Games like Riven (1997) on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Riven (1997) are available at the bottom of the page.
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The Room
A mysterious invitation leads to the attic of an abandoned house. In the room is a cast-iron safe laced with strange carvings and on top, a note from your distant companion. It promises something ancient and astonishing concealed in the iron chamber - you need only find a way in.
Nancy Drew®: Shadow at the Water's Edge
Confront Terrifying Secrets in a Haunted Japanese Inn!
The Star Named EOS
The Star Named EOS is a story-rich puzzle adventure built around photography. Recreate compositions of past photos to uncover the truth of a family mystery. Experience a harmonious mixture of beautiful hand-drawn art and engaging puzzles on a journey of reminiscence.
The Unfinished Swan
From the creators of What Remains of Edith Finch. Enter the surreal world of The Unfinished Swan and explore a mysterious, hidden kingdom by splatting paint to reveal the world around you.
Quern - Undying Thoughts
Discover the truth about Quern’s past, unfold the mysteries of its present, and be the explorer who shapes its future. Quern introduces reusable puzzle mechanics to the classic genre, making the player think about the game as a whole, and not just as a series of individual challenges.
Truberbrook / Trüberbrook
Enjoy an adventurous vacation to a 1960's parallel universe! A Sci-Fi-Mystery Adventure Game with handmade scenery.
Amanda the Adventurer 2
In Amanda the Adventurer 2, the story continues as Riley encounters a mysterious masked figure after destroying the TV in the attic. Travel to the Kensdale Public Library and dig deeper into the mystery of Amanda the Adventurer.
Red Matter
Red Matter is a story-driven VR puzzle adventure game set during a dystopian sci-fi Cold War. Take on the role of Agent Epsilon, an astronaut of the Atlantic Union dispatched to an abandoned Volgravian moon base on a faraway planet. Your mission: to investigate a shady top secret research project.
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture
Featuring a beautiful, detailed open-world and a haunting soundtrack, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is non-linear storytelling at its best.
Aporia: Beyond The Valley
CRYNEGINE Indie Game of 2017. Featuring an incredibly detailed ancient world and a breathtaking soundtrack, Aporia: Beyond the Valley takes open world storytelling to new heights of adventure.
Grim Fandango Remastered
One of the most acclaimed adventure games of all time is now back, better than ever. Grim Fandango Remastered has the all the beautiful art and engaging story fans remember, but has also been remastered to look, sound, and control even better than the award-winning original release.
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle & evoke sworcery to solve mystical musical mysteries.
Nancy Drew®: Secrets Can Kill REMASTERED
Play the Game that Started the Award-Winning Series!
Layers of Fear 2 (2019)
Layers of Fear 2 is a first-person psychological horror game with an emphasis on exploration and story. Players control a Hollywood actor who heeds the call of an enigmatic director to take on the lead role in a film shot aboard an ocean liner. Beware, for all may not truly be what it seems.
Morphopolis
Morphopolis is about transformation and discovery. Morphopolis takes you on a puzzle adventure through a fantastical insect world. Starting as an aphid grub, you embark on an epic journey of metamorphosis toward your spawning ground.
Syberia II
Having searched Eastern and Western Europe for a missing heir, Kate Walker finally completed her long and arduous journey, obtaining the signature of Hans Voralberg and closing the automaton factory buyout.
Jerma & Otto: The Curse of the Late Streamer
Jerma985 is late for his stream, again, and it's up to you to help him get ready!
Nauticrawl
A stolen, enigmatic machine is your only way out. It's likely to kill you, but so will the hostile planet you're escaping. Pull levers, hack devices, and puzzle out how to pilot the Nauticrawl to freedom in this unusual atmospheric adventure... or die trying.
Mr. Pumpkin Adventure
Mr. Pumpkin's Adventure is a point-and-click puzzle game. The main character of this game is Mr. Pumpkin who lost his memories. During the adventure, you will help him solve all the puzzles, which will eventually unveil an evil plot.
The Room Two
Unique events transport you to the halls of a long-forgotten crypt. The only means of escape lies locked within a stone pedestal, along with a note from your mysterious ally. His words promise assistance, but only serve to entice you into a compelling world of mystery and exploration.
Chants of Sennaar
In this award-winning puzzle adventure game, play as the Traveler on a quest to reunite the Peoples of the Tower. Observe, listen, and decipher ancient languages in a fascinating universe inspired by the Myth of Babel.
The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales
The Bookwalker is a narrative adventure in which you play as Etienne Quist, a writer-turned-thief with the ability to dive into books. Use your powers to journey between reality and book worlds, and steal legendary items like Thor's Hammer and Excalibur to restore your ability to write.Most played games like Riven (1997) on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Riven (1997) that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 17th 2025.
1. Outer Wilds
Similarity 58% Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop. Outer Wilds is a exploration, space and mystery game developed by Mobius Digital and published by Annapurna Interactive. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 81,971 reviews of which 78,436 were positive and 3,535 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Riven (1997), thanks to its 1,008 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
78,436
3,535
1,008
players
2. Escape Simulator
Similarity 60% First-person puzzler you can play solo or in an online co-op. Explore a set of highly interactive escape rooms. Move furniture, pick up and examine everything, smash pots and break locks! Play thousands of community-made rooms through the level editor. Escape Simulator is a puzzle, co-op and multiplayer game developed and published by Pine Studio. Released on October 19th 2021 has received 17,031 reviews of which 16,029 were positive and 1,002 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 543 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Riven (1997) based on player count.
9.2
16,029
1,002
543
players
3. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
Similarity 56% Fear and isolation seep through the walls of an abandoned southern farmhouse. "7" marks a new beginning for survival horror with the “Isolated View” of the visceral new first-person perspective. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard is a horror, survival horror and first-person game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 23rd 2017 has received 96,101 reviews of which 91,525 were positive and 4,576 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 477 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Riven (1997) based on player count.
9.4
91,525
4,576
477
players
4. Papers, Please
Similarity 56% Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling. Papers, Please is a indie, political and simulation game developed by Lucas Pope and published by 3909. Released on August 08th 2013 has received 73,508 reviews of which 71,500 were positive and 2,008 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 352 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.6
71,500
2,008
352
players
5. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Similarity 55% Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, metroidvania and platformer game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on March 10th 2020 has received 135,371 reviews of which 130,741 were positive and 4,630 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 257 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.5
130,741
4,630
257
players
6. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
Similarity 58% Play the original three Tomb Raider adventures with all expansions and secret levels in this definitive collection. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is a action-adventure, female protagonist and action game developed by Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics and published by Aspyr. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 6,660 reviews of which 5,977 were positive and 683 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 215 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.7
5,977
683
215
players
7. We Were Here Forever
Similarity 53% You both awaken imprisoned inside the sinister Castle Rock - were you betrayed, or simply not that clever? Find out in the greatest co-op puzzle adventure in the We Were Here Series! Do you and your partner have what it takes to face the dark forces of this realm or will you be trapped… forever? We Were Here Forever is a escape room, online co-op and puzzle game developed and published by Total Mayhem Games. Released on May 10th 2022 has received 15,882 reviews of which 14,528 were positive and 1,354 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 196 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.9
14,528
1,354
196
players
8. The Roottrees are Dead
Similarity 55% A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation. The Roottrees are Dead is a puzzle, mystery and detective game developed by Robin Ward and published by Evil Trout. Released on January 15th 2025 has received 2,074 reviews of which 2,027 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 170 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.3
2,027
47
170
players
9. Life is Strange 2
Similarity 54% After a tragic incident, brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz run away from home. Fearing the police, and dealing with Daniel's new telekinetic power, the boys head to Mexico. Each stop on their journey brings new friends and new challenges. Life is Strange 2 is a choices matter, story rich and adventure game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and Square Enix. Released on September 26th 2018 has received 36,156 reviews of which 31,170 were positive and 4,986 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 167 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.5
31,170
4,986
167
players
10. We Were Here Together
Similarity 53% As we explore these frozen wastes, misfortune strikes once again. Through the fierce blizzard, a flare lights the sky, followed by a cry for help over the radio - broken, dying... No one else can come to their rescue. Can we make it back - together? We Were Here Together is a puzzle, online co-op and co-op campaign game developed and published by Total Mayhem Games. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 15,673 reviews of which 13,133 were positive and 2,540 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 163 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.2
13,133
2,540
163
players
Best deals on games like Riven (1997) on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Riven (1997) available on Steam right now, updated on April 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Riven (1997).
1. The Book of Unwritten Tales
Similarity 56% In a world torn by war, the aged gremlin archaeologist Mortimer MacGuffin harbors the dark secret of a powerful artifact. The Book of Unwritten Tales is a adventure, point & click and comedy game developed by KING Art and published by THQ Nordic. Released on July 31st 2012 has received 2,077 reviews of which 1,893 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.7
1,893
184
-95%
20.80€
1.04€
2. Goodbye Deponia
Similarity 54% More chaos, more destruction, more Rufus. Not one, not two, but three Rufuses cause all kinds of crazy mayhem in the long-awaited adventure comedy Goodbye Deponia! Goodbye Deponia is a adventure, point & click and comedy game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on October 17th 2013 has received 2,344 reviews of which 2,081 were positive and 263 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Riven (1997).
8.5
2,081
263
-95%
21.00€
1.05€
3. Leisure Suit Larry - Wet Dreams Don't Dry
Similarity 52% My new adventure takes me from the end of the ’80s directly into the 21st century and wow, how the world has changed! While my view of the world and women from way back in the 1980s collides with modern reality, I’m all set to date my way across the modern world! Leisure Suit Larry - Wet Dreams Don't Dry is a adventure, point & click and comedy game developed by CrazyBunch and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on November 07th 2018 has received 1,678 reviews of which 1,441 were positive and 237 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Riven (1997).
8.2
1,441
237
-95%
29.99€
1.49€
4. Escape From Mystwood Mansion
Similarity 52% In this first-person puzzle escape room game, you are trapped in the mysterious Mystwood mansion. Explore the mansion and find hidden compartments while solving puzzles and deciphering codes to find a way out. Will you escape or linger to uncover the mansion's final secret? Escape From Mystwood Mansion is a escape room, puzzle and cozy game developed and published by Lost Sock Studio. Released on September 27th 2023 has received 871 reviews of which 819 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.8
819
52
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
5. The Entropy Centre
Similarity 56% Think in reverse. Outsmart the impossible. A mind-bending first-person adventure where you solve ingenious and complex puzzles by rewinding objects through time. The Entropy Centre is a puzzle, first-person and sci-fi game developed by Stubby Games and published by Playstack. Released on November 03rd 2022 has received 3,453 reviews of which 3,106 were positive and 347 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.7
3,106
347
-94%
18.50€
1.11€
6. Röki
Similarity 54% Röki is a stunning adventure set in the snowcapped wilderness. As Tove, you must explore an uncharted world of hidden legends and forgotten monsters. Solve puzzles, collect curiosities, and uncover a tale of tragic loss, as you chart your path to redemption. Röki is a adventure, puzzle and story rich game developed by Polygon Treehouse and published by United Label and CI Games. Released on July 23rd 2020 has received 2,858 reviews of which 2,570 were positive and 288 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.6
2,570
288
-94%
21.50€
1.29€
7. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales
Similarity 61% The Bookwalker is a narrative adventure in which you play as Etienne Quist, a writer-turned-thief with the ability to dive into books. Use your powers to journey between reality and book worlds, and steal legendary items like Thor's Hammer and Excalibur to restore your ability to write. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales is a adventure, singleplayer and atmospheric game developed by DO MY BEST and published by tinyBuild. Released on June 22nd 2023 has received 2,068 reviews of which 1,909 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.8
1,909
159
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. Children of Silentown
Similarity 51% Children of Silentown is a dark adventure game that tells the story of Lucy, a girl growing up in a village deep in a forest inhabited by monsters. People disappearing is nothing uncommon here, but this time, Lucy is old enough to investigate on her own. Or so she thinks. Children of Silentown is a atmospheric, point & click and adventure game developed by Elf Games and Luna2 Studio and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on January 11th 2023 has received 1,259 reviews of which 1,096 were positive and 163 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.3
1,096
163
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
9. Still There
Similarity 60% Every day is the same on the faraway Bento space-lighthouse - until a mysterious radio message breaks through. Evade the past, welcome oblivion, make the perfect Italian coffee. Still There is a psychological adventure game about grief, technical puzzles, wacky AIs and dark humour. How far is far enough? Still There is a point & click, emotional and adventure game developed by GhostShark and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on November 20th 2019 has received 1,272 reviews of which 1,100 were positive and 172 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.2
1,100
172
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
10. Genesis Noir
Similarity 60% A noir adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you'll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god—otherwise known as The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love. Genesis Noir is a noir, point & click and story rich game developed by Feral Cat Den and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on March 26th 2021 has received 1,960 reviews of which 1,541 were positive and 419 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
7.6
1,541
419
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
Free games like Riven (1997) on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Riven (1997) you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Riven (1997).
1. Life is Strange 2
Similarity 54% After a tragic incident, brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz run away from home. Fearing the police, and dealing with Daniel's new telekinetic power, the boys head to Mexico. Each stop on their journey brings new friends and new challenges. Life is Strange 2 is a choices matter, story rich and adventure game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and Square Enix. Released on September 26th 2018 has received 36,156 reviews of which 31,170 were positive and 4,986 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 167 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Riven (1997).
8.5
31,170
4,986
167
players
2. Aurora Hills: Chapter 1
Similarity 65% Aurora Hills: Chapter 1 is the first part in series of point and click puzzle adventure games. Follow the journey of Ethan Hill, a park ranger tasked with investigating strange disappearances from the region to uncover the mystery of Aurora Hills! Aurora Hills: Chapter 1 is a adventure, puzzle and mystery game developed and published by NovaSoft Interactive Ltd.. Released on April 20th 2024 has received 2,344 reviews of which 2,245 were positive and 99 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.1
2,245
99
39
players
3. The Elder Scrolls: Arena
Similarity 58% THE LEGEND BEGINS The Elder Scrolls: Arena is a rpg, fantasy and action rpg game developed and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on April 26th 2022 has received 2,056 reviews of which 1,675 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
7.8
1,675
381
20
players
4. Bendy: Secrets of the Machine
Similarity 56% Some things are better left forgotten. Bendy: Secrets of the Machine is a adventure, indie and horror game developed by Gent Corporation and published by Joey Drew Studios. Released on April 14th 2024 has received 1,875 reviews of which 1,576 were positive and 299 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
8.1
1,576
299
6
players
5. What Never Was
Similarity 65% What Never Was is a short, story-driven first-person game focused on exploration and puzzle-solving about Sarah, having to shoulder the arduous task of clearing out her grandfathers attic, and soon finds that not everything about the attic is what it seems. What Never Was is a free to play, adventure and puzzle game developed and published by Acke Hallgren. Released on January 11th 2019 has received 4,936 reviews of which 4,679 were positive and 257 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.1
4,679
257
5
players
6. Resonance of the Ocean
Similarity 56% Pick up what the waves wash ashore to make instruments. Use those instruments to answer the echoes heard from beyond the ocean. Resonance of the Ocean is a relaxing, casual and puzzle game developed by Image Labo and Heaviside Creations and published by Image Labo. Released on July 08th 2022 has received 1,884 reviews of which 1,843 were positive and 41 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.3
1,843
41
3
players
7. Marie's Room
Similarity 66% Marie's Room is a short story exploration game about an unconventional friendship between two classmates. You play as Kelsey, remembering Marie's room as it was twenty years ago. But something’s off. What happened to Marie? Marie's Room is a free to play, story rich and atmospheric game developed and published by like Charlie. Released on April 13th 2018 has received 6,433 reviews of which 6,029 were positive and 404 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.1
6,029
404
3
players
8. Delores: A Thimbleweed Park Mini-Adventure
Similarity 58% Delores is back home and working as a photographer for the Nickel News. Thimbleweed Park hasn’t changed at all in the year she’s been away… or has it? Sample Ron Gilbert’s new adventure game engine in this free prototype that uses “found art” from the award-winning Thimbleweed Park. Delores: A Thimbleweed Park Mini-Adventure is a adventure, indie and point & click game developed and published by Terrible Toybox. Released on May 09th 2020 has received 607 reviews of which 534 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
8.3
534
73
3
players
9. PRICE
Similarity 52% The hero Ivry wakes up from a nightmare and finds himself in a weird room. To escape from fear and darkness, he has to search and explore on his own until he discovers the truth and finds his sister Iva.A puzzle game 《PRICE》 PRICE is a puzzle, free to play and anime game developed and published by YETU GAME. Released on September 15th 2016 has received 5,084 reviews of which 4,784 were positive and 300 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 games like Riven (1997).
9.1
4,784
300
2
players
10. MANDAGON
Similarity 51% Explore Mandagon, a world inspired by Tibetan theology and philosophy. With a focus on life and death, discover what it means to make a true sacrifice . . . MANDAGON is a free to play, pixel graphics and indie game developed and published by Blind Sky Studios. Released on August 03rd 2016 has received 5,660 reviews of which 5,380 were positive and 280 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.2
5,380
280
1
players