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
Amnesia: Rebirth
A first-person horror adventure. Uncover your past and survive the Algerian desert. Fear is your enemy; stay calm to not succumb to an illness threatening you and your loved one. Avoid darkness, hide from monsters and solve puzzles. Adventure Mode available for a less scary experience.
Raji: An Ancient Epic
Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game set in ancient India. A young girl named Raji has been chosen by the gods to stand against the demonic invasion of the human realm. Her destiny? To rescue her younger brother and face the demon lord Mahabalasura.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest
Explore the myths and monsters of Europe’s last primeval wilderness. Play as Maia, who arrives at the ancient Białowieża Forest looking to explore her family history. Discover Rage in an adventure game inspired by the experience of the legendary tabletop roleplaying game Werewolf: The Apocalypse.
The Uncertain: Light At The End
The Uncertain is a story-driven adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Humanity disappeared from the face of the Earth and has been replaced by robots. Together with Emily, one of the survivors, you will have to witness how people try to live in a world ruled by robots.
Tell Me Why
Tell Me Why is the multi-award winning episodic adventure game from Dontnod Entertainment in which twins use their supernatural bond to discover the truth of their troubled past.
Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk
A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her.
Eternal Hope
Eternal Hope is a puzzle platformer game that follows the story of Ti’bi – a boy who must embark on a journey of love and hope to find his beloved’s soul.
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.
Röki
Röki is a stunning adventure set in the snowcapped wilderness. As Tove, you must explore an uncharted world of hidden legends and forgotten monsters. Solve puzzles, collect curiosities, and uncover a tale of tragic loss, as you chart your path to redemption.
Booth: A Dystopian Adventure
The year is 2036. In this famine-riddled world, food-centric sovereignty has been established. Living alone inside a food-inspection booth, you are striving to find truth and peace beyond the borderline.
Accident: The Pilot
Become a journalist who researches old car accident cases. Help victims and perform first aid, obtain evidence and reconstruct the events to discover what really happened.
The Almost Gone
Experience the intricate dioramas and connections of your life, and the ripples we all make, in this award-winning narrative puzzle game about death, loss, and mental health.
Rival Stars Horse Racing: Desktop Edition
With stunning, realistic horses, an in-depth breeding system, and a range of exciting game modes, Rival Stars Horse Racing offers horse fans the ultimate racing and riding experience. Take the reins and become an equestrian legend!
Heavy Rain
Experience a gripping psychological thriller filled with innumerable twists and turns. The hunt is on for a murderer known only as the Origami Killer. Four characters, each following their own leads, must take part in a desperate attempt to prevent the killer from claiming a new victim.
Beyond: Two Souls
A unique psychological action thriller delivered by A-list Hollywood performances by Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe, Beyond: Two Souls takes you on a thrilling journey across the globe as you play out the remarkable life of Jodie Holmes.
SKYE
SKYE is a relaxing explorative game where you venture into a world inspired by the Western Isles. Fly around the captivating islands, help the locals with their troubles, and set the fastest time in races while absorbing everything around you through the painterly environment.
Detroit: Become Human
Detroit: Become Human puts the destiny of both mankind and androids in your hands, taking you to a near future where machines have become more intelligent than humans. Every choice you make affects the outcome of the game, with one of the most intricately branching narratives ever created.
ATRI -My Dear Moments-
"As the world sank, I found you." In the near future, a sudden and unexplained sea rise has left much of human civilization underwater. In a little town slowly being enveloped by the ocean, an unforgettable summer is about to begin for a boy and a mysterious robot girl...
Summer in Mara
Take care of your own island and sail with your boat in this cozy farming adventure! Relax and unwind exploring a tropical archipelago or harvesting your own crops while helping others. Discover the story of Summer in Mara, with farming, crafting and exploring mechanics.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 April 30th 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 45,641 reviews of which 43,471 were positive and 2,170 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played emotional game, thanks to its 493 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
43,471
2,170
493
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 5,890 reviews of which 5,752 were positive and 138 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 136 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among emotional games based on player count.
9.4
5,752
138
136
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 9,025 reviews of which 8,814 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
8,814
211
100
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 5,986 reviews of which 5,169 were positive and 817 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
5,169
817
82
players
5. 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 3,681 reviews of which 3,337 were positive and 344 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.7
3,337
344
53
players
6. 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 3,246 reviews of which 2,854 were positive and 392 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.5
2,854
392
45
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 fantasy, co-op and character customization game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and META Publishing. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,658 reviews of which 7,459 were positive and 1,199 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
7,459
1,199
42
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 and published by Freebird Games. Released on September 07th 2012 has received 79,848 reviews of which 76,851 were positive and 2,997 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
76,851
2,997
18
players
9. Summer Pockets
From the creators of Angel Beats! and CLANNAD, Key, comes their latest emotional, award-winning journey. Follow protagonist Takahara Hairi as he travels to the secluded island Torishirojima, where he rediscovers what it means to enjoy summer vacation. Summer Pockets is a adventure, casual and visual novel game developed by VisualArts/Key and published by VisualArts. Released on February 05th 2020 has received 4,193 reviews of which 4,139 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
4,139
54
15
players
10. A Space for the Unbound
A magical adventure about two high school sweethearts set at the end of their school days - and the end of the world. Explore a crumbling town and help friends face their inner demons, which could be the key to stopping reality itself disintegrating. And don’t forget to pet the cats. A Space for the Unbound is a story rich, pixel graphics and emotional game developed by Mojiken and published by Toge Productions. Released on January 19th 2023 has received 6,050 reviews of which 5,899 were positive and 151 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
5,899
151
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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted emotional games.
1. 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 3,406 reviews of which 3,331 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for emotional category.
9.4
3,331
75
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. 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 1,023 reviews of which 945 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in emotional games.
8.7
945
78
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
3. Biped
Biped is a coop action adventure game with a strong focus on moment-to-moment collaboration between 2 players. Biped is a fantasy, co-op and character customization game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and META Publishing. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,658 reviews of which 7,459 were positive and 1,199 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in emotional games.
8.4
7,459
1,199
-87%
12.15€
1.58€
4. Endling - Extinction is Forever
As the last mother fox on Earth, your cubs need all your care to survive in a merciless world that slowly destroys itself. You have to help them, teach them and save them. And you should never forget that extinction is forever – in the real world and in this 2023 BAFTA award winning experience. Endling - Extinction is Forever is a emotional, adventure and atmospheric game developed by Herobeat Studios and published by HandyGames. Released on July 19th 2022 has received 2,619 reviews of which 2,495 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.1
2,495
124
-86%
30.00€
4.20€
5. 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 18,644 reviews of which 18,237 were positive and 407 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
18,237
407
-81%
9.79€
1.86€
6. 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 11,709 reviews of which 11,222 were positive and 487 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 73% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.3
11,222
487
-73%
9.78€
2.64€
7. 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 9,025 reviews of which 8,814 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 65% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
8,814
211
-65%
19.34€
6.77€
8. OPUS: Rocket of Whispers
Rocket of Whispers is an award-winning post-apocalyptic adventure that follows two survivors on a journey to launch a space burial for the lost souls of their desolate world. Help them search the snowy wasteland for supplies and the courage to say goodbye. OPUS: Rocket of Whispers is a indie, story rich and visual novel game developed and published by SIGONO INC.. Released on February 07th 2018 has received 1,564 reviews of which 1,445 were positive and 119 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 65% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.8
1,445
119
-65%
14.79€
5.17€
9. Blanc
Blanc is an artistic cooperative adventure that follows the journey of a wolf cub and a fawn stranded in a vast, snowy wilderness. They must come together in an unlikely partnership to find their families. Blanc is a adventure, emotional and co-op game developed by Casus Ludi and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on February 14th 2023 has received 927 reviews of which 703 were positive and 224 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 58% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for emotional games.
7.3
703
224
-58%
14.98€
6.29€
10. 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 5,986 reviews of which 5,169 were positive and 817 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 56% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.4
5,169
817
-56%
50.16€
22.07€
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 April 30th 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 327 reviews of which 311 were positive and 16 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
311
16
10
players
2. Towards Future
Waking up in the darkness, unable to see the sunrise, he remembered the little master carefully carried him home. The base has already fallen into ruin and there are no signs of any living people here. Where did the little master go? Is there any hope left under the doomsday? Towards Future is a rpgmaker, rpg and atmospheric game developed by 拾伍司工坊 and published by Eternal Dream. Released on February 18th 2022 has received 703 reviews of which 694 were positive and 9 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
9.2
694
9
1
players
3. 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 542 reviews of which 512 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.8
512
30
1
players
4. 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 606 reviews of which 551 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.5
551
55
1
players
5. 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 2,225 reviews of which 2,085 were positive and 140 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
2,085
140
6. 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 480 reviews of which 462 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.9
462
18
7. 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 947 reviews of which 883 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.8
883
64
8. 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 3,343 reviews of which 3,014 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.7
3,014
329
9. 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 960 reviews of which 849 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.4
849
111