Discounted 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
Perfect Gold - Yuri Visual Novel
In this short, coming-of-age yuri visual novel, play as Marion LaRue and Audrey Clary as they explore the magical city of Castlecoast and get a second chance at love and friendship.
The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
Delouse your room with sage and pack up your travel-sized ouija board, it’s time to re-enter Twin Lakes - America’s 34th most haunted city. Join Detective McQueen as he puzzles his way through 9 chilling cases, risking life and pixelated limb to solve the macabre mysteries that plague the poor town.
Tower of Waifus
Tower of Waifu is a Tactical match 3 puzzle game. Learning spells, upgrading your stats and creating your own tactics, conquer the tower, defeat bosses.
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante
A narrative-driven hardcore RPG set in a gritty world ruled by real but unrelenting gods. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice has a price and entails consequences. Will you become an inquisitor, a judge, or conspire against the old order? Dare to decide!
Suicide Countdown: 7 Days
Only 7 days remain until death embraces you -- the everyday life of a young boy begins to distort little by little, unfolding into a bizarre and ghastly series of events... When fate comes knocking, will you have the courage to make a choice?
回门 Way Back Home
"Way back home" is a 2D horizontal board horror puzzle game. It takes the Republic of China period from 1905 to 1926 as the background of the times. With a large number of exquisite original paintings, rich playing methods, excellent music and dubbing, delicate script and narrative game style, it creates a strong historical...
Cyber Crush 2069
You, as a ripperdoc (self-proclaimed), have started your new clinic in a corner of Little China. With your cyberware fixing skill, will it help you to impress the girl?
NEKOPARA Vol. 4
Despite the popularity of, "La Soleil", Kashou's father continues to disapprove of it. Determined to get his father to approve of him, Kashou journeys to France to seek advice from the teacher who taught him his craft. A new chapter awaits in the next volume of the NEKOPARA series!
~Be a maid in the Demon World~ The Secret Café of the Demon Angel Hero.
The protagonist who Reincarnated to the Demon World became a black mascot, in order to restore his original appearance. Use the knowledge of the "different world" to transform the little devil's tavern into a maid cafe, and aim for the first maid cafe in the demon world!
Chicken Police - Paint it RED!
A wild tale of love, death, chickens, and redemption! Chicken Police is a buddy-cop noir adventure with a carefully crafted world, a gritty story, and absurd humor. The game mixes classic adventure games with visual novel-style storytelling, presented in a beak-droppingly unique art style.
Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp
"Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp" brings you more of the world's best (and maybe only?) multiplayer dating sim; but in a way you've never expected!
My Cute Commissar
☭My Cute Commissar☭ – satyrical historical visual novel with “match-3” type of gameplay. Take part in the political struggle in the 1920’s communist Russia and prevent Stalin’s tyranical rule!
CBT With Yuuka Kazami
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, is the use of evidence based strategies to help manage symptoms of poor mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression. Yuuka Kazami from the Touhou Project invites you to some mostly peaceful lessons where you grasp the basics of CBT!
Vampire: The Masquerade - Shadows of New York
Your old life is dead and buried. You have no afterlife to look forward to, and your vampiric unlife is about to fall apart unless you solve an unsolvable crime. Welcome to New York City... and welcome to the Lasombra clan, where failure is not an option.
Cross Princess
Single route visual novel. Belle is actually a boy, an accident lets him and a bright girl named Bambi begin to live together, a warm and healing friendship + love story.
Love n Dream
《Love n Dream》 is a puzzle game with many kawaii girls. You will be transformed into multiple roles to approach all of our girls. Your job is to unlock their desired, characteristic, favorite, hate by using your skill to solve all the puzzles and understand more about them.
Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk
A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her.
Ethereal Enigma
A choice-driven, slice of life visual novel featuring full voice-over and an intricate relationship system!
Milky Way Prince – The Vampire Star
A visual novel about an abusive relationship, idealization, and intimacy. Live a summer of dysfunctional love through branching storylines, twists, sudden changes, and an innovative mechanic where you choose which senses to use with your boyfriend.
For the People
For the People is a mix of a political management sim and a visual novel, putting players in the shoes of an idealistic young state official tasked with shaping the future of a communist factory town. Will the party provide for the people, or are the people just cogs in its machine?..
Sakura Succubus 2
Sakura Succubus 2 is a direct sequel to Sakura Succubus. Picking up where the last story left off, Hiroki is courted by two new succubi who want to join his harem: an elegant actress and a cheerful tennis player.
Persona 4 Golden
A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders.
Evan's Remains
Years after a boy genius named Evan disappears, a bizarre letter arrives. Evan wants a girl named Dysis to come find him. As Dysis, you’ll need to solve an intricate series of puzzles to unravel the entire mystery—and bring Evan home.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 18th 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 592 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.9
1,779
114
592
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 426 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
426
players
3. 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 430 reviews of which 423 were positive and 7 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 373 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.1
423
7
373
players
4. 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. With 371 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.6
35,742
866
371
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. With 238 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.6
12,121
144
238
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 224 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
224
players
7. 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 219 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
9,864
169
219
players
8. 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 219 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.1
8,354
575
219
players
9. 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!! Cardfight!! Vanguard Dear Days 2 is a strategy, rpg and card game game developed by FURYU Corporation and LANCARSE Ltd. and published by Bushiroad Inc.. Released on January 29th 2025 has received 366 reviews of which 253 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 214 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played visual novel games.
6.6
253
113
214
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 195 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
195
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 18th 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 7,024 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. 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 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 #5 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.2
601
193
-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 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 #6 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.2
526
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 18th 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 592 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
592
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 426, 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
426
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 238, this visual novel game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.6
12,121
144
238
players
4. 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 224 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.3
71,328
3,888
224
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 219 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
219
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 134 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
134
players
7. 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. Attracting a solid base of 107 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
8.9
1,880
130
107
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
7.6
649
162
93
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.4
3,457
63
90
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
75
players