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.
[Chilla's Art] Missing Children | 行方不明
Missing Children | 行方不明 is a Japanese horror-themed adventure game about a bully detective searching for reported missing children.Battlefield 4™
Embrace unrivaled destruction in Battlefield 4™. Revel in the glorious chaos of all-out war packed with rewarding, tactical challenges in an interactive environment.XIII - Classic
You are the victim of a conspiracy! The FBI, CIA and a group of murderers are chasing you. XIII… This strange tattoo and the key of a safe are your only clues to survive and claim your innocence! It's time to gear up and eliminate your ennemies!Evan's Remains
Years after a boy genius named Evan disappears, a bizarre letter arrives. Evan wants a girl named Dysis to come find him. As Dysis, you’ll need to solve an intricate series of puzzles to unravel the entire mystery—and bring Evan home.Mass Effect™ 3 N7 Digital Deluxe Edition (2012)
Earth is burning. The Reapers have taken over and other civilizations are falling like dominoes. Lead the final fight to save humanity and take back Earth from these terrifying machines, Commander Shepard.Mass Effect™: Andromeda Deluxe Edition
Return to the Mass Effect universe & lead the first humans in Andromeda on a desperate search for our new home.Battlefield 3™
Enjoy total freedom to fight the way you want. Explore 29 massive multiplayer maps and use loads of vehicles, weapons, and gadgets to help you turn up the heat. Every second of battle gets you closer to unlocking tons of extras and moving up in the Ranks. So get in the action.Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is a single-player narrative adventure that takes you deep into our planet’s beating blue heart. Explore the awesome wonder and unbounded mystery that exists within the world’s ocean.The Wizards - Dark Times: Brotherhood
Face the end of the world in the sequel to The Wizards. The critically acclaimed VR spellcaster returns with a gesture-based system, challenging enemies, grand adventure, and the ever-witty narrator.Dragon Age™ Inquisition
Winner of over 130 Game of the Year awards, discover the definitive Dragon Age: Inquisition experience. The Game of the Year Edition includes the critically acclaimed game, all three official add-ons - Jaws of Hakkon, The Descent, and Trespasser - and more.Sea of Solitude
When humans get too lonely, they turn into monsters… Set sail across a beautiful and evolving world of darkness and light, and discover what it means to be human.Dragon Age II: Ultimate Edition
You are Hawke, a refugee seeking to escape the darkspawn-plagued land of Ferelden and become Champion of Kirkwall. Rise to power and fight epic battles while making decisions that determine the course of civilization.Methods: The Detective Competition
One hundred detectives compete against each other in a crime-solving competition.Those Who Remain
As the lights go out, the embers of darkness are stoked in the sleepy town of Dormont. Confront uncomfortable horrors, keep your sanity in check and survive the night in this story-driven first-person psychological-thriller.ANIME WAR — Modern Campaign
ANIME WAR — Modern Campaign transports you along with the H.E.N.T.A.I. army to one of the hottest hotspots around the globe to take down our №1 threatening enemy.Dread X Collection
10 Tales of Terror from 10 Twisted Minds. Made in only 7 Sleepless Nights. The Dread X Collection is a series of small games created by some of the most talented indie devs around, all with the same mission: create the P.T. for the horror project of their dreams.YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story
YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story is the visual novel medium in its purest form. Will Shinichi choose Miyuki, the beautiful queen bee of the school, or the endearingly awkward misfit Aoi? With art by Tsuji Santa, these beautifully rendered romances will stay with you forever.Strategic Mind: Blitzkrieg
Strategic Mind: Blitzkrieg is a turn-based strategy set in the period of WW2. It brings a modern look and new features to a good old wargame genre. You are to lead the German Armed forces overcoming unthinkable odds and claiming the ultimate bittersweet victory in Europe. Blitzkrieg is the way!Family Man
You owe us money, Joe, and we plan to collect. We don't care where it comes from, but you'd better not skip town on us. Otherwise your family will be searching the river for your body.Angels of Death Episode.Eddie
"The boy made up his mind to face a cruel world." The new special edition of the psychological horror-adventure game "Angels of Death", which has also been made into an anime. The past of B4 floor master Eddie is revealed...Observation
Observation is a sci-fi thriller uncovering what happened to Dr. Emma Fisher, and the crew of her mission, through the lens of the station’s artificial intelligence S.A.M.Dark Nights with Poe and Munro
Guide local radio hosts Poe and Munro through six TV-like episodes of supernatural strangeness and sizzling on-screen chemistry. From the creators of The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker and The Shapeshifting Detective.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 16th 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 92,511 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 29,469 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among story rich games based on player count.3. 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 93,304 reviews of which 84,551 were positive and 8,753 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 13,485 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among story rich games based on player count.4. 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 1,091 reviews of which 848 were positive and 243 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 12,019 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played story rich games.5. 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 10,960 reviews of which 9,714 were positive and 1,246 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 11,768 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played story rich games.6. 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 10,076 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 827,022 reviews of which 794,955 were positive and 32,067 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 6,458 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 13,246 reviews of which 12,266 were positive and 980 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 4,004 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 3,901 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 62,036 reviews of which 58,121 were positive and 3,915 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 3,644 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 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted story rich games.
1. 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 93,304 reviews of which 84,551 were positive and 8,753 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10.2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in story rich games.3. 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 890 reviews of which 627 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 #3 best deal in story rich games.4. 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 5,658 reviews of which 5,389 were positive and 269 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 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. 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 #5 position in the best deals for story rich games.6. 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 1,328 reviews of which 859 were positive and 469 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for story rich games.7. 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 3,374 reviews of which 3,300 were positive and 74 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 #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 697 reviews of which 602 were positive and 95 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. Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut
Play as special agent Francis York Morgan in this open-world action-adventure as you solve the case of the Red Seed Murders and survive in a small, quirky American mountain town where supernatural creatures and a mysterious raincoat-clad, axe-wielding killer seek to end his investigation for good. Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut is a story rich, adventure and horror game developed and published by Rising Star Games. Released on October 29th 2013 has received 4,401 reviews of which 2,920 were positive and 1,481 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 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 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play story rich games.