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
Jenny LeClue - Detectivu
JENNY LECLUE is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet, mysteries and puzzles to solve across a vibrant, atmospheric world.
Kind Words (lo fi chill beats to write to)
A game about writing nice letters to real people. Write and receive encouraging letters in a cozy room. Trade stickers and listen to chill music. We're all in this together. Sometimes all you need are a few kind words.
ARIDA: Backland's Awakening
ARIDA: Backland's Awakening. A story of survival and adventure in the brazilian backlands. Face the drought to explore the more arid regions, gather resources and discover clues about the fate of the young Cícera.
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.
Monsters of Little Haven
At the heart of the action are a twelve-year-old Kenneth and his younger sister Esme, children of the Murphy family, who hit the trail of a mysterious monster following series of entangled events.
FOCUS on YOU
The love at first sight, came like a sunny summer day. Meet YUA and make your own sparkling moments.
Sanator: Scarlet Scarf
Scarlet Scarf is a visual novel inspired by the legend of Plague Maiden. Dive into the dark mysteries of a dying city with the fate of Sanator Richard Murdock in your hands. Perhaps it's not too late to stop the on-going calamity...
Answer Knot
A short narrative and exploration game about Zach, June, and a strange phenomenon. You're Zach and, stuck in your home, you will do everything to keep hearing June's voice messages. What is happening out there?
missed messages.
‘goth gf’s iPhone’ airdrops you - accept or decline? A love/horror story about life, death, & memes.
FREEDIVER: Triton Down
Plunge into VR on a capsizing research ship, the Triton, where survival means outmaneuvering the water's lethal surge. Freedive through a sinking ship, overcome underwater chaos, and unlock your path to the surface, all while protecting your most precious resource: the breath in your lungs.
Draugen
Draugen is a single-player, first-person Fjord Noir mystery set in 1920s Norway. Explore a forgotten coastal village in your search for your missing sister, accompanied by your independent and enigmatic young ward. Norwegian Game of the Year 2019.
Atelier Lulua ~The Scion of Arland~
The long awaited 4th installment of the popular "Arland" series that had begun with the "Atelier Rorona"! In this new story, players will revisit the nostalgic world of Arland and embark on exciting journey of alchemy together with Rorona's daughter, Lulua.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
Follow the grim tale of young Amicia and her little brother Hugo, in a heartrending journey through the darkest hours of history.
Never Again
Never Again - Horror/first-person Quest. The main essence of the game is research locations and puzzles, plunging in the dramatic story of a little girl suffering from asthma.
Tales of the Neon Sea
Welcome to a world of intrigue and suspicion. Where humans and robots contend with escalating tensions and mutual distrust. And where gangster felines scheme their way to the top of the food chain. Welcome to the Tales of the Neon Sea!
Newfound Courage
You're a young man named Alex who arrives in the cliffside town of Silverpine. Explore the town's many mysteries and meet its colourful townsfolk, while you grow closer to a kind-hearted local named Jake. Can the two of you save the town from the impending doom brewing inside the mysterious Vault?
TOKYO CHRONOS
TOKYO CHRONOS is the VR game that has multiple-choice decision points as well as more than one ending. The game takes place in Shibuya, Tokyo, which has only eight people, including you, the protagonist, Kyosuke Sakurai. Why are they there?
When the Darkness comes
When the Darkness comes is a walking simulator whose glitchy and dark tale tries to illustrate the hardships of depression and anxiety through a variety of imaginary digital landscapes.
最后的47小时 - The Last 47 Hours
"Let's break up in 47 hours!" The girl who has been in love with me for six years and will become my sweet bride next month, now declares. Are we really going to say goodbye after forty-seven hours?
The Stillness of the Wind
A quiet game of life and loss. One by one, everyone left the village for the city. Everyone, except Talma. Approaching her final years, she maintains a simple way of life tending to her homestead, surviving, subsisting, whilst increasingly disturbing letters arrive from her family in the city.
CHAOS;CHILD
From the creators of the critically acclaimed STEINS;GATE comes a sensational new visual novel: CHAOS;CHILD. Set in Shibuya in 2015, a group of high school students who survived an earthquake six years ago find themselves at the center of a new series of bizarre murders in the city.
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 18th 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 18th 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€
0.62€
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.
8.4
7,597
1,225
12.49€
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 18th 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