Best Story Rich 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 story rich games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free story rich games are available at the bottom of the page.
24 Killers
Explore a desert island full of oddities, transform into monsters you've rescued, collect mysterious spirits, and unlock mods that change up future playthroughs.Contraband Police
Take over the duties of a border guard inspector in a communist country of the 80's. Smuggling, corruption and forgery are the order of the day here. Be vigilant and earn the respect of your superiors.Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare®
Experience a visceral Campaign or assemble your team in the ultimate online playground with multiple Special Ops challenges and a mix of Multiplayer maps and modes.PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
How far would you go to bring someone back from the dead? Discover the depths that some will go to in this horror-adventure game.Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War
Black Ops Cold War, the direct sequel to Call of Duty®: Black Ops, will drop fans into the depths of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical battle of the early 1980s.vivid/stasis
Rhythm-mystery hybrid game about uncovering the dark truth about a mysterious organization. Everything happens for a reason. However, the truth behind that reason is left obstructed.Final Profit: A Shop RPG
FINAL PROFIT is a story driven shop-sim RPG. Gather products and find customers. Spend your hard-earned profits on upgrades and investments. Make far-reaching choices as you expand your business. And explore a world full of secrets on your quest to defeat capitalism by becoming the best at it!Lunar Mirror:The Pavilion of Desire
This is a side-scrolling exploration and puzzle game with the background of the horror story of Cthulhu. You can move the character through A and D, talk to the character in the scene, press the F key to interact with the props in the scene, and complete the puzzle by collecting clues.Anemoiapolis: Chapter 1
The most relaxing horror game you'll ever play. Anemoiapolis exists in the uncanny valley of American architecture -- endless carpeted floors and lonely malls. Escape for your life, and enjoy the scenery.Garten of Banban 2
Continue the story of Banban’s Kindergarten. Delve deeper into the bizarre establishment where the place was left suspiciously empty. Try to survive the unexpected residents, all while uncovering the truth behind the place…Meg's Monster
Take control of the Underworld’s grumpiest ghoul to help a lost little girl find her way home in this creepy-cute indie adventure. Just be warned: if she cries, the whole world dies.Yihongyuan
Can I float in life without becoming trapped in the mire of the dirt , is myconfidence。Charm them with your personal charmKing Of The Castle
Take your rightful place on the throne in this political party game for 4+ players. Rule the kingdom with an iron fist or silver tongue as you steer through bloodshed, intrigue & madcap disaster! Can you keep your crown when others plot your downfall? More importantly, can you keep your head?The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak
The spriggan known as Van Arkride, an underground professional, accepts any job, acting as detective, negotiator, or bounty hunter. Dive into the Trails series' latest chapter with intense combat, beautiful visuals, and a new alignment system in Calvard!Light of Alariya
Light of Alariya is an open-world, third-person, exploration puzzle game in which you traverse ancient alien temples and ruins to restore the power of the stars and awaken your sleeping civilization.Limbus Company
As the Executive Manager of Limbus Company, lead your group of twelve Sinners, venture into the buried facilities of Lobotomy Corporation, and lay claim on the Golden Boughs.File Destined
Can this last case of Oliver, all be just a small part of a bigger picture? Gather clues, unravel the mystery behind the case and uncover the truth.Elong Plug
Play as an elastic plug trying to become as long as LORD ELON. Use your climbing, dangling, and stretching skills to collect coins and buy length upgrades. Will LORD ELON accept you?OCTOPATH TRAVELER II
This game is a brand-new entry in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series, the first installment of which was initially released in 2018 and sold over 3 million copies worldwide.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.Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Don the clothes and weaponry of the elite to become the samurai of legend, Sakamoto Ryoma. Draw your blade and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure.The Test: Secrets of the Soul
You will answer a series of questions that will reveal things from deep within. Some will be uncomfortable, but with great knowledge comes great sacrifice. Can you make it all the way through The Test, and are you SURE you want the answers you seek? For it is time to unlock "Secrets of the Soul..."Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority- is a multi-ending horror adventure game. Sara Chidouin returns home from school late one night to discover that something's gone terribly wrong. When she comes to, she finds herself, her friend Joe, and 9 other people trapped in a mysterious place.Story-rich games are a captivating genre that immerses players in compelling narratives, allowing them to experience deep emotional journeys and complex character arcs. These games often prioritize storytelling, character development, and player choices, making them perfect for those who love a good tale. This page showcases the best-rated story-rich games on Steam, all based on user scores and reviews, helping you find the perfect game to dive into.
In this category, you'll discover a variety of story-rich games that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Narrative-Driven Games
These games focus heavily on storytelling, often featuring linear plots with rich dialogue and character interactions.
Visual Novels
A subgenre that combines storytelling with visual art, allowing players to make choices that affect the outcome of the story.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
Games that allow players to create characters and engage in expansive worlds filled with quests and narratives.
Adventure Games
ames that emphasize exploration and puzzle-solving while delivering a strong narrative.
Each game offers unique storytelling mechanics and experiences, ensuring that there's something for every narrative enthusiast.
How to Find More Story Rich Games
If you're eager to explore even more story-rich games, our site makes it easy! Use the category filters to narrow down your search. You can look for tags like "narrative" for games focused on storytelling or "adventure" for those that emphasize exploration and puzzles. This way, you can quickly find games that match your interests.
Tips for Choosing the Right Story Rich Game
Consider your preferred storytelling style
Think about whether you enjoy linear narratives or games with branching paths that allow for multiple endings.
Look for games with strong character development
Games that invest in character arcs and relationships often provide a more immersive experience.
Check for user reviews
Reading reviews can give you insight into the game's quality, emotional impact, and overall storytelling effectiveness.
What are the best story-rich games for beginners?
If you're new to story-rich games, consider starting with Life is Strange - Episode 1 or Oxenfree. Both are user-friendly and offer engaging narratives that are easy to follow.
Are there free story-rich games on Steam?
Yes! There are several free-to-play story-rich games available, such as Doki Doki Literature Club! and The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit which provide engaging narratives without any cost.
What makes a story-rich game great?
A great story-rich game typically features high-quality writing, well-developed characters, and meaningful player choices that impact the narrative. Additionally, immersive world-building and emotional depth can significantly enhance the overall experience, making players feel connected to the story and characters.
Can I play story-rich games solo?
Absolutely! Most story-rich games are designed for single-player experiences, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the narrative without the need for multiplayer interactions. Games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Disco Elysium - The Final Cut are perfect examples of solo experiences that offer deep storytelling and character engagement.
With a wide variety of options available, you're sure to find a game that captivates you and provides an unforgettable narrative experience. Don't forget to check back regularly for updates, as new games are released and ratings change. Happy gaming, and enjoy diving into the rich stories that await you in these incredible games!
Most played story rich games on Steam
Take a look at the top story rich games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a story-rich, party-based RPG set in the universe of Dungeons & Dragons, where your choices shape a tale of fellowship and betrayal, survival and sacrifice, and the lure of absolute power. Baldur's Gate 3 is a rpg, character customization and choices matter game developed and published by Larian Studios. Released on August 03rd 2023 has received 742,262 reviews of which 718,841 were positive and 23,421 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played story rich game, thanks to its 121,788 peak concurrent players over the last day.2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Winner of over 175 Game of the Year Awards and recipient of over 250 perfect scores, RDR2 is the epic tale of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the infamous Van der Linde gang, on the run across America at the dawn of the modern age. Also includes access to the shared living world of Red Dead Online. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a open world, story rich and western game developed and published by Rockstar Games. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 709,021 reviews of which 653,299 were positive and 55,722 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 35,189 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among story rich games based on player count.3. Blue Prince
Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46? Blue Prince is a puzzle, exploration and mystery game developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 2,515 reviews of which 2,080 were positive and 435 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 14,628 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among story rich games based on player count.4. The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered
Experience the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, now on PC. Discover Ellie and Abby’s story with graphical enhancements, gameplay modes like the roguelike survival experience No Return, and more. The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered is a story rich, post-apocalyptic and third-person shooter game developed by Naughty Dog LLC, Nixxes Software and Iron Galaxy Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on April 03rd 2025 has received 13,080 reviews of which 11,671 were positive and 1,409 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 13,905 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played story rich games.5. Limbus Company
As the Executive Manager of Limbus Company, lead your group of twelve Sinners, venture into the buried facilities of Lobotomy Corporation, and lay claim on the Golden Boughs. Limbus Company is a lore-rich, story rich and turn-based tactics game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 55,107 reviews of which 47,194 were positive and 7,913 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 9,989 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played story rich games.6. Metro 2033 Redux
In 2013 the world was devastated by an apocalyptic event, annihilating almost all mankind and turning the Earth's surface into a poisonous wasteland. A handful of survivors took refuge in the depths of the Moscow underground, and human civilization entered a new Dark Age. The year is 2033. Metro 2033 Redux is a post-apocalyptic, fps and atmospheric game developed by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver. Released on August 27th 2014 has received 96,266 reviews of which 87,371 were positive and 8,895 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 9,746 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played story rich games.7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a open world, rpg and story rich game developed and published by CD PROJEKT RED. Released on May 18th 2015 has received 827,807 reviews of which 795,719 were positive and 32,088 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 8,698 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played story rich games.8. Sultan's Game
The Sultan commands you to play a cruel game. Each week you draw a card, and have to complete its challenge within seven days. Forced to make dreadful choices to beat the Sultan’s Game and save your own life, you will have to find a way to survive not just the Game, but its consequences too. Sultan's Game is a rpg, simulation and adventure game developed by Double Cross and published by 2P Games. Released on March 30th 2025 has received 14,010 reviews of which 13,005 were positive and 1,005 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 4,681 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played story rich games.9. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
The Master Chief’s iconic journey includes six games, built for PC and collected in a single integrated experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or meeting Spartan 117 for the first time, The Master Chief Collection is the definitive Halo gaming experience. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a great soundtrack, fps and classic game developed by 343 Industries, Splash Damage, Ruffian Games, Bungie and Saber Interactive and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on December 03rd 2019 has received 239,857 reviews of which 221,654 were positive and 18,203 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 4,535 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played story rich games.10. Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR'S CUT
A storm is coming. Venture into the complete Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR’S CUT on PC; forge your own path through this open-world action adventure and uncover its hidden wonders. Brought to you by Sucker Punch Productions, Nixxes Software and PlayStation Studios. Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR'S CUT is a action, open world and adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and Nixxes Software and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on May 16th 2024 has received 62,617 reviews of which 58,690 were positive and 3,927 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 4,486 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played story rich games.Best deals on story rich games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of story rich games available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted story rich games.
1. Lost Eidolons
Lost Eidolons is a turn-based tactical RPG with a gripping cinematic narrative, set in a waning empire riven by civil war. Take on the role of a charming mercenary captain, Eden, and lead his band of allies through epic encounters on a classic turn-based battlefield. Lost Eidolons is a jrpg, war and perma death game developed and published by Ocean Drive Studio and Inc.. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 1,925 reviews of which 1,347 were positive and 578 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for story rich category.2. The Lamplighters League
Recruit a team of misfits with unique abilities and unforgettable personalities, and chase the Banished Court to the ends of the earth in a mix of real-time infiltration, turn-based tactical combat, and a character-driven story of adventure and intrigue. The Lamplighters League is a story rich, adventure and rpg game developed by Harebrained Schemes and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 03rd 2023 has received 893 reviews of which 630 were positive and 263 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in story rich games.3. In Sound Mind
In Sound Mind is an imaginative first-person psychological horror with frenetic puzzles, unique boss fights, and original music by The Living Tombstone. Journey within the inner workings of the one place you can’t seem to escape—your own mind. In Sound Mind is a horror, psychological horror and story rich game developed by We Create Stuff and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on September 28th 2021 has received 5,676 reviews of which 5,405 were positive and 271 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in story rich games.4. Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical
Gods. Romance. Murder. Musical Numbers?! Play as Grace in a world where Greek Gods live in hiding among us. Change your fate as you draw friends, foes & lovers into song using your powers of musical persuasion to unravel the mystery of the Last Muse's death. Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is a interactive fiction, story rich and female protagonist game developed by Summerfall Studios and published by Humble Games. Released on August 09th 2023 has received 3,267 reviews of which 3,020 were positive and 247 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for story rich games.5. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame
Bricksburg is in ruins and Emmet's friends have been taken! Team up with Emmet and a host of heroic characters to save their friends from the strange inhabitants of the Systar System. Journey into outer space, discover new worlds, and test your Master Building skills. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame is a adventure, lego and sandbox game developed by TT Games and Feral interactive (Mac) and published by Feral interactive (Mac) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released on February 26th 2019 has received 1,330 reviews of which 860 were positive and 470 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for story rich games.6. Beacon Pines
Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate! Beacon Pines is a visual novel, story rich and emotional game developed by Hiding Spot and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 3,389 reviews of which 3,314 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for story rich games.7. Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga
Enter Tahnra, a land savaged by war. You, a fresh academy graduate with humble beginnings, will grow to lead a grand army against a corrupt adversary. Gather heroes, form bonds, and lead your force in turn-based battles. Make use of tactics, terrain, morale and more to bring peace to the land! Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is a tactical rpg, rpg and story rich game developed by Dancing Dragon Games and published by indie.io. Released on June 10th 2022 has received 12,707 reviews of which 12,026 were positive and 681 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for story rich games.8. Citizen Sleeper
Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future. Citizen Sleeper is a rpg, dice and story rich game developed by Jump Over The Age and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on May 05th 2022 has received 7,821 reviews of which 7,266 were positive and 555 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for story rich games.9. Eternal Threads
Eternal Threads is a single-player, first-person story-driven puzzle game of time manipulation, choice and consequence. Eternal Threads is a choices matter, story rich and time manipulation game developed by Cosmonaut Studios and published by Secret Mode. Released on May 19th 2022 has received 701 reviews of which 605 were positive and 96 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for story rich games.10. Foretales
Decide the fate of the world in this ingenious story-driven card game. Foretales offers a unique take on the adventure genre, with a multitude of playstyles and story paths through which you can save the world… or bring about its end. Foretales is a card game, story rich and dynamic narration game developed by Alkemi and published by Dear Villagers. Released on September 15th 2022 has received 997 reviews of which 847 were positive and 150 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for story rich games.Free story rich games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play story rich games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play story rich games.