mitchell mentioned occasional frustration with controls during panicked moments.<ref name="Joystiq"/> Smith and ''MeriStation''{{'}}s Ramón Méndez González found the puzzles simple yet satisfying, fitting the game's focus on exploration over complex brainteasers.<ref name="Eurogamer review"/><ref name="MSRev"/> Rowe noted inconsistencies, such as interactive objects not always being clearly distinguishable.<ref name="GameZoneRev"/>

The story was praised for its literary influences, drawing comparisons to [[Edgar Allan Poe|Poe]], [[Mary Shelley|Shelley]], and [[H. P. Lovecraft|Lovecraft]]; González specifically cited passages of Lovecraft's "[[The Outsider (short story)|The Outsider]]" as a possible primary inspiration for the game's story.<ref name="Adventure Gamers Review"/><ref name="Game Informer Review"/><ref name="MSRev"/> Berens and Biessener highlighted the engaging backstory revealed through notes and flashbacks, which pulls players forward despite fear.<ref name="Adventure Gamers Review"/><ref name="Game Informer Review"/> The narrative's resolution was a point of criticism. Berens, Tolentino, and Smith noted that the climax feels vague or unsatisfying, with multiple endings lacking closure.<ref name="Adventure Gamers Review"/><ref name="Destruct"/><ref name="Eurogamer review"/> González pointed out that the slow, fragmented storytelling is effective for immersion but can leave players confused.<ref name="MSRev"/>

The game's technical aspects were considered solid despite some limitations. The graphics were generally praised for their detailed environments and moody lighting, especially given the game's indie budget. Berens and Chen noted the castle's hauntingly beautiful design,<ref name="Adventure Gamers Review"/><ref name="PALGN"/> though Dr. Chocapic and González mentioned that brighter areas expose the engine's limitations, with dated character models and textures.<ref name="Gamekult"/><ref name="MSRev"/> The voice acting received mixed feedback. Tolentino praised Sam Mowry's performance as Alexander but found Daniel's delivery too calm,<ref name="Destruct"/> while Smith and Bickham noted occasional weaknesses in vocal delivery.<ref name="Eurogamer review"/><ref name="PC Gamer review"/>

Critics emphasized the game's immersive quality, enhanced by the developers' recommendation to play in the dark with headphones. Berens, Onyett, and Mitchell strongly endorsed this setup for maximizing terror.<ref name="Adventure Gamers Review"/><ref name="IGN review"/><ref name="Joystiq"/> González noted that the game's experimental nature and lack of combat make it niche, appealing primarily to horror fans willing to embrace its slow pacing and oppressive atmosphere.<ref name="MSRev"/> Its short length, estimated at 6-10 hours, was seen as appropriate for its intensity,<ref name="Gamekult"/><ref name="GSpotRev"/><ref name="TeleRev"/> though Smith suggested more varied horror set-pieces could have enhanced it.<ref name="Eurogamer review"/>

== Sales and accolades ==
Frictional Games did show some trepidation over the game's initial sales after the first week,<ref>[http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-week-after-release-of-amnesia.html One week after the release of Amnesia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918222630/http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-week-after-release-of-amnesia.html |date=18 September 2010 }} Frictional Games Blog, 15 September 2010</ref> but were encouraged by continued sales throughout the first month after the game's release, with Frictional recouping all the expenses from creating ''Amnesia'' by early October 2010.<ref>[http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/10/one-month-after-amnesias-release.html One Month after Amnesia's release] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013142210/http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2010/10/one-month-after-amnesias-release.html |date=13 October 2010 }} Frictional Games Blog, 8 October 2010</ref> By the beginning of January 2011 the developer reported that nearly 200,000 units had been sold, declaring in response that "With these figures at hand, we must confess that it gives us new confidence for the PC."<ref>[http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2011/01/four-months-after-amnesias-release.html Four months after Amnesia's release] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118051223/http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2011/01/four-months-after-amnesias-release.html |date=18 January 2011 }} Frictional Games Blog, 7 January 2011</ref> The game kept gaining sales and in July 2011 it had sold almost 350,000 units.<ref name=":4" /> At the 2011 [[Independent Games Festival]] ''Amnesia'' won awards for both "Excellence in Audio" and "Technical Excellence" along with the "Direct2Drive Vision Award" which included a $10,000 prize.<ref name="igfawards">{{cite web |date=3 March 2011 |title=Indie Rock: 2011 IGF Winners Announced |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/03/03/indie-rock-2011-igf-winners-announced/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909023619/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/03/03/indie-rock-2011-igf-winners-announced/ |archive-date=9 September 2014 |website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun}}</ref>

A year after the original release of ''Amnesia'', the developers revealed that they had sold around 391,102 units and were continuing to sell about 6,000 units per month. They also released details about how much money each platform generated for them by analyzing the sales from their online store, with 70% of sales coming from Windows users and 15% coming from users of Linux and another 15% coming from users of Mac OS X. Frictional did stated that their store was the only place anyone could purchase the Linux version of the game, whereas the Mac OS X and Windows versions could be purchased from other sources, meaning that the total percentage of Linux sales is actually considerably smaller compared to other platforms taken collectively. Observing that their own Mac OS X sales did not go down from their own store even as services like [[Steam (service)|Steam]] picked up the game for that platform, meaning that it did not steal customers from their store but instead opened up a new market, they decided this makes a good incentive for other stores to support Linux as well.<ref>[http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2011/09/amnesia-one-year-later.html Amnesia – One year later] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925135509/http://frictionalgames.blogspot.com/2011/09/amnesia-one-year-later.html |date=25 September 2011 }} Frictional Games Blog, 9 September 2011</ref> As of September 2012, the game sits at an estimated 1.4&nbsp;million sales.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amnesia, two years later|date=10 September 2012|url=http://frictionalgames.blogspot.dk/2012/09/amnesia-two-years-later.html|access-date=31 December 2012|archive-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116024733/http://frictionalgames.blogspot.dk/2012/09/amnesia-two-years-later.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, [[Adventure Gamers]] named ''Amnesia'' the 34th-best adventure game ever released.<ref name=top100>{{cite web |author=AG Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604021011/http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18643 |url=https://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18643 |title=Top 100 All-Time Adventure Games |date=30 December 2011 |archive-date=4 June 2012 |work=[[Adventure Gamers]] |url-status=usurped |access-date=16 October 2018 }}</ref> In 2015, ''Kotaku'' originally ranked ''Amnesia'' as the 2nd best horror game of all time, beaten only by ''[[P.T. (video game)|P.T.]]'', but moved it to 1st after ''P.T.'' was removed by [[Konami]].<ref>{{cite web |access-date=12 January 2018 |url=http://thebests.kotaku.com/the-10-best-horror-games-1685727700 |title=The 10 Best Horror Games |website=[[Kotaku]] |first=Patrick |last=Klepek |date=13 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810020740/http://thebests.kotaku.com/the-10-best-horror-games-1685727700 |archive-date=10 August 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' ranked ''Amnesia'' as the 3rd best horror game of all time, although in a revised list in 2018, moved the game down to 13th place.<ref>{{cite web|title=The 20 best horror games of all time|publisher=GamesRadar Staff|work=Social Blade|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-horror-games/#comment-jump|access-date=29 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010045603/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-horror-games/|archive-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> In 2018, ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' ranked ''Amnesia'' as the 7th greatest horror game of all time in a list of 35.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 35 greatest horror games of all time |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-35-greatest-horror-games-of-all-time-1830082156 |website=The AV Club |date=31 October 2018 |access-date=12 January 2019 |archive-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103000942/https://www.avclub.com/the-35-greatest-horror-games-of-all-time-1830082156 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' cited it as one of the most "influential games of the decade".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Park |first1=Gene |last2=Favis |first2=Elise |last3=Klimentov |first3=Mikhail |date=December 19, 2019 |title=The most influential games of the decade |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/video-games/influential-games-of-the-decade/ |access-date=December 19, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

==Legacy==
{{Main|Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs|Amnesia: Rebirth|Amnesia: The Bunker|Let's Play}}
An indirect sequel called ''[[Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs]]'' was released on 10 September 2013,<ref name="giaamfp">{{cite news|last=Hilliard|first=Kyle|title=Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs Coming Next Month|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/amnesia_a_machine_for_pigs/b/pc/archive/2013/08/16/amnesia-a-machine-for-pigs-coming-next-month.aspx|access-date=27 August 2013|newspaper=[[Game Informer]]|date=16 August 2013|archive-date=27 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827060236/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/amnesia_a_machine_for_pigs/b/pc/archive/2013/08/16/amnesia-a-machine-for-pigs-coming-next-month.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> developed by [[The Chinese Room]] and published by Frictional Games. It takes place in the same universe as ''The Dark Descent'', but in an alternative history with different characters.<ref name="de Matos">{{cite web|last=de Matos|first=Xav|title=Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is the next title from Frictional Games and Dear Esther dev|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/amnesia-a-machine-for-pigs/|publisher=[[Joystiq]]|access-date=22 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620221829/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/amnesia-a-machine-for-pigs/|archive-date=20 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The third game in the series, titled ''[[Amnesia: Rebirth]]'' was announced on 6 March 2020. ''Rebirth'' is the second ''Amnesia'' game to be developed by Frictional Games. A gameplay reveal trailer was uploaded on 2 October 2020 to a positive reception.<ref>{{cite web|date=2 October 2020|title=Amnesia: Rebirth's Gameplay Reveal is Here and It's Terrifying|url=https://cogconnected.com/2020/10/amnesia-rebirths-gameplay-reveal/|access-date=3 October 2020|website=COGconnected|language=en-US|archive-date=8 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008122131/https://cogconnected.com/2020/10/amnesia-rebirths-gameplay-reveal/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was released on 20 October 2020 for [[PlayStation 4]], [[Linux]] and [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/09/amnesia-rebirth-launches-october-20|title=Amnesia: Rebirth launches October 20|website=Gematsu|date=15 September 2020|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915184753/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/09/amnesia-rebirth-launches-october-20|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=''Amnesia: Rebirth'' official website |url=https://amnesiarebirth.com/ |access-date=20 October 2020 |archive-date=22 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022145424/https://amnesiarebirth.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

''[[Amnesia: The Bunker]]'', developed by Frictional Games, was released on 6 June 2023.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/amnesia-the-bunker/free-horror-game |last=Nelson |first=Will |title=Snag a free horror game to celebrate Amnesia The Bunker's launch |website=[[PCGamesN]] |date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 November 2025}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==

* {{Cite journal |last=Addcox |first=J. Stephen |year=2016 |title="The Dark Descent": Amnesia's Debt to Victorian Physiological Psychology |url=https://neovictorianstudies.com/article/view/107 |journal=Neo-Victorian Studies |volume=8 |issue=2}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Rosales |first=Anais |date=2020-09-21 |title=Dracula and Amnesia: Character Identities and Constant Subjectivism under Ideological State Apparatuses |url=https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4602 |journal=FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations |doi=10.25148/etd.FIDC009183|doi-broken-date=20 January 2026 |doi-access=free |url-access=subscription }}
* {{Cite thesis |last1=Hellgren |first1=Ryan |url=https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-504119 |title=The effectiveness of using light to elicit a response in Amnesia: The Dark Descent |last2=Sokolov |first2=Alexander |date=June 2023 |publisher=Uppsala University}}
* {{Cite book |last=Reiss |first=Tom |url=https://portal.dnb.de/opac.htm?method=simpleSearch&cqlMode=true&query=idn%3D1140871846 |title=The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Horror as a semiotic medium in Amnesia: The Dark Descent |date=August 2015 |publisher=MueSem – Münchner Semiotik}}
* {{Cite book |last=Tosca |first=Susana |url=https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9780203078112/analyzing-digital-fiction-alice-bell-astrid-ensslin-hans-rustad |title=Analyzing Digital Fiction |date=2013-10-15 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-203-07811-2 |editor-last=Bell |editor-first=Alice |pages=109–123 |chapter=Amnesia: The Dark Descent: The Player’s Very Own Purgatory |doi=10.4324/9780203078112 |editor-last2=Ensslin |editor-first2=Astrid |editor-last3=Rustad |editor-first3=Hans}}

==External links==
* {{official website}}
* {{GitHub|FrictionalGames/AmnesiaTheDarkDescent|''Amnesia: The Dark Descent''}}
* {{MobyGames | /amnesia-the-dark-descent }}


{{Frictional Games}}
{{Amnesia series}}


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{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Amnesia: The Dark Descent|access_date=2026-02-23}}