Best Experimental 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 experimental games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free experimental games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
KARMA: The Dark World
KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller set in a dystopian world where the Leviathan Corporation is omnipresent. The year is 1984, the place is East Germany, and things are not quite what they seem.
My Little Life
A relaxing life-sim that lives on the bottom of your screen while you do other things.
DEAD LETTER DEPT.
Working at a data entry job in the big city, you type up and transcribe the lost mail and letters that have nowhere else to go. But as the days carry on oddities in the mail start to emerge, and cracks begin to appear.
Magic Archery
Train a commoner to become the greatest archer in this short incremental game! Increase your stats, gather wealth from quests, buy upgrades, and infuse your arrows with magic.
Tiny Glade
Tiny Glade is a small diorama builder where you doodle whimsical castles, cozy cottages & romantic ruins. Explore gridless building chemistry as the game adorns your glades with procedural detail. No management, combat or goals: just kick back and turn forgotten meadows into lovable dioramas.
Lorn's Lure
An android is led through a vast structure by a glitch in his visual system. Lorn's Lure is an atmospheric narrative first-person platformer with novel climb-anything mechanics and modernized retro 3D graphics.
WHAT THE CAR?
An absurdly silly adventure full of racing, laughs, and unexpected surprises. Roll, sprint, jump, fly and sneeze your way to victory on the racetrack and beyond!
Nodebuster
Nodebuster is a short, experimental incremental game about busting nodes and destroying reality.
VLADiK BRUTAL
Fight under the onslaught of mutated monsters, obsessed soldiers and even darker bosses. Just try to survive and find out what to do next in this life, simultaneously tearing your enemies to pieces.
Revue Starlight El Dorado
The first console game of the stage-themed multi-media franchise "Revue Starlight" is on its way!
1000xRESIST
1000xRESIST is a thrilling sci-fi adventure. The year is unknown, and a disease spread by an alien invasion keeps you underground. You are Watcher. You dutifully fulfil your purpose in serving the ALLMOTHER, until the day you discover a shocking secret that changes everything.
Buckshot Roulette
Play Russian roulette with a 12-gauge shotgun. Four enter. One leaves. Roll the dice with your life. Good luck!
Bulwark Evolution: Falconeer Chronicles
Bulwark: Evolution mixes elements of a chill builder with grand strategy and exploration elements. It's a genre bending experimental game that can be both a peaceful building experience or a total conquest with airships, warbirds and fortresses. It's up to the player to decide.
Windowkill
Windowkill is a twin-stick shooter, but the game window itself is constantly closing in on you. Shoot the window edges to push it around your screen as you fight and dodge enemies and bosses in their own windows.
Kukoro: Stream chat games
Kukoro: Stream chat games is a collection of +20 games, from 2D shooters to tactical RPG mini-games, with a high engage for your Twitch community. You and your audience will be able to play with you in real time receiving the individual relevance they deserve, growing your channel day by day.
(the) Gnorp Apologue
(the) Gnorp Apologue is the journey of the gnorps as you guide them towards their goal of delightfully excessive wealth accumulation.
Juice Galaxy
Juice Galaxy is a happy place to fly around and smack things and drink juice. And explore things. And just, flip around doing stuff.
TELEFORUM
TELEFORUM is a found-footage-styled horror game exploring the unknown side of media. You’re visiting a widow’s apartment to conduct an interview about her husband's death. But that’s not the main reason why you’re here. It’s all about the tape, isn’t it?
South Scrimshaw, Part One
South Scrimshaw is the story of a newborn whale in a vast alien ocean. It is a richly illustrated experimental visual novel, written in the style of a nature documentary.
Pan'orama
Relax and unleash your creativity in this new city building puzzle game. Create amazing landscapes and discover wide range of structures with special abilities. Enter the world of beauty and tranquility with the panoramas of your own creation and don't forget to pet your new animal friends!Most played experimental games on Steam
Take a look at the top experimental games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. 14 Minesweeper Variants
Minesweeper but the rules are changing. 14 Minesweeper Variants is a puzzle, logic and minimalist game developed by Alith Games and Artless Games and published by Artless Games. Released on November 14th 2022 has received 1,213 reviews of which 1,177 were positive and 36 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 experimental game, thanks to its 246 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
1,177
36
246
players
2. Townscaper
Instant town building toy Townscaper is a experimental, building and relaxing game developed by Oskar Stålberg and published by Raw Fury. Released on August 26th 2021 has received 20,919 reviews of which 19,998 were positive and 921 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.3
19,998
921
99
players
3. Nucleares
Nuclear Reactor Simulator: Take Control. Prevent Disaster. Power the World. Nucleares is a simulation, realistic and experimental game developed and published by Iván Marcelo Pretti. Released on March 13th 2023 has received 667 reviews of which 543 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played experimental games.
7.7
543
124
51
players
4. Comedy Night
Tell jokes, sing songs, make friends or heckle. Comedy Night captures the fun experience of a real comedy club. Comedy Night is a casual, comedy and experimental game developed and published by Lighthouse Games Studio. Released on August 24th 2017 has received 9,125 reviews of which 6,817 were positive and 2,308 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played experimental games.
7.3
6,817
2,308
31
players
5. Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk
A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her. Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk is a visual novel, psychological horror and horror game developed by Nikita Kryukov and published by Missing Calm. Released on August 26th 2020 has received 29,174 reviews of which 28,218 were positive and 956 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.5
28,218
956
19
players
6. Understand
Understand is an experimental puzzle game about guessing rules. In each level, you have to figure out the rules through trial and error, then draw a line satisfying all rules. Understand is a abstract, minimalist and logic game developed and published by Artless Games. Released on October 30th 2020 has received 723 reviews of which 657 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played experimental games.
8.5
657
66
19
players
7. Progressbar95
Progressbar95 is a unique indie game with a strong nostalgic vibe. It turns vintage GUI elements like panels, buttons and icons into game elements! Simple and addictive gameplay based on dozens of mini-games and puzzles. The game will make you smile! Progressbar95 is a casual, arcade and experimental game developed by Igor Uduslivii and published by Spooky House Studios UG haftungsbeschraenkt. Released on September 08th 2020 has received 2,861 reviews of which 2,751 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.2
2,751
110
16
players
8. Heliborne Collection
Rotary-wing aviation and helicopter combat with a dynamic battlefield and the support of ground forces. Appreciated for MMO elements and an addictive gameplay loop. Use tactics and make strategic decisions or fly around and shoot in historically accurate maps. Heliborne Collection is a military, flight and multiplayer game developed and published by Klabater. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 3,854 reviews of which 2,845 were positive and 1,009 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played experimental games.
7.2
2,845
1,009
8
players
9. HyperRogue
A truly non-Euclidean tactical puzzle/roguelike! HyperRogue is a traditional roguelike, psychedelic and turn-based tactics game developed and published by Zeno Rogue. Released on January 16th 2015 has received 450 reviews of which 433 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played experimental games.
8.9
433
17
7
players
10. The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king
Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time some else succeeds... The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king is a free to play, indie and short game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2022 has received 8,544 reviews of which 7,761 were positive and 783 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played experimental games.
8.8
7,761
783
7
players
Best deals on experimental games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of experimental 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 experimental games.
1. Radio Commander
Use the radio to give commands to the soldiers on the battlefield. Keep track of the situation based on their voice reports only. Lead US platoons to clash with Vietcong in a realistic, innovative approach to the RTS genre. Make hard choices in a narrative driven experience, and face the outcome. Radio Commander is a simulation, singleplayer and wargame game developed by Serious Sim and published by Games Operators and PlayWay S.A.. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 1,888 reviews of which 1,366 were positive and 522 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 92% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for experimental category.
7
1,366
522
-92%
17.50€
1.40€
2. SCP Strategy
Take control of the SCP Foundation. For the general good, find, contain, and protect SCP objects. Develop your foundation and protect it from hostile organizations, in the last resort destroy them and capture SCP objects held there. SCP Strategy is a strategy, simulation and management game developed by LUXO Interactive and published by LUK KUS SOFT. Released on May 05th 2022 has received 542 reviews of which 446 were positive and 96 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 89% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in experimental games.
7.7
446
96
-89%
6.89€
0.75€
3. Californium
Taking the form of a first-person experience of a bad trip, Californium pays homage to sci-fi legend Philip K. Dick by transporting you into the life of a writer searching for his own identity. Explore, solve the riddles and conduct your investigation. Will you find what’s behind the simulacra ? Californium is a psychedelic, sci-fi and experimental game developed by Darjeeling, Nova Production and ARTE France and published by ARTE France. Released on February 17th 2016 has received 383 reviews of which 269 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in experimental games.
6.7
269
114
-87%
5.99€
0.77€
4. The Franz Kafka Videogame
An original puzzle/adventure game inspired by the writings of Franz Kafka. The Franz Kafka Videogame is a adventure, surreal and indie game developed by Denis Galanin (mif2000) and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 06th 2017 has received 831 reviews of which 538 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for experimental games.
6.3
538
293
-85%
6.99€
1.04€
5. BE-A Walker
Take control of a huge mech on an alien planet! Shoot and trample the natives, avenge your brother, or forgive his killers? Join the rebels to restore peace on the exotic planet of Eldorado. BE-A Walker is a shoot 'em up, difficult and experimental game developed by Tequilabyte Studio and published by Games Operators and PlayWay S.A.. Released on May 07th 2020 has received 607 reviews of which 448 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 77% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for experimental games.
7.0
448
159
-77%
8.09€
1.86€
6. 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. Sunlight is a adventure, experimental and walking simulator game developed and published by Krillbite Studio. Released on January 14th 2021 has received 401 reviews of which 303 were positive and 98 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for experimental games.
7.1
303
98
-75%
4.00€
1.00€
7. Townscaper
Instant town building toy Townscaper is a experimental, building and relaxing game developed by Oskar Stålberg and published by Raw Fury. Released on August 26th 2021 has received 20,919 reviews of which 19,998 were positive and 921 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for experimental games.
9.3
19,998
921
-70%
5.90€
1.77€
8. Schastye
A miniature frozen between the atmosphere of a small room and Castaneda with Lovecraft. The story of radical spiritual practices in the search for truth among panels and stacks. Schastye is a experimental, adventure and visual novel game developed by Garage Heathen and published by Missing Calm. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 418 reviews of which 290 were positive and 128 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 51% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for experimental games.
6.6
290
128
-51%
0.99€
0.49€
9. Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk
A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her. Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk is a visual novel, psychological horror and horror game developed by Nikita Kryukov and published by Missing Calm. Released on August 26th 2020 has received 29,174 reviews of which 28,218 were positive and 956 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for experimental games.
9.5
28,218
956
-50%
1.49€
0.74€
Free experimental games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play experimental 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 experimental games.
1. The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king
Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time some else succeeds... The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king is a free to play, indie and short game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2022 has received 8,544 reviews of which 7,761 were positive and 783 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
8.8
7,761
783
7
players
2. Port of Call
Imagine waking up on a small dock with no recollection of who you are or how you got there. The first person you find is a grumpy, old man who enlists you to work on his ferry boat which seems to have materialized behind you. Port of Call is a indie, adventure and free to play game developed and published by Underdog Games. Released on August 28th 2015 has received 1,245 reviews of which 1,099 were positive and 146 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
8.4
1,099
146
2
players
3. MetaWare High School (Demo)
How do you see the world when nothing is real? An experimental metafictional visual novel. MetaWare High School (Demo) is a visual novel, philosophical and experimental game developed and published by Not Fun Games. Released on April 02nd 2020 has received 676 reviews of which 655 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
9.0
655
21
1
players
4. Interstate Drifter 1999
Drift between the states, collect bits, beat rivals and get a high score. Interstate Drifter 1999 is a racing, experimental and arcade game developed and published by Ultimo Games. Released on September 16th 2020 has received 306 reviews of which 293 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
8.8
293
13
5. The Flood
The Flood is a peaceful 5 minute narrative experience in which you pilot a little boat down a river. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes we should stop worrying about our destination and just enjoy the journey. The Flood is a free to play, indie and relaxing game developed and published by Ondrej Angelovic. Released on March 30th 2018 has received 1,220 reviews of which 1,023 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
8.0
1,023
197