Best Visual Novel Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated visual novel games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free visual novel games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
vivid/stasis
Rhythm-mystery hybrid game about uncovering the dark truth about a mysterious organization. Everything happens for a reason. However, the truth behind that reason is left obstructed.
NEKOPARA After
A new chapter begins with the arrival of the catgirl, Fraise! She seeks advice from his little sister, Shigure and while Fraise feels the relationship between siblings is most important, Shigure priorities the happiness of her catgirls. This sets the stage in the battle between catgirl and girl!
DRAPLINE
"DRAPLINE" is a roguelite training game where you raise a dragon girl who eats anything and train her to become the strongest in one year. Feed her a variety of things to increase her abilities, combine various skills to build your own strategy, and defeat the impending catastrophe!
Persona5: The Phantom X
“We’re the Phantom Thieves, and we’re here to steal your heart!” The beloved RPG series with over 23.5 million copies sold finally arrives on PC and mobile!
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is ready to race! Scout featured trainees and supporters as you navigate the immersive sports life simulation through the game's in-depth training system and top-of-the-line 3D graphics!
Sickly Days and Summer Traces
A devoted brother and his fragile sister share a quiet, dreamlike summer. As her gentle companion, speak with her, care for her, and gather the fleeting, precious fragments of a love that blooms softly in the stillness of everyday life.
美女，请别影响我成仙
You, Lin Fan, the only male cultivator of the Crane Illusion Sect, were supposed to be the chosen son of the cultivation world, until you realized that the real "crossing tribulation" was not thunder punishment, but a thousand tribulation with the sect's young ladies and sisters.
Date Everything!
Date Everything! is a sandbox dating simulator set in the comfort of your own home, featuring 100 fully voice acted datable characters! Let the romance flow between your bed, smoke alarm and… Overwhelming Sense of Existential Dread? Are you ready to Date Everything?
Cellveillance
"Cellveillance" is a detective drama entertainment product, you will visit the apartment every day, and the entire apartment is responsible for everything that happens in the apartment, a mysterious organization asks you to return the information of the residents.
CraftCraft: Fantasy Merchant Simulator
CraftCraft is a story-based RPG merchant sim with hands on crafting! Create a pretty necklace for a mermaid or a sword made of dragon blood! Be a Moth or an Elf or a Cat and express your creativity in your cozy crafting studio and change the lives of locals in the mysterious port town of Windspell.
Strawberry Chocolate
Strawberry chocolate" is a "Bang Dream" Doujin Game. It's a pixel style RPG, Players will operate Anon and Taki in different game worlds to carry out crazy adventures, and the cute and loving interaction between the two is the game's greatest charm ......
消失的航班，还有她她她！Lost in the secret!
This an adventure based live action interactive game，you need to save passengers from a plane crash. Beautiful nurses, graceful flight attendants, cool rich women, cool bloggers, and mysterious women in red all need your help. Whether to save yourself or rescue everyone, it's up to you to decide!
Time Space Rebuild
In "Time Rebuild", human civilization stands on the brink of destruction. You will become a time-traveling hero, embarking on a journey to save the world while encountering and bonding with women of vastly different appearances and personalities.
A Night Filled With the Sound of Rain
A rainy night brings you to a small bar. When you step inside, you're met with soothing music. Your eyes land on a beautiful woman by the counter. Get to know Michiru and share your story with her. This unforgettable evening will be etched into your memory forever.
Misty Judgment
This is a suspense reasoning interactive work with real people. You will play the protagonist "Qi Yi", find evidence in a series of murders, piece together the truth, and find the ultimate murderer, all of which will lead you to an unpredictable future.
Rebellion GODSOUL: Awakening
"GODSOUL" is a story-driven,Hyper-visually RPG. Team with "rebel" girls who love gaming and drawing（and more）, resist villains and enjoy a mix of cyber reality, fantastical worlds, and card game action.
StarVaders
Pilot a powerful mech to fight off the alien invasion in this ULTIMATE fusion of deckbuilding and grid-based tactics. Discover game-breaking combos, rewind time to alter your fate, and protect the future of humanity in this endlessly replayable roguelike.
Monster Prom 4: Monster Con
Can you find love at the nerdiest convention ever? "Monster Con" goes back to the multiplayer dating sim formula: go through absurd and funny situations as you find love among six sexy monsters! Who will you romance? The mimic who cosplays? The idol clown? Or the eldritch cutie? (There's also Liam)
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-
Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi join forces for the first time to deliver the ULTIMATE adventure game! 15 students are tasked with defending a school from grotesque monsters for 100 days. Can they make it to the end? And will they survive long enough to uncover the truth?
Love Curse: Find Your Soulmate
Love Curse is a GL visual novel. You’ve fallen under a curse, and the only way to break it is to find your soulmate! The clock is ticking… Will you find true love? And what secrets will you uncover along the way?
Promise Mascot Agency
Explore a cursed Japanese town! Recruit mascot friends and come to the rescue when disaster strikes! Solve the mystery of your exile! Help a living finger work through her many anger issues! Turn Promise Mascot Agency into the best agency in Japan in this open-world narrative adventure!
GIRLS MADE PUDDING
"When there's nobody there to see you, you disappear." In Girls Made Pudding, two girls tour a series of towns that people have disappeared from.
Most played visual novel games on Steam
Take a look at the top visual novel games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of July 11th 2025.
1. 美女，请别影响我成仙
You, Lin Fan, the only male cultivator of the Crane Illusion Sect, were supposed to be the chosen son of the cultivation world, until you realized that the real "crossing tribulation" was not thunder punishment, but a thousand tribulation with the sect's young ladies and sisters. 美女，请别影响我成仙 is a fmv, visual novel and interactive fiction game developed by 蒸汽满满工作室 and published by 一相逢互动娱乐. Released on June 19th 2025 has received 2,448 reviews of which 2,315 were positive and 133 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played visual novel game, thanks to its 2,488 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.0
2,315
133
2,488
players
2. Reverse: 1999
Reverse: 1999 is a 20th Century Time-Travel Strategic RPG developed by Bluepoch. As the Timekeeper, the observer of eras, you will embark on a journey across time and space, from the Roaring '20s to the turn of the millennium, uncovering the truth about the "Storm" and the mystery of the year 1999. Reverse: 1999 is a rpg, visual novel and story rich game developed and published by BLUEPOCH GAMES CO. and LIMITED. Released on October 08th 2024 has received 2,463 reviews of which 2,313 were positive and 150 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 610 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.0
2,313
150
610
players
3. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a detective, visual novel and story rich game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on April 09th 2019 has received 37,254 reviews of which 36,370 were positive and 884 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 575 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.6
36,370
884
575
players
4. STEINS;GATE
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations. STEINS;GATE is a visual novel, story rich and anime game developed by MAGES. Inc. and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 08th 2016 has received 21,078 reviews of which 20,531 were positive and 547 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 519 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
20,531
547
519
players
5. Doki Doki Literature Club!
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a psychological horror, visual novel and anime game developed and published by Team Salvato. Released on October 06th 2017 has received 210,717 reviews of which 203,247 were positive and 7,470 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 412 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
203,247
7,470
412
players
6. Slay the Princess — The Pristine Cut
You're here to slay the princess. Don't believe her lies. Slay the Princess — The Pristine Cut is a visual novel, choices matter and psychological horror game developed by Black Tabby Games and published by Black Tabby Games and Serenity Forge. Released on October 23rd 2023 has received 23,963 reviews of which 23,265 were positive and 698 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 320 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
23,265
698
320
players
7. Everlasting Summer
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam! Everlasting Summer is a visual novel, story rich and free to play game developed and published by Soviet Games. Released on November 19th 2014 has received 75,514 reviews of which 71,592 were positive and 3,922 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 258 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
71,592
3,922
258
players
8. A Date with Death
Fight against & romance the one hunting for your soul in A Date with Death, a romance chat simulator where you date(?) the Grim Reaper himself. Create your own character, decorate your apartment, and chat away with the charming yet dangerous Grim Reaper through text and video calls. A Date with Death is a dating sim, visual novel and lgbtq+ game developed and published by Two and a Half Studios. Released on December 07th 2023 has received 10,483 reviews of which 10,302 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 246 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
10,302
181
246
players
9. StarVaders
Pilot a powerful mech to fight off the alien invasion in this ULTIMATE fusion of deckbuilding and grid-based tactics. Discover game-breaking combos, rewind time to alter your fate, and protect the future of humanity in this endlessly replayable roguelike. StarVaders is a roguelike deckbuilder, deckbuilding and turn-based tactics game developed by Pengonauts and published by Joystick Ventures and Playworks. Released on April 30th 2025 has received 1,955 reviews of which 1,919 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 244 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
1,919
36
244
players
10. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is a anime, visual novel and mystery game developed by Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. and Abstraction Games and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on February 18th 2016 has received 30,431 reviews of which 29,230 were positive and 1,201 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 240 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.4
29,230
1,201
240
players
Best deals on visual novel games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of visual novel games available on Steam right now, updated on July 11th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted visual novel games.
1. Hiveswap Friendsim
You’ve crash landed on a dangerous alien planet with no food, medicine, or prospects, but you do know one thing—you are absolutely desperate for friendship. Hiveswap Friendsim is a visual novel, indie and simulation game developed by What Pumpkin Games and Inc. and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on April 13th 2018 has received 1,355 reviews of which 1,253 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for visual novel category.
8.8
1,253
102
-99%
12.79€
0.17€
2. Neo Cab
A visual novel about emotional survival in an automated world. Play as Lina, the last human cab driver. It’s your first night driving the lonely streets of Los Ojos, and your best friend has just disappeared. Stay on the road. Stay on the search. Stay human. Neo Cab is a visual novel, cyberpunk and interactive fiction game developed by Chance Agency and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on October 03rd 2019 has received 2,511 reviews of which 2,037 were positive and 474 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in visual novel games.
7.8
2,037
474
-99%
14.79€
0.19€
3. Mediterranea Inferno
Explore the inner demons of three childhood friends on a summer retreat. Unearth secrets, fears and obsessions as you help them reconnect and rediscover themselves. A mature and treacherous visual novel from the creator of Milky Way Prince – The Vampire Star. Mediterranea Inferno is a lgbtq+, choose your own adventure and visual novel game developed by Eyeguys and Lorenzo Redaelli and published by Santa Ragione. Released on August 24th 2023 has received 431 reviews of which 356 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in visual novel games.
7.7
356
75
-99%
14.99€
0.17€
4. Universe For Sale
A space station nestled in the clouds of Jupiter. A bizarre bazaar where a young, worried woman crafts entire universes in the palm of her hand. A mysterious cultist who's stripped the flesh from his bones in order to reach enlightenment. Here, there's a universe for sale. You buying? Universe For Sale is a atmospheric, point & click and visual novel game developed by Tmesis Studio and published by Akupara Games. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 304 reviews of which 249 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.6
249
55
-99%
14.99€
0.23€
5. Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip
Embark on a road trip like no other in this co-op narrative survival adventure. Visit fun locations, meet wacky characters, and manage your resources wisely. And yes: you still can date some hot monsters ;) Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip is a visual novel, lgbtq+ and dating sim game developed and published by Beautiful Glitch. Released on October 21st 2022 has received 3,112 reviews of which 3,038 were positive and 74 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
9.3
3,038
74
-98%
11.99€
0.26€
6. Eliza
Eliza is a visual novel about an AI counseling program, the people who develop it, and the people who use it. Follow Evelyn Ishino-Aubrey as she reconnects with people from her past, gets to know the people of Seattle who use Eliza for counseling, and decides the course of her future. Eliza is a female protagonist, visual novel and emotional game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on August 12th 2019 has received 1,673 reviews of which 1,518 were positive and 155 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.6
1,518
155
-98%
14.79€
0.42€
7. Arcade Spirits
Arcade Spirits is a romantic visual novel that follows an alternative timeline where the 1983 video game crash never occurred. It's 20XX and you've just started a new job at the Funplex game arcade. Who will you meet along the way? Will you find the romance you're seeking? Arcade Spirits is a cute, dating sim and lgbtq+ game developed by Fiction Factory Games and published by PQube. Released on February 12th 2019 has received 599 reviews of which 555 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.6
555
44
-98%
19.99€
0.42€
8. Pesterquest
Embark on a quest of epic importance in Pesterquest, a grimsical episodic visual novel adventure set in the darkly funny Homestuck / Hiveswap universe, created by American author and artist Andrew Hussie. Pesterquest is a indie, adventure and rpg game developed by What Pumpkin Games and Inc. and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 04th 2019 has received 1,438 reviews of which 1,294 were positive and 144 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.6
1,294
144
-98%
11.79€
0.25€
9. Ancient Enemy
Ancient Enemy is an RPG card battler set in a crumbling world where the forces of evil have already won. Blast distorted enemies with a satisfying range of spells and abilities. Journey into a scarred wilderness and draw power and hope from the landscape to defeat the deadliest foe of all! Ancient Enemy is a crpg, puzzle and card battler game developed and published by Grey Alien Games. Released on April 09th 2020 has received 490 reviews of which 435 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.3
435
55
-98%
16.49€
0.46€
10. Ambition: A Minuet in Power
18th century Paris - a city of love, lies and revolution. You are a woman of fashion trying to survive the political turmoil. Date a cast of unforgettable characters. Amass the wealth and respect you deserve. Engage in gossip that can alter the course of history, or lead you to the guillotine. Ambition: A Minuet in Power is a dating sim, visual novel and choose your own adventure game developed by Joy Manufacturing Co. and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on August 18th 2021 has received 387 reviews of which 327 were positive and 60 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.9
327
60
-98%
20.58€
0.58€
Free visual novel games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play visual novel games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on July 11th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play visual novel games.
1. Reverse: 1999
Reverse: 1999 is a 20th Century Time-Travel Strategic RPG developed by Bluepoch. As the Timekeeper, the observer of eras, you will embark on a journey across time and space, from the Roaring '20s to the turn of the millennium, uncovering the truth about the "Storm" and the mystery of the year 1999. Reverse: 1999 is a rpg, visual novel and story rich game developed and published by BLUEPOCH GAMES CO. and LIMITED. Released on October 08th 2024 has received 2,463 reviews of which 2,313 were positive and 150 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 610 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free visual novel games on Steam.
9.0
2,313
150
610
players
2. Doki Doki Literature Club!
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a psychological horror, visual novel and anime game developed and published by Team Salvato. Released on October 06th 2017 has received 210,717 reviews of which 203,247 were positive and 7,470 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 412, this visual novel game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
203,247
7,470
412
players
3. Everlasting Summer
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam! Everlasting Summer is a visual novel, story rich and free to play game developed and published by Soviet Games. Released on November 19th 2014 has received 75,514 reviews of which 71,592 were positive and 3,922 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 258, this visual novel game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.3
71,592
3,922
258
players
4. A Date with Death
Fight against & romance the one hunting for your soul in A Date with Death, a romance chat simulator where you date(?) the Grim Reaper himself. Create your own character, decorate your apartment, and chat away with the charming yet dangerous Grim Reaper through text and video calls. A Date with Death is a dating sim, visual novel and lgbtq+ game developed and published by Two and a Half Studios. Released on December 07th 2023 has received 10,483 reviews of which 10,302 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 246 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
10,302
181
246
players
5. Our Life: Beginnings & Always
A twenty-dollar bill, four summers, fifteen years, and a one of a kind life. Create an experience that’s all your own in this near-fully customizable visual novel where you grow from childhood to adulthood with the lonely boy next door. Our Life: Beginnings & Always is a visual novel, romance and lgbtq+ game developed and published by GB Patch Games. Released on November 16th 2020 has received 12,452 reviews of which 12,306 were positive and 146 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 216 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.6
12,306
146
216
players
6. Life Makeover
Explore Life Makeover: Unleash your style, dye outfits, and design freely. Dive into unlimited dress-up, build your dream home - all for free. Life Makeover is a female protagonist, simulation and casual game developed and published by Archosaur Games. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,295 reviews of which 1,092 were positive and 203 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 110 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
8.0
1,092
203
110
players
7. Katawa Shoujo
Katawa Shoujo is a romantic visual novel set in the fictional Japanese Yamaku High School for disabled children. Hisao's congenital heart defect forces him to move to a new school. Despite his difficulties, Hisao is able to find friends—and perhaps love, if he plays his cards right. Katawa Shoujo is a visual novel, romance and dating sim game developed and published by Four Leaf Studios. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 3,806 reviews of which 3,736 were positive and 70 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.4
3,736
70
75
players
8. vivid/stasis
Rhythm-mystery hybrid game about uncovering the dark truth about a mysterious organization. Everything happens for a reason. However, the truth behind that reason is left obstructed. vivid/stasis is a rhythm, visual novel and lgbtq+ game developed by Team Vividstasis and published by Hajimeli and SKY HOUR WORKS. Released on July 05th 2025 has received 2,280 reviews of which 2,132 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
8.9
2,132
148
72
players
9. Saihate Station
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men. Saihate Station is a psychological horror, lgbtq+ and visual novel game developed and published by びぶ/viv. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 2,882 reviews of which 2,754 were positive and 128 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.1
2,754
128
60
players
10. Romance Club - Stories I Play
Immerse yourself in romantic visual stories where you control what happens! Romance Club - Stories I Play is a visual novel, simulation and romance game developed and published by Your Story Interactive. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 850 reviews of which 671 were positive and 179 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
7.5
671
179
56
players