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

Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book DX

The definitive edition of the Atelier "Mysterious" series at a new price, with brand new content and various DLCs! "Atelier Sophie" is the 1st instalment: a chance encounter between Sophie and a sentient book Plachta takes them on an adventure to recover Plachta's memories.

Price -25% 29.96€
Rating 8.5
Release 21 Apr 2021

He Needs His Medicine

You have been dispatched for a 911 call. From the moment you step inside the apartment, you realize something is really wrong with the place. You are gonna make Him the last dosage. He needs his medicine.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 14 Apr 2021

Narita Boy

Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world!

Price -94% 1.46€
Rating 7.5
Release 30 Mar 2021

Three of Cards

Three of Cards is a movie-like noir card action game. The magician has a horrible relationship with insurance company A. Help the magician to take revenge on the key characters who have plunged him into hell, and shed light on his path. Because the process will be very dark and terrible.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 04 Mar 2021

Old School RuneScape

The best retro fantasy MMORPG on the planet. Old School is RuneScape but… older! This is the open world you know and love, but as it was in 2007. Saying that, it’s even better than that – Old School is shaped by you, its players, with regular new content, fixes and expansions voted for by the fans!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 24 Feb 2021

Titan Chaser

Car. Foggy night. Mystical landscapes. And if you want to work - titans. Titan Chaser is a surreal driving and walking experience, where your job is to scout giant creatures and use the light to drive them off without fighting or killing.

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 23 Feb 2021

Shattered - Tale of the Forgotten King

The old world is gone, lost with the disappearance of the King. Reforge reality in this dark action RPG through skill-based combat, innovative open-world platforming and the testimonies of survivors… some more trustworthy than others. Are you ready, Wanderer?

Price 24.99€
Rating 6.5
Release 17 Feb 2021

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.

Price 3.29€
Rating 6.9
Release 04 Feb 2021

Chroma: Bloom And Blight

Chroma: Bloom and Blight is a truly free-to-play competitive card game set in the story-rich lands of Arholt. Every card and game mode in Chroma is free, including all future expansions. Find your hero, build your deck and tell your story...without worrying about the cost of cards.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.4
Release 28 Jan 2021

100 hidden mice

Hidden object game in the laboratory setting. Black and white hand-drawn graphics in a cartoon style. Difficult and interesting! Very large location!

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 27 Jan 2021

Ghost in the pool

A bizarre campus legend, take you into the traditional Japanese black-and-white comic horror story. Witness the familiar scenes and contemplate the terrifying moments.

Price 3.99€
Rating 7.1
Release 27 Jan 2021

Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen

The first game in the Utawarerumono trilogy of story-rich tactics RPGs. Into a world filled with verdant nature, populated by folk with fluffy ears and fuzzy tails, awakens Hakuowlo, a man of masked mien and missing memory.

Price 49.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 22 Jan 2021

RUSSIAPHOBIA

Immerse yourself in the Russian Realities as Foreign Agents and help the Presidents Make Russia Great Again! Cooperative Multiplayer, World Government, Evil Russians and more! Russia is Waiting for You!

Price -51% 0.49€
Rating 6.8
Release 25 Dec 2020

Fragile

Get pulled into the nightmares of reality as you play as an abducted girl from the ger district of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Uncover a secret organization that deals in human trafficking and other horrendous activities. Try to escape from the scariest place on earth!

Price 8.19€
Rating 6.2
Release 11 Nov 2020

Apex Legends™

Apex Legends is the award-winning, free-to-play Hero Shooter from Respawn Entertainment. Master an ever-growing roster of legendary characters with powerful abilities, and experience strategic squad play and innovative gameplay in the next evolution of Hero Shooter and Battle Royale.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.7
Release 04 Nov 2020

Ring of Pain

Enter the Ring of Pain, a roguelike card crawler where encounters come to you. Each step around the ring a dire decision. Go for the loot or backstab a creeping horror? Meet strange friends bearing gifts and treasure. Choose your gear wisely to survive and discover the secrets of the Ring of Pain.

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 15 Oct 2020

RuneScape ®

RuneScape is a high fantasy open world MMORPG. Explore an ever changing and evolving living world where new challenges, skills, and quests await. Featuring unprecedented player freedom, you choose how to play, adventure, and grow.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 14 Oct 2020

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.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 01 Sep 2020

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.

Price -77% 1.86€
Rating 7.0
Release 07 May 2020

TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children

TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children is the first season of a turn-based strategy SRPG that takes place in the world of Troubleshooter.

Price 22.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 23 Apr 2020

Nocturne: Prelude

The afterlife is now digital. Discover that eternal life comes with sacrifice in the first chapter of a genre-defying RPG with unique rhythm combat.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 03 Mar 2020

BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION

BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION is an isometric, point & click adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic future. Explore an unscene landscape, solve puzzles, meet new friends and make powerful enemies, mediate conflicts and fight for your life as you unravel the secrets of the desolate world around you.

Price -50% 6.39€
Rating 7.3
Release 26 Feb 2020

Lightmatter

A first-person puzzler where shadows kill you. Watch your step or be swallowed by the darkness.

Price -86% 2.33€
Rating 8.8
Release 15 Jan 2020

Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky DX

"The promise is entrusted to two alchemists..." The "Dusk" series, a trilogy of RPG titles from Gust's popular Atelier series, tells the story of a world on the verge ruin, told from the perspective of its unique characters.

Price -17% 33.21€
Rating 8.3
Release 14 Jan 2020

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 16th 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 10,076 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.4
47,194
7,913

10,076
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 138 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

138
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. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
8.4
5,077
795

96
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

50
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

43
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

29
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

26
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

16
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

16
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 546 reviews of which 433 were positive and 113 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
433
113

14
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 16th 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 16th 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 10,076 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

10,076
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

16
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

3
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

1
players

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