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
Cabernet
Cabernet is a 2D narrative RPG set in a 19th century Eastern European inspired world, with a modern twist. Guide Liza, a young vampire in her new unlife among the unsuspecting townsfolk. Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become?
The Shell Part III: Paradiso
The coiling chains of obsession that began with The Shell now threaten to strangle Detective Reiji Tokisaka in the third and final entry in the trilogy. As old friends and foes rise up for one last confrontation, can anyone break the cycle—and can Reiji's heart ever be set free?
Chicken Hill
Find 250 Genjouin of various species and hundreds of items for brother KUN. Rescue your frustrated and devastated brother KUN in the KUN space. We are the most devout believers.
Night Shift Nurses
A washed-up mad doctor is hired back by a devious former test subject and asked to twist her hospital into a corrupt donation mill. Will he seize this second chance to practice his own vision of "science," or will his many failings drag him down once again in this pseudo-medical visual novel?
Mercury Abbey
In a mansion surrounded by mist, as the curse made by the Alchemist and Fairy reappears, the danger is quietly lurking in the darkness, awaiting its visitors.Follow Harrod and Willie to unravel an incredible story in Mercury Abbey, and go on an adventure that you would only find in mystery novels.
Homicipher
Homicipher is a language deciphering and exploration ADV based on the concept of "romance with horror men." The protagonist, who has wandered into another world, interacts with non-human beings to decipher their language while striving to escape.
Ys X: Nordics
Explore uncharted islands, engage in fast-paced action combat, and experience the high seas adventures of unlikely allies Adol and Karja in Ys X: Nordics!
Half Billion: Love Choice
"Half Billion" is a surreal simulation business interactive game, where you will complete the entrepreneurial journey with a start-up capital of half billion. Six beauty enter your life. How will you balance the relationship? Note that "wealth" and "likability" will jointly determine the your story.
The Nameless: Slay Dragon
The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a gamebook-adventure flavored turn-based RPG In short - how to slay the immensely powerful and cunning evil dragon? You will play as a young man having a bloody feud with a dragon, and face powerful, sinister and tricky enemies with friends....
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Miles Edgeworth's dramatic turnabouts take center stage! Experience both Ace Attorney Investigations games in one gorgeous collection! Investigate crime scenes and solve tough, intriguing cases through logic and deduction. When Edgeworth's past and present collide, his future begins!
The Operator
Welcome to the FDI. As our newest Operator, your role is to use your detective skills to assist our field agents and investigate mysterious crimes. Use cutting-edge FDI software to dig for clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty
Trek across ancient China in a dark, boundary-pushing visual novel inspired by traditional Chinese art with modern animation. Escort four girls to the prosperous city of Luoyang in a branching narrative with themes of revenge, cannibalism, involuntary servitude, and more on a redemptive journey.
The Shell Part II: Purgatorio
Detective Reiji Tokisaka is back to face down a mystery that spans decades, if not centuries. With the aftermath of his last case weighing on his soul and a long-silent cult resurgent, can he solve the crime—or will it become his curse?
Knowledge, or know Lady
You, the "sole male student" at a women's university, are about to embark on a sweet and laughter-filled campus love journey from a first-person perspective! How will you resist the temptations of the beauties and create your own legend in this girls' school?
The Thaumaturge
The Thaumaturge is a character-driven RPG with a rich story, morally ambiguous choices, and turn-based combat. In a city on the brink of change, use your mystical powers to read emotions, uncover motives, and command folklore-inspired demons — while resisting the temptation of your own pride.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 22nd 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 619 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.0
1,803
115
619
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 406 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
406
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 365 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
365
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 629 reviews of which 619 were positive and 10 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 258 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.2
619
10
258
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 12,289 reviews of which 12,144 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 231 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.6
12,144
145
231
players
6. 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 227 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
9,864
169
227
players
7. 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 8,972 reviews of which 8,393 were positive and 579 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 #7 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.1
8,393
579
225
players
8. 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 23,088 reviews of which 22,416 were positive and 672 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 202 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
22,416
672
202
players
9. 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 75,276 reviews of which 71,383 were positive and 3,893 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 195 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
71,383
3,893
195
players
10. 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 26,361 reviews of which 25,381 were positive and 980 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 192 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.4
25,381
980
192
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 22nd 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. If Found...
If Found... is a game about going home, coming out and erasing everything. If Found... is a indie, lgbtq+ and casual game developed by DREAMFEEL and published by Annapurna Interactive. Released on May 19th 2020 has received 2,026 reviews of which 1,832 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.6
1,832
194
-88%
11.67€
1.40€
10. Winds of Change
Lead The Rebellion, build your army, and shape the world with your choices. A story-heavy adventure game with multiple endings, romance options, and non-linear storytelling. A vast fantasy world waiting to be explored. Inspired by Dragon Age, and Mass Effect. Fully voice acted by a stellar cast! Winds of Change is a visual novel, lgbtq+ and story rich game developed and published by Klace. Released on August 21st 2019 has received 559 reviews of which 535 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.9
535
24
-85%
19.99€
2.99€
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 22nd 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 619 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
619
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 406, 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
406
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 12,289 reviews of which 12,144 were positive and 145 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 231, this visual novel game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.6
12,144
145
231
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 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 227 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
9,864
169
227
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 75,276 reviews of which 71,383 were positive and 3,893 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 195 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
71,383
3,893
195
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 121 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
121
players
7. 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 110 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.4
3,457
63
110
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 1,568 reviews of which 1,514 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.2
1,514
54
96
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
82
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
53
players