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
子归 - Blossom
Early spring, 1999, Taoyuan Village. In just several days, a series of drowning incidents occurred in the same quaint village. Then, on the night of the fifteenth day, numerous villagers witnessed a woman in red who bore an uncanny resemblance to a lady who had previously met an unjust demise...
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus
Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, and Shinigami, the spirit haunting him, tackle unsolved mysteries.
Man I Just Wanna Go Home
Man I Just Wanna Go Home is an "MSPaint-noir" visual novel with 13 endings, a unique visual style and a killer 80s inspired soundtrack. The story revolves around a delivery person stranded in an unfamiliar part of the city under the devastating rain. All he wants is to get home. Help him!
Illusion Carnival
A lost soul wanders through a whimsical, eerie pop-up book like amusement park. Dive into fun-filled stages, encounter unique characters, fend off spirit erosion, and uncover the park's hidden secrets. The enchanting yet dark Illusion Carnival begins now.
Hookah Haze
It's the year 2xxx. The inexperienced Toru Sumiki lands a job managing Hookah Haze, a new hookah lounge on the outskirts of Akihabara, where they meet three eccentric girls. The story unfolds as the girls gradually open up to them, connecting through their fondness for hookah...
The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence.
Until Then
A fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction, upending Mark's life. People disappear and memories prove unreliable. Uncover a hidden truth with Mark and his friends in this narrative adventure and race to unravel the mystery before it's too late.
Uncover the Smoking Gun
A Battle of Wits with AI: Solve the case by conversing with a suspect robot using GPT to gather evidence. What single truth emerges from countless dialogues and pieces of information?
Beauties! They're All After Me
In this thrilling romance game, players are a working-class hero meeting six girls: a loli, a mature woman, a housewife, a soft girl, a domineering CEO, and a cute, naive girl. As he gets involved with them, he awakens a cheating system—can you believe it?! Make your final choice now!
Tavern Talk
A cozy visual novel about running a tavern in a D&D-inspired fantasy! Gather rumors, serve magical drinks, and meet adventurers on a life-changing quest.
The Heroes Around Me
The Heroes Around Me tells a story of a family of 3: the hard-working and quiet father – Nan, his daughter Lili, and their pet dog Sesame. Players will experience the harshness and warmth in the simpler time of the 1990s, where lots of stories are untold.
Charming Hearts
"Charming Hearts" is a real-life interactive dating game. Players will meet, get to know, and fall in love with different types of beauty. Every choice will lead to a completely different chemical reaction with "her"; every entanglement, the sweet love is entangled and pulled.
Secrets of the Heartbeat
Confronted with life's peak, diverse romance beckons. Do you choose the allure of a charming secretary or the wisdom of an independent yoga instructor? Will you pursue distant celebrities or seek the sincerity of a working girl's love? Each choice shapes your journey.
Bring Me that Shawarma
A visual novel about shawarma, consisting of multiple episodes.
天呐！找不到真爱就扑街！
First-person perspective through role-playing When getting along with the "Destined Heroine", they constantly make choices to deepen mutual understanding, and strive to exchange sincerity for true love. These choices determine the final emotional outcome. In the end, who will Huang Di's true love be
Folie Fatale
All capture targets are mentally "Jirai"(landmine)!? Meet these eccentric boys, reveal the truth beneath in this Psycho-love-horror VN!
Star Trek: Resurgence
Authentic Star Trek adventure from former members of Telltale Games. Engage in diplomacy, pilot shuttlecraft, and use your tricorder and phaser to overcome challenging puzzles and deadly threats. Tough decisions will impact relationships, your story, and the fate of the galaxy. What will YOU do?
Bagel Love Story
A light-hearted and enjoyable short romance VN! The protagonist, Fan Tong, struggles to lose weight in hopes of finding a job, but the journey is far from smooth. Until one day, a cute and sunny girl named Bagel comes into his life, kickstarting a story of weight loss, cross-dressing, and romance!
撩妹模拟器：渣男的秘密
During the pursuit of six beautiful women, you will learn the underlying logic and basic principles of love, chat skills, dating skills, relationship upgrade skills, psychological effects of love, and building framework personality attraction.
Kanna Maze
In an isolated lab beneath the earth, a childhood friend is resurrected. Amidst sealed walls, a spree of killings unfolds. In a godless abyss, parallel worlds entwine like a maze. Where does one find the path to the sole universe of bliss?
1000xRESIST
1000xRESIST is a thrilling sci-fi adventure. The year is unknown, and a disease spread by an alien invasion keeps you underground. You are Watcher. You dutifully fulfil your purpose in serving the ALLMOTHER, until the day you discover a shocking secret that changes everything.
Heading Out
An immersive driving game that meets a story-rich experience, passionately inspired by cult classic road movies. Each run offers a unique combination of races, chases, difficult decisions, and colorful characters. As you drive across the USA, every decision you make impacts your playthrough.
Chill Pulse
Chill Pulse combines productivity tools with serene environments. Use a Pomodoro timer and to-do lists to boost focus, while ambient sounds in settings from cyberpunk cities to ancient landscapes enhance relaxation.
Bewitching Sinners
Bewitching Sinners is a dark comedy dating sim where your choices will either leave you with your true love or ruin a whole world and potentially killing millions of people within it, no pressure! Explore a fantasy world full of witches, hot priests, and the occasional dance with death.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 16th 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 1,893 reviews of which 1,779 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played visual novel game, thanks to its 497 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.9
1,779
114
497
players
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 209,377 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 416 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.5
201,969
7,408
416
players
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 358 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.6
35,742
866
358
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. With 234 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
9,783
168
234
players
5. 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 225 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.1
8,354
575
225
players
6. 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 219 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
22,298
668
219
players
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 206 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.6
12,121
144
206
players
8. 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 205 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
71,328
3,888
205
players
9. 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 203 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.4
25,335
976
203
players
10. 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 173 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played visual novel games.
8.7
2,844
293
173
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 16th 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 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play visual novel games.
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 1,893 reviews of which 1,779 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 497 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free visual novel games on Steam.
8.9
1,779
114
497
players
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 209,377 reviews of which 201,969 were positive and 7,408 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 416, this visual novel game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
201,969
7,408
416
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 234, this visual novel game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
9,783
168
234
players
4. 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 206 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.6
12,121
144
206
players
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. Attracting a solid base of 205 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.3
71,328
3,888
205
players
6. 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 103 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
8.0
1,013
187
103
players
7. 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 811 reviews of which 649 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
7.6
649
162
88
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 free visual novel games on Steam.
9.4
3,457
63
76
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
52
players
10. 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. vivid/stasis is a rhythm, visual novel and lgbtq+ game developed by Team Vividstasis and published by Hajimeli and SKY HOUR WORKS. Released on March 07th 2023 has received 2,010 reviews of which 1,880 were positive and 130 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
8.9
1,880
130
45
players