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
Katawa Shoujo
Katawa Shoujo is a romantic visual novel set in the fictional Japanese Yamaku High School for disabled children. Hisao's congenital heart defect forces him to move to a new school. Despite his difficulties, Hisao is able to find friends—and perhaps love, if he plays his cards right.
Girls on Campus, from Freshmen to Faculty, All Fall for Me!
In this exciting love interaction game, players act as a photography-loving sophomore who, after being knocked out during a shoot, finds themselves entangled in various indescribable scenarios with female seniors, juniors, and a married teacher!
Stray Cats in Cozy Town
Welcome to Cozy Town, where every day is International Cat Day! Be part of a village community where every stray is respected, loved and fed. Explore the charming streets and alleys to discover all the stray cats in this hidden-object game.
Fate/stay night REMASTERED
Seek the root of the Fate franchise. Return to where it all began.
Revue Starlight El Dorado
The first console game of the stage-themed multi-media franchise "Revue Starlight" is on its way!
Creatures of Ava
Let your empathy guide you as you play an exciting action-adventure, creature-saver game. Understand and tame the creatures of Ava and let them lead you through a variety of ecosystems – all in the hopes of saving the planet from a life-consuming infection.
Violent Horror Stories: anthology
4 short horror games from different authors and in different genres. Each game is an author's vision on the theme of 'pursuit'.
Rebirth! New Lover
Song Xuan unexpectedly traveled to ancient times, where he met several emotional partners who sincerely treated him. There are Qing'er,Xiaobai, Gu Qiuhan,Lin Miaoxian and Mingyue Rao. He had so many humorous and sweet love stories with them.
Director Simulator
You, who lack talent, always have strange dreams. Until one day, all kinds of beautiful women from dreams entered your life one by one. You will experience an unprecedented legendary journey from a first person perspective.
Chushpan Simulator 2
On their way from Ugryupinsk, Egor and Nastya find themselves caught in the middle of a conflict between two gangs — the Pavers and the Glaziers. Egor must find common ground with the Glaziers, deal with the Pavers, and rescue Nastya
恋爱单选题
Male Lord Wu worry because of an accident dying, fell into a coma. Then the mysterious female NPC appeared, creating a different space for Wu Worry to create a chance to save themselves, the protagonist of the game Wu Worry to find out his true love in the end, in order to wake up and survive.
Superscout
"Superscout" is a live-action interactive movie game where you will unravel the secrets of the girls you meet. The love beyond lifetimes, never let it go; the kindness in this life, engraved in your soul. Your choices will change your loved ones’ fate; those who love you will change yours...
Drive Me Crazy
"Drive me crazy" is a game inspired by the urban legend "Yua Mikami's wedding and retirement event." You play as her fiancé, qiangzi, in this interactive adventure. During the game, you will be asked one question: "With Yua Mikami by your side, would you still have a change of heart?"
Hookah Haze
It's the year 2xxx. The inexperienced Toru Sumiki lands a job managing Hookah Haze, a new hookah lounge on the outskirts of Akihabara, where they meet three eccentric girls. The story unfolds as the girls gradually open up to them, connecting through their fondness for hookah...
The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence.
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.
Riven
Uncover a story of intrigue, betrayal, and a civilization teetering on the brink of collapse as you solve intricate puzzles to unlock the secrets of Riven. Built from the ground-up and expanded from the award-winning original game released in 1997.
Beauties! They're All After Me
In this thrilling romance game, players are a working-class hero meeting six girls: a loli, a mature woman, a housewife, a soft girl, a domineering CEO, and a cute, naive girl. As he gets involved with them, he awakens a cheating system—can you believe it?! Make your final choice now!
Tavern Talk
A cozy visual novel about running a tavern in a D&D-inspired fantasy! Gather rumors, serve magical drinks, and meet adventurers on a life-changing quest.
Chained Together
From the depths of hell, climb chained to your friends through diverse worlds. Solo or co-op, try to reach the summit and discover what awaits you there...
The Heroes Around Me
The Heroes Around Me tells a story of a family of 3: the hard-working and quiet father – Nan, his daughter Lili, and their pet dog Sesame. Players will experience the harshness and warmth in the simpler time of the 1990s, where lots of stories are untold.
KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-
KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- is an HD remastered collection of 6 unforgettable KINGDOM HEARTS experiences. Take up your Keyblade to save the Disney worlds from darkness.
KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC)
KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC) brings one chapter of the series to a close. Travel to exciting new Disney and Pixar worlds, and prepare for the final showdown.
Monster Hunter Stories
Monster Hunter Stories is an RPG that takes the world of Monster Hunter and expands upon it in new and exciting ways! No longer are you hunting monsters, but raising them! In this deep story featuring heroes known as Monster Riders, you will live alongside monsters and form lifelong bonds with them.
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.
8.1
517
85
14.99€
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€
0.85€
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