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Data sourced from publicly available information on OpenCritic, Steam, and Metacritic. ReviewDisparity is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of those services.

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The Long Dark

The Long Dark

Released: 8/1/2017

The Long Dark is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and everything Mother Nature can throw at you.

The Long Dark is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and everything Mother Nature can throw at you.

The Long Dark is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and everything Mother Nature can throw at you.

Critics
78
Steam
89
Metacritic
69

Score Breakdown

77.7

Critic Average

45 reviews

89

Steam User Score

123,478 reviews

69

Metacritic User Score

672 reviews

Disparity Breakdown

Steam Disparity
-11.2
Metacritic Disparity
+8.7
Combined Disparity
-1.2

Average of both sources

Review Timing

27 launch window (60%)18 late (40%)

Review summary

Updated Aug 29, 2026

Based on 45 scored critic reviews, critics give this game an average score of 77.7/100. Critics score this game 11.2 points lower than Steam users and 8.7 points higher than Metacritic users.

How these comparisons are calculated
Sources behind this summary(5 recent of 45)+
  1. Cubed3 StaffviaCubed3
    Dec 27, 2025·Late review
    50/100View review
    Steam 88.9/100 · -38.9 ptsMetacritic 69/100 · -19.0 pts
  2. Logan SmileyviaGeeks Under Grace
    Mar 13, 2024·Late review
    80/100View review
    Steam 88.9/100 · -8.9 ptsMetacritic 69/100 · +11.0 pts
  3. Bill LavoyviaShacknews
    Oct 9, 2021·Late review
    90/100View review
    Steam 88.9/100 · +1.1 ptsMetacritic 69/100 · +21.0 pts
  4. Adéla PfefrováviaGaming Professors
    Jul 27, 2021·Late review
    85/100View review
    Steam 88.9/100 · -3.9 ptsMetacritic 69/100 · +16.0 pts
  5. Rob LakeviaRapid Reviews UK
    Nov 16, 2020·Late review
    80/100View review
    Steam 88.9/100 · -8.9 ptsMetacritic 69/100 · +11.0 pts