Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

3.9/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 30,344

Mobile Support: Yes

About Portrait of a Ghost

Dare to cross the thin veil between the living and the dead in Portrait of a Ghost, the chilling free indie horror game that’s captivating fans across the web! Step into the shoes of Arthur Hope, a self-professed spirit photographer whose camera unveils more than just memories. Driven by the desperate hope to see loved ones again, Arthur’s journey is a haunting blend of desire, deception, and dread, wrapped in an atmospheric browser experience you won’t forget.

Built with expressive HTML5 visuals and optimized for both desktop and mobile browsers, Portrait of a Ghost envelops players in a world where every shadow hints at a deeper story, and every click of the camera could reveal the unimaginable. The game’s minimalist indie design evokes unsettling nostalgia while creeping audio and smartly-paced horror elements ramp up the suspense. It’s perfectly tuned for both newcomers to horror and longtime fans, with accessible mechanics and an easy learning curve that lets you jump straight into the mysterious action.

But don’t let the simplicity fool you—this is no ordinary ghost story. Each encounter Arthur faces weaves a poignant narrative about grief, loss, and the unrelenting pull of the past. The choices you make—not only what you capture on your mystical camera, but how you interact with lingering spirits—shape your understanding of both Arthur and the haunted realm he traverses. Rich environments filled with cryptic objects, cryptic messages, and atmospheric storytelling pull you through every tense moment, encouraging exploration and multiple playthroughs.

With its subtle body horror themes, emotional narrative, and clever use of browser-based technology, Portrait of a Ghost stands out as an unforgettable experience in indie horror. Whether you play on your phone during a late-night scare session or download for smoother gameplay, every moment is packed with tension, surprises, and the chance for spine-tingling discoveries. Grab your virtual camera, steel your nerves, and see if you can uncover the truth behind Arthur’s shadowy legacy. Will you capture the ghosts… or will they capture you?

How to Play

Getting started in Portrait of a Ghost is quick—and so is the chill that runs down your spine. As Arthur Hope, your primary tool is a spectral camera that can photograph spirits lurking in the darkness. Use your mouse or touchscreen to explore each eerie environment, clicking or tapping to investigate points of interest and interact with objects. When you sense a presence, aim your camera and snap a photo; clues and story details are often hidden in plain sight, waiting for your careful observation.

Navigate through the haunted world by following subtle visual cues—watch for flickering lights, strange reflections, and ghostly whispers that indicate important areas. Use the camera to not only document apparitions, but to trigger story events and reveal secrets about Arthur’s past. Check your photo collection regularly for clues you may have missed, and revisit locations as new information comes to light.

Beginner tips: Start with patience! Explore every corner and interact with all suspicious items, as crucial fragments of Arthur’s haunting story may be missed on a hurried playthrough. If you experience lag or glitches on the web version, consider downloading the game for an optimized experience. Lastly, don’t shy away from experimenting—the supernatural world of Portrait of a Ghost rewards curiosity and courageous exploration.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Always keep your camera ready—some spirits only manifest briefly before vanishing.
Listen for unique audio cues; ghostly whispers often indicate hidden clues or new events.
Examine your photos after each encounter; subtle changes may foreshadow major story twists.
Don’t be afraid to revisit previous locations—new details can appear as you progress.
If performance issues occur, switch to the downloaded version for smoother gameplay.
Interact with every object; sometimes storytelling is embedded in seemingly mundane items.
Pay attention to Arthur’s dialogue—his words hold vital hints about both mechanics and story.