The “Five Nights at Freddy’s” (FNAF) series has captivated the gaming community since its initial release in 2014. With its mix of eerie atmosphere, jump scares, and deep lore, it has become a fan favorite in the horror genre. But with so many entries, spin-offs, and fan creations, the question arises: How many FNAF games are there?
In this article, we will dive into the official games in the series, explore the spin-offs, and take a look at the expansive world beyond the main games.
The Origins of FNAF: Where It All Began
Before discussing the number of games, it’s essential to understand how Scott Cawthon, the creator of FNAF, started this spooky journey. Initially a game developer for Christian-themed games, Cawthon found himself at a crossroads when his early games were criticized for having robotic and unsettling character animations. Instead of giving up, he turned that criticism into inspiration, leading to the birth of the animatronic-filled horror game, Five Nights at Freddy’s.
The Appeal of FNAF: Why Fans Keep Coming Back
FNAF’s genius lies not just in its jump scares, but in its atmosphere, lore, and gameplay mechanics. Players must survive five nights (or more) while being pursued by malfunctioning, haunted animatronics in a pizza parlor. What keeps fans hooked is the mysterious backstory—fragmented across multiple games—that players must piece together to uncover the dark truth behind Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria.
The Core FNAF Series
Let’s begin by listing the mainline FNAF games. These games form the backbone of the series, each contributing new mechanics, story elements, and unforgettable moments.
- Five Nights at Freddy’s (2014)
The game that started it all. Players take on the role of a night security guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. The goal? Survive five nights while avoiding death by haunted animatronics. - Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2014)
Just a few months after the original game, FNAF 2 expanded the lore and added new characters, including Toy Animatronics, that players had to fend off. The mask mechanic introduced an added layer of complexity. - Five Nights at Freddy’s 3 (2015)
Set 30 years after the first game, players face off against a deteriorating animatronic known as Springtrap. FNAF 3 brought a darker, more lore-driven experience, digging deep into the haunting backstory of the franchise. - Five Nights at Freddy’s 4 (2015)
Departing from the pizzeria, FNAF 4 takes place in a child’s bedroom. It reimagines the terror of the animatronics as nightmare versions, and players must listen for sound cues to survive the night. - Five Nights at Freddy’s: Sister Location (2016)
FNAF: Sister Location introduced a more narrative-driven approach with various levels and environments to explore. Players work in Circus Baby’s Entertainment and Rental, another animatronic-filled establishment with ties to the main series. - Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria Simulator (2017)
Disguised as a tycoon-style simulator, this game surprised players with hidden horror elements that tie directly into the main story. Players manage a pizzeria during the day and fend off animatronics at night. - Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted (2019)
FNAF: Help Wanted brought the franchise into the realm of virtual reality. This game serves as both a recap and an expansion, allowing players to relive key moments from past games while introducing new mechanics and mini-games. - Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach (2021)
FNAF: Security Breach is the most ambitious entry in the series, featuring an expansive open-world environment set in Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex. Players control a young boy named Gregory, trying to escape animatronics with the help of a friendly Freddy.
Spin-offs and Side Games
Beyond the core series, FNAF has ventured into various spin-offs and side games. These titles might not directly advance the main storyline, but they still hold an essential place in the franchise.
1. FNaF World (2016)
A surprising departure from the horror genre, FNaF World is an RPG-style game where players control a team of animatronics battling against enemies in a colorful, vibrant world. Though it wasn’t well-received initially due to technical issues, it has since gained a dedicated fanbase.
2. Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery (2019)
In this mobile AR game, players must fend off animatronics in their real-world environments using augmented reality. The game continues to evolve with regular updates, adding new animatronics and features over time.
3. Freddy in Space 2 (2019)
Released as part of a charity stream event, Freddy in Space 2 is a fun, tongue-in-cheek side-scroller that features Freddy Fazbear in a space-themed environment. This game is more of a light-hearted tribute rather than a canon entry to the horror saga.
4. Security Breach: Fury’s Rage (2021)
To tide fans over while awaiting Security Breach’s release, Scott Cawthon dropped Security Breach: Fury’s Rage, a beat-em-up side-scrolling game. It’s a playful homage to classic arcade games and not directly related to the main storyline.
The Evolution of FNAF Games: A Brief Timeline
Let’s take a quick look at how the series evolved over time:
- 2014: FNAF 1 and FNAF 2 release, quickly establishing a massive following.
- 2015: FNAF 3 and FNAF 4 build on the original formula, expanding the lore and gameplay.
- 2016: Sister Location takes a bold new direction with a story-heavy approach.
- 2017: Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria Simulator surprises fans with a mix of gameplay styles.
- 2019: Help Wanted brings the series into VR, while AR: Special Delivery adds a new dimension to mobile horror.
- 2021: Security Breach pushes the series into an open-world setting.
Future FNAF Projects and Potential New Games
With a massive fanbase, the FNAF franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Fans are always on the lookout for new announcements and updates about the series’ future.
1. Upcoming Projects
Scott Cawthon has hinted at more FNAF content in the future. Whether it’s new spin-offs, updates to existing games, or even a sequel to Security Breach, fans are eagerly awaiting any news.
2. The FNAF Movie
While not a game, the upcoming Five Nights at Freddy’s movie is highly anticipated. With Scott Cawthon involved in its production, fans hope the film will do justice to the eerie and complex lore of the games.
3. Fan Games
The FNAF community is incredibly creative, with fans creating their own interpretations of the FNAF world. Some of these fan-made games have gained such popularity that they are considered part of the broader FNAF universe. Examples include The Joy of Creation and Five Nights at Candy’s.
Why the FNAF Series Continues to Thrive
What makes FNAF stand out among other horror franchises? Its success can be attributed to a combination of factors:
- Evolving gameplay: Each game adds something new, ensuring that players are always on their toes.
- Compelling lore: The series’ backstory is a puzzle that fans love to theorize about, keeping the community engaged long after a game’s release.
- Engaging characters: The animatronics, while terrifying, have become iconic characters. From Freddy Fazbear to Circus Baby, each has their own unique charm.
- Expansive fan base: The FNAF community has created art, stories, and theories that have kept the franchise alive and thriving beyond its official releases.
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Wrapping Up: The Total Number of FNAF Games
So, how many FNAF games are there? If we include the mainline games, spin-offs, and significant side projects, here’s the breakdown:
- Mainline games: 8
- Spin-offs and side games: 4 (not including fan games)
That brings the total to 12 official games, with more potentially on the way. The FNAF universe continues to expand, offering new ways to experience the thrills and horrors of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a seasoned fan, there’s plenty of content to explore in this chilling franchise.