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
Nancy Drew®: Curse of Blackmoor Manor
Delve into Dark Legends Lurking in the Shadow of an Old English Mansion!
Nancy Drew®: Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon
Catch this train — it’s your ticket to solving a century-old mystery!
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2008)
The Sherlock Holmes series returns with this updated version of The Awakened, which brings a whole new dimension to the original title developed by Frogwares. The game puts the player into an investigation of the Cthulhu Mythos - as imagined by Father of modern horror, H.P. Lovecraft.
Sherlock Holmes - Nemesis
This new Sherlock Holmes game sends us to 19th Century London where Arséne Lupin, a young French burglar with an impressive track record, has just challenged Scotland Yard and the most famous of detectives - Sherlock Holmes.
Insecticide Part 1
Enter the fast shooting world of INSECTICIDE as hot shot rookie Detective Chrys Liszt and help solve a crime of epic proportions. Lead your team on a bug hunt, collecting clues and solving puzzles. Use old-fashioned street smarts, unique insect abilities and an arsenal of ingenious bug weapons to confront your suspects.
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is a violent, film-noir love story. Dark, tragic and intense, the in-depth story is a thrill-ride of shocking twists and revelations. Love hurts.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 May 13th 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 110,739 reviews of which 103,112 were positive and 7,627 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 1,145 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
103,112
7,627
1,145
players
2. 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 15,253 reviews of which 12,797 were positive and 2,456 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 435 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among detective games based on player count.
8.2
12,797
2,456
435
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 36,974 reviews of which 36,099 were positive and 875 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 374 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among detective games based on player count.
9.6
36,099
875
374
players
4. 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 30,240 reviews of which 29,046 were positive and 1,194 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 200 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
29,046
1,194
200
players
5. 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 26,459 reviews of which 25,473 were positive and 986 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 187 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
25,473
986
187
players
6. 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 33,903 reviews of which 29,098 were positive and 4,805 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 177 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played detective games.
8.4
29,098
4,805
177
players
7. 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 3,214 reviews of which 2,911 were positive and 303 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 165 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played detective games.
8.7
2,911
303
165
players
8. 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 19,707 reviews of which 16,533 were positive and 3,174 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 159 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played detective games.
8.2
16,533
3,174
159
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 8,058 reviews of which 7,593 were positive and 465 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 125 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played detective games.
9.1
7,593
465
125
players
10. The Roottrees are Dead
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 2,301 reviews of which 2,249 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played detective games.
9.3
2,249
52
93
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 May 13th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted detective games.
1. 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. The Darkside Detective is a point & click, detective and pixel graphics game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. Released on July 27th 2017 has received 4,692 reviews of which 4,433 were positive and 259 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for detective category.
9.1
4,433
259
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
2. 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 detective, pixel graphics and point & click game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. Released on April 15th 2021 has received 1,698 reviews of which 1,637 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in detective games.
9.2
1,637
61
-92%
14.88€
1.19€
3. Crime O'Clock
Crime O'Clock is a hidden objects investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man! Crime O'Clock is a investigation, hidden object and 2d game developed by Bad Seed and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on July 21st 2023 has received 410 reviews of which 289 were positive and 121 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in detective games.
6.7
289
121
-92%
19.75€
1.58€
4. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
Become the most celebrated detective of all time: Sherlock Holmes! Use your impressive talents as a detective to solve six thrilling and varied cases: murders, missing persons, spectacular thefts and numerous investigations that sometimes lead you into the realms of the fantastic. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed and published by Frogwares. Released on September 29th 2014 has received 7,153 reviews of which 6,441 were positive and 712 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.7
6,441
712
-90%
29.99€
2.99€
5. Murdered: Soul Suspect
MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT™ takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach, challenging gamers to solve the hardest case of all… their own murder. Murdered: Soul Suspect is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed by Airtight Games and published by Square Enix. Released on June 05th 2014 has received 16,584 reviews of which 14,220 were positive and 2,364 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.4
14,220
2,364
-90%
19.30€
1.93€
6. 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 1,161 reviews of which 956 were positive and 205 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.9
956
205
-90%
19.50€
1.95€
7. Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
Experience a fantastic adventure with unique gameplay that blends investigation, action and exploration in a breath-taking thriller that will test the limits of your nerves and intelligence. Play as the great detective and track down evil in the darkest corners of London and the human soul… Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter is a adventure, detective and mystery game developed and published by Frogwares. Released on June 10th 2016 has received 13,753 reviews of which 10,952 were positive and 2,801 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.8
10,952
2,801
-90%
29.99€
2.99€
8. The Testament of Sherlock Holmes
Become the greatest detective of all time in The Testament of Sherlock Holmes, a twisting, turning investigation game set in a faithfully-reproduced London of 1898. As Sherlock Holmes, you must find clues, interrogate suspects and unveil a mystery in a story full of twists! The Testament of Sherlock Holmes is a adventure, detective and point & click game developed and published by Frogwares. Released on September 20th 2012 has received 3,556 reviews of which 2,840 were positive and 716 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.7
2,840
716
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
9. Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper
Recognized as one of the best licenses in gaming and lauded by the press, Sherlock Holmes is back with an investigation that is sure to be the most horrifying of the series. The famous detective stands against the most dangerous serial killer England has ever known - Jack the Ripper. Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper is a adventure, rpg and detective game developed and published by Frogwares. Released on December 23rd 2009 has received 1,187 reviews of which 961 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.7
961
226
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
10. Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2008)
The Sherlock Holmes series returns with this updated version of The Awakened, which brings a whole new dimension to the original title developed by Frogwares. The game puts the player into an investigation of the Cthulhu Mythos - as imagined by Father of modern horror, H.P. Lovecraft. Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2008) is a adventure, lovecraftian and detective game developed and published by Frogwares. Released on August 06th 2009 has received 794 reviews of which 586 were positive and 208 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.1
586
208
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
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 May 13th 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 5,312 reviews of which 4,447 were positive and 865 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
4,447
865
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 pvp game developed and published by AO Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 2,814 reviews of which 2,229 were positive and 585 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
2,229
585
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 1,509 reviews of which 1,495 were positive and 14 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
1,495
14
4
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 859 reviews of which 788 were positive and 71 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
788
71
1
players
5. 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 1,958 reviews of which 1,716 were positive and 242 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.4
1,716
242
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
497
86
7. 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 317 reviews of which 272 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
272
45
8. 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 431 reviews of which 355 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
355
76
9. 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? Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder is a mystery, detective and visual novel game developed and published by Goldbar Games. Released on May 26th 2017 has received 301 reviews of which 246 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.6
246
55