Best Narrative 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 narrative games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free narrative games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Long Gone Days
A modern-day JRPG that imagines a world of war. Overcome language barriers, forge unlikely friendships, and find hope amidst conflict.
Strongblade - Puzzle Quest and Match-3 Adventure
Strongblade is a match-3 puzzle game where you play as Sean the Mouse. Travel through a captivating world filled with puzzles, outsmart cunning villains, befriend charming animals, and build unique camps.
Ugly
Unravel the dark secrets hidden throughout this stirring puzzle platformer about a tormented nobleman confronting the traumas of his past. Use an innovative mirror mechanic to solve challenging puzzle rooms and defeat towering bosses as you strive to piece together the ugly truth.
Under The Waves
Stan, a professional diver in the North Sea, is struggling to overcome a life-changing loss during an extended mission underwater. Stuck in his self-imposed solitude, he starts to experience strange events and will have to make the most significant choice of his life...
Fort Solis
Answer the call from a mining base on Mars as engineer Jack Leary and search for the missing crew. Fort Solis will immerse you with cinematic visuals powered by UE 5 and voice acting of Roger Clark and Troy Baker. Explore the mining complex and reach climax of this narrative thriller experience.
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?
The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood
Immerse yourself in an enchanting narrative experience as Fortuna, a fortune-teller Witch condemned to exile on her asteroid home. Craft your own Tarot deck, regain your freedom, and shape the fate of the cosmic Witch society.
Venba
Venba is a short narrative cooking game, where you play as an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Cook various dishes and restore lost recipes, hold branching conversations, and explore South Indian food in this story about family, love, and loss.
TRY AGAIN
You're Benny, a test character trapped in an unfinished game by a figure called The Designer. She's up against a deadline for her publisher which means it's your last day as a test character. Navigate the facility, dodge game-dev chaos and defy expectations to become the main character.
OXENFREE II: Lost Signals
Five years after the events of OXENFREE, Riley returns to her hometown of Camena to investigate mysterious radio signals. What she finds is more than she bargained for.
The Pegasus Expedition
The Pegasus Expedition is a story-driven sci-fi grand strategy game set in a key moment for humankind’s survival. Facing an overwhelming threat at home, humanity sends expeditions to the Pegasus Galaxy in a desperate attempt to find a refuge for the population of Earth.
Layers of Fear
All stories must come to an end, even twisted and eerie ones. The canvas. The stage. The novel. This narrative-focused psychological horror experience is ready for its final brushstrokes, its curtain call, its final chapter. Are you ready to return and face your fears one last time?
Road 96: Mile 0
The prequel to Road 96. Play Zoe and Kaito where it all started. Change their destinies!
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
Step into a dark reimagination of Arthurian legends in this first person, open world RPG. Explore a world stuck in everlasting autumn, witness falling legends and make meaningful choices woven into a complex, branching storyline.
The Pale Beyond
You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond.
SEASON: A letter to the future
Leave home for the first time to collect memories before a mysterious cataclysm washes everything away. Ride, record, meet people, and unravel the strange world around you in this third-person meditative exploration game.
Sail Forth
Sail a fleet of customizable ships across an ocean whose ancient depths have swallowed the key to the mysterious past. Befriend fishfolk to expand your boat crews, take up arms against petulant pirates, and chart a course across an expansive watery world. Will you answer the call of High Adventure?
Cats and the Other Lives
Part interactive fiction, part Felis domesticus adventure, “Cats and the Other Lives” explores the reunion of a broken family from the perspective of their house cat, Aspen.
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.
Somerville
In the wake of catastrophe find the means to make your family whole again.
Paradise Marsh
Stars vanished from the sky and scattered across a perfect endless wetland... Catch bugs and chat with many characters while playfully wandering through peaceful scenery. But don't lose sight of the night sky, the constellations need help!Most played narrative games on Steam
Take a look at the top narrative games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Vagrus - The Riven Realms
Embark on a perilous journey across a realm forsaken by the gods and devastated by an arcane cataclysm. Accompanied by a hardy crew, you must trade, fight, and explore your way to success as the leader of a traveling company in Vagrus, an award-winning turn-based post-apocalyptic fantasy RPG. Vagrus - The Riven Realms is a story rich, open world and dungeons & dragons game developed by Lost Pilgrims Studio and published by Lost Pilgrims Studios. Released on October 05th 2021 has received 1,374 reviews of which 1,171 were positive and 203 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.1
1,171
203
63
players
2. Before Your Eyes
Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes. Before Your Eyes is a emotional, narrative and story rich game developed by GoodbyeWorld Games and published by Skybound Games. Released on April 08th 2021 has received 16,978 reviews of which 16,623 were positive and 355 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played narrative games.
9.5
16,623
355
54
players
3. Fears to Fathom - Ironbark Lookout
Jack Nelson, a 24-year-old fire lookout, transferred to a new outpost. As he settled into his new home, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, little did he know what was transpiring down in Ironbark State Park. Fears to Fathom - Ironbark Lookout is a horror, atmospheric and psychological horror game developed and published by Rayll Studios. Released on October 20th 2023 has received 4,488 reviews of which 4,153 were positive and 335 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.9
4,153
335
17
players
4. Dordogne
Immerse yourself in a unique narrative experience and explore the thousand summer colors of Dordogne as you revisit your childhood to uncover lost family secrets in this touching formative journey. Dordogne is a narrative, wholesome and cute game developed by UN JE NE SAIS QUOI and UMANIMATION and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on June 13th 2023 has received 990 reviews of which 918 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.7
918
72
16
players
5. Heaven's Vault
An archaeologist uncovers a lost history in an ancient space Nebula. Award-winning narrative adventure game with hieroglyphic language puzzles, from the creators of 80 DAYS. Heaven's Vault is a adventure, narrative and mystery game developed and published by inkle Ltd. Released on April 16th 2019 has received 2,169 reviews of which 1,863 were positive and 306 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.2
1,863
306
16
players
6. Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Epistory immerses you in an atmospheric action/adventure game where you play a girl riding a giant fox who fights an insectile corruption from an origami world. As you progress and explore this world, the story literally unfolds and the mysteries of the magic power of the words are revealed. Epistory - Typing Chronicles is a typing, adventure and narrative game developed by Fishing Cactus and published by Fishing Cactus and PID Games. Released on March 30th 2016 has received 6,545 reviews of which 6,200 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played narrative games.
9.2
6,200
345
12
players
7. Clone Drone in the Hyperdome
Cut robots apart in VR. Feel your sword disintegrate their metal bodies. Now you live and die in the Crashloop, a roguelike tournament to the death. Lock swords! Shoot shurikens from your wrist! This is CLONE DRONE... in the HYPERDOME!!! Clone Drone in the Hyperdome is a action, fighting and swordplay game developed and published by Doborog Games. Released on December 12th 2024 has received 658 reviews of which 601 were positive and 57 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.6
601
57
11
players
8. SEASON: A letter to the future
Leave home for the first time to collect memories before a mysterious cataclysm washes everything away. Ride, record, meet people, and unravel the strange world around you in this third-person meditative exploration game. SEASON: A letter to the future is a open world, mystery and visual novel game developed and published by Scavengers Studio. Released on January 31st 2023 has received 1,842 reviews of which 1,720 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.9
1,720
122
9
players
9. Venba
Venba is a short narrative cooking game, where you play as an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Cook various dishes and restore lost recipes, hold branching conversations, and explore South Indian food in this story about family, love, and loss. Venba is a cooking, casual and narrative game developed and published by Visai Games. Released on July 31st 2023 has received 2,419 reviews of which 2,232 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.8
2,232
187
9
players
10. Fort Solis
Answer the call from a mining base on Mars as engineer Jack Leary and search for the missing crew. Fort Solis will immerse you with cinematic visuals powered by UE 5 and voice acting of Roger Clark and Troy Baker. Explore the mining complex and reach climax of this narrative thriller experience. Fort Solis is a walking simulator, cinematic and mars game developed by Fallen Leaf and Black Drakkar Games and published by Dear Villagers. Released on August 22nd 2023 has received 2,746 reviews of which 1,866 were positive and 880 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played narrative games.
6.6
1,866
880
9
players
Best deals on narrative games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of narrative 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 narrative games.
1. Fort Solis
Answer the call from a mining base on Mars as engineer Jack Leary and search for the missing crew. Fort Solis will immerse you with cinematic visuals powered by UE 5 and voice acting of Roger Clark and Troy Baker. Explore the mining complex and reach climax of this narrative thriller experience. Fort Solis is a walking simulator, cinematic and mars game developed by Fallen Leaf and Black Drakkar Games and published by Dear Villagers. Released on August 22nd 2023 has received 2,746 reviews of which 1,866 were positive and 880 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for narrative category.
6.6
1,866
880
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
2. Venba
Venba is a short narrative cooking game, where you play as an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Cook various dishes and restore lost recipes, hold branching conversations, and explore South Indian food in this story about family, love, and loss. Venba is a cooking, casual and narrative game developed and published by Visai Games. Released on July 31st 2023 has received 2,419 reviews of which 2,232 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in narrative games.
8.8
2,232
187
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
3. Dordogne
Immerse yourself in a unique narrative experience and explore the thousand summer colors of Dordogne as you revisit your childhood to uncover lost family secrets in this touching formative journey. Dordogne is a narrative, wholesome and cute game developed by UN JE NE SAIS QUOI and UMANIMATION and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on June 13th 2023 has received 990 reviews of which 918 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in narrative games.
8.7
918
72
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
4. Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Epistory immerses you in an atmospheric action/adventure game where you play a girl riding a giant fox who fights an insectile corruption from an origami world. As you progress and explore this world, the story literally unfolds and the mysteries of the magic power of the words are revealed. Epistory - Typing Chronicles is a typing, adventure and narrative game developed by Fishing Cactus and published by Fishing Cactus and PID Games. Released on March 30th 2016 has received 6,545 reviews of which 6,200 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for narrative games.
9.2
6,200
345
-85%
14.67€
2.20€
5. Before Your Eyes
Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes. Before Your Eyes is a emotional, narrative and story rich game developed by GoodbyeWorld Games and published by Skybound Games. Released on April 08th 2021 has received 16,978 reviews of which 16,623 were positive and 355 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for narrative games.
9.5
16,623
355
-80%
9.75€
1.95€
6. The Longest Road on Earth
A thoughtful and deeply personal title with stripped-down mechanics. The lack of dialogue or text allows you to create your own narrative through your time with four characters. Each short story will allow players to be swept away by the haunting lyrics of over twenty original, nostalgic songs. The Longest Road on Earth is a cozy, casual and interactive fiction game developed by Brainwash Gang and TLR games and published by Raw Fury. Released on May 27th 2021 has received 538 reviews of which 422 were positive and 116 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for narrative games.
7.4
422
116
-75%
9.99€
2.49€
7. Heaven's Vault
An archaeologist uncovers a lost history in an ancient space Nebula. Award-winning narrative adventure game with hieroglyphic language puzzles, from the creators of 80 DAYS. Heaven's Vault is a adventure, narrative and mystery game developed and published by inkle Ltd. Released on April 16th 2019 has received 2,169 reviews of which 1,863 were positive and 306 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for narrative games.
8.2
1,863
306
-70%
21.99€
6.59€
8. Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged
The classic multi-award winning adventure "Broken Sword - the Shadow of the Templars" returns with glorious 4K visuals and iconic remastered audio, pitching intrepid American George Stobbart and fearless journalist Nico Collard into a journey of perilous adventures and ancient conspiracies. Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is a mystery, narrative and detective game developed and published by Revolution Software Ltd. Released on September 19th 2024 has received 721 reviews of which 700 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 62% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for narrative games.
9.1
700
21
-62%
30.05€
11.42€
9. I Am Dead
I Am Dead is a charming puzzle adventure game from the creators of Hohokum and Wilmot’s Warehouse about exploring the afterlife. I Am Dead is a adventure, indie and puzzle game developed by Hollow Ponds and Richard Hogg and published by Annapurna Interactive. Released on October 08th 2020 has received 402 reviews of which 335 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 60% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for narrative games.
7.8
335
67
-60%
18.49€
7.39€
Free narrative games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play narrative 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 narrative games.
1. How Fish Is Made
Are sardines trustworthy? Are you? Do you want to be? How Fish is Made is a janky little jaunt through the world of surrealist storytelling. Now featuring a Katamari-like DLC! How Fish Is Made is a surreal, short and horror game developed by Wrong Organ, Johanna Kasurinen, Jeffrey Tomec and Martin Halldin and published by Wrong Organ and CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on January 14th 2022 has received 4,658 reviews of which 4,450 were positive and 208 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free narrative games on Steam.
9.2
4,450
208
5
players