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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Runaway, A Road Adventure
New York, 2000......Without knowing how or why, Brian, a student on the verge of graduating from college, is attacked by Mafia gangsters. During his desperate getaway, in the company of a mysterious striptease dancer, he ends up meeting a wide range of unusual characters.
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Made by Gearbox Software and originally released in 2001 as an add-on to Half-Life, Blue Shift is a return to the Black Mesa Research Facility in which you play as Barney Calhoun, the security guard sidekick who helped Gordon out of so many sticky situations.
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Return to the Black Mesa Research Facility as one of the military specialists assigned to eliminate Gordon Freeman. Experience an entirely new episode of single player action. Meet fierce alien opponents, and experiment with new weaponry. Named 'Game of the Year' by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the classic puzzle-solving mystery adventure directed by Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, is back! This long-awaited HD remaster features upgraded visuals and sound and new gallery content.
24 Killers
Explore a desert island full of oddities, transform into monsters you've rescued, collect mysterious spirits, and unlock mods that change up future playthroughs.
Röki
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.
Lamplight City
A steampunk-ish detective adventure from the creator of A Golden Wake and Shardlight! Can you help private investigator Miles Fordham find justice for his clients and track down his partner's killer before his entire world comes apart?
Whispers of a Machine
Whispers of a Machine is a Sci-Fi Nordic Noir that tells the story of Vera, a cybernetically augmented detective in a post-AI world, who investigates a string of murders and unravels a dark conflict over forbidden technology.
Life is Strange 2
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.
Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily
Stop the mysterious killer!
OPUS: The Day We Found Earth
Dive into the boundless galaxy and embark on an emotional adventure! Help little robot Emeth to fulfill a century-old promise by finding Earth in order to save Mankind—so step into the spaceship, operate a deep space telescope, and find out what’s out there in the unknown.
Layers of Fear (2016)
Layers of Fear is a first-person psychedelic horror game with a heavy focus on story and exploration. Players take control of a painter whose sole purpose is to finish his Magnum Opus. The player must navigate a constantly changing Victorian-era mansion and ghastly visions of the painter’s psyche.
Marble Mayhem: Fragile Ball
Devilishly difficult but insanely rewarding physics puzzler. Play through 85 levels of diverse and ingenious physics-based challenges.
Don't Knock Twice
Don't Knock Twice is a first-person horror game based on a psychologically terrifying urban legend. One knock to wake her from her bed, twice to raise her from the dead. Supports VR on HTC Vive and Oculus Rift for the ultimate horror experience!
Black Mirror I
Black Mirror is a dark adventure game that details the aftermath of the tragic death of William Gordon. Playing as his grandson Samuel players must unveil the truth behind the events of that fateful, stormy night.
Ether One
Ether One is a first person adventure that deals with the fragility of the human mind. There are two paths in the world you can choose from. At its core is a story exploration path free from puzzles where you can unfold the story at your own pace.
Goodbye Deponia
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!
Puzzle Agent 2
Agent Nelson Tethers just solved his biggest case yet. So why isn't he satisfied? Venture back to eerie Scoggins, Minnesota to solve the mystery of "the Hidden People" once and for all!
THE MULLER-POWELL PRINCIPLE
Welcome to a breathtaking storyline full of portals, solving puzzles with an energy-absorbing weapon, and other adventures in a sci-fi atmosphere! Can you travel through parallel dimensions and uncover the secrets of your past?
Tested on Humans: Escape Room
You are the test subject. In this dark environment escape room, you have to solve various puzzles to escape from the research center where you are trapped. Can you find out how you got there and escape???
We Were Here Forever
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?
Paradise Killer
Paradise Island, a world outside reality. There’s been a murder that only "investigation freak" Lady Love Dies can solve. Gather evidence and interrogate suspects in this open world adventure. You can accuse anyone, but you’ll have to prove your case in trial. It’s up to you to decide who’s guilty.
We Were Here Together
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?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 19th 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 1,234 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
78,436
3,535
1,234
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 711 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
711
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 688 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
688
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 73,579 reviews of which 71,573 were positive and 2,006 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 367 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.6
71,573
2,006
367
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 135,560 reviews of which 130,919 were positive and 4,641 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 337 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.5
130,919
4,641
337
players
6. 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 316 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.9
14,528
1,354
316
players
7. 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 290 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.7
5,977
683
290
players
8. 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 15,718 reviews of which 13,167 were positive and 2,551 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 266 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.2
13,167
2,551
266
players
9. 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 2,158 reviews of which 2,109 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 194 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.3
2,109
49
194
players
10. 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 194 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.5
31,170
4,986
194
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 19th 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 2,080 reviews of which 1,896 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
1,896
184
-95%
20.80€
1.04€
2. The Night of the Rabbit
Similarity 56% Lose yourself in a tale of magic and wonder, where anything is possible and where nothing is quite as it seems: join young Jerry and follow a peculiar white rabbit to the wondrous realm of Mousewood, a land where critters can speak and where mystery abounds. The Night of the Rabbit is a adventure, point & click and indie game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on May 28th 2013 has received 3,155 reviews of which 2,820 were positive and 335 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Riven (1997).
8.6
2,820
335
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. 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 2,348 reviews of which 2,085 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 #3 best deal in games like Riven (1997).
8.5
2,085
263
-95%
21.00€
1.05€
4. 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 1,684 reviews of which 1,446 were positive and 238 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.2
1,446
238
-95%
29.99€
1.49€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.8
819
52
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.7
3,106
347
-94%
18.50€
1.11€
7. 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 2,867 reviews of which 2,576 were positive and 291 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.6
2,576
291
-94%
21.50€
1.29€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.8
1,909
159
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. Call of the Sea
Similarity 58% Call of the Sea is an otherworldly tale of mystery and love set in the 1930s South Pacific. Explore a lush island paradise, solve puzzles and unlock secrets in the hunt for your husband’s missing expedition. Call of the Sea is a adventure, puzzle and story rich game developed by Out of the Blue Games and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 08th 2020 has received 5,033 reviews of which 4,452 were positive and 581 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 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).
8.6
4,452
581
-93%
19.00€
1.33€
10. 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 1,267 reviews of which 1,103 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 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).
8.3
1,103
164
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
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 19th 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 194 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
194
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 2,390 reviews of which 2,287 were positive and 103 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
2,287
103
38
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
15
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
11
players
5. 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 platformer game developed and published by Blind Sky Studios. Released on August 03rd 2016 has received 5,658 reviews of which 5,378 were positive and 280 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.2
5,378
280
2
players
6. Perfect Vermin
Similarity 57% Your task is simple, exterminate all vermin. The sledge hammer you have been provided is capable of destroying almost all office appliances and furniture that may be uncooperative. Your time is running out. Perfect Vermin is a free to play, indie and horror game developed by Talia bob Mair and Angad Matharoo and published by ItsTheTalia. Released on November 06th 2020 has received 3,631 reviews of which 3,389 were positive and 242 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.0
3,389
242
2
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
8.3
534
73
2
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.3
1,843
41
1
players
9. 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 4,942 reviews of which 4,685 were positive and 257 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
4,685
257
1
players
10. Disturbed
Similarity 55% Play as a farmer who struggles to manage a failing farm. You come to a point where there is no more hope, and you must do something. Disturbed is a free to play, horror and adventure game developed and published by iBlackpen. Released on October 03rd 2016 has received 1,803 reviews of which 1,670 were positive and 133 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
8.8
1,670
133
1
players