Best Emotional 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 emotional games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free emotional games are available at the bottom of the page.
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Syberia: The World Before
Embark on a quest for identity through time, as you piece together the puzzle of two lives.
9-nine-:NewEpisode
Enjoy short after stories for the heroines of the 9-nine- series in 9-nine-:NewEpisode!
Submerged: Hidden Depths
Boat, climb, interact and explore in the beautiful ruins of a sunken world.
FAR: Changing Tides
An atmospheric vehicle adventure that follows the emotional journey of a boy and his ship as he embarks on a voyage to find a new home.
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream
A mysterious story of a mysterious dream ... This is a story about one of the adventures Sophie the Alchemist had after she left her hometown of Kirchen Bell.
A Perfect Day
Revisit and repeat the final moments of China's turn of the century in this narrative puzzle adventure. Play a 6th-grade student and greet classmates, explore secrets, play mini-4WD, or just wander around town. Make your choices to create a perfect day for everyone!
FINAL FANTASY VI
The original FINAL FANTASY VI comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the sixth game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
Towards Future
Waking up in the darkness, unable to see the sunrise, he remembered the little master carefully carried him home. The base has already fallen into ruin and there are no signs of any living people here. Where did the little master go? Is there any hope left under the doomsday?
Not Tonight 2
Immigration Enforcement Case #112: You are under arrest. Unless your friends can cross a broken America, retrieve your identifying documents and stay out of trouble... this is the end of the American dream for you.
Know by heart
Childhood friends reunite after spending a long time apart, revisiting old memories and rekindling their friendship. However, something beyond their control will ruin this reunion.
Cyanotype Daydream -The Girl Who Dreamed the World-
Kaito wakes to find himself in a strange room, with no memories, and a taciturn girl named Yonagi by his side. Upon learning of his role, he immerses himself into three wondrous dream worlds with her. When all three stories meet a bitter end, Kaito recovers his memories, and the true story unfolds.
Life is Strange Remastered
Experience the BAFTA award-winning story of Life is Strange now beautifully remastered with enhanced visuals and vastly improved animation using mocap technology.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm Remastered
Life is Strange: Before the Storm returns with remastered visuals across characters & environments.
KamiYaba: Destiny on a Dicey Deadline
“If you don't tie the knot with the person of your dreams within the next year, you'll be in big trouble.” So forewarns Urara, the self-proclaimed Goddess of Matchmaking... kicking off a rowdy rom-com adventure!
Jivana
Jivana is a story-driven adventure game. Embody Aelis, a water priestess who uses her powers to open the path for her community, forced to flee after the appearance of a huge cataclysm. Explore the enchanting landscapes of Jivana, use your ability to manipulate water and lead your people to safety.
God of War
His vengeance against the Gods of Olympus years behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the realm of Norse Gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive… and teach his son to do the same.
VOCÊ É UM DEFUNTO MECÂNICO
Baleado até a morte, você é um defunto mecânico se lembrando de como morreu, e das vidas torturadas que agora ficam para trás. Uma aventura em prosa para 20 minutos de pavor existencial no presente pós-singularidade.
You Will (Not) Remain
You must stay in your apartment as the city around you falls to an Eldritch horror.
ПОСЛЕДНИЙ ДЕНЬ В УРЮПИНСКЕ
THE LAST DAY IN URYUPINSK is an atmospheric walk through the post-Soviet courtyard to depressive music.
MOTHERED - A ROLE-PLAYING HORROR GAME
An immersive first-person horror adventure where you play the role of LIANA - a young girl who arrives home after major surgery and is met with a strange mannequin claiming to be her mother.
Martial Law
Martial Law is a game about difficulties that came with Communism in Poland. The story is shown from the perspective of a man who is abandoned because of his low social status. He tries his best to be there for his daughter despite the difficulties.Most played emotional games on Steam
Take a look at the top emotional games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Spiritfarer®: Farewell Edition
Spiritfarer® is a cozy management game about dying. As ferrymaster to the deceased, build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and release them into the afterlife. The Spiritfarer Farewell Edition includes the heartwarming base game and three major content updates. Spiritfarer®: Farewell Edition is a emotional, story rich and indie game developed and published by Thunder Lotus Games. Released on August 18th 2020 has received 45,069 reviews of which 42,953 were positive and 2,116 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 emotional game, thanks to its 3,867 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
42,953
2,116
3,867
players
2. Biped
Biped is a coop action adventure game with a strong focus on moment-to-moment collaboration between 2 players. Biped is a character customization, pve and emotional game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and META Publishing. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,521 reviews of which 7,345 were positive and 1,176 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. While seeing 1,219 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among emotional games based on player count.
8.4
7,345
1,176
1,219
players
3. Summer Pockets
From the creators of Angel Beats! and CLANNAD, Key, comes their latest emotional, award-winning journey. Follow protagonist Takahara Hairi as he travels to the secluded island Torishirojima, where he rediscovers what it means to enjoy summer vacation. Summer Pockets is a adventure, casual and visual novel game developed by VisualArts/Key and published by VisualArts. Released on February 05th 2020 has received 4,113 reviews of which 4,061 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 203 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among emotional games based on player count.
9.5
4,061
52
203
players
4. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Hunt ghosts as two memorable characters in a story-driven Action-RPG where your decisions carry dramatic consequences. Torn between honoring your oath to the living and saving your departed partner, how far will you go for love? Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a narration, lore-rich and third person game developed by DON'T NOD and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on February 12th 2024 has received 5,872 reviews of which 5,077 were positive and 795 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 194 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.4
5,077
795
194
players
5. Until Then
A fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction, upending Mark's life. People disappear and memories prove unreliable. Uncover a hidden truth with Mark and his friends in this narrative adventure and race to unravel the mystery before it's too late. Until Then is a visual novel, pixel graphics and emotional game developed by Polychroma Games and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on June 25th 2024 has received 8,850 reviews of which 8,638 were positive and 212 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 177 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
8,638
212
177
players
6. In Stars And Time
Live with the ever-present burden of being trapped in a time loop only you can know about in this turn-based RPG. Create a better future for you and your friends. Find hope where there is none left. Pray to the stars and free yourself from time. In Stars And Time is a story rich, rpg and lgbtq+ game developed by insertdisc5 and published by Armor Games Studios. Released on November 20th 2023 has received 5,743 reviews of which 5,611 were positive and 132 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.4
5,611
132
93
players
7. To the Moon
A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to artificially fulfill his last wish. To the Moon is a story rich, great soundtrack and indie game developed and published by Freebird Games. Released on September 07th 2012 has received 79,693 reviews of which 76,709 were positive and 2,984 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
76,709
2,984
90
players
8. Your Mother
《Your Mother》is a computer desktop companion. Experience the love and kindness from mothers. Your Mother is a anime, female protagonist and 2d game developed and published by M for Mother. Released on February 28th 2025 has received 3,558 reviews of which 3,224 were positive and 334 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.7
3,224
334
71
players
9. Before Your Eyes
Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes. Before Your Eyes is a emotional, narrative and story rich game developed by GoodbyeWorld Games and published by Skybound Games. Released on April 08th 2021 has received 16,978 reviews of which 16,623 were positive and 355 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
16,623
355
54
players
10. Growing Up
This is the story of your life. Experience the entire journey from toddler to adulthood. Go to schools, learn new things, meet new friends, and have wild adventures! Every choice you make will influence your future career, and decide who your romantic partner will be. Who will you become? Growing Up is a life sim, story rich and choices matter game developed by Vile Monarch and published by Vile Monarch and Spiral Up Games. Released on October 13th 2021 has received 3,234 reviews of which 2,842 were positive and 392 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.5
2,842
392
39
players
Best deals on emotional games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of emotional games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted emotional games.
1. Beacon Pines
Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate! Beacon Pines is a visual novel, story rich and emotional game developed by Hiding Spot and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 3,374 reviews of which 3,300 were positive and 74 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for emotional category.
9.4
3,300
74
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Wandersong
A musical platforming adventure with an emotional story. Play as a silly bard and use music to interact with everything on a journey around the world. Along the way you'll explore, solve puzzles, and meet a huge cast of characters! Wandersong is a music, adventure and comedy game developed by Wishes Ultd., Greg Lobanov and A Shell in the Pit and published by Greg Lobanov. Released on September 27th 2018 has received 3,586 reviews of which 3,418 were positive and 168 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in emotional games.
9.2
3,418
168
-94%
18.83€
1.13€
3. Dordogne
Immerse yourself in a unique narrative experience and explore the thousand summer colors of Dordogne as you revisit your childhood to uncover lost family secrets in this touching formative journey. Dordogne is a narrative, wholesome and cute game developed by UN JE NE SAIS QUOI and UMANIMATION and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on June 13th 2023 has received 990 reviews of which 918 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in emotional games.
8.7
918
72
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
4. Still There
Every day is the same on the faraway Bento space-lighthouse - until a mysterious radio message breaks through. Evade the past, welcome oblivion, make the perfect Italian coffee. Still There is a psychological adventure game about grief, technical puzzles, wacky AIs and dark humour. How far is far enough? Still There is a point & click, emotional and adventure game developed by GhostShark and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on November 20th 2019 has received 1,272 reviews of which 1,100 were positive and 172 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.2
1,100
172
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. Disney G-Force
G-Force draws you into the adventures of an elite team of trained guinea pigs on a mission to thwart a sinister plot to destroy the world. Take control of both G-Force commander Darwin and his sidekick, Mooch, as they apply their talents to defeat an evil army of altered household appliances. Disney G-Force is a cult classic, story rich and action game developed by Eurocom and published by Disney. Released on October 06th 2014 has received 749 reviews of which 711 were positive and 38 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.9
711
38
-86%
19.00€
2.66€
6. Biped
Biped is a coop action adventure game with a strong focus on moment-to-moment collaboration between 2 players. Biped is a character customization, pve and emotional game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and META Publishing. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,521 reviews of which 7,345 were positive and 1,176 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.4
7,345
1,176
-86%
12.07€
1.69€
7. Finding Paradise
A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to fulfill his last wish. Finding Paradise is a story rich, emotional and pixel graphics game developed and published by Freebird Games. Released on December 14th 2017 has received 18,621 reviews of which 18,215 were positive and 406 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
18,215
406
-81%
9.79€
1.86€
8. Before Your Eyes
Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes. Before Your Eyes is a emotional, narrative and story rich game developed by GoodbyeWorld Games and published by Skybound Games. Released on April 08th 2021 has received 16,978 reviews of which 16,623 were positive and 355 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
16,623
355
-80%
9.75€
1.95€
9. Impostor Factory
A bonkers time-loop tragicomedy murder mystery thriller featuring multiple casualties and a suspicious cat, from the creator of To the Moon & Finding Paradise. Impostor Factory is a story rich, emotional and pixel graphics game developed and published by Freebird Games. Released on September 30th 2021 has received 11,681 reviews of which 11,196 were positive and 485 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 73% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.3
11,196
485
-73%
9.78€
2.64€
10. A Space for the Unbound
A magical adventure about two high school sweethearts set at the end of their school days - and the end of the world. Explore a crumbling town and help friends face their inner demons, which could be the key to stopping reality itself disintegrating. And don’t forget to pet the cats. A Space for the Unbound is a story rich, pixel graphics and emotional game developed by Mojiken and published by Toge Productions. Released on January 19th 2023 has received 5,996 reviews of which 5,845 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 68% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.4
5,845
151
-68%
19.56€
6.26€
Free emotional games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play emotional games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play emotional games.
1. Sleeping With Sakuya Izayoi
In this small visual novel, lay down and relax with Sakuya Izayoi. Talk to her, kiss her or just simply enjoy each other's presence! Chose between 3 different locations featuring stunning artwork in this Touhou Project Fangame. Sleeping With Sakuya Izayoi is a casual, relaxing and emotional game developed and published by Sigyaad Team. Released on January 12th 2024 has received 324 reviews of which 309 were positive and 15 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.7
309
15
8
players
2. Sepia Tears
A visual novel about a memory that a boy named Mark tries very hard to forget, and a girl named Myra who unearths it. Sepia Tears is a visual novel, romance and emotional game developed and published by Scarlet String Studios. Released on January 08th 2016 has received 962 reviews of which 852 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.4
852
110
3
players
3. HOME
HOME is a feel-good walking simulator experience in which you create your own poem and music. Embark on a poetic and musical heartwarming journey about what home means to you. HOME is a philosophical, relaxing and atmospheric game developed and published by LORE NINE. Released on May 11th 2019 has received 3,344 reviews of which 3,014 were positive and 330 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.7
3,014
330
1
players
4. Towards Future
Waking up in the darkness, unable to see the sunrise, he remembered the little master carefully carried him home. The base has already fallen into ruin and there are no signs of any living people here. Where did the little master go? Is there any hope left under the doomsday? Towards Future is a rpgmaker, rpg and atmospheric game developed by 拾伍司工坊 and published by Eternal Dream. Released on February 18th 2022 has received 700 reviews of which 691 were positive and 9 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
9.2
691
9
5. TREE
TREE tells a story of a relationship between a boy and his tree. What starts off as a simple connection, over time it grows into something deeper. TREE is a free to play, indie and casual game developed and published by The Strangers. Released on August 13th 2018 has received 2,220 reviews of which 2,080 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.9
2,080
140
6. Breeze
Breeze, a point&click PC game with heart-warming story, lovely art style, and healing experience. Breeze is a 2d, story rich and rpg game developed and published by FOF Game. Released on August 04th 2022 has received 477 reviews of which 459 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.9
459
18
7. The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence. The Dearest Person is a artificial intelligence, philosophical and atmospheric game developed by house.opposite and Саманта and published by house.opposite. Released on June 26th 2024 has received 537 reviews of which 508 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.8
508
29
8. Aurora: A Child's Journey
Guide Aurora through this beautiful adventure using her imagination to discover who's responsible for the fire that is ravaging her village and its surroundings. Aurora: A Child's Journey is a action, story rich and adventure game developed by Luski Game Studio and published by Prothos. Released on November 20th 2020 has received 944 reviews of which 880 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.8
880
64
9. Jivana
Jivana is a story-driven adventure game. Embody Aelis, a water priestess who uses her powers to open the path for her community, forced to flee after the appearance of a huge cataclysm. Explore the enchanting landscapes of Jivana, use your ability to manipulate water and lead your people to safety. Jivana is a adventure, emotional and singleplayer game developed by Team Jivana and published by Rubika Supinfogame. Released on January 21st 2022 has received 595 reviews of which 543 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.5
543
52