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.
Filters & Lists
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.
Chill Corner
This is just an idle game for chilling, relaxing or focusing.
Cleo - a pirate's tale
Cleo is a solo-developed, top-down, pixel-art, retro, pirate adventure with a lot of nostalgic flair, humor and a linear story, inspired by the old Zelda games and the classic LucasArts adventure games.
The Red Lantern
The Red Lantern is a narrative, dog sledding game about survival. You play as the Musher who, along with her team of 5 sled dogs, must find her way home. Care for your dogs, discover their stories, and learn how to navigate the unknowns of the Alaskan wilderness and prepare for your new life.
BURIED STARS
『BURIED STARS』 is an adventure game that takes place at a collapse site of a live audition show. The trapped survivors communicate with each other, and through social media, while waiting for the rescue team’s arrival. But an unexpected turn of events splits them apart and drives them into a corner.
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 2
Lovely adventuring RPG series. Casual, story-driven journey and quests. Your city is suffering from the attack of unknown monsters. You must save your people and become a heroic princess.
Pumpkin Eater
Pumpkin Eater is a visual novel about grief, pumpkin heads, and human decomposition. 100% medically accurate.
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.
100 hidden frogs
The frogs hid. Can you find them?
FINAL FANTASY V
The original FINAL FANTASY V comes to life with completely new graphics and audio as a 2D pixel remaster! A remodeled take on the fifth game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
Time Loader
Time Loader is a story-driven puzzle-platformer with tiny robots, alternate realities, nostalgic music, and primitive tech from the 90s!
Dahlia View
Sometimes it takes a nightmare to wake a place like Dahlia View. Lead the investigation into a missing child and discover the dark secret of Dahlia View in this story-driven observational thriller from the creators of The Occupation and Ether One.
WitchSpring3 Re:Fine - The Story of Eirudy -
Choose fate. Choose story. The fate of the witches is in your hands.
Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars
Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars is an RPG set in a world of swords and sorcery, told entirely through the medium of cards.
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.
Moonglow Bay
Embark on a journey as a rookie angler in Moonglow Bay, fulfilling your partner's final wish. Team up with friends, family, and neighbours to hone your fishing skills, nourish relationships, and restore a remote town's fractured community in this slice-of-life fishing RPG!
Adorable Witch 2
Adorable Witch 2 is a casual strategy game, how to avoid the devil and guide the direction of the water drops is the key to this game.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles
Become the Blade that Destroys Demons!
The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare
When a nightmare creeps into reality, the only ones that can help are those whose magical powers we’ve believed in since childhood. A brave teddy bear and his fairy sidekick head to the darker side of “happily ever after” to rescue his owner, Alicia.
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?
The Last Campfire
The Last Campfire is an adventure, a story of a lost ember trapped in a puzzling place, searching for meaning and a way home.
Bear's Restaurant
The award-winning indie adventure game finally arrives on Steam—now with more content than ever before! A story of love, loss, and fine dining that’s sure to warm even the most jaded of hearts.
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.
A YEAR OF SPRINGS
Experience the stories of Haru, Erika, and Manami, a trio of friends navigating their feelings of love, connection, and just wanting to belong.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 16th 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 809 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
42,953
2,116
809
players
2. 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 5,811 reviews of which 5,677 were positive and 134 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 133 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among emotional games based on player count.
9.4
5,677
134
133
players
3. 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. While seeing 124 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among emotional games based on player count.
9.5
8,638
212
124
players
4. 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. With 107 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.4
7,345
1,176
107
players
5. 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. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.4
5,077
795
96
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.7
3,224
334
67
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.5
2,842
392
30
players
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. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
16,623
355
22
players
9. 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. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
4,061
52
18
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
76,709
2,984
16
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 16th 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. 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 #8 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.3
11,196
485
-73%
9.78€
2.64€
9. Gerda: A Flame in Winter
You have five days to save your husband, who has just been arrested by the Gestapo. Investigate, explore and form allegiances in this story-rich RPG-lite. Who will you trust? Gerda: A Flame in Winter is a adventure, female protagonist and narration game developed by BirdIsland/PortaPlay and published by DON'T NOD. Released on September 01st 2022 has received 363 reviews of which 349 were positive and 14 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.8
349
14
-70%
19.99€
5.99€
10. Endling - Extinction is Forever
As the last mother fox on Earth, your cubs need all your care to survive in a merciless world that slowly destroys itself. You have to help them, teach them and save them. And you should never forget that extinction is forever – in the real world and in this 2023 BAFTA award winning experience. Endling - Extinction is Forever is a emotional, adventure and atmospheric game developed by Herobeat Studios and published by HandyGames. Released on July 19th 2022 has received 2,583 reviews of which 2,459 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 67% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.1
2,459
124
-67%
29.99€
9.89€
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 16th 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
12
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
5
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.5
543
52
3
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 538 reviews of which 509 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
509
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 945 reviews of which 881 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
881
64
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.7
3,014
330