Best Visual Novel 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 visual novel games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free visual novel games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Trials of Innocence
Trials of Innocence is an indie courtroom detective game. Step into the shoes of the main character, rookie lawyer Luna Ray, and navigate her journey through the legal world. Unravel a shocking conspiracy that changes the fate of many, including herself, and confront her inner choices.
KAMITSUBAKI CITY REGENERATE
Answer the summons to the parallel world of "Kamitsubaki City" and meet a cast of colorful characters as you set out on a quest to save this city from the brink of destruction in this dark-fantasy sci-fi visual novel!
Saihate Station
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men.
咸鱼殿下 / My journey
This is a Interactive Live-Action Game. You will travel back in time to become a noble Highness and experience the local customs and practices of ancient times. A series of your choices will influence the development trajectory of this world.
The Test: Reality Check
The Test: Reality Check is one of multiple installments in an ongoing social experiment that can be classified as an atmospheric, psychological-simulation with horror elements. Dive deep into your own psyche to find answers to questions you've kept locked away, hidden from yourself for far too long.
Sovereign Brain Empire
“Who isn’t a baby anyway?”~You travelled to a parallel world governed by the Sovereign Brain AI. In SB Empire, you’re an adopted “one-year-old”, recognized as a "Monarch-level" prodigy! There will be beauties giving you a sheltered babyhood. Your brilliance and privileges will change their fates!
Cabernet
Cabernet is a 2D narrative RPG set in a 19th century Eastern European inspired world, with a modern twist. Guide Liza, a young vampire in her new unlife among the unsuspecting townsfolk. Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become?
Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog
Survive the mystery that awaits the JFS Gun-Dog in deep space in this retro visual novel / graphic adventure.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center
Join forces with the psychic Director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center and solve a variety of cases involving cursed relics, rental properties with shady histories, and dimensional anomalies. Monstrous oddities and otherworldly planes abound in this occult mystery adventure game!
of the Devil
Immerse yourself in neon, smoke, and high-stakes legal gambles as a Defense Attorney with uniquely Killer insights in this episodic, diabolically stylish visual novel adventure game.
Rift of the NecroDancer
The NecroDancer's back in an all-new rhythm game! Dragged into a strange new world, Cadence must engage in musical combat with monsters surging through the Rift! Face pulse-pounding Rhythm Rifts where every beat is a battle, all set to an original soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky & friends.
Cardfight!! Vanguard Dear Days 2
"Cardfight!! Vanguard," has newly come to digital game! Over 3,000 cards for the Standard format! A brand-new original story shares the world of anime series unfolds! Enjoy your own cardfight experience!!
AI2U: With You 'Til The End
You wake up in a cute girl's home who's eager to keep you by her side! Engage with thematic stories, puzzles, and unique AI NPCs who'll go to any lengths to protect you—even when it means contradicting themselves. Bask in meet-cutes or brace for chaos if you try to escape.
The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki -Farewell, O Zemuria-
The latest installment in the popular story-driven Kiseki RPG series is here! The 20th-anniversary title, The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki -Farewell, O Zemuria-, where the epic story of the continent of Zemuria takes a dramatic turn, is now available on Steam®!
Mika and The Witch's Mountain
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is a fantasy adventure about an aspiring witch who delivers packages to the townspeople of a small island. Explore every cranny and soar through the sky with your magic broom.
The Shell Part III: Paradiso
The coiling chains of obsession that began with The Shell now threaten to strangle Detective Reiji Tokisaka in the third and final entry in the trilogy. As old friends and foes rise up for one last confrontation, can anyone break the cycle—and can Reiji's heart ever be set free?
Chicken Hill
Find 250 Genjouin of various species and hundreds of items for brother KUN. Rescue your frustrated and devastated brother KUN in the KUN space. We are the most devout believers.
Threefold Recital
Threefold Recital is set in an oriental fantasy world where the metropolis of Bluescales faces turmoil after a long golden age. The mix of magic, modern, and ancient technologies challenges governance, while tensions between humans, beastlings, and dragons grow. In the shadows, a crisis looms...
Return to campus
An open world school game, you can bully your classmates, collect protection fees, go to the supermarket to make zero-dollar purchases, or even blow up the school. Of course, you can also study hard and exchange ideas with your classmates.
OneRoom ―Yui Hanasaka Memorial―
That pure love, that lovey-dovey moment again――A new, immersive animated novel game where you can experience the story of Yui Hanasaka, the main heroine of the popular short anime series OneRoom, from the protagonist’s point of view.Revisit her special moments in this innovative experience!
S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH
This is a modern adventure of young adults seeking love and meaning. Return to 2011's Castor Yard, tap on your keyboard, and make those letters dance: Use your online persona to make meaningful decisions for your clients and yourself.Most played visual novel games on Steam
Take a look at the top visual novel games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a detective, visual novel and story rich game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on April 09th 2019 has received 36,608 reviews of which 35,742 were positive and 866 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 visual novel game, thanks to its 1,438 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
35,742
866
1,438
players
2. Senren＊Banka
Senren＊Banka is a Japanese-style visual novel produced by Yuzusoft, a Japanese developer of romance VNs. This game commemorated Yuzusoft's 10th anniversary. It won numerous awards on the year of its release in Japan for its art, music, and characters. Senren＊Banka is a visual novel and dating sim game developed by YUZUSOFT and published by HIKARI FIELD and NekoNyan Ltd.. Released on February 14th 2020 has received 30,538 reviews of which 30,193 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 774 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.7
30,193
345
774
players
3. Doki Doki Literature Club!
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a psychological horror, visual novel and anime game developed and published by Team Salvato. Released on October 06th 2017 has received 209,377 reviews of which 201,969 were positive and 7,408 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 589 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.5
201,969
7,408
589
players
4. Reverse: 1999
Reverse: 1999 is a 20th Century Time-Travel Strategic RPG developed by Bluepoch. As the Timekeeper, the observer of eras, you will embark on a journey across time and space, from the Roaring '20s to the turn of the millennium, uncovering the truth about the "Storm" and the mystery of the year 1999. Reverse: 1999 is a rpg, visual novel and story rich game developed and published by BLUEPOCH GAMES CO. and LIMITED. Released on October 08th 2024 has received 1,893 reviews of which 1,779 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 573 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played visual novel games.
8.9
1,779
114
573
players
5. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a adventure, visual novel and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 24th 2024 has received 3,137 reviews of which 2,844 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 516 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.
8.7
2,844
293
516
players
6. Everlasting Summer
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam! Everlasting Summer is a visual novel, story rich and free to play game developed and published by Soviet Games. Released on November 19th 2014 has received 75,216 reviews of which 71,328 were positive and 3,888 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 475 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
71,328
3,888
475
players
7. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is a anime, detective and visual novel game developed by Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. and Abstraction Games and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on April 18th 2016 has received 26,311 reviews of which 25,335 were positive and 976 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 463 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.4
25,335
976
463
players
8. The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty
Trek across ancient China in a dark, boundary-pushing visual novel inspired by traditional Chinese art with modern animation. Escort four girls to the prosperous city of Luoyang in a branching narrative with themes of revenge, cannibalism, involuntary servitude, and more on a redemptive journey. The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is a visual novel, historical and multiple endings game developed by 零创游戏(ZerocreationGame) and published by 零创游戏(ZerocreationGame) and 2P Games. Released on April 22nd 2024 has received 51,602 reviews of which 49,774 were positive and 1,828 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 423 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
49,774
1,828
423
players
9. Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Miles Edgeworth's dramatic turnabouts take center stage! Experience both Ace Attorney Investigations games in one gorgeous collection! Investigate crime scenes and solve tough, intriguing cases through logic and deduction. When Edgeworth's past and present collide, his future begins! Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a adventure, investigation and mystery game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 2,875 reviews of which 2,796 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 412 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
2,796
79
412
players
10. STEINS;GATE
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations. STEINS;GATE is a visual novel, story rich and anime game developed by MAGES. Inc. and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 08th 2016 has received 20,626 reviews of which 20,097 were positive and 529 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 384 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
20,097
529
384
players
Best deals on visual novel games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of visual novel 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 visual novel games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for visual novel category.
9.4
3,300
74
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
12th century, England: In a time of poverty and war, a small town begins the construction of a cathedral to claim wealth and safety for its people. In their struggle to survive, lives and destinies intertwine. Based on Ken Follett's world-bestseller ‘The Pillars of the Earth’. Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth is a choices matter, adventure and visual novel game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on August 15th 2017 has received 7,024 reviews of which 6,507 were positive and 517 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in visual novel games.
9.0
6,507
517
-94%
20.50€
1.23€
3. Mediterranea Inferno
Explore the inner demons of three childhood friends on a summer retreat. Unearth secrets, fears and obsessions as you help them reconnect and rediscover themselves. A mature and treacherous visual novel from the creator of Milky Way Prince – The Vampire Star. Mediterranea Inferno is a lgbtq+, choose your own adventure and visual novel game developed by Eyeguys and Lorenzo Redaelli and published by Santa Ragione. Released on August 24th 2023 has received 412 reviews of which 339 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in visual novel games.
7.7
339
73
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
4. 7'scarlet
The remote town of Okunezato is shaped like a crescent moon and shrouded in dark myths and legends. Take on the role of a brave young woman journeying into the unknown to uncover dangerous truths and locate her missing brother with her childhood friend. 7'scarlet is a otome, adventure and visual novel game developed by Idea Factory and TOYBOX and published by Intragames. Released on March 12th 2019 has received 794 reviews of which 601 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.2
601
193
-92%
27.50€
2.20€
5. Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk
Uncover the secret – Unite the clans In a town ruled by opposing clans and overshadowed by superstition and legend, a child is born with the dreaded mark of a witch. She conceals her identity until the theft of a mysterious relic brings to light a series of staggering revelations. Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk is a otome, adventure and visual novel game developed by Idea Factory and published by Intragames. Released on August 30th 2019 has received 606 reviews of which 526 were positive and 80 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.2
526
80
-91%
27.56€
2.48€
6. Chasing Tails ~A Promise in the Snow~
Trying to get away from trouble, June moves to a small town... to find even more trouble! A yuri comedy/horror visual novel, featuring a haunted house, fox-girls, and GxG love ❤︎. Chasing Tails ~A Promise in the Snow~ is a visual novel game developed by the last evil wizard and Nupu Neko Dev and published by Nupu Neko Dev. Released on August 13th 2021 has received 3,826 reviews of which 3,539 were positive and 287 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.9
3,539
287
-90%
6.59€
0.65€
7. √Letter - Root Letter -
When a letter is delivered 15 years late - you discover an old pen-friend was involved in a murder, before she disappeared. Travelling to her hometown, you must investigate the murder, using her past letters as clues to uncover the disturbing truth. √Letter - Root Letter - is a adventure, visual novel and anime game developed and published by DRAGAMI GAMES and LTD.. Released on July 07th 2017 has received 544 reviews of which 433 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.5
433
111
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
8. Highschool Romance
Can you find love as the only boy in an all-girls school? Find out, in this slice-of-life visual novel game with multiple endings. Highschool Romance is a visual novel game developed and published by Dharker Studios. Released on November 18th 2015 has received 587 reviews of which 464 were positive and 123 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.5
464
123
-90%
14.79€
1.47€
9. Sword of Asumi
Take on the role of Asumi, a new warrior for the people of Edo. As Asumi you must root out a rebel from within a prestigious samurai academy. Now the assassin must walk in the light for all to see. Sword of Asumi is a visual novel, anime and female protagonist game developed and published by Dharker Studios. Released on January 08th 2015 has received 374 reviews of which 270 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
6.9
270
104
-90%
9.75€
0.97€
10. Beach Bounce
A slice of life visual novel game in three parts following Tomoyo during his summer visiting a long lost relative. A fun tongue in cheek story with multiple branches, several relationships and various alternate endings for you to enjoy. Beach Bounce is a visual novel and indie game developed and published by Dharker Studios. Released on August 14th 2015 has received 353 reviews of which 236 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
6.4
236
117
-90%
9.75€
0.97€
Free visual novel games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play visual novel 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 visual novel games.
1. Doki Doki Literature Club!
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a psychological horror, visual novel and anime game developed and published by Team Salvato. Released on October 06th 2017 has received 209,377 reviews of which 201,969 were positive and 7,408 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 589 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
201,969
7,408
589
players
2. Reverse: 1999
Reverse: 1999 is a 20th Century Time-Travel Strategic RPG developed by Bluepoch. As the Timekeeper, the observer of eras, you will embark on a journey across time and space, from the Roaring '20s to the turn of the millennium, uncovering the truth about the "Storm" and the mystery of the year 1999. Reverse: 1999 is a rpg, visual novel and story rich game developed and published by BLUEPOCH GAMES CO. and LIMITED. Released on October 08th 2024 has received 1,893 reviews of which 1,779 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 573, this visual novel game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
8.9
1,779
114
573
players
3. Everlasting Summer
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam! Everlasting Summer is a visual novel, story rich and free to play game developed and published by Soviet Games. Released on November 19th 2014 has received 75,216 reviews of which 71,328 were positive and 3,888 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 475, this visual novel game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.3
71,328
3,888
475
players
4. A Date with Death
Fight against & romance the one hunting for your soul in A Date with Death, a romance chat simulator where you date(?) the Grim Reaper himself. Create your own character, decorate your apartment, and chat away with the charming yet dangerous Grim Reaper through text and video calls. A Date with Death is a dating sim, visual novel and lgbtq+ game developed and published by Two and a Half Studios. Released on December 07th 2023 has received 9,951 reviews of which 9,783 were positive and 168 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 232 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
9,783
168
232
players
5. Our Life: Beginnings & Always
A twenty-dollar bill, four summers, fifteen years, and a one of a kind life. Create an experience that’s all your own in this near-fully customizable visual novel where you grow from childhood to adulthood with the lonely boy next door. Our Life: Beginnings & Always is a visual novel, romance and lgbtq+ game developed and published by GB Patch Games. Released on November 16th 2020 has received 12,265 reviews of which 12,121 were positive and 144 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 164 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.6
12,121
144
164
players
6. Romance Club - Stories I Play
Immerse yourself in romantic visual stories where you control what happens! Romance Club - Stories I Play is a visual novel, simulation and romance game developed and published by Your Story Interactive. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 808 reviews of which 647 were positive and 161 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 136 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
7.6
647
161
136
players
7. Life Makeover
Explore Life Makeover: Unleash your style, dye outfits, and design freely. Dive into unlimited dress-up, build your dream home - all for free. Life Makeover is a female protagonist, simulation and casual game developed and published by Archosaur Games. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,200 reviews of which 1,013 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 127 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
8.0
1,013
187
127
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 3,481 reviews of which 3,420 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.4
3,420
61
91
players
9. Cooking Live - Italian Kitchen Simulator
Hello everyone! My name is Jane, and I need your help! I travel around the world and create a blog about local restaurants and cuisine. I’ve seen how big corporations squeeze out talented local cooks and their restaurants! Let’s take matters into our own hands and give them back their zest for life! Cooking Live - Italian Kitchen Simulator is a free to play, cooking and casual game developed and published by Matryoshka. Released on February 02nd 2023 has received 1,697 reviews of which 1,275 were positive and 422 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
7.3
1,275
422
76
players
10. Saihate Station
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men. Saihate Station is a psychological horror, lgbtq+ and horror game developed and published by びぶ/viv. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,352 reviews of which 1,305 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.1
1,305
47
58
players