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

Bear's Restaurant

The award-winning indie adventure game finally arrives on Steam—now with more content than ever before! A story of love, loss, and fine dining that’s sure to warm even the most jaded of hearts.

Price 10.79€
Rating 8.8
Release 06 Oct 2021

No Longer Home

No Longer Home is a game about letting go of the life you've built due to circumstances beyond your control. Immerse yourself in the lives of Bo and Ao and learn about their dreams, frustrations and fears. Welcome the magic of the everyday and somewhat extraordinary.

Price 14.79€
Rating 6.4
Release 30 Jul 2021

The Forgotten City

The Forgotten City is a narrative-driven time loop adventure in ancient Rome. Discover the ruins of an ancient underground city, travel 2000 years into the past, and unravel the mystery of who destroyed it by cleverly exploiting the power to wind back time. The fate of the city is in your hands.

Price -94% 1.38€
Rating 9.3
Release 28 Jul 2021

Legend of Homebody

The simple game of a shut-in learning from home and earn money. (The game is purely fictional, do not try this out in reality. This is a somewhat serious and heavy game, so don't be fooled by appearances.)

Price -37% 3.71€
Rating 7.8
Release 08 Jul 2021

Strangeland

You wake in a surreal carnival, where a woman cries out to you before leaping to her death. Can either of you be saved? The denizens and devices of Strangeland answer with riddles, puzzles, and warnings of a Dark Thing lurking at the park’s peak. A new adventure from the creators of Primordia.

Price 12.49€
Rating 8.8
Release 25 May 2021

Cognition Method: Initiation

Free demo for Cognition Method - a story-driven, first-person puzzle game inspired by Space Odyssey 2001 and Solaris. Discover an innovative mechanics of altering gravity and dive into the surreal setting. Find your way within a mysterious artifact and unveal a non-ordinary story.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 22 Apr 2021

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.

Price -80% 1.95€
Rating 9.5
Release 08 Apr 2021

Press Ctrl

A mind-bending puzzler where your avatar controls another avatar via an in-game keyboard.

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 16 Mar 2021

Three of Cards

Three of Cards is a movie-like noir card action game. The magician has a horrible relationship with insurance company A. Help the magician to take revenge on the key characters who have plunged him into hell, and shed light on his path. Because the process will be very dark and terrible.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 04 Mar 2021

The Shore

THE SHORE is a first person story driven game with an atmospheric environment and narrations, You will encounter mysterious creatures and unravel the secrets behind them. Strong elements of horror, struggle to survive an unknown world that will make you question your own sanity.

Price -75% 2.49€
Rating 7.0
Release 19 Feb 2021

Psycholonials

While in communication with supernatural forces, two influencers launch a daring new social media brand.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 03 Feb 2021

Sunlight

Traverse a harmonious hand painted forest in this first person hike. ☀️The trees guide you with gentle whispers, as you explore a philosophical story.

Price -75% 1.00€
Rating 7.1
Release 14 Jan 2021

Press Any Button

This video game realized how boring it had been and now is trying its best to fix that.

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 07 Jan 2021

Summerland

Summerland is a first-person narrative game about morality and the afterlife. You take control of Matthew, a detective reliving the events of his past, being questioned on his morals along the way. In every door lies another memory, and every memory unlocks another door.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 01 Dec 2020

Banana Hell

Jump your way to get the blue diamonds as you try to survive a very annoying banana monologue! A REALLY HARD game!

Price 2.80€
Rating 6.6
Release 07 Nov 2020

What Comes After

What Comes After is a side-scrolling adventure and a short heartwarming story about learning how to love yourself. Help Vivi in her journey on the train to the afterlife and back.

Price 3.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 05 Nov 2020

Manifold Garden

Rediscover gravity and explore an Escher-esque world of impossible architecture. Witness infinity in first-person and master its rules to solve physics-defying puzzles. Cultivate a garden to open new paths forward, where an eternal expanse awaits.

Price -86% 2.64€
Rating 9.2
Release 20 Oct 2020

When The Past Was Around

When the Past was Around is an adventure point-and-click puzzle game about love, moving on, letting go, and the joy and pain of everything in between.

Price 7.79€
Rating 9.2
Release 22 Sep 2020

Schastye

A miniature frozen between the atmosphere of a small room and Castaneda with Lovecraft. The story of radical spiritual practices in the search for truth among panels and stacks.

Price -51% 0.49€
Rating 6.6
Release 27 Aug 2020

Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk

A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her.

Price -50% 0.74€
Rating 9.5
Release 26 Aug 2020

My Exercise

Let's do sit-ups! Let a chubby boy do his exercise and sink into a dog's body. Maybe animals will come to cheer him up.

Price 3.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 26 Aug 2020

Metamorphosis

Play as Gregor, turned into a tiny bug, and set out on an extraordinary journey to unravel the mystery of your transformation. Metamorphosis is a first person adventure set in a surrealist world where your newfound abilities are your last and only hope for redemption.

Price -54% 11.23€
Rating 8.0
Release 12 Aug 2020

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 04 Jul 2020

The Night Fisherman

A short, twisted tale about a smuggler and a late night encounter in the English Channel. Control the camera and make tough choices, will you escape with your life?

Price Free to play
Rating 7.9
Release 29 Jun 2020

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