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
Kathy Rain: Director's Cut
The award-winning point-and-click adventure returns in the Director's Cut with an extended story, additional puzzles, and new areas to explore. Witness the rise of an iconic detective as you uncover a dark and sinister truth hiding behind the calm exterior of a small rural town.
Sacred Fire: A Role Playing Game
A text-based RPG full of choice and action. Fight for survival in the midst of the Roman invasion of ancient Caledonia. Strategize one dice roll at a time as emotions affect your performance. Use willpower to outsmart opponents, gain allies, wage war, or strive for peace. How will your story end?
Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases
Discover an untold crime story from the mysterious youth of the famous detective Hercule Poirot.
Gamedec - Definitive Edition
Gamedec is a single-player cyberpunk isometric RPG. You are a game detective, who solves crimes inside virtual worlds. Use your wits to gather info from your witnesses and suspects, getting to the bottom of deceptive schemes. The game continually adapts to your decisions and never judges.
Between Time: Escape Room
You are going to steal a time machine. In this escape room, you have to travel through time, explore mysterious places and solve puzzles to get priceless treasures. Will you be able to make it back alive?
The Rewinder
The Rewinder is an adventure puzzle game based on Chinese mythology. You play as Yun, the last known Rewinder, who can communicate with spirits and explore other people's memories to alter the past.
Night Book
Tricked into reading an ancient book, Loralyn summons a demon into her home. Night Book is an interactive occult thriller movie, created in lockdown, from the publishers of The Complex, Five Dates and Maid of Sker.
Beside Myself
You have to play as the historian-journalist Michael, plunge into the atmosphere of darkness of an abandoned hospital, where you will need to unravel the secrets of the past and try to get out in order to tell the whole world about those terrible events.
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.
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.
Creepy Tale 2
Experience the creepy tension of a brothers Grimm fairy tale in this puzzle adventure game. Follow the young and brave Lars as he embarks on a dangerous journey to save his sisters mind from the clutches of a mysterious evil.
Tails Noir
Tails Noir is a post-noir narrative adventure. Become raccoon private eye Howard Lotor and explore dystopian Vancouver inhabited by animals as you uncover a deeply personal story of change and transformation.
Operation: Tango
It takes two to save the world in this cooperative spy adventure. Pair up with a friend as Agent or Hacker—with only your voices to connect you—and work together to bring a hi-tech global menace to its knees. Now with a FREE CONTENT UPDATE!
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure
A murder. A hack. A bombing. All it takes to plunge the solar system into war – unless you do something about it. Help CDI agent Neil Conrad make a string of increasingly difficult decisions in this modern dialog-driven adventure set in a gorgeous 2D sci-fi noir universe.
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.
Suicide Countdown: 7 Days
Only 7 days remain until death embraces you -- the everyday life of a young boy begins to distort little by little, unfolding into a bizarre and ghastly series of events... When fate comes knocking, will you have the courage to make a choice?
Sam & Max Save the World
An open-and-shut case of petty vandalism balloons into a far-flung mind-control conspiracy involving former child stars, the media, the mafia, the government, the internet, and the bright side of the moon. Telltale's episodic classic, lovingly remastered by members of the original development team.
Observer: System Redux
The year is 2084. In a dark cyberpunk world shattered by plagues and wars, become a neural police detective and hack into the jagged minds of others. Make use of anything they felt, thought, or remembered to solve the case and catch the elusive killer.
Chicken Police - Paint it RED!
A wild tale of love, death, chickens, and redemption! Chicken Police is a buddy-cop noir adventure with a carefully crafted world, a gritty story, and absurd humor. The game mixes classic adventure games with visual novel-style storytelling, presented in a beak-droppingly unique art style.
Transient: Extended Edition
H.P. Lovecraft meets Cyberpunk. Delve deep into a dystopian world and investigate what is happening to you and your friends in a domed city. Solve puzzles, hack systems and plug in to explore other dimensions. Discover a truth that might tear apart your sanity and question your very existence.
Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room
You wake up in a spaceship with no memories. In this escape room with a sci-fi setting you will have to investigate your past solving different puzzles. Will you be able to discover what happened to you and how did you get there?
Perfect Crime
With superb script and calm narrative style, Perfect Crime will reproduce every detail of a criminal case. How to make use of common objects to make a perfect crime is all up to you. An editor of cases is accompanied if help is needed. Now it’s time to log on and create your own murder.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