Best Philosophical 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 philosophical games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free philosophical games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
KARMA: The Dark World
KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller set in a dystopian world where the Leviathan Corporation is omnipresent. The year is 1984, the place is East Germany, and things are not quite what they seem.
The Shell Part III: Paradiso
The coiling chains of obsession that began with The Shell now threaten to strangle Detective Reiji Tokisaka in the third and final entry in the trilogy. As old friends and foes rise up for one last confrontation, can anyone break the cycle—and can Reiji's heart ever be set free?
Death of the Reprobate
Explore a world built from the luscious landscapes, turbulent townscapes and preposterous portraits of real Renaissance paintings. Death of the Reprobate is a Rabelaisian adventure game from the creator of Four Last Things and The Procession to Calvary.
Minds Beneath Us
MINDS BENEATH US is an emotional sci-fi narrative game. Through the eyes of a humble individual, experience a mad world where humans are exploited as computing devices for AI. Listen to the concerns of those you meet and offer guidance. Together, face challenges and confront an uncertain destiny.
Thought Experiment Simulator
This is a stupid game that might include Trolley Problem, Ship of Theseus, Brain in a Vat, Infinite Monkey, Sisyphus, Prisoner's Dilemma, Schrodinger's Cat, etc.
Vampire Therapist
Guide vampires through centuries of emotional baggage, decades of delusions and the odd bout of self-loathing with real cognitive behavioral therapy concepts and become a Vampire Therapist! Even vampires need a shoulder to cry on when a neck to bite just won’t do.
Nobody Wants to Die
Lose yourself in the dystopian world of New York, 2329; immortality comes at a price that someone has to pay. In this interactive noir story, lead the investigation using advanced technology, as Detective James Karra who risks it all in pursuit of a serial killer targeting the city’s elite.
The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence.
Riven
Uncover a story of intrigue, betrayal, and a civilization teetering on the brink of collapse as you solve intricate puzzles to unlock the secrets of Riven. Built from the ground-up and expanded from the award-winning original game released in 1997.
MEMOLOGY: GOYDA
Take the annual meme exam and prove you're an expert!
With My Past
"How should I face my past in my ever-changing life? "Collaborating with the shadow of the past to unravel allegorical puzzles, confront inner struggles, and explore the path of self-growth.
The Game of Sisyphus
Roll the boulder to the top.
YIIK Nameless Psychosis
Experience a sneak peek of YIIK I.V! Step beyond Alex Eggleston's story and become the Nameless Child, a young girl pushed from a mysterious tower. Guide her through a surreal dimension where she must find a way to save both the Good Brother and the Bad Brother.
A Difficult Game About Climbing
This is a difficult game about climbing.
Islands of Insight
Seek out and solve 10,000+ puzzles at your own pace across this sublime puzzle game.
Svarog's Dream
Awaken as a soul from the Underworld. Discover who you are and explore an ever-changing open world full of mystery. Battle beasts and gods, or forge alliances with them. Die and be reborn in this adventure.
Rock Simulator 2
Rock Simulator 2 is a multiplayer, meditative idle game for relaxation and discovery. Start in the Hideaway, a peaceful retreat where you collect and appreciate nature’s creations. Unwind with friends, shape your environment, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the world around you.
Refind Self: The Personality Test Game
Games can really show someone's personality, don't you think? By way of a simple exploration-based adventure, this data-science game analyzes your actions to estimate your personality.
The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges.
Peaks of Yore
Travel around The Great Gales to climb challenging peaks in this physics-based climbing adventure set in 1887. Meet like-minded mountaineers, unlock helpful climbing gear, and become a pioneer of mountaineering.
TELEFORUM
TELEFORUM is a found-footage-styled horror game exploring the unknown side of media. You’re visiting a widow’s apartment to conduct an interview about her husband's death. But that’s not the main reason why you’re here. It’s all about the tape, isn’t it?
Submachine: Legacy
Submachine is a hand-drawn puzzle adventure game. You find yourself in a vast network of desolate locations containing puzzles, secrets, notes and items to collect to help you along the way. Follow the story of a banished lighthouse keeper to discover his descent into ruins.
The Many Pieces of Mr. Coo
The Many Pieces of Mr. Coo is a whimsical point’n’click adventure with a surrealist story, astounding hand-drawn animations and hilarious puzzles. Mr. Coo is trapped and broken into pieces. But most of all, he has no idea of what’s going on. Is that a giant chicken over there?
Most played philosophical games on Steam
Take a look at the top philosophical games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy
A game I made for a certain kind of person. To hurt them. Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy is a psychological horror, difficult and singleplayer game developed and published by Bennett Foddy. Released on December 06th 2017 has received 76,400 reviews of which 62,960 were positive and 13,440 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played philosophical game, thanks to its 348 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
62,960
13,440
348
players
2. The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges. The Talos Principle 2 is a puzzle, story rich and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. Released on November 02nd 2023 has received 11,686 reviews of which 11,168 were positive and 518 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 294 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among philosophical games based on player count.
9.3
11,168
518
294
players
3. The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. Made by Croteam and written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything). The Talos Principle is a puzzle, philosophical and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Croteam and Devolver Digital. Released on December 11th 2014 has received 31,660 reviews of which 30,206 were positive and 1,454 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 192 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among philosophical games based on player count.
9.3
30,206
1,454
192
players
4. Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
Wonderful Everyday is a visual novel with multiple routes which develops a story based on a few concepts: "the sky and the world", "the beginning and the end", "literature and science", "savior and hero", "brother and sister". Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole is a visual novel, philosophical and psychological horror game developed by KeroQ and published by Frontwing USA. Released on August 30th 2017 has received 1,851 reviews of which 1,728 were positive and 123 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.9
1,728
123
21
players
5. PLAYNE : The Meditation Game
Grow a beautiful island as you build a daily habit of mindfulness and meditation. Experience relaxation and learn ways to care for your mental wellbeing. PLAYNE : The Meditation Game is a relaxing, singleplayer and philosophical game developed by Krish Shrikumar and published by Vismaya. Released on May 01st 2020 has received 1,186 reviews of which 1,115 were positive and 71 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.9
1,115
71
5
players
6. Everything
Be the Universe in this epic, award-winning reality simulation game - featuring thousands of playable characters, endless exploration, an extraordinary soundtrack and narration from Alan Watts. Everything is a philosophical, simulation and casual game developed by David OReilly and published by David OReilly and PLAYISM (Japan). Released on April 21st 2017 has received 3,718 reviews of which 3,091 were positive and 627 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.0
3,091
627
3
players
7. tomorrow won't come for those without ██████
That day, we told a lie. tomorrow won't come for those without ██████ is a atmospheric, philosophical and minimalist game developed and published by etherane. Released on July 04th 2020 has received 907 reviews of which 858 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.9
858
49
2
players
8. Animyst
Explore a strange and dark afterlife as the Undead. Inhabit the body of a Skeleton or Fleshy Corpse and build a new life in The Droughts, a giant desert of ancient ruins and occult monsters. Craft powerful spells and befriend or battle other players in a single open online world... Animyst is a dark fantasy, demons and horror game developed and published by Animyst Games. Released on July 02nd 2018 has received 437 reviews of which 373 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.0
373
64
2
players
9. Thought Experiment Simulator
This is a stupid game that might include Trolley Problem, Ship of Theseus, Brain in a Vat, Infinite Monkey, Sisyphus, Prisoner's Dilemma, Schrodinger's Cat, etc. Thought Experiment Simulator is a dynamic narration, comedy and philosophical game developed by HoHo Game Studio and published by Gamera Games. Released on July 22nd 2024 has received 521 reviews of which 442 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.0
442
79
2
players
10. MetaWare High School (Demo)
How do you see the world when nothing is real? An experimental metafictional visual novel. MetaWare High School (Demo) is a visual novel, philosophical and experimental game developed and published by Not Fun Games. Released on April 02nd 2020 has received 676 reviews of which 655 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played philosophical games.
9.0
655
21
1
players
Best deals on philosophical games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of philosophical 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 philosophical games.
1. Everything
Be the Universe in this epic, award-winning reality simulation game - featuring thousands of playable characters, endless exploration, an extraordinary soundtrack and narration from Alan Watts. Everything is a philosophical, simulation and casual game developed by David OReilly and published by David OReilly and PLAYISM (Japan). Released on April 21st 2017 has received 3,718 reviews of which 3,091 were positive and 627 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 89% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for philosophical category.
8.0
3,091
627
-89%
13.55€
1.49€
2. The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. Made by Croteam and written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything). The Talos Principle is a puzzle, philosophical and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Croteam and Devolver Digital. Released on December 11th 2014 has received 31,660 reviews of which 30,206 were positive and 1,454 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 86% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in philosophical games.
9.3
30,206
1,454
-86%
29.50€
4.13€
3. The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges. The Talos Principle 2 is a puzzle, story rich and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. Released on November 02nd 2023 has received 11,686 reviews of which 11,168 were positive and 518 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 63% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in philosophical games.
9.3
11,168
518
-63%
29.16€
10.79€
4. Thought Experiment Simulator
This is a stupid game that might include Trolley Problem, Ship of Theseus, Brain in a Vat, Infinite Monkey, Sisyphus, Prisoner's Dilemma, Schrodinger's Cat, etc. Thought Experiment Simulator is a dynamic narration, comedy and philosophical game developed by HoHo Game Studio and published by Gamera Games. Released on July 22nd 2024 has received 521 reviews of which 442 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a 49% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for philosophical games.
8.0
442
79
-49%
5.00€
2.55€
Free philosophical games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play philosophical 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 philosophical games.
1. Animyst
Explore a strange and dark afterlife as the Undead. Inhabit the body of a Skeleton or Fleshy Corpse and build a new life in The Droughts, a giant desert of ancient ruins and occult monsters. Craft powerful spells and befriend or battle other players in a single open online world... Animyst is a dark fantasy, demons and horror game developed and published by Animyst Games. Released on July 02nd 2018 has received 437 reviews of which 373 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.0
373
64
2
players
2. MetaWare High School (Demo)
How do you see the world when nothing is real? An experimental metafictional visual novel. MetaWare High School (Demo) is a visual novel, philosophical and experimental game developed and published by Not Fun Games. Released on April 02nd 2020 has received 676 reviews of which 655 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
9.0
655
21
1
players
3. HOME
HOME is a feel-good walking simulator experience in which you create your own poem and music. Embark on a poetic and musical heartwarming journey about what home means to you. HOME is a philosophical, relaxing and atmospheric game developed and published by LORE NINE. Released on May 11th 2019 has received 3,344 reviews of which 3,014 were positive and 330 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.7
3,014
330
1
players
4. Locke(d)
An algorithm decided to show you this. What now? Locke(d) is a philosophical, conversation and short game developed and published by KigyoDev. Released on January 23rd 2023 has received 1,029 reviews of which 963 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.8
963
66
5. The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence. The Dearest Person is a artificial intelligence, philosophical and atmospheric game developed by house.opposite and Саманта and published by house.opposite. Released on June 26th 2024 has received 537 reviews of which 508 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.8
508
29
6. Sisyphus Reborn
A short atmospheric adventure game about finding meaning in a meaningless world. Sisyphus Reborn is a adventure, free to play and philosophical game developed by Edwin Montgomery and Myshkin Entertainment and published by Myshkin Entertainment. Released on September 05th 2016 has received 1,042 reviews of which 966 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.7
966
76