Exploring the Dreamy Depths of Liminal Spaces on Steam
Ever heard of Dreamcore? It’s a unique collection of first-person games that let you explore those hauntingly familiar “liminal spaces.” We’re talking about eerie indoor pools, endless low-poly neighborhoods, and even desolate children’s play areas. One of the standout features is a “liminal hotel” that gives a nod to the Backrooms meme—something that’s surprisingly become quite popular.
Liminal spaces have taken the gaming world by storm, and for good reason! These locations evoke a sense of passing through places that should be vibrant but end up feeling empty and bleak. You might recognize this vibe from the Backrooms, a creepypasta phenomenon that has even inspired a film. Since its release in early 2025, Dreamcore has only grown in popularity, recently adding a new map called Dead Mall. True to its name, this map transports you to an enormous shopping center that feels stuck in the ’90s, tapping into our nostalgia for those massive malls we all remember, before eCommerce took over.
The unsettling charm of these liminal spaces lies in their ability to evoke a deep sense of loneliness and a glimpse into a possible future where public areas lie abandoned. I found Dreamcore to be quite enjoyable, though it’s tough to decide if it’s the best game in this genre given the sheer number of similar titles available. Seriously, there’s a plethora of pool-themed games like Pools, Tainted Pools, and Liminal Waters. If they all seem a bit too similar, you might want to check out some PS1-style takes like Dream Logic or Liminal Universe.
For anyone curious about this melancholic subgenre, Dreamcore is a solid starting point. It pulls from a variety of themes and runs smoothly, offering some light puzzle elements across its four maps. However, I found myself more immersed in exploring the eerie environments rather than solving puzzles—sometimes, you just want to wander and snap some haunting screenshots.
While the gaming world might not need an overload of liminal space games, there’s something oddly charming about their abundance. They feel like a modern form of folk art, capturing a unique blend of nostalgia and sadness, and that’s what I adore about PC gaming—non-mainstream passions can truly thrive here.
Speaking of Steam, let’s take a look at the latest top sellers! Here’s a quick rundown of the highest-grossing games:
- Subnautica 2
- Forza Horizon 6
- Counter-Strike 2
- PUBG: Battlegrounds
- Apex Legends
- Marvel Rivals
- Subnautica
- Diablo 4
- Overwatch
- LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
It’s interesting to see Forza Horizon 6 ranking behind Subnautica 2, considering the latter’s launch week excitement. Plus, Subnautica: Below Zero saw a boost in sales as gamers dusted off this older title. Keep an eye on LEGO Batman, as its popularity is likely to soar in next week’s charts, given how it premiered late in the week.
Now for some lesser-known gems that dropped recently on Steam:
- Halfmoon: A mesmerizing visual novel where you explore the afterlife.
- Burden Street Station: A surreal point-and-click adventure with a twist of the bizarre.
- Midnight Special: A horror-themed babysitting simulator with a nostalgic 90s vibe.
- The Meter is Running: A roguelike tycoon game that puts you in charge of a struggling taxi business in Istanbul.
Finally, a fun user review of the week: “My man Bubby goes naked in the first minute of the game, 11/10!”—a cheeky shoutout to Bubsy 4D!
There you have it, folks! The world of Dreamcore and liminal spaces is an intriguing one, and the Steam charts are buzzing with activity. Whether you love horror, nostalgia, or just exploring the unknown, there’s something here for everyone!