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: The Devil's Daughter
Experience a fantastic adventure with unique gameplay that blends investigation, action and exploration in a breath-taking thriller that will test the limits of your nerves and intelligence. Play as the great detective and track down evil in the darkest corners of London and the human soul…
Left Alone
Left Alone plunges you into a first-person psychological horror journey, where darkness and memories intertwine. As secrets emerge from shadows, use your wits to solve puzzles and explore haunting, forgotten locations. Every step echoes with the past; can you face the truths that await?
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 ?
Agatha Christie - The ABC Murders
The ABC Murders is an adventure and investigation game adapted from the classic Agatha Christie novel. You are the famous private detective Hercule Poirot and, once again, you find yourself up against a mysterious serial killer who goes by the name of "ABC".
A Wolf in Autumn
A one-armed young girl finds herself locked in a shed in the middle of an idyllic autumn forest, with threats both physical and immaterial drawing closer.
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...
Fingerbones
Explore a mysterious abandoned bunker and find notes that paint a disturbing picture.
Contradiction: Spot The Liar
Spot the lie and beat the liars in 'Contradiction' - the all-video murder mystery adventure!
The Moon Sliver
You are on a bleak, cold, windy island. And you seem to be alone... but fires and candles still burn. As you explore, a story of guilt, loneliness, and faith begins to take shape. And it becomes obvious that something is hunting you...
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition
Revisit of one of adventure gaming’s greatest classics by master storyteller Jane Jensen! Struggling bookstore owner Gabriel Knight investigates the sinister Voodoo Murders in New Orleans, discovering the secrets of his family history and unfolding his destiny in this tale of horror and suspense.
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
Become the most celebrated detective of all time: Sherlock Holmes! Use your impressive talents as a detective to solve six thrilling and varied cases: murders, missing persons, spectacular thefts and numerous investigations that sometimes lead you into the realms of the fantastic.
Detective Grimoire
Detective Grimoire has been called to investigate a murder. The owner of a small tourist attraction, seemingly killed by the mythical creature his attraction is based around... Explore the area, inspect the crime scene, grill suspects, solve puzzles, hunt for clues & uncover the secret of the swamp!
Broken Sword 5 - the Serpent's Curse
From multi-award winning Revolution Software comes the latest explosive episode in this classic series. Playing as intrepid American George Stobbart and sassy French journalist Nico Collard, you find yourself on the trail of a stolen painting – and a murderous conspiracy...
Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut
Play as special agent Francis York Morgan in this open-world action-adventure as you solve the case of the Red Seed Murders and survive in a small, quirky American mountain town where supernatural creatures and a mysterious raincoat-clad, axe-wielding killer seek to end his investigation for good.
The Testament of Sherlock Holmes
Become the greatest detective of all time in The Testament of Sherlock Holmes, a twisting, turning investigation game set in a faithfully-reproduced London of 1898. As Sherlock Holmes, you must find clues, interrogate suspects and unveil a mystery in a story full of twists!
L.A. Noire
In his fight to climb the ranks and do what's right, LAPD detective Cole Phelps must unravel the truth behind a string of arson attacks, conspiracies, and brutal murders, battling the L.A. underworld and even members of his own department.
Still Life
Still Life 2 also now available!
Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper
Recognized as one of the best licenses in gaming and lauded by the press, Sherlock Holmes is back with an investigation that is sure to be the most horrifying of the series. The famous detective stands against the most dangerous serial killer England has ever known - Jack the Ripper.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2008)
The Sherlock Holmes series returns with this updated version of The Awakened, which brings a whole new dimension to the original title developed by Frogwares. The game puts the player into an investigation of the Cthulhu Mythos - as imagined by Father of modern horror, H.P. Lovecraft.
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 15th 2025.
1. 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. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played investigation game, thanks to its 516 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
2,844
293
516
players
2. 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 412 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among investigation games based on player count.
9.3
2,796
79
412
players
3. 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 5,869 reviews of which 5,488 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 201 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among investigation games based on player count.
9.0
5,488
381
201
players
4. 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. With 186 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.5
8,234
145
186
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. With 133 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
12,223
671
133
players
6. 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 11,968 reviews of which 9,787 were positive and 2,181 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 117 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played investigation games.
8.0
9,787
2,181
117
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
7,159
349
75
players
8. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
Become the most celebrated detective of all time: Sherlock Holmes! Use your impressive talents as a detective to solve six thrilling and varied cases: murders, missing persons, spectacular thefts and numerous investigations that sometimes lead you into the realms of the fantastic. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed and published by Frogwares. Released on September 29th 2014 has received 7,122 reviews of which 6,412 were positive and 710 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played investigation games.
8.7
6,412
710
73
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.0
2,668
166
53
players
10. No Case Should Remain Unsolved
Twelve years after Senior Inspector Jeon Gyeong's retirement, she is visited by a young police officer: a woman who pleads with her to reexamine Seowon's case. But with each uncovered memory, only one thing becomes clear: everyone in Seowon's vicinity was lying. No Case Should Remain Unsolved is a interactive fiction, puzzle and visual novel game developed and published by Somi. Released on January 17th 2024 has received 6,687 reviews of which 6,486 were positive and 201 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.4
6,486
201
52
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 15th 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. Her Story
A woman is interviewed seven times by the police. Search the video database and explore hundreds of authentic clips to discover her story in this groundbreaking and award winning narrative game. Her Story is a investigation, typing and choose your own adventure game developed and published by Sam Barlow. Released on June 24th 2015 has received 9,630 reviews of which 8,629 were positive and 1,001 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in investigation games.
8.7
8,629
1,001
-90%
9.75€
0.97€
3. 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 395 reviews of which 282 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in investigation games.
6.8
282
113
-90%
19.50€
1.95€
4. 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 466 reviews of which 393 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.9
393
73
-87%
7.69€
1.00€
5. 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 787 reviews of which 647 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 #5 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.8
647
140
-87%
19.77€
2.57€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.4
894
271
-87%
19.46€
2.53€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.0
1,316
255
-84%
12.50€
2.00€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.7
375
84
-80%
19.99€
3.99€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.8
300
61
-79%
29.52€
6.20€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.9
3,677
284
-77%
16.78€
3.86€
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 15th 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 11,968 reviews of which 9,787 were positive and 2,181 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 117 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free investigation games on Steam.
8.0
9,787
2,181
117
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
46
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.4
5,117
793
42
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.9
3,155
262
30
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
24
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 7,479 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 #6 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.4
6,454
1,025
13
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
2
players