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.
Banyu Lintar Angin - Little Storm -
Banyu Lintar Angin is a series of experimental illustrations about three siblings, living together independently in a rural Indonesian environment.Hello Charlotte EP3: Childhood's End
"All ended well.There was nothing to grieve about." A farewell, and a greeting.Six Days of Snow
In a small inn located in the snowy Japanese mountains, an unlikely relationship blossoms between a once-popular poet and the daughter of the inn's proprietress.Sakura no Mori † Dreamers
Who is the one hiding deeply in abyss? The Devil? The Killer? or—Yourself?旧手表 - Old Watch
This is an Visual Novel game. It's a story about time leap.Hoshizora no Memoria -Wish upon a Shooting Star- HD
A Japanese love adventure game, as you follow the story of Kogasaka You, his hometown and a promise he made.A Sky Full of Stars 仰望夜空的星辰
The starry sky spreads far and wide overhead... This story full of love, comedy, and excitement follows our protagonist and his stargazing friends as they grow together. "A Sky Full of Stars" is a coming-of-age astronomy tale by the same team who brought you "If My Heart Had Wings".Umineko: Golden Fantasia
The tag-team fighting game based on the original "Umineko When They Cry" series, finally released on Steam, in English and with improved rollback netplay!Shadowhand: RPG Card Game
Shadowhand is a strategic RPG card game. Duel powerful enemies in 18th Century England with unique solitaire-style turn-based combat. Equip your character strategically to sneak, slice and blast through foes!Crimson Imprint plus -Nonexistent Christmas-
This is a story about her and him. This is also a story about meeting and parting. Perhaps it is a very simple story. It may be a very complicated story. A simple FAREWELL ...... And not a grand farewell. If you can feel the joy and sorrow we pour in, it is a great encouragement to us.Let`s not stay friends
Friendship is a wonderful thing… unless you are friends with a girl who has no idea you have feelings for her! Inske, a student of magical arts, is troubled by the upcoming outdoors exam, and can't even imagine that someone might want to use the test as an opportunity to get close to her.Eternal Hour: Golden Hour
Play through a timeless adventure as Yasu or Rin Fujimoto and discover the origins of Eternal Hour! Eternal Hour: Golden Hour is a fun, emotional, and story-driven Visual Novel that takes place before the events of Eternal Hour.Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
This is the 2nd half of the Umineko When They Cry sound novel series, featuring episodes 5 through 8. This steam version features multi-language options, swap-able renewed character sprites, as well as the original BGMs and un-cut content.Visual Novel Maker
Visualize, Create, Share. A revolutionary new tool for Visual Novel Creation aimed towards aspiring artists and writers to bring their stories to life.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.Eiyu*Senki – The World Conquest
A mysterious hero from the heavens and the young ruler of Zipang, Himiko, set their sights on ending the eternal war burning around them, but to bring peace to the world they must first conquer it.Our End of the World
Filled with puzzles, the story between she and me at the end of the world. English Subtitle Released on 2018/11/22!Little Busters! English Edition
Capturing the hearts of countless fans since 2007, Little Busters! is an emotional visual novel from Key, the minds behind Angel Beats! and CLANNAD. This special English release supports touch controls and dynamic switching between English and Japanese text, and is in HD for the first time on PC.Perceptions of the Dead
Follow three stories set in a world where the dead linger, and things far worse wait beyond the veil.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 19th 2025.
1. 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 1,918 reviews of which 1,803 were positive and 115 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played visual novel game, thanks to its 641 peak concurrent players over the last day.2. 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 209,557 reviews of which 202,146 were positive and 7,411 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 491 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among visual novel games based on player count.3. 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. While seeing 439 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among visual novel games based on player count.4. Promise Mascot Agency
Explore a cursed Japanese town! Recruit mascot friends and come to the rescue when disaster strikes! Solve the mystery of your exile! Help a living finger work through her many anger issues! Turn Promise Mascot Agency into the best agency in Japan in this open-world narrative adventure! Promise Mascot Agency is a rpg, adventure and open world game developed and published by Kaizen Game Works. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 526 reviews of which 517 were positive and 9 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 399 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played visual novel games.5. 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 269 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.6. 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 249 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played visual novel games.7. 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. With 238 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played visual novel games.8. 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 10,033 reviews of which 9,864 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 235 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played visual novel games.9. Suzerain
Assume the role of President Anton Rayne and guide the nation of Sordland. Amidst brewing international conflicts, need for reform, deep-seated corruption, and economic recession, you must make the decisions in this political drama. How will you lead? Suzerain is a visual novel, choose your own adventure and political sim game developed and published by Torpor Games. Released on December 04th 2020 has received 8,929 reviews of which 8,354 were positive and 575 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 235 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played visual novel games.10. Slay the Princess — The Pristine Cut
You're here to slay the princess. Don't believe her lies. Slay the Princess — The Pristine Cut is a visual novel, choices matter and psychological horror game developed by Black Tabby Games and published by Black Tabby Games and Serenity Forge. Released on October 23rd 2023 has received 22,966 reviews of which 22,298 were positive and 668 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 199 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played visual novel games.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 19th 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 3,389 reviews of which 3,314 were positive and 75 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.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 7,030 reviews of which 6,512 were positive and 518 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.3. Arcade Spirits
Arcade Spirits is a romantic visual novel that follows an alternative timeline where the 1983 video game crash never occurred. It's 20XX and you've just started a new job at the Funplex game arcade. Who will you meet along the way? Will you find the romance you're seeking? Arcade Spirits is a cute, dating sim and lgbtq+ game developed by Fiction Factory Games and published by PQube. Released on February 12th 2019 has received 597 reviews of which 552 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in visual novel games.4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for visual novel games.5. 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 799 reviews of which 605 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for visual novel games.6. 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 609 reviews of which 529 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 #6 position in the best deals for visual novel games.7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for visual novel games.8. √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 545 reviews of which 433 were positive and 112 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.9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for visual novel games.10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for visual novel games.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 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play visual novel games.