The lore of Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) is a complex web of stories, theories, and mysteries that have kept fans captivated since the game’s release in 2014. Created by Scott Cawthon, FNAF is a series of survival horror games centered around animatronic characters that come to life at night in a creepy, haunted pizzeria. However, what sets the series apart is its deep and often cryptic backstory.
At its core, FNAF revolves around the tragic events at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a Chuck E. Cheese-style restaurant. The main plot centers around a string of horrifying events, including the disappearances and murders of children, which are tied to a series of malfunctioning animatronics. These animatronics, possessed by the spirits of the murdered children, haunt the pizzeria, seeking revenge on their killer, William Afton.
William Afton, the series’ primary antagonist, is a deeply disturbed individual who is responsible for the death of these children. Afton’s twisted actions, including the use of a springlock suit that he ultimately becomes trapped in, are the backbone of much of the FNAF lore. Over time, Afton’s legacy lives on through the haunted animatronics, including the infamous Springtrap suit that carries his spirit.
The timeline of FNAF is intentionally non-linear, with each game revealing new layers to the story, often through hidden clues, cryptic minigames, and detailed lore pieces scattered throughout. In addition to the main games, books and other media add further depth to the world of FNAF, though not all of it is considered canon.
Ultimately, the FNAF lore is about the consequences of greed, corruption, and the haunting effects of unresolved trauma. With so many unanswered questions and mysterious characters, fans continue to piece together the puzzle in an attempt to fully understand the terrifying world of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.
