Best Emotional 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 emotional games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free emotional games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Last Campfire
The Last Campfire is an adventure, a story of a lost ember trapped in a puzzling place, searching for meaning and a way home.
Bear's Restaurant
The award-winning indie adventure game finally arrives on Steam—now with more content than ever before! A story of love, loss, and fine dining that’s sure to warm even the most jaded of hearts.
Impostor Factory
A bonkers time-loop tragicomedy murder mystery thriller featuring multiple casualties and a suspicious cat, from the creator of To the Moon & Finding Paradise.
A YEAR OF SPRINGS
Experience the stories of Haru, Erika, and Manami, a trio of friends navigating their feelings of love, connection, and just wanting to belong.
Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft
Face unspeakable horrors. Succumb to madness. Welcome to a free daemonic narrative experience inspired by H. P. Lovecraft.
If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers
If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers is a narrative-driven point-and-click adventure with horror elements that explores the stories of four characters in a masked ball taking place aboard a train in the late 1920s.
寂寞神明的心愿手记
What kind of courage and change can the connection between people bring? The story takes place in the ancient eastern country, where a foreign girl from Silazi kingdom got involved with various humans, spirits and even gods. Here, she heard voices unknown to others and met people unknown to others.
Find Love or Die Trying
Welcome to the only killer dating show where ending up single means ending up dead! Date or die, it's up to your choices!
Bright Lights of Svetlov
Bright Lights of Svetlov is a short, story-focused first person quest about a Soviet family facing harsh trials. Set in a fictional provincial town, it carefuly recreates the atmosphere and vibe of mid 1980s.
Life is Strange: True Colors
Alex Chen hides her 'curse': the psychic power of Empathy, the ability to absorb the emotions of others. When her brother dies in a so-called accident, Alex must embrace her power to find the truth.
FINAL FANTASY IV
The original FINAL FANTASY IV comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the fourth game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
OPUS: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition
Echo of Starsong is a visual novel style adventure game. Eda, a girl who can hear mysterious sound waves known as starsong, crosses paths with a young man in search of their source. Together, they venture out to the heart of space to unravel an ancient myth.
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?
THE LEGEND OF HEROES: HAJIMARI NO KISEKI
The empires of Zemuria have narrowly managed to escape the Great Twilight, a curse that threatened to end the world, thanks to the valiant efforts of those known as heroes. This has resulted in a ripple effect of events that hurtles the series toward its thrilling conclusion.
Arietta of Spirits
Arietta of Spirits is a story-driven action-adventure game, with easy to approach game mechanics. Follow Arietta on her journey to unveil the mysteries of the Spirit Realm and immerse yourself in a story filled with emotion and surprising turns.
The Vale: Shadow of the Crown
CLOSE YOUR EYES. BECOME A WARRIOR: Feel your enemy’s rasping breath; a foot shifts on swampy ground; the crack of steel on wooden shield. The Vale is an audio based action adventure that sets out to breathe new life into medieval combat and fantasy narrative.
Road 96 🛣️
Hitchhike your way to freedom in this crazy procedurally generated road trip. No one's road is the same!
凯尔文 - Kelvin And The Chateau
My home was destroyed by a fire, and only my mother and I survived. Why me? After leaving his control-freak mother, Kelvin made a few friends and seemed to have a new answer to this question. However, his friends sometimes hide something from him.
No Longer Home
No Longer Home is a game about letting go of the life you've built due to circumstances beyond your control. Immerse yourself in the lives of Bo and Ao and learn about their dreams, frustrations and fears. Welcome the magic of the everyday and somewhat extraordinary.
Fuga: Melodies of Steel
Fuga: Melodies of Steel is an RPG where you place children, each with their own unique characteristics and skills, at different gun turrets in a tank to fight against the enemy.
FINAL FANTASY III
The original FINAL FANTASY III comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the third game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
FINAL FANTASY II
The original FINAL FANTASY II comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the second game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
Most played emotional games on Steam
Take a look at the top emotional games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 17th 2025.
1. Spiritfarer®: Farewell Edition
Spiritfarer® is a cozy management game about dying. As ferrymaster to the deceased, build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and release them into the afterlife. The Spiritfarer Farewell Edition includes the heartwarming base game and three major content updates. Spiritfarer®: Farewell Edition is a emotional, story rich and indie game developed and published by Thunder Lotus Games. Released on August 18th 2020 has received 46,417 reviews of which 44,192 were positive and 2,225 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played emotional game, thanks to its 408 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.3
44,192
2,225
408
players
2. In Stars And Time
Live with the ever-present burden of being trapped in a time loop only you can know about in this turn-based RPG. Create a better future for you and your friends. Find hope where there is none left. Pray to the stars and free yourself from time. In Stars And Time is a story rich, rpg and lgbtq+ game developed by insertdisc5 and published by Armor Games Studios. Released on November 20th 2023 has received 6,184 reviews of which 6,035 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 133 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among emotional games based on player count.
9.4
6,035
149
133
players
3. Until Then
A fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction, upending Mark's life. People disappear and memories prove unreliable. Uncover a hidden truth with Mark and his friends in this narrative adventure and race to unravel the mystery before it's too late. Until Then is a visual novel, pixel graphics and emotional game developed by Polychroma Games and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on June 25th 2024 has received 9,868 reviews of which 9,622 were positive and 246 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 102 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among emotional games based on player count.
9.5
9,622
246
102
players
4. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Hunt ghosts as two memorable characters in a story-driven Action-RPG where your decisions carry dramatic consequences. Torn between honoring your oath to the living and saving your departed partner, how far will you go for love? Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a narration, lore-rich and third person game developed by DON'T NOD and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on February 12th 2024 has received 6,128 reviews of which 5,288 were positive and 840 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.4
5,288
840
97
players
5. Growing Up
This is the story of your life. Experience the entire journey from toddler to adulthood. Go to schools, learn new things, meet new friends, and have wild adventures! Every choice you make will influence your future career, and decide who your romantic partner will be. Who will you become? Growing Up is a life sim, story rich and choices matter game developed by Vile Monarch and published by Vile Monarch and Spiral Up Games. Released on October 13th 2021 has received 3,279 reviews of which 2,879 were positive and 400 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.5
2,879
400
51
players
6. Your Mother
《Your Mother》is a computer desktop companion. Experience the love and kindness from mothers. Your Mother is a anime, female protagonist and 2d game developed and published by M for Mother. Released on February 28th 2025 has received 4,375 reviews of which 3,989 were positive and 386 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.8
3,989
386
40
players
7. Biped
Biped is a coop action adventure game with a strong focus on moment-to-moment collaboration between 2 players. Biped is a character customization, emotional and co-op game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and META Publishing. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,822 reviews of which 7,597 were positive and 1,225 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.4
7,597
1,225
40
players
8. To the Moon
A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to artificially fulfill his last wish. To the Moon is a story rich, great soundtrack and indie game developed by Freebird Games and published by Freebird Games and Serenity Forge. Released on September 07th 2012 has received 80,261 reviews of which 77,246 were positive and 3,015 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
77,246
3,015
24
players
9. Copycat
A poignant narrative-driven game about rejection, belonging and the meaning of home. It follows the story of a newly adopted shelter cat whose space in the home is taken by a copycat. Bring the tissues. Copycat is a cats, emotional and indie game developed by Spoonful Of Wonder and published by Spoonful Of Wonder, Neverland Entertainment and Nuuvem Inc. Released on September 19th 2024 has received 2,595 reviews of which 2,231 were positive and 364 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.3
2,231
364
18
players
10. Beacon Pines
Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate! Beacon Pines is a visual novel, story rich and emotional game developed by Hiding Spot and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 3,495 reviews of which 3,417 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.4
3,417
78
15
players
Best deals on emotional games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of emotional games available on Steam right now, updated on June 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted emotional games.
1. Dordogne
Immerse yourself in a unique narrative experience and explore the thousand summer colors of Dordogne as you revisit your childhood to uncover lost family secrets in this touching formative journey. Dordogne is a narrative, wholesome and cute game developed by UN JE NE SAIS QUOI and UMANIMATION and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on June 13th 2023 has received 1,086 reviews of which 999 were positive and 87 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for emotional category.
8.7
999
87
-98%
14.99€
0.32€
2. Eliza
Eliza is a visual novel about an AI counseling program, the people who develop it, and the people who use it. Follow Evelyn Ishino-Aubrey as she reconnects with people from her past, gets to know the people of Seattle who use Eliza for counseling, and decides the course of her future. Eliza is a female protagonist, visual novel and emotional game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on August 12th 2019 has received 1,673 reviews of which 1,518 were positive and 155 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in emotional games.
8.6
1,518
155
-98%
14.79€
0.43€
3. Beacon Pines
Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate! Beacon Pines is a visual novel, story rich and emotional game developed by Hiding Spot and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 3,495 reviews of which 3,417 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in emotional games.
9.4
3,417
78
-97%
19.50€
0.63€
4. Arise: A Simple Story
Embark on an emotional journey of losing the love of one's life. Manipulate time, solve puzzles, reshape surroundings as you push forward into the bittersweet recollections of a past life. This is a story about happiness and hardship, joy and sorrow. A story that all of us will one day experience. Arise: A Simple Story is a emotional, 3d platformer and time manipulation game developed by Piccolo Studio and published by Untold Tales. Released on December 03rd 2020 has received 2,468 reviews of which 2,259 were positive and 209 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.8
2,259
209
-97%
19.50€
0.62€
5. Wandersong
A musical platforming adventure with an emotional story. Play as a silly bard and use music to interact with everything on a journey around the world. Along the way you'll explore, solve puzzles, and meet a huge cast of characters! Wandersong is a music, adventure and comedy game developed by Wishes Ultd., Greg Lobanov and A Shell in the Pit and published by Greg Lobanov. Released on September 27th 2018 has received 3,613 reviews of which 3,443 were positive and 170 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.1
3,443
170
-96%
19.99€
0.85€
6. Still There
Every day is the same on the faraway Bento space-lighthouse - until a mysterious radio message breaks through. Evade the past, welcome oblivion, make the perfect Italian coffee. Still There is a psychological adventure game about grief, technical puzzles, wacky AIs and dark humour. How far is far enough? Still There is a point & click, emotional and adventure game developed by GhostShark and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on November 20th 2019 has received 1,286 reviews of which 1,111 were positive and 175 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.2
1,111
175
-96%
14.79€
0.73€
7. Finding Paradise
A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to fulfill his last wish. Finding Paradise is a story rich, emotional and pixel graphics game developed and published by Freebird Games. Released on December 14th 2017 has received 18,763 reviews of which 18,353 were positive and 410 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
18,353
410
-95%
9.75€
0.56€
8. Impostor Factory
A bonkers time-loop tragicomedy murder mystery thriller featuring multiple casualties and a suspicious cat, from the creator of To the Moon & Finding Paradise. Impostor Factory is a story rich, emotional and pixel graphics game developed and published by Freebird Games. Released on September 30th 2021 has received 11,773 reviews of which 11,287 were positive and 486 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.3
11,287
486
-91%
9.75€
0.97€
9. Before Your Eyes
Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes. Before Your Eyes is a emotional, narrative and story rich game developed by GoodbyeWorld Games and published by Skybound Games. Released on April 08th 2021 has received 17,499 reviews of which 17,136 were positive and 363 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
17,136
363
-90%
9.75€
1.07€
10. Biped
Biped is a coop action adventure game with a strong focus on moment-to-moment collaboration between 2 players. Biped is a character customization, emotional and co-op game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and META Publishing. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,822 reviews of which 7,597 were positive and 1,225 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.4
7,597
1,225
-88%
12.49€
1.61€
Free emotional games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play emotional games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play emotional games.
1. Sleeping With Sakuya Izayoi
In this small visual novel, lay down and relax with Sakuya Izayoi. Talk to her, kiss her or just simply enjoy each other's presence! Chose between 3 different locations featuring stunning artwork in this Touhou Project Fangame. Sleeping With Sakuya Izayoi is a casual, relaxing and emotional game developed and published by Sigyaad Team. Released on January 12th 2024 has received 347 reviews of which 330 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.7
330
17
9
players
2. The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence. The Dearest Person is a artificial intelligence, philosophical and atmospheric game developed by house.opposite and Саманта and published by house.opposite. Released on June 26th 2024 has received 555 reviews of which 524 were positive and 31 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.8
524
31
2
players
3. Jivana
Jivana is a story-driven adventure game. Embody Aelis, a water priestess who uses her powers to open the path for her community, forced to flee after the appearance of a huge cataclysm. Explore the enchanting landscapes of Jivana, use your ability to manipulate water and lead your people to safety. Jivana is a adventure, emotional and singleplayer game developed by Team Jivana and published by Rubika Supinfogame. Released on January 21st 2022 has received 621 reviews of which 566 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.5
566
55
1
players
4. TREE
TREE tells a story of a relationship between a boy and his tree. What starts off as a simple connection, over time it grows into something deeper. TREE is a free to play, indie and casual game developed and published by The Strangers. Released on August 13th 2018 has received 2,233 reviews of which 2,092 were positive and 141 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.9
2,092
141
5. Breeze
Breeze, a point&click PC game with heart-warming story, lovely art style, and healing experience. Breeze is a 2d, story rich and rpg game developed and published by FOF Game. Released on August 04th 2022 has received 485 reviews of which 467 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.9
467
18
6. Aurora: A Child's Journey
Guide Aurora through this beautiful adventure using her imagination to discover who's responsible for the fire that is ravaging her village and its surroundings. Aurora: A Child's Journey is a action, story rich and adventure game developed by Luski Game Studio and published by Prothos. Released on November 20th 2020 has received 949 reviews of which 884 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.8
884
65
7. HOME
HOME is a feel-good walking simulator experience in which you create your own poem and music. Embark on a poetic and musical heartwarming journey about what home means to you. HOME is a philosophical, relaxing and atmospheric game developed and published by LORE NINE. Released on May 11th 2019 has received 3,338 reviews of which 3,009 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.7
3,009
329
8. Sepia Tears
A visual novel about a memory that a boy named Mark tries very hard to forget, and a girl named Myra who unearths it. Sepia Tears is a visual novel, romance and emotional game developed and published by Scarlet String Studios. Released on January 08th 2016 has received 963 reviews of which 851 were positive and 112 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.4
851
112
9. The Director's Disorder: Pilot Episode
The Director, a psycho killer, has chosen you to play the main character in his next film. Will you play your part and survive the night or will you be his latest victim? The Director's Disorder: Pilot Episode is a horror, thriller and emotional game developed and published by Just Sauce Studio. Released on January 19th 2023 has received 300 reviews of which 268 were positive and 32 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.2
268
32