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
Everything
Be the Universe in this epic, award-winning reality simulation game - featuring thousands of playable characters, endless exploration, an extraordinary soundtrack and narration from Alan Watts.
The Franz Kafka Videogame
An original puzzle/adventure game inspired by the writings of Franz Kafka.
Grass Cutter - Mutated Lawns
Challenge lawn monsters!
ISLANDS: Non-Places
The familiar becomes magical in this critically acclaimed interactive artscape. Explore ten scenes inspired by the everyday and let your expectations of reality be transformed. Carl Burton's other work has been featured in the New York Times, Serial, Colossal, and Medium.
Doorways: Old Prototype
An immersive and twisted adventure created before the official development of the Doorways saga
The Metronomicon: Slay The Dance Floor
A Rhythm Role-Playing Game! Fight party crashing monsters with the power of music! Level your party and upgrade your gear while dancing to the beat of some groovin' tunes. Grab a friend and combine forces in all game modes in The Metronomicon: Slay the Dance Floor!
Minds Eyes
You venture through your mind, trying desperately to wake up from your nightmares. Will you make it out?
Tribal Pass
A genre-twisting tactical runner where you maneuver, fight, think, sacrifice and evolve – all ON THE RUN.
Awareness Rooms
You find yourself in a room you know nothing of. As you examine the objects around you, your awareness rises and the room slowly comes into focus. Can you find your way out?
Zombie Training Simulator
Are you ready for the zombie apocalypse? We've done the research and want to make sure you're prepared. When the news reports the zombies are here and your friend gives you a call, "They're here. I need you," how will you respond? That's right, you'll say "On my way. We've got this thanks to ZTS!"
Helen's Mysterious Castle
A young girl with a hidden past sets off on an epic and mysterious journey in hope of learning more about her own origins in this beautifully rendered, classic-style RPG adventure.
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 ?
Pony Island
Pony Island is a suspense puzzle game in disguise. You are in limbo, trapped in a malevolent and malfunctioning arcade machine devised by the devil himself. It is not a game about ponies.
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
A 15 minute heist game by Crows Crows Crows & Directed by William Pugh (The Stanley Parable). Slip into the soft-soled shoes of the mastermind responsible for the greatest heist- oh god I can’t do this any more, i’m joining the strike. good luck writing the steam description. -tina
Human Resource Machine
Program little office workers to solve puzzles. Be a good employee! The machines are coming... for your job. From the creators of World of Goo and Little Inferno.
Mushroom 11
An award-winning anti-platformer where destruction is the only way to move. Mold yourself into any form by destroying your cells, and traverse a devastated landscape filled with brain-twisting puzzles and bizarre mutations. Are you ready to break the mold?
The Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.
Doodle God
Doodle God is an addicting puzzle & world building game where players use logic and ingenuity to create the entire universe. Starting with the basic elements of earth, wind, fire and air players can build a world filled with locomotives, Dragons, skyscrapers, Aliens and more.
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.
Super Star Path
Classic color match puzzle meets space shoot'em up action! Hop into your spaceship, open a path through huge waves of aliens and other hazards, and face intense boss battles!
how do you Do It?
"how do you Do It?" puts players in the role of an 11-year-old girl whose mother has just stepped out for an errand. The girl immediately grabs her dolls and furtively attempts to figure out how sex works using these plastic surrogates.
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 June 16th 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 1,266 reviews of which 1,229 were positive and 37 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
1,229
37
89
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 704 reviews of which 574 were positive and 130 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
574
130
38
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 21,028 reviews of which 20,101 were positive and 927 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
20,101
927
34
players
4. 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 29,935 reviews of which 28,937 were positive and 998 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.5
28,937
998
19
players
5. 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 2,955 reviews of which 2,841 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.2
2,841
114
15
players
6. 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 9,151 reviews of which 6,822 were positive and 2,329 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played experimental games.
7.3
6,822
2,329
15
players
7. 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 3,869 reviews of which 2,856 were positive and 1,013 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played experimental games.
7.2
2,856
1,013
13
players
8. Cloud Gardens
A chill game about using plants to overgrow abandoned wasteland dioramas Cloud Gardens is a nature, sandbox and atmospheric game developed and published by Noio. Released on September 01st 2021 has received 2,214 reviews of which 2,104 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played experimental games.
9.1
2,104
110
6
players
9. Disillusion
A mysterious muse calls upon you to investigate a Large tower in an oneiric land. Disillusion is a adventure, rpg and experimental game developed and published by Disillusion Dev. Released on August 30th 2021 has received 645 reviews of which 614 were positive and 31 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
614
31
6
players
10. 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 453 reviews of which 435 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played experimental games.
8.9
435
18
6
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 June 16th 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 1,907 reviews of which 1,378 were positive and 529 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for experimental category.
7
1,378
529
-97%
16.79€
0.57€
2. 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 837 reviews of which 540 were positive and 297 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in experimental games.
6.3
540
297
-96%
6.99€
0.33€
3. 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 409 reviews of which 309 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in experimental games.
7.1
309
100
-94%
3.99€
0.24€
4. 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 619 reviews of which 457 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for experimental games.
7.0
457
162
-94%
8.19€
0.56€
5. 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 386 reviews of which 271 were positive and 115 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for experimental games.
6.7
271
115
-92%
5.99€
0.52€
6. Thirty Flights of Loving
Explore the world of Thirty Flights of Loving through a first-person short story. Take a deep dive with high-flying schemers, lovelorn criminals, and more stray kittens than you can shake a stick at. Thirty Flights of Loving is a first-person, experimental and walking simulator game developed and published by Blendo Games. Released on August 20th 2012 has received 1,826 reviews of which 1,152 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for experimental games.
6.2
1,152
674
-90%
4.99€
0.50€
7. Indecision.
A haiku platformer. It's short and vague. Indecision. is a experience, experimental and surreal game developed and published by bilge. Released on February 08th 2018 has received 626 reviews of which 532 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for experimental games.
8
532
94
-86%
2.99€
0.44€
8. 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 3,869 reviews of which 2,856 were positive and 1,013 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for experimental games.
7.2
2,856
1,013
-80%
29.99€
5.99€
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 453 reviews of which 435 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for experimental games.
8.9
435
18
-70%
9.75€
2.95€
10. 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 21,028 reviews of which 20,101 were positive and 927 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 66% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for experimental games.
9.3
20,101
927
-66%
5.99€
2.09€
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 June 16th 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 8,614 reviews of which 7,817 were positive and 797 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
7,817
797
6
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 1,251 reviews of which 1,102 were positive and 149 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
1,102
149
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 679 reviews of which 657 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
657
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 308 reviews of which 295 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
295
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 1,224 reviews of which 1,026 were positive and 198 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
1,026
198