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
Persona 4 Golden
A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders.
Sea of Solitude
When humans get too lonely, they turn into monsters… Set sail across a beautiful and evolving world of darkness and light, and discover what it means to be human.
Those Who Remain
As the lights go out, the embers of darkness are stoked in the sleepy town of Dormont. Confront uncomfortable horrors, keep your sanity in check and survive the night in this story-driven first-person psychological-thriller.
Dark Nights with Poe and Munro
Guide local radio hosts Poe and Munro through six TV-like episodes of supernatural strangeness and sizzling on-screen chemistry. From the creators of The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker and The Shapeshifting Detective.
Left on Read
It’s March of 2020; you were just sent home from college because of the coronavirus, you have a few small regrets, mainly not telling someone how you really feel.
If Found...
If Found... is a game about going home, coming out and erasing everything.
a new life.
When your loved one hurts you, what do you do? A classic love story about letting go.
MetaWare High School (Demo)
How do you see the world when nothing is real? An experimental metafictional visual novel.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Sakuya Izayoi Gives You Advice And Dabs
Feel relaxed into this mental vacation as Sakuya Izayoi from the Touhou Project guides you through your troubles by offering helpful advice and strategies to help you feel at ease.
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.
Through the Darkest of Times
Berlin 1933. “Adolf Hitler is chancellor!” We all know the consequences this message bore. Unspeakable horrors and suffering would sweep across the world. Few would stand and fight the monstrosity that was the German Reich. Will you? Lead an underground resistance group Through the Darkest of Times.
The Pedestrian
I can see the signs in my sleep now, always guiding me closer. Will this really work? Have we almost achieved the impossible?
Coffee Talk
Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.
Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky DX
"The promise is entrusted to two alchemists..." The "Dusk" series, a trilogy of RPG titles from Gust's popular Atelier series, tells the story of a world on the verge ruin, told from the perspective of its unique characters.
Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk DX
"The promise begins." The "Dusk" series, a trilogy of RPG titles from Gust's popular Atelier series, tells the story of a world on the verge ruin, told from the perspective of its unique characters. The 1st title in the series "Atelier Ayesha" is now available as a deluxe version.
Hello Neighbor: Hide and Seek
Hello Neighbor: Hide and Seek follows the tragic story of the Neighbor’s family in this dramatic prequel to Hello Neighbor. Experience playing a game of hide-and-seek with your brother as you both deal with the loss of a family member.
LOST EMBER
Explore the remains of a fallen world from fascinating perspectives! Slip into the role of different animals to uncover the fate of an ancient world. Dive into deep waters, fly at lofty heights, dig underground as a mole or even climb steep cliffs with a mountain goat, there are lots of ways of getting around.
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?
Grimm's Hollow
A spooky, freeware RPG where you search the afterlife for your brother. Reap ghosts with your scythe, explore haunted caves, and eat ghostly treats on your journey through death.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout
The concept of this title, the latest in the series to depict a new "Atelier" world, is "True-to-life youths that develop together, even if just a little bit".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