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
Fear Surrounds
Fear Surrounds is a horror-tinged take on the werewolf-style social subterfuge genre, where two evil spirits hide within a group of players and attempt to sabotage and murder them.
Sacred Fire: A Role Playing Game
A text-based RPG full of choice and action. Fight for survival in the midst of the Roman invasion of ancient Caledonia. Strategize one dice roll at a time as emotions affect your performance. Use willpower to outsmart opponents, gain allies, wage war, or strive for peace. How will your story end?
Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases
Discover an untold crime story from the mysterious youth of the famous detective Hercule Poirot.
First Class Escape: The Train of Thought
"First Class Escape: The Train of Thought" is a co-operative atmospheric escape room puzzle game, set in a beautifully realized vintage train. Do you think you have what it takes to solve the puzzles and escape the train?
Gamedec - Definitive Edition
Gamedec is a single-player cyberpunk isometric RPG. You are a game detective, who solves crimes inside virtual worlds. Use your wits to gather info from your witnesses and suspects, getting to the bottom of deceptive schemes. The game continually adapts to your decisions and never judges.
Between Time: Escape Room
You are going to steal a time machine. In this escape room, you have to travel through time, explore mysterious places and solve puzzles to get priceless treasures. Will you be able to make it back alive?
The Rewinder
The Rewinder is an adventure puzzle game based on Chinese mythology. You play as Yun, the last known Rewinder, who can communicate with spirits and explore other people's memories to alter the past.
Rail of Möbius
It is an adventure game with multiple endings. An original script written by a well-known light novelist with a total of 400,000 words. With reasoning, suspense, love, and science fiction elements, it allows players to embark on a highly immersive journey of salvation on the submarine train.
The Chrono Jotter
The Chrono Jotter is a mystery and suspense visual novel that follows the steps of Ran Ibuki, a high-school student, as she investigates against the clock to discover who's killing her new classmates -- and avenge the murder of her girlfriend. Are you ready for this savage feast of life and death?
Meridian 157: Chapter 3
You have ventured this far, now there is no turning back. Uncover the island’s dark history by travelling through crumbling caverns and mysterious laboratories, but be warned, some may not be too welcoming of your presence…
Night Book
Tricked into reading an ancient book, Loralyn summons a demon into her home. Night Book is an interactive occult thriller movie, created in lockdown, from the publishers of The Complex, Five Dates and Maid of Sker.
Beside Myself
You have to play as the historian-journalist Michael, plunge into the atmosphere of darkness of an abandoned hospital, where you will need to unravel the secrets of the past and try to get out in order to tell the whole world about those terrible events.
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.
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.
Grey Instinct
In this cyberpunk 2D point-and-click adventure game, play as Grey, an amateur detective. Unravel the mystery by searching for clues, solving puzzles, talking to the mask-wearing residents of New Corium, and, if you have time, maybe go on a date!
Creepy Tale 2
Experience the creepy tension of a brothers Grimm fairy tale in this puzzle adventure game. Follow the young and brave Lars as he embarks on a dangerous journey to save his sisters mind from the clutches of a mysterious evil.
Ghost Exorcism INC.
Ghost Exorcism INC is a horror game where you can play alone, or in a team of up to 6 exorcists. Your mission will be to identify paranormal entities, and then exorcise them.
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.
Overboard!
GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Highly replayable detective game where you're the one whodunnit. From the creators of 80 Days and Heaven's Vault.
Operation: Tango
It takes two to save the world in this cooperative spy adventure. Pair up with a friend as Agent or Hacker—with only your voices to connect you—and work together to bring a hi-tech global menace to its knees. Now with a FREE CONTENT UPDATE!
The Advisor - Episode 1: Royal Pain
The Advisor Series is a player-driven narrative where your choices & decisions, both in the game, and out of the game, determine how future episodes unfold. Play the role of villain protagonist Magnus the Magician, as he wreaks havoc across the land, one well-placed fireball at a time!
Fallen girl - Black rose and the fire of desire
The lady of the noble was taken to prison by the countess "I don't want to be reduced to a plaything without consciousness." ——In the face of the bad taste of the countess, how to use their body and wisdom, in order to avoid suffering? "Before I lose my mind, I want to find that life."
幽灵高校(Ghost College)
An average college girl takes an elective class and everything is different. Death, spooky, enveloped her, uncovering the truth, looking for clues, making the right choice was the only way.
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