Games like Riven (1997) on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Riven (1997) are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales
The Bookwalker is a narrative adventure in which you play as Etienne Quist, a writer-turned-thief with the ability to dive into books. Use your powers to journey between reality and book worlds, and steal legendary items like Thor's Hammer and Excalibur to restore your ability to write.
Haven Moon
Haven Moon will transport you to a mysterious world where you have to explore abandoned islands and solve their secrets to find a treasure. In this Myst-like game inspired by Jules Verne’s universe, use your senses and intelligence to find your way through secret passages and curious machinery.
Amanda the Adventurer
Join Amanda and her pal Wooly on a series of adventures as they explore and learn about our wonderful world! With several NEW play-along, laugh-along, learn-along episodes there's always fun to be had! Just make sure to do everything Amanda says or she might get angry.
Tomb Raider II (1997)
The second instalment in the Tomb Raider series invites you to join Lara as she travels around the globe to retrieve a precious artefact before it falls into the wrong hands. The legendary artefact, the Dagger of Xian, is said to give its possessor the power of a fire breathing dragon.
Still There
Every day is the same on the faraway Bento space-lighthouse - until a mysterious radio message breaks through. Evade the past, welcome oblivion, make the perfect Italian coffee. Still There is a psychological adventure game about grief, technical puzzles, wacky AIs and dark humour. How far is far enough?
In Other Waters
Play as an Artificial Intelligence guiding a stranded xenobiologist through a beautiful and mysterious alien ocean. A non-violent sci-fi story, enter a world of wonder, fear and vulnerability, unraveling the history and ecology of an impossible planet. What will you discover together?
Old Man's Journey
Old Man’s Journey, a soul-searching puzzle adventure, tells a story of life, loss, and hope. Interacting with the world around you, you'll shape the landscape to create the old man's path forward. Experience heartache and hope as you embark on a heartfelt journey through a sunkissed world.
Demetrios - The BIG Cynical Adventure
The Journey of an Idiot. 8 to 12 hours of fun!
A Wolf in Autumn
A one-armed young girl finds herself locked in a shed in the middle of an idyllic autumn forest, with threats both physical and immaterial drawing closer.
Whispering Willows
Interact with the spirits of the dead, solve the puzzles of the mysterious mansion and help Elena find her missing father in the horror/adventure puzzle game: Whispering Willows.
Sanitarium
Originally released in 1998 on PC, and awarded as the Adventure Game of the Year, The timeless horror point-and-click, Sanitarium, is returning to frighten the bravest adventure game fans.
Braid
This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.
Escape Simulator
First-person puzzler you can play solo or in an online co-op. Explore a set of highly interactive escape rooms. Move furniture, pick up and examine everything, smash pots and break locks! Play thousands of community-made rooms through the level editor.
My Friend is a Raven
You return to your old apartment one last time, in search of a sickened raven. You must speak to him, and discover the cause behind the calamity that has spread across the world.
The Almost Gone
Experience the intricate dioramas and connections of your life, and the ripples we all make, in this award-winning narrative puzzle game about death, loss, and mental health.
Genesis Noir
A noir adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you'll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god—otherwise known as The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love.
HIVESWAP: ACT 1
A hand-drawn tribute to hilarious '90s adventure games (with none of the accompanying frustration). Play as Joey Claire, a puzzle-solving teen snatched out of her time (1994) and place (Earth) and stranded on a hostile alien planet on the brink of rebellion.
Maize
Maize is a first-person adventure game about what happens when two scientists misinterpret a memo from the U.S. Government and create sentient corn. And that last sentence is pretty much the least ridiculous thing about the game.
The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. Made by Croteam and written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything).
Discolored
Locals whisper of a roadside diner that’s lost its color. You are sent to investigate.
Draugen
Draugen is a single-player, first-person Fjord Noir mystery set in 1920s Norway. Explore a forgotten coastal village in your search for your missing sister, accompanied by your independent and enigmatic young ward. Norwegian Game of the Year 2019.
Dead Secret
Dead Secret is a first-person horror mystery set in rural Kansas in 1965. A reclusive professor is dead and it’s up to you to crack the case before you become the next victim. Investigate the murder and explore the story Time Magazine called “captivating” and “deeply creepy” .
Cradle
Cradle is a sci-fi first-person-view quest designed for the player to explore the surrounding world. The story is built around the relations of the protagonist and a mechanical girl who by quirk of fate found themselves amidst the desert.Most played games like Riven (1997) on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Riven (1997) that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
Similarity 56% Fear and isolation seep through the walls of an abandoned southern farmhouse. "7" marks a new beginning for survival horror with the “Isolated View” of the visceral new first-person perspective. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard is a horror, survival horror and first-person game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 23rd 2017 has received 96,525 reviews of which 91,934 were positive and 4,591 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Riven (1997), thanks to its 927 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
91,934
4,591
927
players
2. Outer Wilds
Similarity 58% Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop. Outer Wilds is a exploration, space and mystery game developed by Mobius Digital and published by Annapurna Interactive. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 82,852 reviews of which 79,273 were positive and 3,579 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 793 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Riven (1997) based on player count.
9.4
79,273
3,579
793
players
3. Escape Simulator
Similarity 60% First-person puzzler you can play solo or in an online co-op. Explore a set of highly interactive escape rooms. Move furniture, pick up and examine everything, smash pots and break locks! Play thousands of community-made rooms through the level editor. Escape Simulator is a puzzle, co-op and multiplayer game developed and published by Pine Studio. Released on October 19th 2021 has received 17,090 reviews of which 16,082 were positive and 1,008 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 412 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Riven (1997) based on player count.
9.2
16,082
1,008
412
players
4. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Similarity 55% Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, metroidvania and platformer game developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on March 10th 2020 has received 135,731 reviews of which 131,079 were positive and 4,652 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 373 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.5
131,079
4,652
373
players
5. Papers, Please
Similarity 56% Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling. Papers, Please is a indie, political and simulation game developed by Lucas Pope and published by 3909. Released on August 08th 2013 has received 73,679 reviews of which 71,673 were positive and 2,006 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 296 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.6
71,673
2,006
296
players
6. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
Similarity 58% Play the original three Tomb Raider adventures with all expansions and secret levels in this definitive collection. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is a female protagonist, action-adventure and action game developed by Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics and published by Aspyr. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 6,726 reviews of which 6,027 were positive and 699 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 193 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.7
6,027
699
193
players
7. We Were Here Forever
Similarity 53% You both awaken imprisoned inside the sinister Castle Rock - were you betrayed, or simply not that clever? Find out in the greatest co-op puzzle adventure in the We Were Here Series! Do you and your partner have what it takes to face the dark forces of this realm or will you be trapped… forever? We Were Here Forever is a escape room, online co-op and puzzle game developed and published by Total Mayhem Games. Released on May 10th 2022 has received 15,950 reviews of which 14,589 were positive and 1,361 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 133 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.9
14,589
1,361
133
players
8. The Roottrees are Dead
Similarity 55% A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation. The Roottrees are Dead is a puzzle, mystery and detective game developed by Robin Ward and published by Evil Trout. Released on January 15th 2025 has received 2,246 reviews of which 2,195 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 127 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.3
2,195
51
127
players
9. Life is Strange 2
Similarity 54% After a tragic incident, brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz run away from home. Fearing the police, and dealing with Daniel's new telekinetic power, the boys head to Mexico. Each stop on their journey brings new friends and new challenges. Life is Strange 2 is a choices matter, story rich and adventure game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and Square Enix. Released on September 26th 2018 has received 36,277 reviews of which 31,281 were positive and 4,996 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 120 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
8.5
31,281
4,996
120
players
10. SOMA
Similarity 51% From the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent comes SOMA, a sci-fi horror game set below the waves of the Atlantic ocean. Struggle to survive a hostile world that will make you question your very existence. SOMA is a horror, psychological horror and atmospheric game developed and published by Frictional Games. Released on September 21st 2015 has received 44,854 reviews of which 43,034 were positive and 1,820 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 106 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Riven (1997).
9.4
43,034
1,820
106
players
Best deals on games like Riven (1997) on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Riven (1997) available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Riven (1997).
1. The Night of the Rabbit
Similarity 56% Lose yourself in a tale of magic and wonder, where anything is possible and where nothing is quite as it seems: join young Jerry and follow a peculiar white rabbit to the wondrous realm of Mousewood, a land where critters can speak and where mystery abounds. The Night of the Rabbit is a adventure, point & click and indie game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on May 28th 2013 has received 3,158 reviews of which 2,824 were positive and 334 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.6
2,824
334
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Goodbye Deponia
Similarity 54% More chaos, more destruction, more Rufus. Not one, not two, but three Rufuses cause all kinds of crazy mayhem in the long-awaited adventure comedy Goodbye Deponia! Goodbye Deponia is a adventure, point & click and comedy game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on October 17th 2013 has received 2,353 reviews of which 2,089 were positive and 264 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Riven (1997).
8.5
2,089
264
-95%
21.00€
1.05€
3. The Entropy Centre
Similarity 56% Think in reverse. Outsmart the impossible. A mind-bending first-person adventure where you solve ingenious and complex puzzles by rewinding objects through time. The Entropy Centre is a puzzle, first-person and sci-fi game developed by Stubby Games and published by Playstack. Released on November 03rd 2022 has received 3,538 reviews of which 3,186 were positive and 352 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Riven (1997).
8.7
3,186
352
-94%
18.50€
1.11€
4. Escape From Mystwood Mansion
Similarity 52% In this first-person puzzle escape room game, you are trapped in the mysterious Mystwood mansion. Explore the mansion and find hidden compartments while solving puzzles and deciphering codes to find a way out. Will you escape or linger to uncover the mansion's final secret? Escape From Mystwood Mansion is a escape room, puzzle and cozy game developed and published by Lost Sock Studio. Released on September 27th 2023 has received 880 reviews of which 827 were positive and 53 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.8
827
53
-93%
16.29€
1.14€
5. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales
Similarity 61% The Bookwalker is a narrative adventure in which you play as Etienne Quist, a writer-turned-thief with the ability to dive into books. Use your powers to journey between reality and book worlds, and steal legendary items like Thor's Hammer and Excalibur to restore your ability to write. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales is a adventure, singleplayer and atmospheric game developed by DO MY BEST and published by tinyBuild. Released on June 22nd 2023 has received 2,086 reviews of which 1,925 were positive and 161 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.8
1,925
161
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. Call of the Sea
Similarity 58% Call of the Sea is an otherworldly tale of mystery and love set in the 1930s South Pacific. Explore a lush island paradise, solve puzzles and unlock secrets in the hunt for your husband’s missing expedition. Call of the Sea is a adventure, puzzle and story rich game developed by Out of the Blue Games and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 08th 2020 has received 5,082 reviews of which 4,490 were positive and 592 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.5
4,490
592
-93%
19.00€
1.33€
7. Genesis Noir
Similarity 60% A noir adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you'll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god—otherwise known as The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love. Genesis Noir is a noir, point & click and story rich game developed by Feral Cat Den and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on March 26th 2021 has received 1,966 reviews of which 1,544 were positive and 422 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
7.6
1,544
422
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
Similarity 56% 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. The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is a detective, pixel graphics and point & click game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. Released on April 15th 2021 has received 1,695 reviews of which 1,634 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
9.2
1,634
61
-92%
14.88€
1.19€
9. Fobia - St. Dinfna Hotel
Similarity 51% Explore a decadent hotel across different timelines and uncover the dark history of a fanatical cult and your role in their plans. Fobia - St. Dinfna Hotel is a indie, survival horror and violent game developed by Pulsatrix Studios and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on June 28th 2022 has received 1,922 reviews of which 1,646 were positive and 276 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
8.2
1,646
276
-91%
26.00€
2.34€
10. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition
Similarity 56% Back by popular demand, The Secret of Monkey Island™: Special Edition faithfully re-imagines the internationally-acclaimed classic game (originally released in 1990) for original and new audiences alike. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is a point & click, adventure and comedy game developed by LucasArts and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on July 15th 2009 has received 5,778 reviews of which 5,511 were positive and 267 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Riven (1997).
9.2
5,511
267
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
Free games like Riven (1997) on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Riven (1997) you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Riven (1997).
1. Life is Strange 2
Similarity 54% After a tragic incident, brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz run away from home. Fearing the police, and dealing with Daniel's new telekinetic power, the boys head to Mexico. Each stop on their journey brings new friends and new challenges. Life is Strange 2 is a choices matter, story rich and adventure game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and Square Enix. Released on September 26th 2018 has received 36,277 reviews of which 31,281 were positive and 4,996 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 120 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Riven (1997).
8.5
31,281
4,996
120
players
2. The Elder Scrolls: Arena
Similarity 58% THE LEGEND BEGINS The Elder Scrolls: Arena is a rpg, fantasy and action rpg game developed and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on April 26th 2022 has received 2,061 reviews of which 1,680 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
7.8
1,680
381
54
players
3. Aurora Hills: Chapter 1
Similarity 65% Aurora Hills: Chapter 1 is the first part in series of point and click puzzle adventure games. Follow the journey of Ethan Hill, a park ranger tasked with investigating strange disappearances from the region to uncover the mystery of Aurora Hills! Aurora Hills: Chapter 1 is a adventure, puzzle and mystery game developed and published by NovaSoft Interactive Ltd.. Released on April 20th 2024 has received 2,433 reviews of which 2,328 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.1
2,328
105
11
players
4. Serena
Similarity 59% How long has it been? A man sits in a distant getaway cabin waiting for his wife Serena. Where is she? Things in the cabin evoke memories, and the husband comes to a disturbing realization... This short point-and-click adventure is the result of a massive collaborative effort between dozens of fans and designers of adventure games. Serena is a horror, free to play and indie game developed and published by Senscape. Released on January 30th 2014 has received 6,435 reviews of which 4,952 were positive and 1,483 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
7.5
4,952
1,483
8
players
5. Bendy: Secrets of the Machine
Similarity 56% Some things are better left forgotten. Bendy: Secrets of the Machine is a adventure, indie and horror game developed by Gent Corporation and published by Joey Drew Studios. Released on April 14th 2024 has received 1,887 reviews of which 1,587 were positive and 300 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
8.1
1,587
300
7
players
6. Marie's Room
Similarity 66% Marie's Room is a short story exploration game about an unconventional friendship between two classmates. You play as Kelsey, remembering Marie's room as it was twenty years ago. But something’s off. What happened to Marie? Marie's Room is a free to play, story rich and atmospheric game developed and published by like Charlie. Released on April 13th 2018 has received 6,445 reviews of which 6,041 were positive and 404 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.1
6,041
404
4
players
7. MANDAGON
Similarity 51% Explore Mandagon, a world inspired by Tibetan theology and philosophy. With a focus on life and death, discover what it means to make a true sacrifice . . . MANDAGON is a free to play, pixel graphics and platformer game developed and published by Blind Sky Studios. Released on August 03rd 2016 has received 5,659 reviews of which 5,379 were positive and 280 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.2
5,379
280
1
players
8. What Never Was
Similarity 65% What Never Was is a short, story-driven first-person game focused on exploration and puzzle-solving about Sarah, having to shoulder the arduous task of clearing out her grandfathers attic, and soon finds that not everything about the attic is what it seems. What Never Was is a free to play, adventure and puzzle game developed and published by Acke Hallgren. Released on January 11th 2019 has received 4,946 reviews of which 4,688 were positive and 258 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 games like Riven (1997).
9.1
4,688
258
1
players
9. PRICE
Similarity 52% The hero Ivry wakes up from a nightmare and finds himself in a weird room. To escape from fear and darkness, he has to search and explore on his own until he discovers the truth and finds his sister Iva.A puzzle game 《PRICE》 PRICE is a puzzle, free to play and anime game developed and published by YETU GAME. Released on September 15th 2016 has received 5,085 reviews of which 4,784 were positive and 301 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.1
4,784
301
1
players
10. Perfect Vermin
Similarity 57% Your task is simple, exterminate all vermin. The sledge hammer you have been provided is capable of destroying almost all office appliances and furniture that may be uncooperative. Your time is running out. Perfect Vermin is a free to play, indie and horror game developed by Talia bob Mair and Angad Matharoo and published by ItsTheTalia. Released on November 06th 2020 has received 3,638 reviews of which 3,395 were positive and 243 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Riven (1997).
9.0
3,395
243
1
players