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
The Mammoth: A Cave Painting
Tell the 5 million year story of the mammoth in 5 minutes.
Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
This is the 2nd half of the Umineko When They Cry sound novel series, featuring episodes 5 through 8. This steam version features multi-language options, swap-able renewed character sprites, as well as the original BGMs and un-cut content.
The Talos Principle VR
The Talos Principle VR is a virtual reality version of Croteam's critically acclaimed first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction.
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".
Subsurface Circular
When the truth is buried, go underground. Step into this new take on text-based adventure from the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Volume. A short story that hands you the fate of the world above, as a detective looking for answers on the Subsurface Circular.
Bai Qu: Hundreds of Melodies
A melody of life and death surrounding a sickly girl and her friends.
Dies irae ~Amantes amentes~
Night after night, the same dream of a guillotine. A headhunting serial killer. And the "knights" in black who follow soon after. Irrationality that defies the realm of common sense begins to assault and devour the city.
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.
The Search
Embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration in The Search - a story-driven puzzle-adventure set in a mysterious world where art comes to life!
Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition
Uncover secrets of past lives in this story-rich, tactical roleplaying game set in Sigil, a dark fantasy city at the heart of the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse. Explore the planes, survive combat alongside a party of bizarre companions, and solve puzzles unlike any ever seen in the genre.
Fibrillation HD
Immerse yourself in an adaptation of an old story about Ewan Berrington.
Four Last Things
Four Last Things is a point-and-click adventure game made from Renaissance-era paintings and public domain recordings of classical music. It is about sin, and the Four Last Things – Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell – and strives to be intelligent and ridiculous in equal measures.
Hello Charlotte EP2: Requiem Aeternam Deo
A eulogy for happiness, and a lament for connection that never was.
Sisyphus Reborn
A short atmospheric adventure game about finding meaning in a meaningless world.
Don't Disturb
Single-player puzzle adventure with a beautiful, distinctive art style and a genuinely emotional story. As a lonely dog wandering the afterlife searching for his dead master, 'Don't Disturb' explores traditional Asian views on death and the underworld.
The Turing Test
The Turing Test is a challenging first-person puzzle game set on Jupiter’s moon, Europa. You are Ava Turing, an engineer for the International Space Agency (ISA) sent to discover the cause behind the disappearance of the ground crew stationed there.
Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
Umineko When They Cry is the 2nd series of Sound Novel released by 07th Expansion. The steam version features renewed character sprites which is swappable from the classic art.
Haven Moon
Haven Moon will transport you to a mysterious world where you have to explore abandoned islands and solve their secrets to find a treasure. In this Myst-like game inspired by Jules Verne’s universe, use your senses and intelligence to find your way through secret passages and curious machinery.
The House in Fata Morgana
A gothic suspense tale set in a cursed mansion. "The House in Fata Morgana" is a full-length visual novel spanning nearly a millennium that deals in tragedy, human nature, and insanity.
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.
The Witness
You wake up, alone, on a strange island full of puzzles that will challenge and surprise you.
The Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.
In Between
In Between is set inside the mind of a man hit by a cruel twist of fate. Together you are on a journey through the protagonist's head, a world that doesn’t obey the laws of physics.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 16th 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 201 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
62,960
13,440
201
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 134 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
134
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 113 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
113
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
25
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
3
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. 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 1,032 reviews of which 967 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.8
967
65
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. The Void
Only brought to life by scarce sparks of Color, the bleak, grey Void is a peculiar place. The player gets to explore it, get to know the Sisters, Brothers, and other weird creatures inhabiting it, and learn the ways of Color, harvesting it and drawing sigils that change the world around them. The Void is a surreal and philosophical game developed and published by Ice-Pick Lodge. Released on December 15th 2009 has received 1,109 reviews of which 898 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played philosophical games.
7.7
898
211
1
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
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 16th 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 527 reviews of which 445 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 49% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for philosophical games.
7.9
445
82
-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 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play philosophical games.
1. 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 1,032 reviews of which 967 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.8
967
65
2
players
2. 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 #2 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.0
373
64
2
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
9.0
655
21
4. 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 538 reviews of which 509 were positive and 29 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
509
29
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.7
966
76
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.7
3,014
330