Best Experimental 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 experimental games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free experimental games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
KARMA: The Dark World
KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller set in a dystopian world where the Leviathan Corporation is omnipresent. The year is 1984, the place is East Germany, and things are not quite what they seem.
My Little Life
A relaxing life-sim that lives on the bottom of your screen while you do other things.
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.
Magic Archery
Train a commoner to become the greatest archer in this short incremental game! Increase your stats, gather wealth from quests, buy upgrades, and infuse your arrows with magic.
Tiny Glade
Tiny Glade is a small diorama builder where you doodle whimsical castles, cozy cottages & romantic ruins. Explore gridless building chemistry as the game adorns your glades with procedural detail. No management, combat or goals: just kick back and turn forgotten meadows into lovable dioramas.
Lorn's Lure
An android is led through a vast structure by a glitch in his visual system. Lorn's Lure is an atmospheric narrative first-person platformer with novel climb-anything mechanics and modernized retro 3D graphics.
WHAT THE CAR?
An absurdly silly adventure full of racing, laughs, and unexpected surprises. Roll, sprint, jump, fly and sneeze your way to victory on the racetrack and beyond!
Nodebuster
Nodebuster is a short, experimental incremental game about busting nodes and destroying reality.
VLADiK BRUTAL
Fight under the onslaught of mutated monsters, obsessed soldiers and even darker bosses. Just try to survive and find out what to do next in this life, simultaneously tearing your enemies to pieces.
Revue Starlight El Dorado
The first console game of the stage-themed multi-media franchise "Revue Starlight" is on its way!
1000xRESIST
1000xRESIST is a thrilling sci-fi adventure. The year is unknown, and a disease spread by an alien invasion keeps you underground. You are Watcher. You dutifully fulfil your purpose in serving the ALLMOTHER, until the day you discover a shocking secret that changes everything.
Buckshot Roulette
Play Russian roulette with a 12-gauge shotgun. Four enter. One leaves. Roll the dice with your life. Good luck!
Bulwark Evolution: Falconeer Chronicles
Bulwark: Evolution mixes elements of a chill builder with grand strategy and exploration elements. It's a genre bending experimental game that can be both a peaceful building experience or a total conquest with airships, warbirds and fortresses. It's up to the player to decide.
Windowkill
Windowkill is a twin-stick shooter, but the game window itself is constantly closing in on you. Shoot the window edges to push it around your screen as you fight and dodge enemies and bosses in their own windows.
Kukoro: Stream chat games
Kukoro: Stream chat games is a collection of +20 games, from 2D shooters to tactical RPG mini-games, with a high engage for your Twitch community. You and your audience will be able to play with you in real time receiving the individual relevance they deserve, growing your channel day by day.
(the) Gnorp Apologue
(the) Gnorp Apologue is the journey of the gnorps as you guide them towards their goal of delightfully excessive wealth accumulation.
Juice Galaxy
Juice Galaxy is a happy place to fly around and smack things and drink juice. And explore things. And just, flip around doing stuff.
TELEFORUM
TELEFORUM is a found-footage-styled horror game exploring the unknown side of media. You’re visiting a widow’s apartment to conduct an interview about her husband's death. But that’s not the main reason why you’re here. It’s all about the tape, isn’t it?
J-Jump Arena
J-Jump Arena is a free-to-play, turn-based elimination party game, challenging you to master jumps and weapon skills. Play solo or in multiplayer with up to 10 players, where moves happen simultaneously! Outsmart opponents in this fast-paced game that’s easy to learn but hard to master.
South Scrimshaw, Part One
South Scrimshaw is the story of a newborn whale in a vast alien ocean. It is a richly illustrated experimental visual novel, written in the style of a nature documentary.
Most played experimental games on Steam
Take a look at the top experimental games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. 14 Minesweeper Variants
Minesweeper but the rules are changing. 14 Minesweeper Variants is a puzzle, logic and minimalist game developed by Alith Games and Artless Games and published by Artless Games. Released on November 14th 2022 has received 1,226 reviews of which 1,190 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.2
1,190
36
85
players
2. Nucleares
Nuclear Reactor Simulator: Take Control. Prevent Disaster. Power the World. Nucleares is a simulation, realistic and first-person game developed and published by Iván Marcelo Pretti. Released on March 13th 2023 has received 688 reviews of which 557 were positive and 131 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played experimental games.
7.7
557
131
58
players
3. Townscaper
Instant town building toy Townscaper is a experimental, building and relaxing game developed by Oskar Stålberg and published by Raw Fury. Released on August 26th 2021 has received 20,977 reviews of which 20,053 were positive and 924 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.3
20,053
924
34
players
4. Comedy Night
Tell jokes, sing songs, make friends or heckle. Comedy Night captures the fun experience of a real comedy club. Comedy Night is a casual, comedy and experimental game developed and published by Lighthouse Games Studio. Released on August 24th 2017 has received 9,140 reviews of which 6,820 were positive and 2,320 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played experimental games.
7.3
6,820
2,320
19
players
5. Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk
A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her. Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk is a visual novel, psychological horror and horror game developed by Nikita Kryukov and published by Missing Calm. Released on August 26th 2020 has received 29,455 reviews of which 28,488 were positive and 967 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.5
28,488
967
14
players
6. Heliborne Collection
Rotary-wing aviation and helicopter combat with a dynamic battlefield and the support of ground forces. Appreciated for MMO elements and an addictive gameplay loop. Use tactics and make strategic decisions or fly around and shoot in historically accurate maps. Heliborne Collection is a military, flight and multiplayer game developed and published by Klabater. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 3,858 reviews of which 2,848 were positive and 1,010 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played experimental games.
7.2
2,848
1,010
13
players
7. Progressbar95
Progressbar95 is a unique indie game with a strong nostalgic vibe. It turns vintage GUI elements like panels, buttons and icons into game elements! Simple and addictive gameplay based on dozens of mini-games and puzzles. The game will make you smile! Progressbar95 is a casual, arcade and experimental game developed by Igor Uduslivii and published by Spooky House Studios UG haftungsbeschraenkt. Released on September 08th 2020 has received 2,890 reviews of which 2,777 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.2
2,777
113
12
players
8. Understand
Understand is an experimental puzzle game about guessing rules. In each level, you have to figure out the rules through trial and error, then draw a line satisfying all rules. Understand is a abstract, minimalist and logic game developed and published by Artless Games. Released on October 30th 2020 has received 726 reviews of which 660 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played experimental games.
8.5
660
66
7
players
9. HyperRogue
A truly non-Euclidean tactical puzzle/roguelike! HyperRogue is a traditional roguelike, psychedelic and turn-based tactics game developed and published by Zeno Rogue. Released on January 16th 2015 has received 451 reviews of which 434 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played experimental games.
8.9
434
17
6
players
10. The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king
Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time some else succeeds... The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king is a free to play, indie and short game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2022 has received 8,564 reviews of which 7,779 were positive and 785 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played experimental games.
8.8
7,779
785
3
players
Best deals on experimental games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of experimental 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 experimental games.
1. Radio Commander
Use the radio to give commands to the soldiers on the battlefield. Keep track of the situation based on their voice reports only. Lead US platoons to clash with Vietcong in a realistic, innovative approach to the RTS genre. Make hard choices in a narrative driven experience, and face the outcome. Radio Commander is a simulation, singleplayer and wargame game developed by Serious Sim and published by Games Operators and PlayWay S.A.. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 1,890 reviews of which 1,366 were positive and 524 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 92% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for experimental category.
7
1,366
524
-92%
17.50€
1.40€
2. Californium
Taking the form of a first-person experience of a bad trip, Californium pays homage to sci-fi legend Philip K. Dick by transporting you into the life of a writer searching for his own identity. Explore, solve the riddles and conduct your investigation. Will you find what’s behind the simulacra ? Californium is a psychedelic, sci-fi and experimental game developed by Darjeeling, Nova Production and ARTE France and published by ARTE France. Released on February 17th 2016 has received 383 reviews of which 269 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 83% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in experimental games.
6.7
269
114
-83%
5.88€
1.00€
3. Heliborne Collection
Rotary-wing aviation and helicopter combat with a dynamic battlefield and the support of ground forces. Appreciated for MMO elements and an addictive gameplay loop. Use tactics and make strategic decisions or fly around and shoot in historically accurate maps. Heliborne Collection is a military, flight and multiplayer game developed and published by Klabater. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 3,858 reviews of which 2,848 were positive and 1,010 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 80% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in experimental games.
7.2
2,848
1,010
-80%
29.99€
5.99€
4. Sunlight
Traverse a harmonious hand painted forest in this first person hike. ☀️The trees guide you with gentle whispers, as you explore a philosophical story. Sunlight is a adventure, experimental and walking simulator game developed and published by Krillbite Studio. Released on January 14th 2021 has received 403 reviews of which 305 were positive and 98 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for experimental games.
7.2
305
98
-75%
4.00€
1.00€
5. BE-A Walker
Take control of a huge mech on an alien planet! Shoot and trample the natives, avenge your brother, or forgive his killers? Join the rebels to restore peace on the exotic planet of Eldorado. BE-A Walker is a shoot 'em up, difficult and experimental game developed by Tequilabyte Studio and published by Games Operators and PlayWay S.A.. Released on May 07th 2020 has received 609 reviews of which 448 were positive and 161 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 74% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for experimental games.
7.0
448
161
-74%
8.08€
2.10€
6. Townscaper
Instant town building toy Townscaper is a experimental, building and relaxing game developed by Oskar Stålberg and published by Raw Fury. Released on August 26th 2021 has received 20,977 reviews of which 20,053 were positive and 924 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for experimental games.
9.3
20,053
924
-70%
5.90€
1.77€
7. The Franz Kafka Videogame
An original puzzle/adventure game inspired by the writings of Franz Kafka. The Franz Kafka Videogame is a adventure, surreal and indie game developed by Denis Galanin (mif2000) and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 06th 2017 has received 832 reviews of which 539 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 68% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for experimental games.
6.3
539
293
-68%
7.06€
2.26€
Free experimental games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play experimental 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 experimental games.
1. The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king
Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time some else succeeds... The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king is a free to play, indie and short game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2022 has received 8,564 reviews of which 7,779 were positive and 785 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
8.8
7,779
785
3
players
2. Port of Call
Imagine waking up on a small dock with no recollection of who you are or how you got there. The first person you find is a grumpy, old man who enlists you to work on his ferry boat which seems to have materialized behind you. Port of Call is a indie, adventure and free to play game developed and published by Underdog Games. Released on August 28th 2015 has received 1,248 reviews of which 1,101 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
8.4
1,101
147
2
players
3. MetaWare High School (Demo)
How do you see the world when nothing is real? An experimental metafictional visual novel. MetaWare High School (Demo) is a visual novel, philosophical and experimental game developed and published by Not Fun Games. Released on April 02nd 2020 has received 677 reviews of which 655 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
9.0
655
22
4. Interstate Drifter 1999
Drift between the states, collect bits, beat rivals and get a high score. Interstate Drifter 1999 is a racing, experimental and arcade game developed and published by Ultimo Games. Released on September 16th 2020 has received 307 reviews of which 294 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
8.8
294
13
5. The Flood
The Flood is a peaceful 5 minute narrative experience in which you pilot a little boat down a river. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes we should stop worrying about our destination and just enjoy the journey. The Flood is a free to play, indie and relaxing game developed and published by Ondrej Angelovic. Released on March 30th 2018 has received 1,221 reviews of which 1,024 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free experimental games on Steam.
8.0
1,024
197