Amnesia: The Dark Descent and A Machine for Pigs are currently free on PC

Those with a love of the macabre and a steely constitution are in for a treat; Amnesia: The Dark Descent and its follow-up A Machine for Pigs are currently free on the Humble Store.

Developed by Frictional Games (the studio responsible for the terrifying SOMA), Amnesia: The Dark Descent unfurls among the tenebrous stones of a vast and loathsome castle. It's as much a masterclass in psychological manipulation and suffocating atmosphere as it is in jump-scares, and is generally considered to be one of the finest horror experiences a person can have in front of their video game machine. I can personally only vouch for the excellent first few hours however, because it all got a bit too much for me after that.

A Machine for Pigs, meanwhile, continues on with the series' Lovecraftian stylings, albeit with a touch more political subtext as you battle your way through a terrible, subterranean factory in search of your children, somewhere beneath the deserted streets of Victorian London.

It's a tad less frightening, and a tad more walking simulator than its predecessor - not a complete surprise when you learn that it was developed by Dear Esther studio The Chinese Room - but it's still a richly atmospheric, and deeply unnerving experience all the same.

Both games, in the guise of The Amnesia Collection for Steam, are free for a limited time on the Humble Store - it looks like the offer will end around 6pm on Saturday 27th. You might want to check that your nightlight still works before you start playing though.

Will you support Eurogamer?

We want to make Eurogamer better, and that means better for our readers - not for algorithms. You can help! Become a supporter of Eurogamer and you can view the site completely ad-free, as well as gaining exclusive access to articles, podcasts and conversations that will bring you closer to the team, the stories, and the games we all love. Subscriptions start at £3.99 / $4.99 per month.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7psHRqJ6apZWne6%2Bx02iYpqaVqLaiedOhnGackae4brDErJqepqRirq%2BwjJpkppmTnbavsYyfpqtloJ60tHnAq5xmm6Wnv6a606WwZp6imrJuu81mp5w%3D