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

Whispering Willows

Interact with the spirits of the dead, solve the puzzles of the mysterious mansion and help Elena find her missing father in the horror/adventure puzzle game: Whispering Willows.

Price -87% 1.00€
Rating 7.9
Release 09 Jul 2014

Heroine's Quest: The Herald of Ragnarok

A retro styled adventure/RPG hybrid with atmosphere like the classics. Play as warrior, sorceress, or rogue as you travel through the rich world of Norse mythology to keep it from eternal winter. Each class has different puzzle solutions, making for good replay value. Fully free, no hidden costs.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 20 Mar 2014

Skullgirls 2nd Encore

--Main Stage Game at Evo 2022!-- The ultimate Skullgirls experience: Featuring 14 hand-animated characters, fully voiced story mode, countless palettes, and unparalleled GGPO-based multiplayer netcode.

Price 20.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 22 Aug 2013

Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes

Fallen Enchantress is 4X strategy game from the makers of Sins of a Solar Empire and Galactic Civilizations. Build a civilization in the magical world of Elemental. Recruit heroes, train armies, build cities, forge alliances and save the world in this rich world where it's never the same game twice.

Price 24.50€
Rating 7.2
Release 22 May 2013

Warframe

Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 25 Mar 2013

Sword of the Stars: The Pit

A fun, fast, light-hearted, turn-based RPG, where the tradition of old school dungeon-diving games meets the sci-fi Sword of the Stars universe!

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.0
Release 21 Feb 2013

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

EPIC FANTASY REBORN The next chapter in the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls saga arrives from the makers of the 2006 and 2008 Games of the Year, Bethesda Game Studios. Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.

Price -57% 6.41€
Rating 9.4
Release 10 Nov 2011

EVE Online

EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 15 Dec 2010

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 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