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
Batman - The Telltale Series
Enter the fractured psyche of Bruce Wayne and discover the powerful and far-reaching consequences of your choices as the Dark Knight.
Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily
Stop the mysterious killer!
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
Experience a fantastic adventure with unique gameplay that blends investigation, action and exploration in a breath-taking thriller that will test the limits of your nerves and intelligence. Play as the great detective and track down evil in the darkest corners of London and the human soul…
The Deed: Dynasty
Getting away with murder has never been easy. These three members of a proud and noble family are separated by five centuries, but have in common a vengeful and murderous intent. Plans must be formed, blood must be spilled and evidence must be planted ...
Kathy Rain
Set in the '90s, Kathy Rain tells the story of a strong-willed journalism major who has to come to terms with her troubled past as she investigates the mysterious death of her recently deceased grandfather.
The Silent Age
Experience a post-apocalyptic world like never before in The Silent Age, a thrilling point-and-click adventure game. Use time travel to unravel the mystery behind humanity's disappearance and save the world from extinction. Start your journey now!
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Fahrenheit (known as Indigo Prophecy in North America) was a breakthrough in interactive narrative. This newly remastered edition features updated textures in HD, expanded controller support, and is based on the uncut and uncensored international version of the game.
Darkness Within 1: In Pursuit of Loath Nolder
Explore disturbing corners of the human psyche. Delve into a dimension of nightmares, the occult and a tense psychological world created in classic Lovecraftian style. As police detective Howard E. Loreid, you are tasked to solve the murder of Clark Field, a wealthy man involved in the occult.
Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek
Let one of the most thrilling adventures of your life begin!
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a first-person story-driven mystery. Purchase this game to get both the original and the Unreal Engine 4 remaster called The Vanishing of Ethan Carter Redux.
9 Clues: The Secret of Serpent Creek
Save your missing friend and reveal the corruption of the town’s citizens to stop an evil plot to bring the evil Snake God back to our world.
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.
Enigmatis 2: The Mists of Ravenwood
Enter Ravenwood Park and discover the secrets hidden in the mists…
Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut
Play as special agent Francis York Morgan in this open-world action-adventure as you solve the case of the Red Seed Murders and survive in a small, quirky American mountain town where supernatural creatures and a mysterious raincoat-clad, axe-wielding killer seek to end his investigation for good.
The Wolf Among Us
From the makers of the 2012 Game of the Year: The Walking Dead, comes a thriller based on the award-winning Fables comic books. As Bigby Wolf you will discover that a brutal, bloody murder is just a taste of things to come in a game series where your every decision can have enormous consequences.
Condemned: Criminal Origins
What twists the mind of an ordinary human into a serial killer?
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!
Still Life
Still Life 2 also now available!
Puzzle Agent
Created with indie comic artist Graham Annable's unique narrative and visual sensibilities, delivered with the distinctive Telltale storytelling style, Puzzle Agent is sure to challenge, thrill and engage in more ways than you can shake a cryptogram at!
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is a violent, film-noir love story. Dark, tragic and intense, the in-depth story is a thrill-ride of shocking twists and revelations. Love hurts.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 20th 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 110,070 reviews of which 102,490 were positive and 7,580 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 1,588 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
102,490
7,580
1,588
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 816 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
816
players
3. 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. While seeing 354 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among detective games based on player count.
8.7
2,844
293
354
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 286 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
286
players
5. 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. With 285 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played detective games.
8.2
12,664
2,410
285
players
6. 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 8,007 reviews of which 7,545 were positive and 462 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 218 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played detective games.
9.1
7,545
462
218
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 19,638 reviews of which 16,480 were positive and 3,158 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 215 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played detective games.
8.2
16,480
3,158
215
players
8. 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 204 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
28,873
1,190
204
players
9. 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 2,158 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 detective games.
9.3
2,109
49
194
players
10. 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 190 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played detective games.
8.4
29,019
4,792
190
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 20th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted detective games.
1. The Darkside Detective
Grab your trench coat, tune your sixth sense and join the Darkside Division as they investigate the outright bizarre, the downright dangerous and the confusing cases of Twin Lakes. Flesh-hungry tentacles, mafian zombies, and the occasional missing sock are no match for The Darkside Detective. The Darkside Detective is a point & click, detective and pixel graphics game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. Released on July 27th 2017 has received 4,657 reviews of which 4,402 were positive and 255 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for detective category.
9.1
4,402
255
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in detective games.
6.8
283
114
-93%
19.57€
1.37€
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. 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. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.9
929
198
-92%
19.38€
1.55€
5. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a first-person story-driven mystery. Purchase this game to get both the original and the Unreal Engine 4 remaster called The Vanishing of Ethan Carter Redux. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a mystery, atmospheric and detective game developed and published by The Astronauts. Released on September 25th 2014 has received 8,821 reviews of which 7,795 were positive and 1,026 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.6
7,795
1,026
-90%
19.20€
1.92€
6. 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 16,567 reviews of which 14,202 were positive and 2,365 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.4
14,202
2,365
-90%
19.30€
1.93€
7. √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 545 reviews of which 433 were positive and 112 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.5
433
112
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.4
269
70
-90%
12.99€
1.29€
9. 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 574 reviews of which 469 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.7
469
105
-88%
15.50€
1.86€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.4
894
271
-87%
19.46€
2.53€
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 20th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play detective games.
1. 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 #1 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
2,225
576
31
players
2. 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 #2 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
9.3
1,180
9
21
players
3. 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 5,294 reviews of which 4,433 were positive and 861 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.1
4,433
861
20
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
497
86
2
players
5. 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 visual novel game developed and published by Random Seed Games. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 1,950 reviews of which 1,709 were positive and 241 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.4
1,709
241
1
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
353
76
1
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.6
785
69
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