Best Detective 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 detective games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free detective games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Raging Loop
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
Subsurface Circular
When the truth is buried, go underground. Step into this new take on text-based adventure from the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Volume. A short story that hands you the fate of the world above, as a detective looking for answers on the Subsurface Circular.
Batman: The Enemy Within - The Telltale Series
In this latest chapter from the award-winning studio behind Batman - The Telltale Series, both Bruce Wayne and Batman will be forced into precarious new roles. The Riddler has returned to terrorize Gotham City, but his gruesome puzzles merely foreshadow an even greater crisis.
The Monster Inside
A film noir style audio-visual novella. A mysterious woman... a string of murders... and a man with a hidden past.
The Darkside Detective
Grab your trench coat, tune your sixth sense and join the Darkside Division as they investigate the outright bizarre, the downright dangerous and the confusing cases of Twin Lakes. Flesh-hungry tentacles, mafian zombies, and the occasional missing sock are no match for The Darkside Detective.
Soulslayer～灭魂·误佳期～
An exciting adventure in a story of ancient Chinese setting.Visual Novel with multiple endings to explore.
√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.
Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls
Komaru Naegi has been imprisoned inside a mysterious apartment for over a year. Her rescue is derailed when hundreds of Monokumas suddenly attack. She teams up with Toko Fukawa to survive the rampaging Monokumas, escape the crafty Monokuma Kids, and uncover the secrets of the city.
GET EVEN
Take a deep breath... Try to remember: a girl, a chair, a bomb. Just keep... calm. Follow the voice into the depths of you memory. Relax... and search for the darkest memories in the deepest recesses of your mind. Can you find her? The clock is ticking... And this is just a part of the treatment.
Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder
Follow Detective Butler and his sidekick Gilligan as they solve a locked-room murder during a haunted cruise ship's maiden voyage. Can you solve the mystery before Detective Butler reveals the answer?
The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker
YOU are a psychiatrist, trying to solve a murder whilst treating the unusual patients of the recently deceased Doctor Dekker. Type a question - patients reply in full screen video and have questions for you too but be careful what you say. Your words determine their eventual fates, and your own!
Batman™: Arkham VR
Experience Gotham City through the eyes of the World's Greatest Detective in an all new Arkham mystery.
The Sexy Brutale
The Sexy Brutale — a never-ending masked ball featuring intrigue, murder and the (quite possibly) occult! Relive the same mysterious day where the guests at the casino mansion are being murdered by the staff over and over again...
Beat Cop
A retro, pixel art style adventure in New York, inspired by ’80s cop shows. You are Jack Kelly and you’ve been framed for murder. Now as a regular beat cop you have to find out, who did that. Expect thick crime story, a lot of black humour and all the other things you can find on the streets of Brooklyn.
Thimbleweed Park™
In Thimbleweed Park, a dead body is the least of your problems. Switch between five playable characters to uncover the surreal secrets of this strange town in a modern mystery adventure game from the creators of Monkey Island and Maniac Mansion. The deeper you go, the weirder it gets.
Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
Kidnapped and taken to an unfamiliar location, nine people find themselves forced to participate in a diabolical Nonary Game by an enigmatic mastermind called Zero. Why were they there? Why were they chosen to put their lives on the line? And more importantly, who can be trusted?
Kona
Northern Canada, 1970. A strange blizzard ravages Atamipek Lake. Step into the shoes of a detective to explore the eerie village, investigate surreal events, and battle the elements to survive. Kona is a chilly interactive tale you won't soon forget.
The Adventures of Fei Duanmu 端木斐异闻录
Play as college student who majors in criminal investigation and solve the weird cases happened right beside him! A visual novel involves puzzle solving, reasoning, humor and of course adventures! English version is available now.
Darkarta: A Broken Heart's Quest Collector's Edition
Haunted by strange curses from her orphanage days, Mary never knew the story of her dark past until that day. Enter the enchanted 'Netherworld' where your destiny was written in blood and which whispers of true love. A multi-award winner epic adventure game! Rated by many as their all time favorite!
A Normal Lost Phone
A Normal Lost Phone is a game about exploring the intimacy of an unknown person whose phone was found by the player.
Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You
Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences.
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 1
True Fear: Forsaken Souls takes the best of the psychological thriller, blending in fun and intuitive gameplay mechanics. Episode 1, the first in a trilogy, will long be remembered.
Blameless
Blameless is a mysterious first-person adventure with primary focus on puzzle solving and short story. The player will appear in a role of an architect trying to investigate strange happenings, after discovering evidence of an act of violence.
Adam Wolfe
Acting as Adam Wolfe, an investigator of the paranormal, you will discover a hidden world under the modern San Francisco. In this city, ghosts, artifacts, secret orders and curses are just some of the things that Adam will come across working on his most important case.
Most played detective games on Steam
Take a look at the top detective games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a rpg, story rich and choices matter game developed and published by ZA/UM. Released on October 15th 2019 has received 111,712 reviews of which 104,010 were positive and 7,702 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played detective game, thanks to its 1,578 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
104,010
7,702
1,578
players
2. 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 37,254 reviews of which 36,370 were positive and 884 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 804 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among detective games based on player count.
9.6
36,370
884
804
players
3. The Precinct
Averno City, 1983. Gangs rule the streets and your father lies restless in his grave. Clean up the city, uncover the truth, and embark on thrilling vehicle chases through destructible environments in this neon-noir action sandbox police game. The Precinct is a detective, crime and sandbox game developed by Fallen Tree Games Ltd and published by Kwalee. Released on May 13th 2025 has received 5,190 reviews of which 4,444 were positive and 746 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 478 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among detective games based on player count.
8.3
4,444
746
478
players
4. L.A. Noire
In his fight to climb the ranks and do what's right, LAPD detective Cole Phelps must unravel the truth behind a string of arson attacks, conspiracies, and brutal murders, battling the L.A. underworld and even members of his own department. L.A. Noire is a detective, crime and open world game developed by Team Bondi and Rockstar Leeds and published by Rockstar Games. Released on November 08th 2011 has received 34,026 reviews of which 29,214 were positive and 4,812 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 345 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played detective games.
8.4
29,214
4,812
345
players
5. Shadows of Doubt
An immersive sandbox detective stealth game set in a fully simulated sci-fi noir city of crime and corruption. Think like a private investigator and take on jobs to earn cash on your path to catching a serial killer. If you don’t catch them - they will kill again… Shadows of Doubt is a detective, immersive sim and sandbox game developed by ColePowered Games and published by Fireshine Games. Released on September 26th 2024 has received 15,428 reviews of which 12,941 were positive and 2,487 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 290 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played detective games.
8.2
12,941
2,487
290
players
6. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a adventure, visual novel and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 24th 2024 has received 3,272 reviews of which 2,960 were positive and 312 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 286 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played detective games.
8.7
2,960
312
286
players
7. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is a anime, visual novel and mystery game developed by Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. and Abstraction Games and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on February 18th 2016 has received 30,431 reviews of which 29,230 were positive and 1,201 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 252 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
29,230
1,201
252
players
8. 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 26,611 reviews of which 25,613 were positive and 998 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 236 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
25,613
998
236
players
9. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Immerse yourself in a dramatic yet charming and witty world of evidence-gathering, deduction and courtroom battles with this double-pack of the adventures of rookie lawyer Ryunosuke. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a visual novel, adventure and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on July 26th 2021 has received 8,158 reviews of which 7,691 were positive and 467 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 183 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played detective games.
9.1
7,691
467
183
players
10. Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death. Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is a visual novel, detective and female protagonist game developed and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 25th 2017 has received 19,890 reviews of which 16,665 were positive and 3,225 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 182 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played detective games.
8.2
16,665
3,225
182
players
Best deals on detective games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of detective games available on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted detective games.
1. NUTS
NUTS is a single-player walking simulator surveillance mystery. Record the squirrels, report your findings, and piece together what’s really going on in Melmoth Forest. NUTS is a story rich, detective and nature game developed by Joon, Pol, Muutsch and Char & Torfi and published by Noodlecake. Released on February 04th 2021 has received 890 reviews of which 781 were positive and 109 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for detective category.
8.3
781
109
-98%
24.50€
0.68€
2. The Shapeshifting Detective
The Shapeshifting Detective is a supernatural murder mystery FMV game where you play as a detective who can shapeshift into other characters, allowing you to unlock secret conversations and private encounters. The Shapeshifting Detective is a fmv, adventure and indie game developed by D'Avekki Studios Ltd and Wales Interactive and published by Wales Interactive. Released on November 06th 2018 has received 1,577 reviews of which 1,221 were positive and 356 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in detective games.
7.4
1,221
356
-98%
14.79€
0.39€
3. Tails Noir
Tails Noir is a post-noir narrative adventure. Become raccoon private eye Howard Lotor and explore dystopian Vancouver inhabited by animals as you uncover a deeply personal story of change and transformation. Tails Noir is a detective, pixel graphics and visual novel game developed by Eggnut and published by Raw Fury. Released on June 08th 2021 has received 3,093 reviews of which 2,072 were positive and 1,021 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in detective games.
6.6
2,072
1,021
-98%
24.99€
0.65€
4. 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. The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is a pixel graphics, detective and point & click game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. Released on April 15th 2021 has received 1,716 reviews of which 1,653 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for detective games.
9.1
1,653
63
-97%
14.79€
0.48€
5. Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure
Tex Murphy is the last of the hard-boiled gumshoe detectives living in dystopian post-World War III San Francisco in the 2050s. Tex is an honest and good-natured private investigator with a penchant for bourbon, cigarettes and getting himself into trouble. Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure is a fmv, adventure and detective game developed and published by Big Finish Games. Released on May 08th 2014 has received 1,293 reviews of which 1,126 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.3
1,126
167
-97%
19.99€
0.78€
6. Blacksad: Under the Skin
BLACKSAD: Under the Skin - A dark corruption scandal in the heart of the New York City's underworld for charismatic detective John Blacksad! Blacksad: Under the Skin is a adventure, detective and choices matter game developed by Pendulo Studios and YS Interactive and published by Microids. Released on November 14th 2019 has received 5,960 reviews of which 5,031 were positive and 929 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.2
5,031
929
-97%
19.99€
0.62€
7. Song of Farca
Hack into crime scenes, look for evidence, analyze data, interrogate criminals, track suspects and deal with the consequences of your decisions. This is a dark and brutal detective story with a Black Mirror-esque atmosphere of digital dominance and the narrative structure of a US crime procedural. Song of Farca is a choices matter, story rich and dystopian game developed by Wooden Monkeys and published by Alawar. Released on July 21st 2021 has received 1,235 reviews of which 1,011 were positive and 224 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.8
1,011
224
-97%
19.50€
0.61€
8. A Case of Distrust
A Case of Distrust is a narrative mystery from 1924 San Francisco. Play as private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone in this historical 2D adventure game. A Case of Distrust is a choose your own adventure, interactive fiction and visual novel game developed and published by An Open Ben. Released on February 08th 2018 has received 579 reviews of which 474 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.7
474
105
-97%
14.99€
0.53€
9. Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases
Discover an untold crime story from the mysterious youth of the famous detective Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed by Blazing Griffin and published by Microids. Released on September 27th 2021 has received 1,182 reviews of which 903 were positive and 279 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.3
903
279
-97%
19.99€
0.60€
10. Whispers of a Machine
Whispers of a Machine is a Sci-Fi Nordic Noir that tells the story of Vera, a cybernetically augmented detective in a post-AI world, who investigates a string of murders and unravels a dark conflict over forbidden technology. Whispers of a Machine is a adventure, point & click and detective game developed by Clifftop Games and Faravid Interactive and published by Raw Fury. Released on April 17th 2019 has received 1,840 reviews of which 1,721 were positive and 119 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.9
1,721
119
-96%
14.99€
0.62€
Free detective games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play detective games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play detective games.
1. The Council
Experience a Narrative Adventure where your choices and character growth truly matter. As a member of a 1793 secret society, live a tale of intrigue and manipulation on the hunt for your missing mother. The Council is a choices matter, adventure and rpg game developed by Big Bad Wolf and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 5,338 reviews of which 4,469 were positive and 869 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.1
4,469
869
14
players
2. Prison Life
An online game that you'll play with 3-11 players as a Prisoner or a Guard and will try to escape or prevent escapes. Loot, Craft, and make your way to the exit, or investigate and arrest wanted players as a guard! Prison Life is a multiplayer, free to play and online co-op game developed and published by AO Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 2,844 reviews of which 2,249 were positive and 595 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.6
2,249
595
12
players
3. The Children of Clay
The Children of Clay is a short stop motion archeology horror game, where you have to study an ancient artefact and discover its dark secret. The Children of Clay is a horror, atmospheric and detective game developed and published by Balazs Ronyai. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,808 reviews of which 1,790 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
9.4
1,790
18
7
players
4. TEST TEST TEST
Escape a time loop as an overworked office employee by solving cryptic puzzles with alternate reality game elements. TEST TEST TEST is a puzzle, 2d and cute game developed by Mojiken and published by Toge Productions. Released on January 17th 2024 has received 876 reviews of which 803 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.6
803
73
3
players
5. Fayburrow
In a world of fairies, a childhood friend suddenly calls Beatrice back to her old hometown. Yet when she arrives, her friend is mysteriously missing. Fayburrow is a adventure, mystery and visual novel game developed by The Fayburrow Troupe and published by The Animation Workshop VIA. Released on February 03rd 2022 has received 434 reviews of which 357 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
357
77
1
players
6. Kid,napper: Gosh, I'm Kidnapped by a Pupil
I had to admit, the only thing that is more scary than a murder weapon, is that girl, who is not even supposed to hold it Kid,napper: Gosh, I'm Kidnapped by a Pupil is a visual novel, cute and casual game developed and published by Catnip. Released on May 31st 2018 has received 4,396 reviews of which 3,887 were positive and 509 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.5
3,887
509
7. The Monster Inside
A film noir style audio-visual novella. A mysterious woman... a string of murders... and a man with a hidden past. The Monster Inside is a free to play, indie and visual novel game developed and published by Random Seed Games. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 1,970 reviews of which 1,726 were positive and 244 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.4
1,726
244
8. Remove: 범죄는 흔적을 남긴다
Let’s recall the memory before the accident and erase the traces of your crime. Remove: 범죄는 흔적을 남긴다 is a simulation, singleplayer and 2d game developed by Jeunggeo innya and published by Sejong Univ. PandoraCube. Released on December 15th 2023 has received 302 reviews of which 263 were positive and 39 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
263
39
9. Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3
The Startling Developments Detective Agency springs into action as On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 begins, set in motion by a call from a mysterious source. The ever escalating perils on the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness will season our tender heroes to their very core! Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 is a jrpg, lovecraftian and detective game developed by Zeboyd Games and published by Penny Arcade and Inc.. Released on June 25th 2012 has received 583 reviews of which 497 were positive and 86 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
497
86
10. The Mildew Children: Chapter 1
Featuring a blend of 2D adventure and visual novel. Chapter 1 is the very beginning of the grim tale about a village inhabited only by children who follow savage pagan traditions. A young witch Kyrphel, along with her sisters, are bound to perform a macabre Ritual in order to save their village. The Mildew Children: Chapter 1 is a adventure, story rich and exploration game developed by The Growing Stones and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on October 17th 2023 has received 319 reviews of which 274 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
274
45