Best Text-Based 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 text-based games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free text-based games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Golden Treasure: The Great Green
Golden Treasure is a game for those who carry dragons in their hearts. Hunt, explore, survive, and become Great among the True Children of Sun and Earth.
Sanator: Scarlet Scarf
Scarlet Scarf is a visual novel inspired by the legend of Plague Maiden. Dive into the dark mysteries of a dying city with the fate of Sanator Richard Murdock in your hands. Perhaps it's not too late to stop the on-going calamity...
Legal Dungeon
Legal Dungeon is a game about organizing Police Investigation Documents. The player must review and provide an Investigation Verdict on reports ranging from petty theft to murder, in eight different criminal cases. Weigh the value of people’s lives to unlock all the collectables.
最后的47小时 - The Last 47 Hours
"Let's break up in 47 hours!" The girl who has been in love with me for six years and will become my sweet bride next month, now declares. Are we really going to say goodbye after forty-seven hours?
The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia
Dodge bullets while typing exorcisms at the very same time: Get ready for an electrifying mix between bullet hell and typing game! Turn on both sides of your brain and jump into the adventure of private exorcist Ray Bibbia!
Timeflow – Life Sim
This game will make you rich! Learn the basics of investment and life management. Your goal is to make your dream come true. You can make a career, buy real estate, run business, trade stocks, become a blogger, or make a fortune on an art market. Study, network, and plan your time for all of it.
Zeliria Sanctuary
Sense of reality has not yet returned after a teleportation experiment. Purple hamsters, girls with tails, medieval knights - a fantastic world of an alien planet, where you will lead special forces soldier Maxx.
My 1/6 Lover
This is a visual novel about a lovestory with 6 routes, numerous CGs and 200,000 words. Small town, afternoon, leisure is in the air. A young man is trying to straighten himself up and finally say it to the girl of his dream. The girl shocked him with an unexpected answer. "I'm sorry, which of us do you like?"
The Watson-Scott Test
Take the Watson-Scott personality test and discover your deepest and darkest fears. 30 multiple-choice questions will tell you if you're more afraid of clowns, snakes, or something more sinister...
60 Parsecs!
60 Parsecs! is an Atomic Space Age adventure of scavenge and survival. Keep your crew alive and ready for action. Make difficult choices, face soup shortages and other horrors of outer space. And maybe reach your destination. Or not.
Fighting Fantasy Classics
Ready your sword, pack your provisions and prepare to embark upon quests in which YOU are the hero! Choose what happens at every turn of the page with Fighting Fantasy Classics – text-based roleplaying adventures remastered.
Quarantine Circular
First, do no harm. From the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Subsurface Circular comes another experimental short, the next mutation in text-based adventure. In the middle of a world-ending pandemic, a group of scientists discover the galaxy has been watching.
STAY
Award-winning, innovative puzzle-adventure. By communicating through your PC, you must help a kidnapped man escape captivity - in real-time. While you sleep, he is alone. When you return to your PC he has hope. Your encouragement and advice will be the difference between his salvation or despair.
Holyday City: Reloaded
Build, manage & grow your city in Holyday City: Reloaded! An idle clicker game where you're the business tycoon, expanding your metropolis. Master resource & time management to upgrade businesses and thrive. Experience the ultimate town builder adventure with Holyday City.
Doodle Date
Romance, seduce, and even marry your own drawings! Forget about finding true love; In Doodle Date, you create it!
Idle Adventure
Idle Adventure is a text-based, multi-player online RPG game. Even without astonishing graphics or special effects, it can offer you countless hours of enjoyment.
Fallen Hero: Rebirth
They called you a hero; you call them fools. Use your telepathy romance old friends and fight new enemies as you become the greatest villain Los Diablos has ever known!
Wayhaven Chronicles: Book One
Your first case as a detective is forcing you to open your eyes to a world bigger than you thought. Or maybe it's better to keep them closed. Seems the supernatural didn’t get the memo that nothing exciting ever happens in the little town of Wayhaven.
Omen Exitio: Plague
Investigate a paranormal disease that threatens to eradicate humanity in this unsettling Lovecraftian adventure, inspired by the choose-your-own-adventure gamebooks of the 80s and 90s. Your choices will determine the story, your character’s destiny… and the future of humanity.
Loot Box Quest
The spiritual successor to DLC Quest! Earn that sense of pride and accomplishment in the way that only repetitive clicking can deliver. It's a clicker game, so chill out, have a few chuckles, and watch numbers get bigger while the industry burns around us all.
家有大貓 Nekojishi
Nekojishi is a visual novel about feline beast-men, Taiwanese folklore, and the pressures and consequences that come with navigating the world of gods and spirits.
Sorry, James
JAMES_GARNER zEiaQe@z1l3
Don't Make Love
Assume the role of a praying mantis in a relationship dilemma. Torn between their mutual love and the instinct to have sex – which could lead to the male mantis’s death – the couple is on the verge of making a decision. Type anything you want in response to your partner during this life-changing conversation.Most played text-based games on Steam
Take a look at the top text-based games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Your Chronicle
"Let's begin your own story." This is a text-based idle RPG game. There are already more than 3,000 unique story actions and it's still growing. Your Chronicle is a rpg, idler and text-based game developed and published by Samurai Games. Released on April 04th 2021 has received 1,948 reviews of which 1,557 were positive and 391 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played text-based game, thanks to its 2,519 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.7
1,557
391
2,519
players
2. Trimps
A text-based incremental idle game with a ridiculous amount of unique content. Automate old stuff as you unlock new stuff to keep things interesting for hours and hours, no spam clicking necessary! Trimps is everything you love about your favorite games, distilled to their purest form. Trimps is a idler, strategy and free to play game developed and published by Greensatellite. Released on May 02nd 2022 has received 1,261 reviews of which 1,150 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 921 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among text-based games based on player count.
8.6
1,150
111
921
players
3. Football Coach: College Dynasty
A true college football management game. Play as a coach or a school, recruit players, develop your team, and compete for national championships. Build a college football dynasty and become a coaching legend! Football Coach: College Dynasty is a simulation, sports and football (american) game developed and published by Coach Apps. Released on January 16th 2025 has received 1,168 reviews of which 1,121 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 188 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among text-based games based on player count.
9.1
1,121
47
188
players
4. Magic Research 2
Welcome to Magic Research 2, an incremental RPG from the creator of Magic Research. Learn countless spells, face powerful foes, and command a team of Wizards who can cast spells for you as you journey to find or create the Philosopher's Stone. Magic Research 2 is a auto battler, idler and text-based game developed and published by Maticolotto. Released on May 21st 2024 has received 432 reviews of which 403 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 153 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played text-based games.
8.6
403
29
153
players
5. SIGame
Exciting quiz game where you can test your knowledge, compete with friends and smart bots, and explore a variety of topics! SIGame is a trivia, multiplayer and education game developed and published by Vladimir Khil. Released on March 22nd 2025 has received 386 reviews of which 321 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 123 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played text-based games.
7.8
321
65
123
players
6. Pro Wrestling Sim
Pro Wrestling Sim is a text-based pro-wrestling booking simulator. Control a wrestling promotion, decide your roster, and create storylines, feuds and matches where the winners and losers are in your hands. Pro Wrestling Sim is a simulation, strategy and wrestling game developed and published by Pro Wrestling Sim. Released on March 29th 2021 has received 469 reviews of which 456 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 106 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played text-based games.
9.0
456
13
106
players
7. Incremental Adventures
Lead your heroes in their neverending adventures! A minimalistic Idle game where combat is fully automated. It's up to you to make the most of that automation to reach extremely high numbers! Incremental Adventures is a idler, automation and text-based game developed and published by Gniller. Released on August 11th 2020 has received 772 reviews of which 603 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played text-based games.
7.4
603
169
93
players
8. Katawa Shoujo
Katawa Shoujo is a romantic visual novel set in the fictional Japanese Yamaku High School for disabled children. Hisao's congenital heart defect forces him to move to a new school. Despite his difficulties, Hisao is able to find friends—and perhaps love, if he plays his cards right. Katawa Shoujo is a visual novel, romance and dating sim game developed and published by Four Leaf Studios. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 3,520 reviews of which 3,457 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played text-based games.
9.4
3,457
63
76
players
9. Roadwarden
Roadwarden is an illustrated text-based RPG that uses isometric pixel art and combines mechanics borrowed from RPGs, Visual Novels, adventure games and interactive fiction. Roadwarden is a rpg, text-based and adventure game developed by Moral Anxiety Studio and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on September 12th 2022 has received 4,071 reviews of which 3,864 were positive and 207 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played text-based games.
9.1
3,864
207
68
players
10. cyberpunkdreams
2090s America, torn apart by war and corporate greed. A lone traveller stands outside the gates of Cincinnati, greatest of the border cities. How far will you go to make it to the top? How far will you go to fulfil your mission? cyberpunkdreams is a cyberpunk, rpg and interactive fiction game developed and published by Late Night Games. Released on May 14th 2021 has received 948 reviews of which 728 were positive and 220 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played text-based games.
7.3
728
220
59
players
Best deals on text-based games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of text-based 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 text-based games.
1. Roadwarden
Roadwarden is an illustrated text-based RPG that uses isometric pixel art and combines mechanics borrowed from RPGs, Visual Novels, adventure games and interactive fiction. Roadwarden is a rpg, text-based and adventure game developed by Moral Anxiety Studio and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on September 12th 2022 has received 4,071 reviews of which 3,864 were positive and 207 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 91% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for text-based category.
9.1
3,864
207
-91%
11.11€
1.00€
2. Hacker Evolution
Hacker Evolution is a hacking simulation game, featuring unparalleled graphics and features. You play the role of a former intelligence agent, specializing in computer security. When a chain of events sets off worldwide, leaving critical service disabled, you assume the role a computer hacker to find out what happened and attempt to stop... Hacker Evolution is a simulation, hacking and puzzle game developed and published by exosyphen studios. Released on September 14th 2010 has received 1,003 reviews of which 667 were positive and 336 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 51% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in text-based games.
6.4
667
336
-51%
0.99€
0.49€
3. Athanasy
Deep beneath the surface of the dead Earth, the City, the last refuge of humanity, hides. Engineering genius and efforts of all mankind; a giant structure of steel, concrete, and biopolymers. It keeps the remnants of civilization one step away from total extinction. Athanasy is a visual novel, text-based and horror game developed by Wirion and published by 7DOTS. Released on April 13th 2022 has received 455 reviews of which 444 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Thanks to its 50% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in text-based games.
9
444
11
-50%
8.19€
4.09€
Free text-based games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play text-based 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 text-based games.
1. Your Chronicle
"Let's begin your own story." This is a text-based idle RPG game. There are already more than 3,000 unique story actions and it's still growing. Your Chronicle is a rpg, idler and text-based game developed and published by Samurai Games. Released on April 04th 2021 has received 1,948 reviews of which 1,557 were positive and 391 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 2,519 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free text-based games on Steam.
7.7
1,557
391
2,519
players
2. Trimps
A text-based incremental idle game with a ridiculous amount of unique content. Automate old stuff as you unlock new stuff to keep things interesting for hours and hours, no spam clicking necessary! Trimps is everything you love about your favorite games, distilled to their purest form. Trimps is a idler, strategy and free to play game developed and published by Greensatellite. Released on May 02nd 2022 has received 1,261 reviews of which 1,150 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 921, this text-based game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free text-based games on Steam.
8.6
1,150
111
921
players
3. SIGame
Exciting quiz game where you can test your knowledge, compete with friends and smart bots, and explore a variety of topics! SIGame is a trivia, multiplayer and education game developed and published by Vladimir Khil. Released on March 22nd 2025 has received 386 reviews of which 321 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 123, this text-based game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free text-based games on Steam.
7.8
321
65
123
players
4. Incremental Adventures
Lead your heroes in their neverending adventures! A minimalistic Idle game where combat is fully automated. It's up to you to make the most of that automation to reach extremely high numbers! Incremental Adventures is a idler, automation and text-based game developed and published by Gniller. Released on August 11th 2020 has received 772 reviews of which 603 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
7.4
603
169
93
players
5. Katawa Shoujo
Katawa Shoujo is a romantic visual novel set in the fictional Japanese Yamaku High School for disabled children. Hisao's congenital heart defect forces him to move to a new school. Despite his difficulties, Hisao is able to find friends—and perhaps love, if he plays his cards right. Katawa Shoujo is a visual novel, romance and dating sim game developed and published by Four Leaf Studios. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 3,520 reviews of which 3,457 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
9.4
3,457
63
76
players
6. cyberpunkdreams
2090s America, torn apart by war and corporate greed. A lone traveller stands outside the gates of Cincinnati, greatest of the border cities. How far will you go to make it to the top? How far will you go to fulfil your mission? cyberpunkdreams is a cyberpunk, rpg and interactive fiction game developed and published by Late Night Games. Released on May 14th 2021 has received 948 reviews of which 728 were positive and 220 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
7.3
728
220
59
players
7. The Lancaster Leak - Entity Exam
YOU CONTROL THE FOUND FOOTAGE. Another tape has been leaked, this time a recording of a training protocol. By answering questions and resisting jumpscares, can you beat the Entity Exam? The Lancaster Leak - Entity Exam is a horror, action and text-based game developed by Jeremy Fischer and published by Jflyer Games. Released on February 05th 2024 has received 439 reviews of which 397 were positive and 42 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
8.4
397
42
3
players
8. Space Bear
Space Bear is a multi-choice text adventure typing game! Sort of. I mean, there isn't many actual choices, and the typing is more "mashing"... Space Bear is a free to play, adventure and indie game developed by Damon Smith and published by Space Bear Games. Released on March 05th 2020 has received 449 reviews of which 442 were positive and 7 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
9.1
442
7