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
Sherlock Holmes - Nemesis
This new Sherlock Holmes game sends us to 19th Century London where Arséne Lupin, a young French burglar with an impressive track record, has just challenged Scotland Yard and the most famous of detectives - Sherlock Holmes.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 22nd 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 3,156 reviews of which 2,625 were positive and 531 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played investigation game, thanks to its 14,149 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.0
2,625
531
14,149
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 189 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
189
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 2,904 reviews of which 2,825 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 111 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among investigation games based on player count.
9.3
2,825
79
111
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. With 106 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played investigation games.
8.0
9,802
2,185
106
players
5. 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 8,940 reviews of which 8,652 were positive and 288 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.4
8,652
288
99
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 8,421 reviews of which 8,276 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
8,276
145
64
players
7. 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 12,944 reviews of which 12,272 were positive and 672 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
12,272
672
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 2,850 reviews of which 2,683 were positive and 167 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
2,683
167
56
players
9. 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 7,535 reviews of which 7,184 were positive and 351 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
7,184
351
53
players
10. Depersonalization
"May all stories find their best endings." "Depersonalization" is an anthology-style game featuring standalone chapters and diverse story genres. We continuously collect and create a wide variety of stories, ultimately housing them in a library that transcends the flow of time. Depersonalization is a lovecraftian, pixel graphics and investigation game developed by MeowNature and published by Gamera Games. Released on August 08th 2024 has received 5,885 reviews of which 5,502 were positive and 383 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.0
5,502
383
36
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 22nd 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 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in investigation games.
6.8
283
114
-93%
19.57€
1.37€
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 1,168 reviews of which 895 were positive and 273 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
895
273
-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 1,573 reviews of which 1,317 were positive and 256 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 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
1,317
256
-84%
12.50€
2.00€
7. 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 365 reviews of which 303 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 79% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.7
303
62
-79%
29.52€
6.20€
8. 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 3,970 reviews of which 3,685 were positive and 285 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 77% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.9
3,685
285
-77%
16.78€
3.86€
9. Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged
The classic multi-award winning adventure "Broken Sword - the Shadow of the Templars" returns with glorious 4K visuals and iconic remastered audio, pitching intrepid American George Stobbart and fearless journalist Nico Collard into a journey of perilous adventures and ancient conspiracies. Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is a mystery, narrative and point & click game developed and published by Revolution Software Ltd. Released on September 19th 2024 has received 723 reviews of which 702 were positive and 21 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 investigation games.
9.1
702
21
-67%
30.36€
10.02€
10. 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 8,421 reviews of which 8,276 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 66% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for investigation games.
9.5
8,276
145
-66%
17.79€
6.05€
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 22nd 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. With 106 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free investigation games on Steam.
8.0
9,802
2,185
106
players
2. 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 3,425 reviews of which 3,161 were positive and 264 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.9
3,161
264
21
players
3. 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 3,860 reviews of which 3,644 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
9.1
3,644
216
16
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.4
5,117
793
13
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 1,968 reviews of which 1,786 were positive and 182 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
1,786
182
8
players
6. 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 7,476 reviews of which 6,452 were positive and 1,024 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
6,452
1,024
5
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 630 reviews of which 541 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
541
89
2
players