Best Investigation 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 investigation games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free investigation games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Bureau of Contacts
"Bureau of Contacts" - ghost-hunting game for 1-4 players, in which you'll encounter 2 enemies at once - location itself and the ghosts with most human-like intelligence ever. So...look around and watch what you say!
Blue Prince
Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46?
Trials of Innocence
Trials of Innocence is an indie courtroom detective game. Step into the shoes of the main character, rookie lawyer Luna Ray, and navigate her journey through the legal world. Unravel a shocking conspiracy that changes the fate of many, including herself, and confront her inner choices.
Unpossess: Exorcism Simulator
Unpossess is a 1-4 co-op exorcism simulator game set in the early 1900s. Players take on the role of exorcists responsible for addressing cases of human possession.
Do No Harm
Lovecraftian Doctor Simulator. Diagnose patients by analyzing unsettling symptoms and treat them using your Book of Medicine. Make moral choices — decide who to save or kill, discover whom to trust, and unlock multiple endings! Can you endure 30 days of perilous decisions?
BrokenLore: LOW
BrokenLore: LOW is a psychological horror game set in a mist-covered, beautiful Japanese village, blending hyper-realistic graphics with low-poly elements. The main enemy is the Gashadokuro, a yokai from Japanese folklore.
Project Hailstorm
Step into the shoes of a researcher in the depths of the antarctic and uncover the mysteries behind Project Hailstorm.
Dreamcore
Step into the surreal with Dreamcore, a body-cam styled psychological horror game that plunges you into the eerie beauty of "liminal spaces." Unravel the mysteries of Dreamcore’s non-linear worlds and uncover its hidden secrets. Can you discover what lies beyond the edge of reality?
The Shell Part III: Paradiso
The coiling chains of obsession that began with The Shell now threaten to strangle Detective Reiji Tokisaka in the third and final entry in the trilogy. As old friends and foes rise up for one last confrontation, can anyone break the cycle—and can Reiji's heart ever be set free?
The Roottrees are Dead
A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation.
Cursed Digicam | 呪われたデジカメ
You receive a cursed digital camera that captures ghosts from a strange website. The website allows you to liberate your loved ones by uploading images of their spirits using the camera. You decide to go to the nearest park where your girl was last seen.
Locked In Mind
In Locked in Mind, you are trapped in a virtual escape room full of puzzles. Use your wits to solve them at your own pace without the pressure of a time limit. Perfect for players of all skill levels. Start your adventure today!
Go Home Annie
A twisted psychological thriller and an original story set in the SCP universe. As an employee of the SCP Foundation, test artificially created paranormal events, solve puzzles, interact with anomalies, and uncover the secrets of the Replication Division.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries in a first-person, single-player adventure. The year is 1937, sinister forces are scouring the globe for the secret to an ancient power connected to the Great Circle, and only one person can stop them - Indiana Jones™.
![[Bober Bros] The Hole](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3037930/header.jpg)
[Bober Bros] The Hole
[Bober Bros] The Hole is a first-person horror game that explores the cracks in domestic life. Your neighbor’s drilling starts the nightmare, but the holes reveal dark secrets far deeper than any wall could hide. No cheap scares, only disturbing reality.
Enigma of Fear
Become Mia, a paranormal detective searching for her missing father inside the Perimeter - a place that doesn't exist. Investigate clues like a real detective and unravel the mysteries behind the Enigma of Fear, defeating the terrible monsters who'll try to stop you.
Mindlock - The Apartment
Colin’s apartment maze has puzzles, dialogues, and some dry humor waiting for you. A surreal adventure of a special kind.
Follow the meaning
Follow the meaning is a surreal point-and-click puzzle adventure. Join detective Paul Trilby as he works to unravel the mysteries of a peculiar town, seemingly ruled by the local Hospital. Over the wall and behind tightly shut gates, a dark secret lies in wait…
Loco Motive
On the Reuss Express a passenger has been murdered, and you’re the prime suspects. Uncover a thrilling mystery and solve satisfying point and click puzzles to prove your innocence! A slapstick adventure, packed full of deadly surprises, shocking twists and larger than life characters!
Once Alive
A story-driven, first-person adventure game offering a cinematic experience. Embark on a journey to HaustVille, an abandoned settlement in a post-apocalyptic world. Explore your surroundings and uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the last survivors.
Great God Grove
THE WORLD IS ENDING AND THE GODS ARE SQUABBLING! Suck up and launch dialogue in a world of puzzles, puppets, and weird gods… or THE RIFT WILL CONSUME US ALL!
The Rise of the Golden Idol
The Award-winning detective saga returns in this standalone sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. Uncover the truth behind 20 strange cases of crime, death and depravity in the 1970s. The world has changed dramatically - the sins of humanity have not.
Is this Game Trying to Kill Me?
An old shack deep in a dense forest, a strange computer and a game that's trying to kill you!Most played investigation games on Steam
Take a look at the top investigation games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Blue Prince
Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46? Blue Prince is a puzzle, exploration and mystery game developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 1,091 reviews of which 848 were positive and 243 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played investigation game, thanks to its 12,019 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.4
848
243
12,019
players
2. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a adventure, visual novel and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 24th 2024 has received 3,137 reviews of which 2,844 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 173 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among investigation games based on player count.
8.7
2,844
293
173
players
3. Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Miles Edgeworth's dramatic turnabouts take center stage! Experience both Ace Attorney Investigations games in one gorgeous collection! Investigate crime scenes and solve tough, intriguing cases through logic and deduction. When Edgeworth's past and present collide, his future begins! Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a adventure, investigation and mystery game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 2,875 reviews of which 2,796 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 133 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among investigation games based on player count.
9.3
2,796
79
133
players
4. Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege
You only wanted to make a visit to your sick colleague, but what you encounter is beyond your imagination. Discover the secrets of your colleague and find a way to escape the trap. Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege is a multiplayer, free to play and horror game developed and published by Bitbeast Games. Released on September 05th 2020 has received 11,987 reviews of which 9,802 were positive and 2,185 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played investigation games.
8.0
9,802
2,185
74
players
5. Strange Horticulture
Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries. Strange Horticulture is a mystery, puzzle and investigation game developed by Bad Viking and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on January 21st 2022 has received 12,894 reviews of which 12,223 were positive and 671 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
12,223
671
65
players
6. The Case of the Golden Idol
A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth. The Case of the Golden Idol is a mystery, detective and investigation game developed by Color Gray Games and published by Playstack. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 8,379 reviews of which 8,234 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.5
8,234
145
60
players
7. Enigma of Fear
Become Mia, a paranormal detective searching for her missing father inside the Perimeter - a place that doesn't exist. Investigate clues like a real detective and unravel the mysteries behind the Enigma of Fear, defeating the terrible monsters who'll try to stop you. Enigma of Fear is a mystery, investigation and supernatural game developed by Dumativa and Cellbit and published by Dumativa and Nuuvem Inc. Released on November 28th 2024 has received 8,904 reviews of which 8,619 were positive and 285 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.4
8,619
285
58
players
8. The Rise of the Golden Idol
The Award-winning detective saga returns in this standalone sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. Uncover the truth behind 20 strange cases of crime, death and depravity in the 1970s. The world has changed dramatically - the sins of humanity have not. The Rise of the Golden Idol is a mystery, investigation and detective game developed by Color Gray Games and published by Playstack. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 2,834 reviews of which 2,668 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.0
2,668
166
50
players
9. The Operator
Welcome to the FDI. As our newest Operator, your role is to use your detective skills to assist our field agents and investigate mysterious crimes. Use cutting-edge FDI software to dig for clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth. The Operator is a investigation, detective and conspiracy game developed by Bureau 81 and published by Bureau 81 and indienova. Released on July 22nd 2024 has received 5,830 reviews of which 5,417 were positive and 413 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.0
5,417
413
46
players
10. Pentiment
Step into a living illustrated world in a time when Europe is at a crossroads of great religious and political change. Walk in the footsteps of Andreas Maler, a master artist who finds himself in the middle of murders, scandals, and intrigue in the Bavarian Alps. Pentiment is a historical, story rich and adventure game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 14th 2022 has received 7,508 reviews of which 7,159 were positive and 349 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
7,159
349
40
players
Best deals on investigation games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of investigation 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 investigation games.
1. A Guidebook of Babel
A narrative-driven puzzle adventure game with the butterfly effect at its core. Board the Babel, a mysterious cruise ship that takes you on a whimsical journey to the afterlife. Use a special pen to help fellow travelers fulfill their wishes by rewriting the past, changing how the future unfolds. A Guidebook of Babel is a adventure, story rich and time manipulation game developed by StarryStarry and published by Thermite Games. Released on August 02nd 2023 has received 1,451 reviews of which 1,339 were positive and 112 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for investigation category.
8.8
1,339
112
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
2. Crime O'Clock
Crime O'Clock is a hidden objects investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man! Crime O'Clock is a investigation, hidden object and 2d game developed by Bad Seed and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on July 21st 2023 has received 397 reviews of which 283 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in investigation games.
6.8
283
114
-90%
19.50€
1.95€
3. Time Loader
Time Loader is a story-driven puzzle-platformer with tiny robots, alternate realities, nostalgic music, and primitive tech from the 90s! Time Loader is a logic, story rich and investigation game developed by Flazm and published by META Publishing. Released on November 03rd 2021 has received 469 reviews of which 394 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in investigation games.
7.9
394
75
-87%
7.69€
1.00€
4. Alfred Hitchcock - Vertigo
Can you trust your own mind? Immerse yourself in a psychological thriller of a new kind, playing with the limits between reality and fantasy. Freely inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s universe. Alfred Hitchcock - Vertigo is a adventure, thriller and interactive fiction game developed by Pendulo Studios and published by Microids. Released on December 16th 2021 has received 788 reviews of which 648 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.8
648
140
-87%
19.77€
2.57€
5. Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases
Discover an untold crime story from the mysterious youth of the famous detective Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed by Blazing Griffin and published by Microids. Released on September 27th 2021 has received 1,165 reviews of which 894 were positive and 271 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.4
894
271
-87%
19.46€
2.53€
6. Murder by Numbers
Solve Pixel Puzzles to find clues. Use those clues to interrogate witnesses. Work your way to the truth... ...and uncover the mystery of Murder by Numbers! Murder by Numbers is a investigation, visual novel and puzzle game developed by Mediatonic and published by The Irregular Corporation. Released on March 06th 2020 has received 1,571 reviews of which 1,316 were positive and 255 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.0
1,316
255
-84%
12.50€
2.00€
7. The Alien Cube
Worlds collide as your cursed inheritance throws you into the middle of a series of mysterious events. Discover terrifying secrets as you follow your uncle’s disappearance, and confront a terrible truth that will change your life forever in this cosmic horror first-person adventure. The Alien Cube is a lovecraftian, horror and exploration game developed and published by Alessandro Guzzo. Released on October 14th 2021 has received 459 reviews of which 375 were positive and 84 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.7
375
84
-80%
19.99€
3.99€
8. Kona II: Brume
Northern Québec, 1970. A bizarre mist —the Brume— is disconnecting a rural mining village from its quiet reality. Step into the shoes of Detective Carl Faubert as he unfolds the mysteries haunting the region while battling for his own survival. Kona II: Brume is a adventure, exploration and investigation game developed by Parabole and published by Ravenscourt. Released on October 18th 2023 has received 361 reviews of which 300 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 79% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.8
300
61
-79%
29.52€
6.20€
9. Wytchwood
Wytchwood is a crafting adventure game set in a land of gothic fables and fairytales. As the old witch of the woods, explore a strange countryside, collect magic ingredients, brew sorcerous spells, and pass judgement upon a capricious cast of characters. Wytchwood is a crafting, story rich and exploration game developed and published by Alientrap. Released on December 09th 2021 has received 3,961 reviews of which 3,677 were positive and 284 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 77% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.9
3,677
284
-77%
16.78€
3.86€
10. The Silver Case
The Silver Case – the debut title from world-renowned developer SUDA51 has been fully remastered and localized to English for the first time ever! The Silver Case is a adventure, investigation and mystery game developed by GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC. and PLAYISM and published by GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.. Released on October 06th 2016 has received 854 reviews of which 755 were positive and 99 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.3
755
99
-75%
19.99€
4.99€
Free investigation games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play investigation 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 investigation games.
1. Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege
You only wanted to make a visit to your sick colleague, but what you encounter is beyond your imagination. Discover the secrets of your colleague and find a way to escape the trap. Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege is a multiplayer, free to play and horror game developed and published by Bitbeast Games. Released on September 05th 2020 has received 11,987 reviews of which 9,802 were positive and 2,185 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.0
9,802
2,185
74
players
2. Hello Neighbor Alpha 2
Welcome to Alpha 2 of Hello Neighbor. Play against an advanced, self-learning AI in what eventually became Act 1 of Hello Neighbor - the stealth horror home invasion sim. Hello Neighbor Alpha 2 is a horror, survival horror and stealth game developed by Dynamic Pixels and published by tinyBuild. Released on October 15th 2019 has received 3,848 reviews of which 3,633 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
9.1
3,633
215
21
players
3. Hello Neighbor Alpha 1
This is Alpha 1 of Hello Neighbor, a Stealth Horror Game about sneaking into your neighbor's house and figuring out what he's hiding in the basement. Play against an advanced AI that learns from your actions. Hello Neighbor Alpha 1 is a cartoony, horror and survival horror game developed by Dynamic Pixels and published by tinyBuild. Released on October 12th 2019 has received 3,417 reviews of which 3,155 were positive and 262 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.9
3,155
262
17
players
4. Unfortunate Spacemen
An online multiplayer game about shapeshifting deception and betrayal! As a hapless, brave spaceman employed by The Company you'll work diligently to defend and be rescued from failing outposts, but not everyone around you is who they claim to be... Unfortunate Spacemen is a survival horror, investigation and co-op game developed by Geoff 'Zag' Keene and Deep Field Games and published by Deep Field Games and New Blood Interactive . Released on June 12th 2020 has received 7,479 reviews of which 6,454 were positive and 1,025 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.4
6,454
1,025
12
players
5. Hello Neighbor Pre-Alpha
The Original Pre-Alpha of Hello Neighbor, a Stealth Horror Game about sneaking into your neighbor's house and figuring out what he's hiding in the basement. Play against an advanced AI that learns from your actions. Hello Neighbor Pre-Alpha is a horror, stealth and sandbox game developed by Dynamic Pixels and published by tinyBuild. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 1,965 reviews of which 1,782 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.7
1,782
183
8
players
6. Hello Neighbor 2 Alpha 1.5
Hello Neighbor 2 is a Stealth Horror Game where you’re being stalked by a mysterious creature as you try to track down Mr. Peterson (The Neighbor) who has disappeared after the events of the first game. Play against an advanced, self-learning AI that tracks and adapts to your every move. Hello Neighbor 2 Alpha 1.5 is a adventure, puzzle and stealth game developed by Eerie Guest and tinyBuild and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 23rd 2020 has received 5,910 reviews of which 5,117 were positive and 793 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.4
5,117
793
7
players
7. Silver Creek Falls: Chapter 1
Two city detectives are sent to a small idyllic town in North Carolina called ‘Silver Creek Falls” to investigate a strange series of events that the local sheriff can’t seem to get his mind around. What initially seems like an open-and-shut case unfolds into a truly terrifying mystery that will leave the detectives wondering what is... Silver Creek Falls: Chapter 1 is a horror, investigation and casual game developed and published by Sapphire Dragon Productions. Released on August 12th 2015 has received 631 reviews of which 542 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.1
542
89
1
players