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
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.
Sixtieth Kilometer
You're going to work by train, but strange things happens on the way: the train stops, the pink fog appears outside and the man who came off the train immediately dies. The main characters turned out to be locked in the train without any clues about what's happening...
ACE Academy
ACE Academy is a slice-of-life, story-centric comedy game with elements of dating-sim; fully voiced and extensively interactive!
Flowers -Le volume sur printemps-
Suoh Shirahane, a shy girl with a mysterious past, will begin her first year of high school at Saint Angraecum Academy, where she hopes to find a new beginning. She will navigate friendships and mysteries at her new school, and discovers that love can come in many forms.
Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars
It's time for classmating! Monsters have invaded the world of Aterra, and only a few special individuals, imbued with the power of the Star God, are equipped to fight it. Combine your Star power to make magical Star Children to boost up your forces in battle!
Winter Novel
Snow, dullness, depression. Constant dissatisfaction with work and superiors and feeling like there is no escape. Is this what life will always be? Perhaps… but I can always hope for change to be just around the corner!…
Grand Pigeon's Duty
Pigeons organized resistance, which aims to attract people's attention to the problem of hunger and restore bakery companies for their bait.
This Is the Police
This Is the Police is a strategy/adventure game set in a city spiraling the drain. Taking the role of gritty Police Chief Jack Boyd, you'll dive into a deep story of crime and intrigue. Will Jack reach his retirement with a nice stack of bills, or will he end up broken ... or worse?
Batman - The Telltale Series
Enter the fractured psyche of Bruce Wayne and discover the powerful and far-reaching consequences of your choices as the Dark Knight.
A Detective's Novel
On a cold November night in a desolate estate deep in the mountains an innocent life has prematurely perished and its up to the player to find out who did it.
Regeria Hope Episode 1
As Regeria Hope, clear your clients of their crimes, or watch them hang and amass power and wealth. It's up to you.
Just Deserts
Just Deserts is a sci-fi action dating sim where you play as a soldier who must protect a city from mysterious alien attack, while at the same time you will also be seeking to capture the heart of your dream girl(s)! Theme song by Vesuvia [Ecky], vocal track by iMochi
Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
Umineko When They Cry is the 2nd series of Sound Novel released by 07th Expansion. The steam version features renewed character sprites which is swappable from the classic art.
The Lion's Song: Episode 1 - Silence
„The Lion's Song: Episode 1 – Silence" draws the player into the life of a talented young composer, Wilma, preparing for her breakthrough concert, the defining moment of her career. Searching for inspiration she escapes from the pressure for success to the solitude of the Austrian Alps.
Nurse Love Addiction
Follow Asuka Osachi, a ditzy girl training to become a nurse at Teito Nursing School. Experience her story with her classmates as they discover love, medicine, and adulthood.
Megadimension Neptunia VII
New challengers are taking control of Gamindustri, and Neptune's nowhere in sight. Now she’s gotta help a mysterious stranger fight a colossal new evil, reclaim her Goddess title, and find some time for pudding! Go next gen with Giant Battles and multi-worlds in this JRPG!
Sonicomi
Super Sonico is a cheerful, hardworking college student and amateur musician who's about to make her modeling debut. As her personal photographer, you will be responsible for Sonico's image, balancing the needs of your clients with your own vision for Sonico's future.
Tomoyo After ~It's a Wonderful Life~ English Edition
From renowned visual novel studio Key, this is the sequel to the highly acclaimed visual novel CLANNAD. Featuring a truly memorable continuation to Tomoya and Tomoyo's journey, Tomoyo After promises to draw you even further into CLANNAD's world.
神明的一天世界(God's One Day World)
an Visual Novel & Puzzle Game
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
Nine participants awaken, trapped in an underground facility. To escape, they must play a game with deadly consequences. Who will live, and who will die? The choice is yours. Let the Decision Game begin…
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.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.
9.0
1,803
115
641
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 209,557 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.
9.5
202,146
7,411
491
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 439 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
439
players
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.
9.1
517
9
399
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. With 269 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
71,328
3,888
269
players
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.
9.4
25,335
976
249
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 238 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
238
players
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.
9.5
9,864
169
235
players
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.
9.1
8,354
575
235
players
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.
9.5
22,298
668
199
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 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.
9.4
3,314
75
-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 7,030 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.
9.0
6,512
518
-94%
20.50€
1.23€
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.
8.6
552
45
-93%
18.86€
1.32€
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.
7.7
339
73
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
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.
7.2
605
194
-92%
27.50€
2.20€
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.
8.2
529
80
-91%
27.56€
2.48€
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.
8.9
3,539
287
-90%
6.59€
0.65€
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.
7.5
433
112
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
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.
7.5
464
123
-90%
14.79€
1.47€
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.
6.9
270
104
-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 19th 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 1,918 reviews of which 1,803 were positive and 115 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 641 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free visual novel games on Steam.
9.0
1,803
115
641
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 209,557 reviews of which 202,146 were positive and 7,411 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 491, this visual novel game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
202,146
7,411
491
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 269, 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
269
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 238 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
238
players
5. 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. Attracting a solid base of 235 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
9,864
169
235
players
6. 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. Attracting a solid base of 128 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.4
3,457
63
128
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 124 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
124
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.1
1,305
47
98
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
7.6
649
162
98
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
75
players