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
DEAD LETTER DEPT.
Working at a data entry job in the big city, you type up and transcribe the lost mail and letters that have nowhere else to go. But as the days carry on oddities in the mail start to emerge, and cracks begin to appear.
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
The Unknown Journey Continues... After escaping the city of Midgar, Cloud and his friends set out on a journey across the planet. New adventures await in a vibrant, expansive world in this standalone entry of the FFVII remake trilogy.
The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki -Farewell, O Zemuria-
The latest installment in the popular story-driven Kiseki RPG series is here! The 20th-anniversary title, The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki -Farewell, O Zemuria-, where the epic story of the continent of Zemuria takes a dramatic turn, is now available on Steam®!
Game of Fate 2: A Century's Promise
Transported back a century by fate, you find yourself in a legendary tale of vengeance. Amidst powerful enemies in a tumultuous era, your mission is to assist those around you. Experience this immersive epic from a first-person perspective—authentic, weighty, yet brimming with hope.
Play Together
Play Together is a popular casual social networking game enjoyed by players worldwide. Express yourself through character customization, decorate your home and host Home Parties for a fun time with friends. Enjoy tons of content with friends from all across the globe!
OneRoom ―Yui Hanasaka Memorial―
That pure love, that lovey-dovey moment again――A new, immersive animated novel game where you can experience the story of Yui Hanasaka, the main heroine of the popular short anime series OneRoom, from the protagonist’s point of view.Revisit her special moments in this innovative experience!
Hello Love: 18 Again
Unexpectedly back at 18, you embark on a thrilling and sweet campus rebirth journey with the memories! The campus goddess, the sexy girl, the childhood sweetheart, the frigid CEO, the gentle teacher. Who will ignite your heart among the dreams and regrets of youth? Relive old dreams without regrets!
Sixtar Gate: STARTRAIL
Sixtar Gate: STARTRAIL is a rhythm game for keyboard set against a space exploration backdrop. Captain your science vessel alongside your navigator Shii as you explore the vast Sixtar system!
Winion Virus
Winion Virus is a pixel-art visual novel horror game. It features adorable and charming graphics paired with a dark fairy-tale story full of unexpected twists. As a point-and-click adventure, your task is to fix the errors occurring within the computer.
Seedsow Lullaby
"My mother, my daughter, and me—three sixteen-year-olds on an extraordinary adventure."After traveling through time to meet their sixteen-year-old counterparts, three generations of women set off on an adventure through the Land of the Gods. What could await them at the end of their journey?
Hatsuyuki Sakura
"Hatsuyuki Sakura" is one of the most popular works by SAGA PLANETS, a popular Japanese developer for visual novels. Experience Hatsuyuki Sakura for the first time in 1080p! This version includes the English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese versions.
A Shelter Full of Cats
Everyone can be a hero! Help a cat rescuer take care of her rescuees and root for their adoption! Every cat deserves a chance to be loved. ❤️
FANTASIAN Neo Dimension
Embark on an adventure to discover your memories and save the world from a mechanical infection. Maneuver your skill trajectories during battle, and dive into a new dimension with a unique twist on a classic RPG experience.
Sensei! I Like You So Much!
Sensei! I like you so much! is a fandom business simulation game. You will play as a fanfic author, create fanfic of all genres, release your fanzine, join comicons, gather followers, and become a legend. In the meantime, buy goods of your pairing, build itabags, and decorate your room.
PockeDate! - Pocket Dating Simulator
Your Pocket-Sized Dating Simulator! Every launch brings a new date with unique dialogues! Spend endless hours with your adorable, love-struck virtual girlfriend.
Mindlock - The Apartment
Colin’s apartment maze has puzzles, dialogues, and some dry humor waiting for you. A surreal adventure of a special kind.
Once Alive
A story-driven, first-person adventure game offering a cinematic experience. Embark on a journey to HaustVille, an abandoned settlement in a post-apocalyptic world. Explore your surroundings and uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the last survivors.
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagining of the beloved masterpiece and narrative beginning to The Erdrick Trilogy.
Select Oblige
Select Oblige is the latest title from the popular Japanese visual novel brand Madosoft. It features character design and artwork by renowned illustrator Hiyo Yuzuna, with the story crafted by Shoukei Wakaba. The main heroines are voiced by Hana Akino, Kanau, Ren Sagami, and Yuuka Nanakusa.
you're just imagining it
A chronic illness simulator. You think you have a chronic illness, but you don't know what. All you know is you are always in some state of pain. You've been to too many doctors to count... but you still have to live your life.
Horizon Zero Dawn™ Remastered
Experience the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn™ with stunning new visuals and upgraded features. In a far future where colossal machines roam the Earth, pockets of humanity survive in unique tribes among the lush, overgrown ruins of our long-lost civilization.
Game of Fate: Chasing Through Time
Immerse yourself in the first-person perspective, cross time and space, solve bizarre cases, save innocent victims, and catch a mysterious killer! You will solve murders, uphold justice, and also gain love. Are you ready? Play the "Game of Fate" that crosses time and space, life and death!
Life is Strange: Double Exposure
When Max Caulfield finds her friend Safi dead in the snow, she tears open the way to a parallel timeline. Here, Safi is still alive - and still in danger! With her new power to Shift between two timelines – can Max solve and prevent the same murder?
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
In this non-linear RPG, rule and expand the Empire of Varennes across multiple generations. Discover a vast array of story experiences as you fight the Seven Heroes in an epic battle that plays out over thousands of years.
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 15th 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 490 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.3
44,192
2,225
490
players
2. 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. While seeing 135 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among emotional games based on player count.
8.4
5,288
840
135
players
3. 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 131 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among emotional games based on player count.
9.4
6,035
149
131
players
4. 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. With 114 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
9,622
246
114
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.4
7,597
1,225
88
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 3,279 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 #6 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.5
2,879
400
52
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
77,246
3,015
37
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played emotional games.
8.8
3,989
386
35
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, visual novel and casual game developed by VisualArts/Key and published by VisualArts. Released on February 05th 2020 has received 4,336 reviews of which 4,279 were positive and 57 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
4,279
57
22
players
10. 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. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played emotional games.
9.5
17,136
363
17
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 15th 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€
0.33€
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. 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. Arietta of Spirits is a story rich, emotional and action-adventure game developed by Third Spirit Games and published by Third Spirit Games and Red Art Games. Released on August 20th 2021 has received 602 reviews of which 517 were positive and 85 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.1
517
85
-97%
14.99€
0.56€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.1
3,443
170
-96%
19.99€
0.83€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for emotional games.
8.2
1,111
175
-96%
14.79€
0.73€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
18,353
410
-95%
9.75€
0.57€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.3
11,287
486
-91%
9.75€
0.97€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for emotional games.
9.5
17,136
363
-90%
9.75€
1.07€
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 June 15th 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
10
players
2. 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 #2 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.4
851
112
2
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.9
2,092
141
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.9
467
18
5. 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 552 reviews of which 522 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.8
522
30
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. 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 #8 spot among the most played free emotional games on Steam.
8.5
566
55
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