Discounted Detective 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 detective games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free detective games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
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.
Crime O'Clock
Crime O'Clock is a hidden objects investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man!
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.
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.
Staffer Case: A Supernatural Mystery Adventure
Staffer Case is a new sort of mystery game, asking players to find clues, arrange them into documents, and point out the contradictions between them to solve a series of murders. Each mystery unraveled leads you closer to the truth lying at the heart of each case!
Inspector Schmidt - A Bavarian Tale
In a third-person RPG detective story, set in Bavaria in 1866, the medical student Valentin Schmidt travels to Wolpertshofen, when a sudden death causes turmoil in the village. Use your skills, find clues and question the villagers to stop the murders.
The House of Da Vinci 3
The grand finale to The House of Da Vinci trilogy is here! Solve numerous new puzzles and mind benders and explore new mystifying locations of ravishing beauty.
The Case of the Golden Idol
A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth.
Lost Judgment
When a police officer discloses the murder of the student teacher who bullied his son to suicide, the twisted secrets of a Yokohama, high school bleed out. Nothing, in this case, is black and white.
Roadwarden
Roadwarden is an illustrated text-based RPG that uses isometric pixel art and combines mechanics borrowed from RPGs, Visual Novels, adventure games and interactive fiction.
IMMORTALITY
Marissa Marcel was a film star. She made three movies. But none of the movies were ever released. And Marissa Marcel disappeared. An interactive trilogy from Sam Barlow, creator of Her Story.
Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll
Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll: the romanticism of the Eighties, mystery and intrigues, betrayal and sacrifice, hatred and passion — all this and more in the new game from the creators of the legendary visual novel Everlasting Summer!
Ghost Watchers
Ghost Watchers is a co-op online horror game. You will explore and hunt ghosts in abandoned houses
Toilet Chronicles
Toilet Chronicles - is a first person horror-comedy game with a mystical setting where you're trapped in a public restroom and need to find a way out with the help of your toilet neighbor. Every choice you make brings you to a different outcome.
The Centennial Case : A Shijima Story
Unravel the mysteries of death, and find the answers to life.A unique Mystery-Adventure Game:The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story
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?
SCP Strategy
Take control of the SCP Foundation. For the general good, find, contain, and protect SCP objects. Develop your foundation and protect it from hostile organizations, in the last resort destroy them and capture SCP objects held there.
Athanasy
Deep beneath the surface of the dead Earth, the City, the last refuge of humanity, hides. Engineering genius and efforts of all mankind; a giant structure of steel, concrete, and biopolymers. It keeps the remnants of civilization one step away from total extinction.
The Testing Chamber
For every action, there is a reaction... For every choice, a result... Dive deep into your subconscious as you wander the halls of The Testing Chamber & join hundreds of thousands of other players in one of the biggest & most successful social experiments ever performed.
Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus?
An eccentric FMV murder mystery with a twist: someone has poisoned Uncle Marcus. Uncover the truth in the yearly family quiz and try to save him before it is too late.
Strange Horticulture
Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries.
Alfred Hitchcock - Vertigo
Can you trust your own mind? Immerse yourself in a psychological thriller of a new kind, playing with the limits between reality and fantasy. Freely inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s universe.
Perfect Heist 2
Perfect Heist 2 is a round-based online game, where robbers try to hide in plain sight while robbing a bank without being noticed by the cop team!
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One
In this story-driven detective thriller, a young Sherlock Holmes struggles to prove himself as he navigates an exotic, dangerous island in the Mediterranean to investigate the mystery of his mother’s death.Most played detective games on Steam
Take a look at the top detective games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a rpg, story rich and choices matter game developed and published by ZA/UM. Released on October 15th 2019 has received 109,796 reviews of which 102,241 were positive and 7,555 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played detective game, thanks to its 1,138 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
102,241
7,555
1,138
players
2. 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 36,608 reviews of which 35,742 were positive and 866 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 358 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among detective games based on player count.
9.6
35,742
866
358
players
3. Shadows of Doubt
An immersive sandbox detective stealth game set in a fully simulated sci-fi noir city of crime and corruption. Think like a private investigator and take on jobs to earn cash on your path to catching a serial killer. If you don’t catch them - they will kill again… Shadows of Doubt is a detective, immersive sim and sandbox game developed by ColePowered Games and published by Fireshine Games. Released on September 26th 2024 has received 15,074 reviews of which 12,664 were positive and 2,410 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 301 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among detective games based on player count.
8.2
12,664
2,410
301
players
4. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is a anime, detective and visual novel game developed by Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. and Abstraction Games and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on April 18th 2016 has received 26,311 reviews of which 25,335 were positive and 976 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 203 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
25,335
976
203
players
5. The Roottrees are Dead
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 189 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played detective games.
9.3
2,027
47
189
players
6. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a adventure, visual novel and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 24th 2024 has received 3,137 reviews of which 2,844 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 173 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played detective games.
8.7
2,844
293
173
players
7. Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death. Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is a visual novel, detective and female protagonist game developed and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 25th 2017 has received 19,606 reviews of which 16,456 were positive and 3,150 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 158 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played detective games.
8.2
16,456
3,150
158
players
8. L.A. Noire
In his fight to climb the ranks and do what's right, LAPD detective Cole Phelps must unravel the truth behind a string of arson attacks, conspiracies, and brutal murders, battling the L.A. underworld and even members of his own department. L.A. Noire is a detective, crime and open world game developed by Team Bondi and Rockstar Leeds and published by Rockstar Games. Released on November 08th 2011 has received 33,811 reviews of which 29,019 were positive and 4,792 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 148 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played detective games.
8.4
29,019
4,792
148
players
9. 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 30,063 reviews of which 28,873 were positive and 1,190 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 136 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
28,873
1,190
136
players
10. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Immerse yourself in a dramatic yet charming and witty world of evidence-gathering, deduction and courtroom battles with this double-pack of the adventures of rookie lawyer Ryunosuke. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a visual novel, adventure and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on July 26th 2021 has received 7,981 reviews of which 7,521 were positive and 460 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 111 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played detective games.
9.1
7,521
460
111
players
Best deals on detective games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of detective games available on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted detective games.
1. Song of Farca
Hack into crime scenes, look for evidence, analyze data, interrogate criminals, track suspects and deal with the consequences of your decisions. This is a dark and brutal detective story with a Black Mirror-esque atmosphere of digital dominance and the narrative structure of a US crime procedural. Song of Farca is a choices matter, story rich and simulation game developed by Wooden Monkeys and published by Alawar. Released on July 21st 2021 has received 1,127 reviews of which 929 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for detective category.
7.9
929
198
-94%
18.33€
1.10€
2. The Shapeshifting Detective
The Shapeshifting Detective is a supernatural murder mystery FMV game where you play as a detective who can shapeshift into other characters, allowing you to unlock secret conversations and private encounters. The Shapeshifting Detective is a fmv, adventure and indie game developed by D'Avekki Studios Ltd and Wales Interactive and published by Wales Interactive. Released on November 06th 2018 has received 1,563 reviews of which 1,209 were positive and 354 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in detective games.
7.4
1,209
354
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
3. The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
Delouse your room with sage and pack up your travel-sized ouija board, it’s time to re-enter Twin Lakes - America’s 34th most haunted city. Join Detective McQueen as he puzzles his way through 9 chilling cases, risking life and pixelated limb to solve the macabre mysteries that plague the poor town. The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is a detective, pixel graphics and point & click game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. Released on April 15th 2021 has received 1,687 reviews of which 1,628 were positive and 59 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in detective games.
9.2
1,628
59
-92%
14.88€
1.19€
4. Murdered: Soul Suspect
MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT™ takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach, challenging gamers to solve the hardest case of all… their own murder. Murdered: Soul Suspect is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed by Airtight Games and published by Square Enix. Released on June 05th 2014 has received 16,558 reviews of which 14,195 were positive and 2,363 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.4
14,195
2,363
-90%
19.30€
1.93€
5. √Letter - Root Letter -
When a letter is delivered 15 years late - you discover an old pen-friend was involved in a murder, before she disappeared. Travelling to her hometown, you must investigate the murder, using her past letters as clues to uncover the disturbing truth. √Letter - Root Letter - is a adventure, visual novel and anime game developed and published by DRAGAMI GAMES and LTD.. Released on July 07th 2017 has received 544 reviews of which 433 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.5
433
111
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
6. Interrogation: You will be deceived
As a detective tasked with bringing down a dangerous terrorist group, you fight on two fronts: interrogating suspects & managing your team and its reputation. With time running out, how far will you go to stop these criminals? Manipulation, threats or even torture? Does the end justify the means? Interrogation: You will be deceived is a detective, noir and crime game developed by Critique Gaming and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 339 reviews of which 269 were positive and 70 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.4
269
70
-90%
12.99€
1.29€
7. Crime O'Clock
Crime O'Clock is a hidden objects investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man! Crime O'Clock is a investigation, hidden object and 2d game developed by Bad Seed and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on July 21st 2023 has received 397 reviews of which 283 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for detective games.
6.8
283
114
-90%
19.50€
1.95€
8. A Case of Distrust
A Case of Distrust is a narrative mystery from 1924 San Francisco. Play as private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone in this historical 2D adventure game. A Case of Distrust is a adventure, indie and detective game developed and published by An Open Ben. Released on February 08th 2018 has received 572 reviews of which 468 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.7
468
104
-88%
15.50€
1.86€
9. Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases
Discover an untold crime story from the mysterious youth of the famous detective Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed by Blazing Griffin and published by Microids. Released on September 27th 2021 has received 1,165 reviews of which 894 were positive and 271 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.4
894
271
-87%
19.46€
2.53€
10. The Raven Remastered
London, 1964. An ancient ruby is stolen from the British Museum. At the crime scene: a raven feather. Is somebody trying to follow in the footsteps of The Raven, the legendary master thief who disappeared years before? The Raven Remastered is a adventure, point & click and detective game developed by KING Art and published by THQ Nordic. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 354 reviews of which 290 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.7
290
64
-86%
19.86€
2.78€
Free detective games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play detective games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play detective games.
1. The Council
Experience a Narrative Adventure where your choices and character growth truly matter. As a member of a 1793 secret society, live a tale of intrigue and manipulation on the hunt for your missing mother. The Council is a choices matter, adventure and rpg game developed by Big Bad Wolf and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 5,286 reviews of which 4,425 were positive and 861 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.1
4,425
861
13
players
2. Prison Life
An online game that you'll play with 3-11 players as a Prisoner or a Guard and will try to escape or prevent escapes. Loot, Craft, and make your way to the exit, or investigate and arrest wanted players as a guard! Prison Life is a free to play, multiplayer and pvp game developed and published by AO Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 2,801 reviews of which 2,225 were positive and 576 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
2,225
576
8
players
3. The Children of Clay
The Children of Clay is a short stop motion archeology horror game, where you have to study an ancient artefact and discover its dark secret. The Children of Clay is a horror, atmospheric and detective game developed and published by Balazs Ronyai. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,189 reviews of which 1,180 were positive and 9 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
9.3
1,180
9
3
players
4. TEST TEST TEST
Escape a time loop as an overworked office employee by solving cryptic puzzles with alternate reality game elements. TEST TEST TEST is a puzzle, 2d and cute game developed by Mojiken and published by Toge Productions. Released on January 17th 2024 has received 854 reviews of which 785 were positive and 69 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.6
785
69
1
players
5. Fayburrow
In a world of fairies, a childhood friend suddenly calls Beatrice back to her old hometown. Yet when she arrives, her friend is mysteriously missing. Fayburrow is a adventure, mystery and visual novel game developed by The Fayburrow Troupe and published by The Animation Workshop VIA. Released on February 03rd 2022 has received 429 reviews of which 353 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
353
76
1
players
6. The Monster Inside
A film noir style audio-visual novella. A mysterious woman... a string of murders... and a man with a hidden past. The Monster Inside is a free to play, indie and detective game developed and published by Random Seed Games. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 1,944 reviews of which 1,704 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.4
1,704
240
7. Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3
The Startling Developments Detective Agency springs into action as On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 begins, set in motion by a call from a mysterious source. The ever escalating perils on the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness will season our tender heroes to their very core! Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 is a jrpg, lovecraftian and detective game developed by Zeboyd Games and published by Penny Arcade and Inc.. Released on June 25th 2012 has received 583 reviews of which 497 were positive and 86 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
497
86
8. The Mildew Children: Chapter 1
Featuring a blend of 2D adventure and visual novel. Chapter 1 is the very beginning of the grim tale about a village inhabited only by children who follow savage pagan traditions. A young witch Kyrphel, along with her sisters, are bound to perform a macabre Ritual in order to save their village. The Mildew Children: Chapter 1 is a adventure, story rich and exploration game developed by The Growing Stones and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on October 17th 2023 has received 316 reviews of which 272 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
272
44