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
Cogmind
Cogmind is a sci-fi roguelike epic in which you play a robot building yourself from components found or salvaged from other robots. Explore a living, breathing world through turn-based tactical combat, or sneak, hack, and fly your way to victory.
BLUE REFLECTION
A clear summer sky spreads over the Hoshinomiya Girls' High School. This story begins with the belated start of school life for Hinako Shirai, who has just recovered from a leg injury due to a tragic accident. The magical sisters Yuzu and Lime bestowed to her a special power to become a "Reflector".
Pyre
Pyre is a party-based RPG from the creators of Bastion and Transistor. Lead your band of exiles to freedom through a series of mystical competitions in the Campaign, or challenge a friend to a fast-paced ritual showdown in the head-to-head Versus Mode.
Dreamfall Chapters
The Final Cut is the ultimate collector's edition of Dreamfall Chapters, a story-driven 3D adventure about choice and consequence, set in parallel worlds: a cyberpunk vision of the future and a magical fantasy realm.
The Elder Scrolls® Online
Every legend starts somewhere and in The Elder Scrolls Online, it starts with you. Join millions of players in an online, fantasy RPG set in a vast living Elder Scrolls world.
The Signal From Tölva
The Signal From Tölva is an open-world first-person shooter set on a distant, haunted, future world. Unlock savage weapons and recruit robots to fight alongside you as rival factions struggle to discover the source of the mysterious signal. What you discover will decide the fate of a world.
Shardbound: Forge Your Path, Master Your Strategy
Shardbound brings fast, fun, and tactical card strategy to the table! Build your deck, take control of the board, and face off in exciting battles that are as unpredictable as they are action-packed.
A House of Many Doors
Explore the House, a parasite dimension that steals from other worlds, in a train that scuttles on mechanical legs.
Exoplanet: First Contact
Build your path in this alien world. Do a dirty job for food or become the one who makes calls. Sometimes the right word makes a bigger impact than a big gun. Explore local culture and mysteries, and discover the harsh yet beautiful nature in this handcrafted singleplayer action RPG.
Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location
Welcome to Circus Baby's Pizza World, where family fun and interactivity go beyond anything you've seen at those *other* pizza places! Now hiring: Late night technician. Must enjoy cramped spaces and be comfortable around active machinery. Not responsible for death or dismemberment.
Masquerada: Songs and Shadows
Masquerada is a single-player tactical RPG set in a Renaissance-inspired city of magic, where real-time combat can be paused to set up elemental combos powered by Venetian-styled masks. Come for gorgeous hand-drawn art; stay for the rich lore & a thoughtful, fully-voiced tale of intrigue & tragedy.
Sorcerer King: Rivals
Explore a rich fantasy world, go on quests for powerful weapons, and forge a new civilization in Sorcerer King: Rivals. Can you build a civilization to topple the malevolent Sorcerer King and become a god yourself?
Anima: Gate of Memories
A third-person action RPG that brings to life the world of Gaia from the Anima: Beyond Fantasy RPG table-top books. Explore a deep and multifaceted story where your choices and actions directly impact the journey and decide the fate of the characters.
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.
DARK SOULS™ III
Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness!
Allods Online RU
Tighten the ranks on your path to glorious victories in Allods Online! Team up with your friends to explore the dangers of the mysterious Astral. Together you will prevail!
Armello
Armello is a grim fairy-tale board game come to life, with every match combining deep, tactical card play, rich tabletop strategy and RPG elements. Leverage subterfuge, spells and careful strategy to wrangle control of the game's chaotic odds as you quest for the throne.
Notch - The Innocent LunA: Eclipsed SinnerS
This is an isolated town, a town of memories that have been forgotten by its people. However, this small town has not been quiet and peaceful since the murders began... Time passes by, where are the sinful spirits going? Are my memories reality, or just a dream?
Galactic Civilizations III
Build a civilization that will stand the test of time in the largest space-based strategy game ever! Choose from dozens of unique races and make a name for yourself across the galaxy through diplomacy, espionage, technological advances, and more.
DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin
DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay to a new level. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and unrelenting challenge.
Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas
Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas combines captivating storytelling, breathtaking 3D visuals and exciting gameplay into one epic action-adventure experience. In the game you explore the islands of Uncharted Seas, a world filled with many dangers, puzzles and secrets.
Disney G-Force
G-Force draws you into the adventures of an elite team of trained guinea pigs on a mission to thwart a sinister plot to destroy the world. Take control of both G-Force commander Darwin and his sidekick, Mooch, as they apply their talents to defeat an evil army of altered household appliances.
Middle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™
Fight through Mordor and uncover the truth of the spirit that compels you, discover the origins of the Rings of Power, build your legend and ultimately confront the evil of Sauron in this new chronicle of Middle-earth.
Five Nights at Freddy's
Welcome to your new summer job at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, where kids and parents alike come for entertainment and food! The main attraction is Freddy Fazbear, of course; and his two friends. They are animatronic robots, programmed to please the crowds!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 380 reviews of which 350 were positive and 30 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
350
30
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 432 reviews of which 298 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
298
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