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
Go Home Annie
A twisted psychological thriller and an original story set in the SCP universe. As an employee of the SCP Foundation, test artificially created paranormal events, solve puzzles, interact with anomalies, and uncover the secrets of the Replication Division.
Enigma of Fear
Become Mia, a paranormal detective searching for her missing father inside the Perimeter - a place that doesn't exist. Investigate clues like a real detective and unravel the mysteries behind the Enigma of Fear, defeating the terrible monsters who'll try to stop you.
Follow the meaning
Follow the meaning is a surreal point-and-click puzzle adventure. Join detective Paul Trilby as he works to unravel the mysteries of a peculiar town, seemingly ruled by the local Hospital. Over the wall and behind tightly shut gates, a dark secret lies in wait…
Mercury Abbey
In a mansion surrounded by mist, as the curse made by the Alchemist and Fairy reappears, the danger is quietly lurking in the darkness, awaiting its visitors.Follow Harrod and Willie to unravel an incredible story in Mercury Abbey, and go on an adventure that you would only find in mystery novels.
Loco Motive
On the Reuss Express a passenger has been murdered, and you’re the prime suspects. Uncover a thrilling mystery and solve satisfying point and click puzzles to prove your innocence! A slapstick adventure, packed full of deadly surprises, shocking twists and larger than life characters!
Great God Grove
THE WORLD IS ENDING AND THE GODS ARE SQUABBLING! Suck up and launch dialogue in a world of puzzles, puppets, and weird gods… or THE RIFT WILL CONSUME US ALL!
Trainee Death Simulator
You will play as a Trainee Death, harvesting Souls to pay off your debt. Random choice events offer you various options: Lie in bed and slack off since the debt is endless anyway, Or follow your senior to earn some extra Souls, collecting outfits to switch up your style.
The Rise of the Golden Idol
The Award-winning detective saga returns in this standalone sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. Uncover the truth behind 20 strange cases of crime, death and depravity in the 1970s. The world has changed dramatically - the sins of humanity have not.
Game of Fate: Chasing Through Time
Immerse yourself in the first-person perspective, cross time and space, solve bizarre cases, save innocent victims, and catch a mysterious killer! You will solve murders, uphold justice, and also gain love. Are you ready? Play the "Game of Fate" that crosses time and space, life and death!
Sniper Killer
Eliminate your victims as a serial killer dubbed ‘The Sniper Killer’. Terrorize the city with your keen eye and thirst for blood while staying one step ahead of a detective hell bent on bringing you to justice.
Daemonologie
A short folk horror story about the Scottish witch trials. You play the role of a witch finder. Speak to the locals and sort their truths from their lies. On the last morning a witch must hang, best you know who by then.
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…
Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged
The classic multi-award winning adventure "Broken Sword - the Shadow of the Templars" returns with glorious 4K visuals and iconic remastered audio, pitching intrepid American George Stobbart and fearless journalist Nico Collard into a journey of perilous adventures and ancient conspiracies.
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Miles Edgeworth's dramatic turnabouts take center stage! Experience both Ace Attorney Investigations games in one gorgeous collection! Investigate crime scenes and solve tough, intriguing cases through logic and deduction. When Edgeworth's past and present collide, his future begins!
The Crimson Diamond
Follow amateur geologist and reluctant detective Nancy Maple to the ghost town of Crimson, Ontario to investigate the discovery of a massive diamond in this retro-inspired, EGA text parser mystery adventure!
Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse
The last game in the episodic Sam & Max trilogy, beautifully remastered! As the intergalactic villains who seek the Devil’s Toybox close in and Max’s psychic abilities grow beyond his control, the Freelance Police will come up against their most frightening adversary yet: the power of Max’s mind.
Violent Horror Stories: anthology
4 short horror games from different authors and in different genres. Each game is an author's vision on the theme of 'pursuit'.
It was a human.
A short SF psychedelic interrogation ADV game that focuses on the interrogation of a suspect in a dismemberment murder case. The protagonist is a lieutenant colonel, tasked with interrogating the suspect. The protagonist needs to find out why she killed the two men and how she committed the crime.
The Operator
Welcome to the FDI. As our newest Operator, your role is to use your detective skills to assist our field agents and investigate mysterious crimes. Use cutting-edge FDI software to dig for clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth.
子归 - Blossom
Early spring, 1999, Taoyuan Village. In just several days, a series of drowning incidents occurred in the same quaint village. Then, on the night of the fifteenth day, numerous villagers witnessed a woman in red who bore an uncanny resemblance to a lady who had previously met an unjust demise...
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus
Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, and Shinigami, the spirit haunting him, tackle unsolved mysteries.
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€
0.64€
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€
0.67€
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