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
Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller
FBI agent Erica Reed has an uncanny talent: she can see the past and piece together how a crime unfolded. But not even this sixth sense could save her younger brother, Scott, from a brutal serial killer. Three years later, the investigation into Scott’s murder has gone cold -- but Erica’s work has only just begun.
Condemned: Criminal Origins
What twists the mind of an ordinary human into a serial killer?
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!
Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition
Get Batman: Arkham City and all DLC for one low price with the release of the GOTY Edition!
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!
Alan Wake's American Nightmare
A thrilling new storyline, hordes of creepy enemies, serious firepower and beautiful Arizona locations, combined with a fun and challenging new game mode!
Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of The Baskervilles
Help Sherlock Holmes, the famed detective, investigate the legend of a supernatural hound on the fog-shrouded moorland in England of the 19th century. Immerse yourself into the dangerous world of diabolical curse and discover the truth of the monstrous creature.
The Blackwell Legacy
When 3 NYU students kill themselves, nobody thinks that a sinister force is at work. Nobody but fledgling medium Rosa Blackwell & her new spirit guide Joey Mallone.
Blackwell Deception
Street psychics. Their blinking neon signs are everywhere, promising love and wealth and happiness. They make a fortune preying on the gullible and milking them dry. So when these victims begin dying and leaving confused spirits behind, it can only take a genuine psychic (and her wayward spirit guide) to clean up the mess.
Blackwell Convergence
The third game in the Blackwell series
Blackwell Unbound
The year is 1973. The sound of a lone, ethereal saxophone drifts over the Roosevelt Island promenade, while a series of accidents plague a midtown construction site. The citizens of Manhattan take no notice of these events, let alone think they are connected.
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.
Gemini Rue
Discover a world where life is cheap, identities are bought & sold, & a quest for redemption can change the fate of a whole galaxy.
Nancy Drew®: Shadow at the Water's Edge
Confront Terrifying Secrets in a Haunted Japanese Inn!
Nancy Drew®: Secrets Can Kill REMASTERED
Play the Game that Started the Award-Winning Series!
Puzzle Agent 2
Agent Nelson Tethers just solved his biggest case yet. So why isn't he satisfied? Venture back to eerie Scoggins, Minnesota to solve the mystery of "the Hidden People" once and for all!
Still Life
Still Life 2 also now available!
Puzzle Agent
Created with indie comic artist Graham Annable's unique narrative and visual sensibilities, delivered with the distinctive Telltale storytelling style, Puzzle Agent is sure to challenge, thrill and engage in more ways than you can shake a cryptogram at!
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition
Experience what it’s like to be Batman and face off against Gotham's greatest villians. Explore every inch of Arkham Asylum and roam freely on the infamous island.
Nancy Drew®: Warnings at Waverly Academy
Enroll in a School Plagued by Suspicions and Lies!
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.
Broken Sword 2 - the Smoking Mirror: Remastered (2010)
‘Broken Sword - The Smoking Mirror: Remastered’ is a stunning update to the multi million-selling original. A mysterious escapade of intrigue and deceit, in which journalist Nico Collard and her adventuring companion George Stobbart must overcome powerful forces from fulfilling their evil ambitions.
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!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 April 30th 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 110,375 reviews of which 102,774 were positive and 7,601 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 910 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
102,774
7,601
910
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 15,131 reviews of which 12,705 were positive and 2,426 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 522 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among detective games based on player count.
8.2
12,705
2,426
522
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 36,728 reviews of which 35,862 were positive and 866 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 427 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among detective games based on player count.
9.6
35,862
866
427
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 30,180 reviews of which 28,987 were positive and 1,193 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 197 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
28,987
1,193
197
players
5. 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 33,861 reviews of which 29,060 were positive and 4,801 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 195 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played detective games.
8.4
29,060
4,801
195
players
6. 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 26,410 reviews of which 25,428 were positive and 982 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 188 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
25,428
982
188
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 3,151 reviews of which 2,856 were positive and 295 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 162 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played detective games.
8.7
2,856
295
162
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 anime game developed and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 25th 2017 has received 19,667 reviews of which 16,506 were positive and 3,161 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 156 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played detective games.
8.2
16,506
3,161
156
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 8,041 reviews of which 7,578 were positive and 463 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 139 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played detective games.
9.1
7,578
463
139
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 2,246 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 #10 spot among the most played detective games.
9.3
2,195
51
127
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 April 30th 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 4,683 reviews of which 4,424 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
4,424
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 1,695 reviews of which 1,634 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
1,634
61
-92%
14.88€
1.19€
3. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a first-person story-driven mystery. Purchase this game to get both the original and the Unreal Engine 4 remaster called The Vanishing of Ethan Carter Redux. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a mystery, atmospheric and detective game developed and published by The Astronauts. Released on September 25th 2014 has received 8,820 reviews of which 7,794 were positive and 1,026 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in detective games.
8.6
7,794
1,026
-90%
19.20€
1.92€
4. 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 16,573 reviews of which 14,209 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 #4 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.4
14,209
2,364
-90%
19.30€
1.93€
5. 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 adventure, indie and detective game developed and published by An Open Ben. Released on February 08th 2018 has received 575 reviews of which 470 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.7
470
105
-88%
15.50€
1.86€
6. 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 405 reviews of which 285 were positive and 120 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for detective games.
6.7
285
120
-88%
19.17€
2.30€
7. Still Life
Still Life 2 also now available! Still Life is a adventure, point & click and mystery game developed and published by Microids. Released on June 01st 2011 has received 1,003 reviews of which 822 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.8
822
181
-87%
7.69€
1.00€
8. The Raven Remastered
London, 1964. An ancient ruby is stolen from the British Museum. At the crime scene: a raven feather. Is somebody trying to follow in the footsteps of The Raven, the legendary master thief who disappeared years before? The Raven Remastered is a adventure, point & click and detective game developed by KING Art and published by THQ Nordic. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 357 reviews of which 291 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.6
291
66
-86%
19.86€
2.78€
9. 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 110,375 reviews of which 102,774 were positive and 7,601 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for detective games.
9.2
102,774
7,601
-84%
40.56€
6.49€
10. 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 13,745 reviews of which 10,945 were positive and 2,800 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.8
10,945
2,800
-83%
29.71€
5.05€
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 April 30th 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 5,300 reviews of which 4,438 were positive and 862 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
4,438
862
8
players
2. 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 1,340 reviews of which 1,329 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
9.4
1,329
11
4
players
3. 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 2,805 reviews of which 2,228 were positive and 577 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
2,228
577
4
players
4. 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 429 reviews of which 353 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
353
76
1
players
5. 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 857 reviews of which 786 were positive and 71 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.6
786
71
6. 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 1,951 reviews of which 1,709 were positive and 242 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.4
1,709
242
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
497
86
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
272
45