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
Indecision.
A haiku platformer. It's short and vague.
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.
A Raven Monologue
A Raven Monologue is a short experimental silent story about a raven that does not know how to croak and his relationship with the people in the town.
Six Days of Snow
In a small inn located in the snowy Japanese mountains, an unlikely relationship blossoms between a once-popular poet and the daughter of the inn's proprietress.
Finding Paradise
A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to fulfill his last wish.
Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
This is the 2nd half of the Umineko When They Cry sound novel series, featuring episodes 5 through 8. This steam version features multi-language options, swap-able renewed character sprites, as well as the original BGMs and un-cut content.
Little Busters! English Edition
Capturing the hearts of countless fans since 2007, Little Busters! is an emotional visual novel from Key, the minds behind Angel Beats! and CLANNAD. This special English release supports touch controls and dynamic switching between English and Japanese text, and is in HD for the first time on PC.
Attentat 1942
Attentat 1942 is a historically-accurate adventure about World War 2. Face moral dilemmas and existential struggles as you uncover the troubled past of your family.
Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon
A Tale of Three Beautiful Maidens Drawn to Each Other. When three friends, deceived and separated by the tricks of darkness, find each other again, their bond shall become the light that will clear away the shadows and guide them towards the truth...
Blackberry Honey
A lesbian love story set in Victorian England, featuring maids, music, and finding love in unexpected places.
BLUE REFLECTION
A clear summer sky spreads over the Hoshinomiya Girls' High School. This story begins with the belated start of school life for Hinako Shirai, who has just recovered from a leg injury due to a tragic accident. The magical sisters Yuzu and Lime bestowed to her a special power to become a "Reflector".
Last Day of June
A deep, interactive adventure about love and loss, beautifully depicted and offering an intense cinematic experience. What would you do to save the one you love?
Rez Infinite
The legendary action-shooter finally comes to PC, and in style! Blast your way through mind-melting visuals and amazing beats, all in your quest through cyberspace to save a world on the verge of collapse. Playable on your desktop or in fully immersive VR.
Bai Qu: Hundreds of Melodies
A melody of life and death surrounding a sickly girl and her friends.
planetarian HD
planetarian HD is an engaging and emotional visual novel from legendary game studio, Key. A sub-brand of VISUAL ARTS, Key are also famed for creating Kanon, AIR, CLANNAD, Little Busters!, Rewrite, Angel Beats!, and Summer Pockets.
Mass Exodus Redux
Whether you’re playing the seeker (VR) or rogue android (PC), Mass Exodus is a tense and absorbing local multiplayer game. With 4 extensive maps each with unique kill methods and some creative power-ups, you need to try outsmart your friends anyway you can. Oculus Touch and HTC Vive compatible.
What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington state. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she's the last one in her family left alive.
Nights of Azure
Save the world or the life of one girl... I decide my destiny! The world was once ruled by the Nightｌord. In that world lived a Saint, destined to become a sacrifice to the Nightｌord, and a Holy Knight, with the power to use Servans. Take your Servans and fight accross "The Land Without Night" for the one you love!
Sally Face - Episode One
Delve into a dark adventure following the boy with a prosthetic face and a tragic past. Unravel the sinister mysteries of Sally's world to find the truth that lies hidden beneath the shadows.
Don't Disturb
Single-player puzzle adventure with a beautiful, distinctive art style and a genuinely emotional story. As a lonely dog wandering the afterlife searching for his dead master, 'Don't Disturb' explores traditional Asian views on death and the underworld.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 926 reviews of which 703 were positive and 223 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
223
-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