Best Lore-Rich 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 lore-rich games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free lore-rich games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
MECHANICA: A Ballad of the Rabbit and Mercury
5029 AD, "Guillotine", the Japanese territory on Mercury, a city full of neon signs and drunks. You will explore the beautiful cyberpunk-style 2D world, play music to the residents of Mercury to gather intelligence, and finally achieve the goal of saving the world.
Gamedec - Definitive Edition
Gamedec is a single-player cyberpunk isometric RPG. You are a game detective, who solves crimes inside virtual worlds. Use your wits to gather info from your witnesses and suspects, getting to the bottom of deceptive schemes. The game continually adapts to your decisions and never judges.
The Rewinder
The Rewinder is an adventure puzzle game based on Chinese mythology. You play as Yun, the last known Rewinder, who can communicate with spirits and explore other people's memories to alter the past.
FINAL FANTASY IV
The original FINAL FANTASY IV comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the fourth game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
Super Animal Royale
It’s a fight for furvival! Super Animal Royale is a 64-player, frenetic, top-down 2D battle royale where murderous animals fight tooth, claw, and machine gun across an abandoned safari park.
Arietta of Spirits
Arietta of Spirits is a story-driven action-adventure game, with easy to approach game mechanics. Follow Arietta on her journey to unveil the mysteries of the Spirit Realm and immerse yourself in a story filled with emotion and surprising turns.
The Doors of Trithius
The Doors of Trithius is an open-world RPG roguelike. Engage in tactical turn-based combat in a living world of warring factions, wandering behemoths, and ancient magic. Level your skills, cook, craft, and explore dungeons. Will you follow the story, or let adventure be your guide?
Blood Spear
Blood Spear is a unique ranged action-adventure student game in which you play as a demonic spear. Emerging from a deep slumber, you are thirsty for blood. Throw with precision to impale and defeat powerful foes inside grandiose environments where a long-coveted power lies.
HORROR TALES: The Wine
Explore a post-pandemic fictional Mediterranean island and confront your fears! Immerse yourself in a seemingly abandoned city and struggle to find a precious Banydebosc red wine bottle to cure your loved ones. But be aware; your Nemesis is hunting you. Indie Jumpscares included! :D
Eldest Souls
Fast-paced and brutally challenging, Eldest Souls is a unique Soulslike experience. In a final act of vengeance, the Old Gods have unleashed a great Desolation upon the world. Mankind's only hope lies with a lone warrior… and his greatsword of pure Obsydian.
FINAL FANTASY III
The original FINAL FANTASY III comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the third game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
FINAL FANTASY II
The original FINAL FANTASY II comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the second game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
FINAL FANTASY
The original FINAL FANTASY comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the first game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
蛊婆 Lady in Tomb
Gu Lady is a cartoon style third person action game. In the game, you'll have an adventure of nightmares and there are also puzzles for you to solve. You'll act Gu JiuXun, a Miao girl, to explore the grave filled with monsters,puzzles and traps,to save her younger sister！
Cruelty Squad
An immersive power fantasy simulator with tactical stealth elements set in a sewage infused garbage world
Dark Deity
Step into the world of Terrazael and lead soon-to-be legendary heroes in a quest to restore a land fractured by broken oaths, reckless wars, and untamed magic. Fight back in turn-based battles, manage character relationships, collect dangerous artifacts, and hopefully restore the world...
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-
The cutting-edge 2D/3D hybrid graphics pioneered in the Guilty Gear series have been raised to the next level in “GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-“. The new artistic direction and improved character animations will go beyond anything you’ve seen before in a fighting game!
Edge Of Eternity
Wage epic turn-based battles as you follow Daryon and Selene on their quest to find a cure to the all-consuming Corrosion in this grand tale of hope and sacrifice, created by a small team of passionate JRPG lovers.
The Advisor - Episode 1: Royal Pain
The Advisor Series is a player-driven narrative where your choices & decisions, both in the game, and out of the game, determine how future episodes unfold. Play the role of villain protagonist Magnus the Magician, as he wreaks havoc across the land, one well-placed fireball at a time!
Imagine Earth
Build your own global colonies on distant worlds. Manage energy and resource supplies and produce goods for space trade. Form economic and diplomatic alliances or take over competing corporations. Conduct research to protect your colonists from disasters and avoid a climate crisis.
7Days Origins
7Days Origins is a single-player story game where the storyline changes based on the player's choices. For 7 days, you will meet various characters in the world of the dead. You may become allies and embark on adventures together or become enemies and fight.
Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings DX
The definitive edition of the Atelier "Mysterious" series at a new price, with brand new content and various DLCs! "Atelier Lydie & Suelle" is the 3rd instalment: after discovering a mysterious painting, Lydie & Suelle get closer to their dream of running the best atelier.Most played lore-rich games on Steam
Take a look at the top lore-rich games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 18th 2025.
1. Limbus Company
As the Executive Manager of Limbus Company, lead your group of twelve Sinners, venture into the buried facilities of Lobotomy Corporation, and lay claim on the Golden Boughs. Limbus Company is a lore-rich, story rich and turn-based tactics game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 55,107 reviews of which 47,194 were positive and 7,913 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played lore-rich game, thanks to its 9,930 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.4
47,194
7,913
9,930
players
2. BOOK OF HOURS
Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be? BOOK OF HOURS is a rpg, card game and exploration game developed and published by Weather Factory. Released on August 17th 2023 has received 4,263 reviews of which 3,606 were positive and 657 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 132 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among lore-rich games based on player count.
8.2
3,606
657
132
players
3. 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. While seeing 125 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among lore-rich games based on player count.
8.4
5,077
795
125
players
4. Picayune Dreams
Picayune Dreams is a roguelike blend of bullet heaven horde survival, and bullet hell gameplay. Adrift across the endless void, you must fend off thousands of nightmarish and otherwordly creatures. Uncover a mysterious and surreal story. And don't forget. You mu [TRANSMISSION INTERRUPTED...] Picayune Dreams is a bullet hell, psychedelic and action roguelike game developed by Stepford, Andyland and milkypossum and published by 2 Left Thumbs. Released on December 04th 2023 has received 3,000 reviews of which 2,964 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
9.4
2,964
36
54
players
5. Legend of Mortal
The game world is set in a turbulent state and the mighty Tang-Man declines. The threats from the old enemies keep coming one after another.As a nobody, will you choose either to leave yourself out of it or to fight for Tang-Man's future and turning the tide? The journey of yours,is unpredictable. Legend of Mortal is a rpg, choices matter and multiple endings game developed by Obb Studio Inc. and published by Obb Studio Inc. and Paras Games. Released on June 14th 2024 has received 31,464 reviews of which 22,653 were positive and 8,811 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
7.1
22,653
8,811
37
players
6. 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. Trials of Innocence is a detective, visual novel and interactive fiction game developed and published by 猫龙游戏. Released on March 25th 2025 has received 406 reviews of which 374 were positive and 32 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
8.5
374
32
31
players
7. Three Kingdoms The Last Warlord
The Last Warlord is a Turn-based strategy game. The game is based on the famous Chinese historical novel. The Three Kingdoms (A.D. 190 – 280) was the tripartite division of China between the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu. Three Kingdoms The Last Warlord is a strategy, turn-based strategy and multiple endings game developed by LongYou Game Studio and published by LongYou Tech Ltd. Released on February 04th 2021 has received 3,772 reviews of which 2,662 were positive and 1,110 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
6.9
2,662
1,110
24
players
8. 重生之我是小虾米
With armor-clad horses and swords in hand, we roam the world, fighting for justice in a martial arts realm full of change and turmoil. Clad in cold garments and wielding iron swords, we march thousands of miles; who in the world does not know of us? 重生之我是小虾米 is a rpg, dungeon crawler and choices matter game developed and published by ForeverNo.2 Game Studio. Released on August 13th 2024 has received 1,662 reviews of which 1,589 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
9.1
1,589
73
15
players
9. 咸鱼殿下 / My journey
This is a Interactive Live-Action Game. You will travel back in time to become a noble Highness and experience the local customs and practices of ancient times. A series of your choices will influence the development trajectory of this world. 咸鱼殿下 / My journey is a fmv, dating sim and lore-rich game developed by 大聪明工作室 and published by 恭迎皇子驾到工作室. Released on February 28th 2025 has received 1,617 reviews of which 1,421 were positive and 196 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
8.4
1,421
196
15
players
10. Voidwrought
Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage. Voidwrought is a metroidvania, dark and lore-rich game developed by Powersnake and published by Kwalee. Released on October 24th 2024 has received 555 reviews of which 440 were positive and 115 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
7.5
440
115
10
players
Best deals on lore-rich games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of lore-rich games available on Steam right now, updated on April 18th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted lore-rich games.
1. Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan
Embark on a story-rich action RPG where only convictions fuel power. Gather and merge your Legacies to unleash devastating skills on the ground and in the air. Strive to reshape the world with your beliefs. Dive in The Aurion: this is a deep journey you’ll never forget. Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan is a story rich, lore-rich and fantasy game developed by Kiro'o Games and published by Kiroo Corp. Released on April 14th 2016 has received 348 reviews of which 231 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 57% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for lore-rich category.
6.4
231
117
-57%
4.98€
2.14€
2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 56% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in lore-rich games.
8.4
5,077
795
-56%
50.16€
22.07€
3. Dreams in the Witch House
Navigate the eerie world of Dreams in the Witch House, a unique blend of point-and-click and RPG-adventure. Unravel occult mysteries in Arkham, maintain your sanity, and survive the May-Eve in this Lovecraftian horror game. Dreams in the Witch House is a lore-rich, lovecraftian and adventure game developed by Atom Brain Games and published by Bonus Stage Publishing. Released on February 16th 2023 has received 330 reviews of which 308 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 55% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in lore-rich games.
8.6
308
22
-55%
10.99€
4.94€
4. BOOK OF HOURS
Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be? BOOK OF HOURS is a rpg, card game and exploration game developed and published by Weather Factory. Released on August 17th 2023 has received 4,263 reviews of which 3,606 were positive and 657 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 53% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
8.2
3,606
657
-53%
24.70€
11.61€
5. Athanasy
Deep beneath the surface of the dead Earth, the City, the last refuge of humanity, hides. Engineering genius and efforts of all mankind; a giant structure of steel, concrete, and biopolymers. It keeps the remnants of civilization one step away from total extinction. Athanasy is a visual novel, text-based and horror game developed by Wirion and published by 7DOTS. Released on April 13th 2022 has received 455 reviews of which 444 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
9
444
11
-50%
8.19€
4.09€
Free lore-rich games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play lore-rich games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 18th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play lore-rich games.
1. Limbus Company
As the Executive Manager of Limbus Company, lead your group of twelve Sinners, venture into the buried facilities of Lobotomy Corporation, and lay claim on the Golden Boughs. Limbus Company is a lore-rich, story rich and turn-based tactics game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 55,107 reviews of which 47,194 were positive and 7,913 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 9,930 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free lore-rich games on Steam.
8.4
47,194
7,913
9,930
players
2. 重生之我是小虾米
With armor-clad horses and swords in hand, we roam the world, fighting for justice in a martial arts realm full of change and turmoil. Clad in cold garments and wielding iron swords, we march thousands of miles; who in the world does not know of us? 重生之我是小虾米 is a rpg, dungeon crawler and choices matter game developed and published by ForeverNo.2 Game Studio. Released on August 13th 2024 has received 1,662 reviews of which 1,589 were positive and 73 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 lore-rich games on Steam.
9.1
1,589
73
15
players
3. Brave Nine
Brave Nine is a strategic turn-based battle game featuring over 300 unique Mercenaries presented in stunning artwork. Create your own unique formations, challenge other Captains and engage in decisive combat in tons of modes. Brave Nine is a lore-rich, story rich and strategy rpg game developed and published by Valiant. Released on August 30th 2023 has received 433 reviews of which 299 were positive and 134 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free lore-rich games on Steam.
6.6
299
134
1
players
4. Crypt
This is not a video game. This is a psychological torture device. Do not attempt to play this game. You won't have an enjoyable experience. And that's intentional. Crypt is a dating sim, psychological horror and lore-rich game developed and published by Valefisk. Released on September 27th 2022 has received 1,369 reviews of which 1,237 were positive and 132 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free lore-rich games on Steam.
8.6
1,237
132
5. StopGate
StopGate visual novel is created by the community, without the involvement of professionals. This is not just a fanfiction about the authors of the StopGame game portal. StopGate is a comedy, adventure and visual novel game developed and published by Anton Pauli. Released on September 01st 2020 has received 568 reviews of which 520 were positive and 48 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free lore-rich games on Steam.
8.5
520
48