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
The Unfinished Swan
From the creators of What Remains of Edith Finch. Enter the surreal world of The Unfinished Swan and explore a mysterious, hidden kingdom by splatting paint to reveal the world around you.
Death and Taxes
In this 2D, short narrative-based game, you assume the role of the Grim Reaper... on an office job. Your job is to decide which people are going to live or die. The consequences of your choices are yours to bear, while the mystery of your incarnation awaits revelation!
Florence
Florence Yeoh feels a little... stuck. Her life is an endless routine of work, sleep, and spending too much time on social media. Then one day, she meets a cello player named Krish who changes everything about how she sees the world and herself.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York
Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York is a narrative experience set in the rich universe of Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition. It presents the struggle for power between two vampiric factions - the Camarilla and the Anarchs - bathed in the night lights of the Big Apple.
Neo Cab
A visual novel about emotional survival in an automated world. Play as Lina, the last human cab driver. It’s your first night driving the lonely streets of Los Ojos, and your best friend has just disappeared. Stay on the road. Stay on the search. Stay human.
The Lord of the Rings: Adventure Card Game - Definitive Edition
Build a deck of iconic heroes and challenge the forces of Sauron in this thrilling tactical card game. Travel through famous locations, complete story-driven quests and forge a new legend of Middle-earth on your own or with a friend in cooperative mode.
Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders
A thrilling point-and-click adventure game where you play as Di Renjie, ancient China's most famous and gifted investigator, as he tracks a serial killer in the heart of the Tang Dynasty's capital city.
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.
The Gardens Between
The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island.
Cultist Simulator
Seize forbidden treasures. Summon alien gods. Feed on your disciples. Cultist Simulator is a game of apocalypse and yearning. Play as a seeker after unholy mysteries, in a 1920s-themed setting of hidden gods and secret histories.
How To Cope With Boredom and Loneliness
Harold Fletcher has been grounded to his bedroom for over 30 years. Join award-winning journalist Nigel Wimble as he discovers how one man has coped with the boredom and loneliness in this one of a kind, FREE, documentary film simulator!
Shuyan Saga™
Shuyan Saga is a graphic novel series where action scenes come alive in 3D combat gameplay. Set in an ancient Chinese martial arts fantasy universe, you embark on a life-changing journey as Shuyan.
Tacoma
Tacoma is a sci-fi narrative adventure from the creators of Gone Home. Set aboard a high-tech space station in the year 2088, explore every detail of how the station’s crew lived and worked, finding the clues that add up to a gripping story of trust, fear, and resolve in the face of disaster.
Night in the Woods
NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.
Sally Face - Episode One
Delve into a dark adventure following the boy with a prosthetic face and a tragic past. Unravel the sinister mysteries of Sally's world to find the truth that lies hidden beneath the shadows.
INSIDE
Hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project. INSIDE is a dark, narrative-driven platformer combining intense action with challenging puzzles. It has been critically acclaimed for its moody art style, ambient soundtrack and unsettling atmosphere.
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.
Gone Home
June 7th, 1995. 1:15 AM. You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something's not right. Where is everyone? And what's happened here? Unravel the mystery for yourself in Gone Home, a story exploration game from The Fullbright Company.
Kentucky Route Zero: PC Edition
KENTUCKY ROUTE ZERO is a magical realist adventure game about a secret highway running through the caves beneath Kentucky, and the mysterious folks who travel it.
Thirty Flights of Loving
Explore the world of Thirty Flights of Loving through a first-person short story. Take a deep dive with high-flying schemers, lovelorn criminals, and more stray kittens than you can shake a stick at.
The Dream Machine: Chapter 1 & 2
The Dream Machine is an award-winning point & click adventure game about exploring other people's dreams. It's built by hand using materials such as clay, cardboard and broccoli.
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is a violent, film-noir love story. Dark, tragic and intense, the in-depth story is a thrill-ride of shocking twists and revelations. Love hurts.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 16th 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
40
players
2. 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 #2 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.9
4,153
335
28
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played narrative games.
9.5
16,623
355
22
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.2
1,863
306
22
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played narrative games.
9.2
6,200
345
12
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played narrative games.
9.2
4,450
208
11
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
10
players
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. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played narrative games.
9.1
700
21
7
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played narrative games.
6.6
1,866
880
7
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played narrative games.
8.8
2,232
187
6
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 16th 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. 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 544 reviews of which 428 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 #5 position in the best deals for narrative games.
7.4
428
116
-75%
9.99€
2.49€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for narrative games.
8.2
1,863
306
-70%
21.99€
6.59€
7. 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 64% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for narrative games.
9.1
700
21
-64%
29.92€
10.77€
8. 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 62% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for narrative games.
9.5
16,623
355
-62%
9.63€
3.66€
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€
10. 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. Currently offered at a 40% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for narrative games.
8.9
4,153
335
-40%
9.75€
5.85€
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 16th 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
11
players