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

Maquette

Maquette is a first-person recursive puzzle game that takes you into a world where every building, plant, and object are simultaneously tiny and staggeringly huge.

Price -72% 5.23€
Rating 6.7
Release 02 Mar 2021

The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki II KAI -The Erebonian Civil War-

The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki role-playing game series is highly acclaimed by gamers all over the world for its elaborate character portrayals and epic storyline. The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki and The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki II have sold over 1 million copies in total.

Price 35.72€
Rating 8.1
Release 24 Feb 2021

ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos

A sci-fi adventure full of robot battles, pop music, and emotion. Featuring one of the largest branching storylines ever in a VR game with 15-20 hours of gameplay, Altdeus will place you in the shoes of Chloe, a pilot in humanity's forces fighting massive hostile organisms known as the Meteora.

Price 24.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 18 Feb 2021

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?

Price -30% 1.67€
Rating 7.8
Release 12 Feb 2021

第五件遗留物

With some special reasons, Tang Sheng, a human being, fell into a world of monsters between the underworld and the human world. At the same time, he found that he had lost his memory. He learned that he had to find all the " belongings " when he fell down to return to the world.

Price -30% 2.79€
Rating 8.3
Release 08 Feb 2021

qomp

You are the Ball. Escape.

Price 5.69€
Rating 9.0
Release 04 Feb 2021

Psycholonials

While in communication with supernatural forces, two influencers launch a daring new social media brand.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 03 Feb 2021

Angel Wings

Upon answering a mysterious phone call, you awaken in an unfamiliar place filled with new faces… Through intricate relationships and thoughtful introspection, will you be able to unravel the reason you are here?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 29 Jan 2021

TOHU

Experience a brand new adventure game set amongst a world of weird and wonderful fish planets. Explore beautiful environments, solve intricate puzzles and discover the truth about a mysterious little girl and her mechanical alter-ego, Cubus.

Price 12.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 28 Jan 2021

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy

This story takes place three years after the events of the previous game “Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout,” and depicts the reunion of Ryza and her friends, who go through new encounters and goodbyes to discover a true priceless treasure.

Price -36% 38.53€
Rating 8.8
Release 25 Jan 2021

Sunlight

Traverse a harmonious hand painted forest in this first person hike. ☀️The trees guide you with gentle whispers, as you explore a philosophical story.

Price -75% 1.00€
Rating 7.2
Release 14 Jan 2021

Press Any Button

This video game realized how boring it had been and now is trying its best to fix that.

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 07 Jan 2021

Wattam

Wattam is a game about the joys of friendship and discovery, from the imagination of Keita Takahashi (creator of Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy) and developer Funomena.

Price -79% 3.80€
Rating 7.9
Release 18 Dec 2020

Call of the Sea

Call of the Sea is an otherworldly tale of mystery and love set in the 1930s South Pacific. Explore a lush island paradise, solve puzzles and unlock secrets in the hunt for your husband’s missing expedition.

Price -93% 1.33€
Rating 8.6
Release 08 Dec 2020

THE CORRIDOR

THE CORRIDOR is a 20-30 minute experience about the relationship between player and game.

Price 1.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 04 Dec 2020

Arise: A Simple Story

Embark on an emotional journey of losing the love of one's life. Manipulate time, solve puzzles, reshape surroundings as you push forward into the bittersweet recollections of a past life. This is a story about happiness and hardship, joy and sorrow. A story that all of us will one day experience.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.8
Release 03 Dec 2020

Summerland

Summerland is a first-person narrative game about morality and the afterlife. You take control of Matthew, a detective reliving the events of his past, being questioned on his morals along the way. In every door lies another memory, and every memory unlocks another door.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 01 Dec 2020

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.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 20 Nov 2020

What Comes After

What Comes After is a side-scrolling adventure and a short heartwarming story about learning how to love yourself. Help Vivi in her journey on the train to the afterlife and back.

Price 3.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 05 Nov 2020

Iwaihime

From hit writer Ryukishi07, the creator of When They Cry, comes a story on the theme of “curses.” Strike down the dark riddle of dolls and soot in this supernatural horror visual novel.

Price 24.99€
Rating 7.6
Release 23 Oct 2020

Amnesia: Rebirth

A first-person horror adventure. Uncover your past and survive the Algerian desert. Fear is your enemy; stay calm to not succumb to an illness threatening you and your loved one. Avoid darkness, hide from monsters and solve puzzles. Adventure Mode available for a less scary experience.

Price 28.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 20 Oct 2020

Raji: An Ancient Epic

Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game set in ancient India. A young girl named Raji has been chosen by the gods to stand against the demonic invasion of the human realm. Her destiny? To rescue her younger brother and face the demon lord Mahabalasura.

Price -92% 1.96€
Rating 7.9
Release 15 Oct 2020

Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest

Explore the myths and monsters of Europe’s last primeval wilderness. Play as Maia, who arrives at the ancient Białowieża Forest looking to explore her family history. Discover Rage in an adventure game inspired by the experience of the legendary tabletop roleplaying game Werewolf: The Apocalypse.

Price 12.49€
Rating 7.9
Release 13 Oct 2020

The Uncertain: Light At The End

The Uncertain is a story-driven adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Humanity disappeared from the face of the Earth and has been replaced by robots. Together with Emily, one of the survivors, you will have to witness how people try to live in a world ruled by robots.

Price -88% 1.00€
Rating 6.3
Release 08 Oct 2020

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 19th 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 855 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
42,953
2,116

855
players

2. 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 169 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among emotional games based on player count.
9.5
8,638
212

169
players

3. 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 168 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among emotional games based on player count.
9.4
5,677
134

168
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 153 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

153
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. With 137 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.4
5,077
795

137
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

81
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 3,240 reviews of which 2,848 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
2,848
392

29
players

8. 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 #8 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
76,709
2,984

27
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 4,160 reviews of which 4,107 were positive and 53 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
4,107
53

26
players

10. 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 17,136 reviews of which 16,780 were positive and 356 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
16,780
356

20
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 19th 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 3,389 reviews of which 3,314 were positive and 75 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
3,314
75

-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 3,591 reviews of which 3,423 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
3,423
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. 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 751 reviews of which 713 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 #4 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.9
713
38

-86% 19.00€ 2.66€

5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.4
7,345
1,176

-86% 12.07€ 1.69€

6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
18,215
406

-81% 9.79€ 1.86€

7. 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 11,698 reviews of which 11,211 were positive and 487 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 #7 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.3
11,211
487

-73% 9.78€ 2.64€

8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.8
349
14

-70% 19.99€ 5.99€

9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.1
2,459
124

-67% 29.99€ 9.89€

10. 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. Currently offered at a significant 65% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
8,638
212

-65% 19.34€ 6.77€

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 19th 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

10
players

2. 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 #2 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.5
543
52

3
players

3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.4
852
110

3
players

4. 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 2,223 reviews of which 2,083 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.9
2,083
140

2
players

5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.8
509
29

1
players

6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.7
3,014
330

1
players

7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
9.2
691
9

8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.9
459
18

9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.8
881
64