SCP-087 is a free action video game wherein you must brave the darkness down an accursed stairwell. Developed by Haversine, this 3D experimental first-person horror game features a seemingly never-ending path that spooks you with random sound effects and events—until you finally come across a monster hiding in the dark.

As part of the SCP Foundation collection of fan games, SCP-087 is one of the very first titles created and had eventually inspired numerous other games to be designed for the popular fiction website. It uses procedural generation for its jumpscares but it is honestly very short in length.

Beware of the anomalies

The SCP Foundation is an online community-based collaborative-fiction project that features the events and secret files of a fictional secret organization with the same name. This organization is tasked with locating and containing individuals, entities, locations, objects, and phenomena called “SCPs”—which defy the natural law of our world and can be dangerous to humanity if left uncontained. Well-known for its scientific and academic writing style, the SCP Foundation website documents these SCPs and often portrays them in various literary genres, like horror and science fiction.

Lore-wise, the SCP Foundation takes great measures in hiding the truth about SCPs. That is why the default writing style for an SCP entry is outlining various important information through a proper report. Data such as the item number, danger level, special containment procedures, description, and more are added to an SCP’s webpage entry. The Foundation is serious about honoring its rules: Secure, Contain, and Protect. After all, many of these SCPs are highly dangerous.

One such danger is the iconic SCP-087—also known as “The Stairwell.” It’s basically an unlit platform staircase that keeps looping to no end. It’s well-known for sounding off strange cries for help that you can’t seem to reach no matter how much you descend. Additionally, it houses an entity known as SCP-087-1, which is a strange face that’s barely visible in the darkness. The uniqueness of this SCP’s circumstances at the time of its entry’s concept ended up making it a highly popular page on the website.

Can you beat SCP-087?

Thus, SCP-087’s fame eventually inspired game developers to try their hand at bringing this anomaly to life. The very first of the fan games for this is SCP-087 by Haversine. It’s admittedly a short game due to the developer mostly experimenting with procedural generation. Each playthrough is a little bit different based on the randomized events—although these are actually limited. Your goal in this game is to basically go down the stairs and experience whatever comes your way. Unfortunately, the main enemy is meant to be unbeatable.

Take care not to confuse this game with SCP-087-B by Joonas "Regalis" Rikkonen or “SCP-087” by GHST. Compared to the two, this is the earliest fan game for this specific SCP and so has fewer gameplay features. It’s definitely what inspired these games, though, in keeping this beloved horror icon relevant. Joonas "Regalis" Rikkonen, in particular, eventually ended up creating SCP – Containment Breach—which focuses more on the entire Foundation and its monsters.

The pioneer for this monster

All in all, SCP-087 by Haversine is a classic in this fandom for a reason. While it’s pretty short and doesn’t have many gameplay mechanics, the slow build-up to the final jumpscare is well-executed and highly inspiring—making it a traditional starter game for new fans of the SCP Foundation. If you’re the type who loves procedural generation used for horror games, then this is a highly recommended title for you.