Best Investigation 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 investigation games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free investigation games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
At Dead Of Night
At Dead Of Night is part horror film, part horror game and part ghost hunt. It blends live-action and graphics to create a unique immersive horror experience like no other.
I'm on Observation Duty 3
A thrilling psychological horror game. Your job is to look for anomalies in a haunted house. If you see anyhting suspicious (furniture moving, extra objects, intruders), take a photo and send a report. Includes both VR- (windows only) and non-VR (windows, mac, linux)-versions.
Observer: System Redux
The year is 2084. In a dark cyberpunk world shattered by plagues and wars, become a neural police detective and hack into the jagged minds of others. Make use of anything they felt, thought, or remembered to solve the case and catch the elusive killer.
The Case Book of Arne
A vampire and a girl... who are they? The two of them have a secret and solve a strange case... In a world where paranormal activity takes place, "Player" solves a case in which a non-human becomes a suspect. Such a "detective adventure" is coming to STEAM.
Transient: Extended Edition
H.P. Lovecraft meets Cyberpunk. Delve deep into a dystopian world and investigate what is happening to you and your friends in a domed city. Solve puzzles, hack systems and plug in to explore other dimensions. Discover a truth that might tear apart your sanity and question your very existence.
Murder House
A local news team breaks into an abandoned house to chase a salacious ghost story... until a MANIAC chases them! ...VHS era 80's slasher. PS1 style survival horror!
The Horror Of Salazar House
Will you solve the mystery of the Salazar manor or will you become another permanent inhabitant? An Italian horror inspired adventure game!
Lucifer Within Us
Solve 3 increasingly intricate murders by examining the evidence -- find the motive, the means, and the opportunity. Use testimonies of the suspects as evidence by examining every detail for contradictions... and signs of sin. Purify the possessed. Purge the daemons.
The Signifier Director's Cut
This story-driven adventure follows a mystery of death and despair from reality into the surreal realms of objective memories and subjective experiences. Search the mind, solve puzzles, and unravel the dark truth in this psychological thriller.
Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room
You wake up in a spaceship with no memories. In this escape room with a sci-fi setting you will have to investigate your past solving different puzzles. Will you be able to discover what happened to you and how did you get there?
Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest
Explore the myths and monsters of Europe’s last primeval wilderness. Play as Maia, who arrives at the ancient Białowieża Forest looking to explore her family history. Discover Rage in an adventure game inspired by the experience of the legendary tabletop roleplaying game Werewolf: The Apocalypse.
The Test: Final Revelation
The third chapter in The Test Trilogy. Answer a series of in-depth questions to reveal hidden truths about yourself and unlock secrets to discover who you really are as a person. The Final Revelation is upon us... but are you sure you TRULY want the answers you seek?
The Solitaire Conspiracy
We need your help, Spymaster. Join a world of near-future spies and take on a supervillain in this supercharged take on classic Solitaire. Precision engineered for replayable espionage action.
Scarlet Hollow — Episode 1
The free-to-play first episode of a horror-mystery game with dark humor and hand-drawn art by Black Tabby Games. Note — we are retiring this store page. While the build here is still up-to-date, please download the DEMO from the main Scarlet Hollow store page. Thank you and have fun!
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is a 4 player online co-op psychological horror. Paranormal activity is on the rise and it’s up to you and your team to use all the ghost-hunting equipment at your disposal in order to gather as much evidence as you can.
Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege
You only wanted to make a visit to your sick colleague, but what you encounter is beyond your imagination. Discover the secrets of your colleague and find a way to escape the trap.
Paradise Killer
Paradise Island, a world outside reality. There’s been a murder that only "investigation freak" Lady Love Dies can solve. Gather evidence and interrogate suspects in this open world adventure. You can accuse anyone, but you’ll have to prove your case in trial. It’s up to you to decide who’s guilty.
Metel - Horror Escape
Metel - Horror Escape is a first-person 3D game in the quest, horror genre. Welcome to the home of an insane maniac hungry for new blood and suffering! You are a victim in his hands. Be careful trying to find a way out. The maniac should not notice your escape attempt.
Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town
A letter from 10 years ago, an intricate web of lies to unravel and a mystery to solve. Explore an unconventional town of pirates, dive into the past, collect items and look for clues to help Willy find out what happened to his father...
Hello Neighbor 2 Alpha 1.5
Hello Neighbor 2 is a Stealth Horror Game where you’re being stalked by a mysterious creature as you try to track down Mr. Peterson (The Neighbor) who has disappeared after the events of the first game. Play against an advanced, self-learning AI that tracks and adapts to your every move.
Friendly Fire
Can you save the world from an unknown destiny?
The Almost Gone
Experience the intricate dioramas and connections of your life, and the ripples we all make, in this award-winning narrative puzzle game about death, loss, and mental health.
Heavy Rain
Experience a gripping psychological thriller filled with innumerable twists and turns. The hunt is on for a murderer known only as the Origami Killer. Four characters, each following their own leads, must take part in a desperate attempt to prevent the killer from claiming a new victim.
Most played investigation games on Steam
Take a look at the top investigation games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 16th 2025.
1. Blue Prince
Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46? Blue Prince is a puzzle, exploration and mystery game developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 8,402 reviews of which 7,306 were positive and 1,096 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played investigation game, thanks to its 4,253 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.5
7,306
1,096
4,253
players
2. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a adventure, visual novel and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 24th 2024 has received 3,272 reviews of which 2,960 were positive and 312 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 277 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among investigation games based on player count.
8.7
2,960
312
277
players
3. Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Miles Edgeworth's dramatic turnabouts take center stage! Experience both Ace Attorney Investigations games in one gorgeous collection! Investigate crime scenes and solve tough, intriguing cases through logic and deduction. When Edgeworth's past and present collide, his future begins! Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a adventure, investigation and mystery game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 3,077 reviews of which 2,990 were positive and 87 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 171 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among investigation games based on player count.
9.3
2,990
87
171
players
4. Strange Horticulture
Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries. Strange Horticulture is a mystery, puzzle and investigation game developed by Bad Viking and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on January 21st 2022 has received 13,152 reviews of which 12,466 were positive and 686 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 121 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
12,466
686
121
players
5. Pentiment
Step into a living illustrated world in a time when Europe is at a crossroads of great religious and political change. Walk in the footsteps of Andreas Maler, a master artist who finds himself in the middle of murders, scandals, and intrigue in the Bavarian Alps. Pentiment is a historical, story rich and investigation game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 14th 2022 has received 7,746 reviews of which 7,379 were positive and 367 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 107 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
7,379
367
107
players
6. Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege
You only wanted to make a visit to your sick colleague, but what you encounter is beyond your imagination. Discover the secrets of your colleague and find a way to escape the trap. Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege is a multiplayer, free to play and horror game developed and published by Bitbeast Games. Released on September 05th 2020 has received 12,105 reviews of which 9,872 were positive and 2,233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played investigation games.
8.0
9,872
2,233
86
players
7. Enigma of Fear
Become Mia, a paranormal detective searching for her missing father inside the Perimeter - a place that doesn't exist. Investigate clues like a real detective and unravel the mysteries behind the Enigma of Fear, defeating the terrible monsters who'll try to stop you. Enigma of Fear is a mystery, investigation and supernatural game developed by Dumativa and Cellbit and published by Dumativa and Nuuvem Inc. Released on November 28th 2024 has received 9,093 reviews of which 8,803 were positive and 290 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.4
8,803
290
83
players
8. The Rise of the Golden Idol
The Award-winning detective saga returns in this standalone sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. Uncover the truth behind 20 strange cases of crime, death and depravity in the 1970s. The world has changed dramatically - the sins of humanity have not. The Rise of the Golden Idol is a mystery, investigation and detective game developed by Color Gray Games and published by Playstack. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 3,003 reviews of which 2,825 were positive and 178 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.0
2,825
178
79
players
9. Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping
You are the one and only Duck Detective, a depressed and recently divorced duck who must quack the case. Inspect evidence, make de-duck-tions, and solve this no-murder mystery! Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping is a casual, adventure and detective game developed and published by Happy Broccoli Games. Released on May 22nd 2025 has received 909 reviews of which 902 were positive and 7 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.3
902
7
54
players
10. Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer
In this point-and-click urban thriller, down-and-out private eye Kathy Rain will embark on her most dangerous case yet — the pursuit of the notorious serial killer known as the Soothsayer. Find clues, gather evidence, connect the dots, and confront the murderer before the hunter becomes the hunted… Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer is a atmospheric, investigation and 2d game developed by Clifftop Games and published by Raw Fury. Released on May 20th 2025 has received 308 reviews of which 299 were positive and 9 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played investigation games.
8.9
299
9
49
players
Best deals on investigation games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of investigation 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 investigation games.
1. A Guidebook of Babel
A narrative-driven puzzle adventure game with the butterfly effect at its core. Board the Babel, a mysterious cruise ship that takes you on a whimsical journey to the afterlife. Use a special pen to help fellow travelers fulfill their wishes by rewriting the past, changing how the future unfolds. A Guidebook of Babel is a adventure, story rich and time manipulation game developed by StarryStarry and published by Thermite Games. Released on August 02nd 2023 has received 1,490 reviews of which 1,371 were positive and 119 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for investigation category.
8.7
1,371
119
-97%
14.79€
0.54€
2. Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases
Discover an untold crime story from the mysterious youth of the famous detective Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed by Blazing Griffin and published by Microids. Released on September 27th 2021 has received 1,182 reviews of which 903 were positive and 279 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in investigation games.
7.3
903
279
-97%
19.99€
0.60€
3. Paradise Killer
Paradise Island, a world outside reality. There’s been a murder that only "investigation freak" Lady Love Dies can solve. Gather evidence and interrogate suspects in this open world adventure. You can accuse anyone, but you’ll have to prove your case in trial. It’s up to you to decide who’s guilty. Paradise Killer is a story rich, investigation and female protagonist game developed by Kaizen Game Works and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 04th 2020 has received 4,049 reviews of which 3,761 were positive and 288 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in investigation games.
8.9
3,761
288
-96%
19.50€
0.93€
4. Murder by Numbers
Solve Pixel Puzzles to find clues. Use those clues to interrogate witnesses. Work your way to the truth... ...and uncover the mystery of Murder by Numbers! Murder by Numbers is a investigation, visual novel and puzzle game developed by Mediatonic and published by The Irregular Corporation. Released on March 06th 2020 has received 1,584 reviews of which 1,329 were positive and 255 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.0
1,329
255
-96%
12.49€
0.61€
5. 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! Tales of the Neon Sea is a pixel graphics, cyberpunk and point & click game developed by YiTi Games and published by Thermite Games. Released on April 29th 2019 has received 4,067 reviews of which 3,519 were positive and 548 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.4
3,519
548
-95%
16.49€
0.87€
6. Time Loader
Time Loader is a story-driven puzzle-platformer with tiny robots, alternate realities, nostalgic music, and primitive tech from the 90s! Time Loader is a logic, story rich and investigation game developed by Flazm and published by META Publishing. Released on November 03rd 2021 has received 477 reviews of which 400 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.9
400
77
-93%
7.79€
0.60€
7. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
Become the most celebrated detective of all time: Sherlock Holmes! Use your impressive talents as a detective to solve six thrilling and varied cases: murders, missing persons, spectacular thefts and numerous investigations that sometimes lead you into the realms of the fantastic. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed and published by Frogwares. Released on September 29th 2014 has received 7,191 reviews of which 6,469 were positive and 722 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.7
6,469
722
-92%
29.99€
2.42€
8. Crime O'Clock
Crime O'Clock is a hidden objects investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man! Crime O'Clock is a investigation, hidden object and 2d game developed by Bad Seed and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on July 21st 2023 has received 416 reviews of which 293 were positive and 123 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for investigation games.
6.7
293
123
-92%
19.50€
1.68€
9. Conrad Stevenson's Paranormal P.I.
I made this first-person single player ghost hunting simulation game, trying to take an authentic approach at investigating ghosts. Use essential paranormal tools to help your community alleviate their concerns and put their minds at ease. Conrad Stevenson's Paranormal P.I. is a psychological horror, supernatural and horror game developed and published by D&A Studios. Released on September 28th 2023 has received 941 reviews of which 876 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.8
876
65
-90%
9.75€
1.02€
10. Alfred Hitchcock - Vertigo
Can you trust your own mind? Immerse yourself in a psychological thriller of a new kind, playing with the limits between reality and fantasy. Freely inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s universe. Alfred Hitchcock - Vertigo is a adventure, thriller and interactive fiction game developed by Pendulo Studios and published by Microids. Released on December 16th 2021 has received 817 reviews of which 672 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.8
672
145
-88%
19.99€
2.57€
Free investigation games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play investigation 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 investigation games.
1. Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege
You only wanted to make a visit to your sick colleague, but what you encounter is beyond your imagination. Discover the secrets of your colleague and find a way to escape the trap. Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege is a multiplayer, free to play and horror game developed and published by Bitbeast Games. Released on September 05th 2020 has received 12,105 reviews of which 9,872 were positive and 2,233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.0
9,872
2,233
86
players
2. Hello Neighbor Alpha 1
This is Alpha 1 of Hello Neighbor, a Stealth Horror Game about sneaking into your neighbor's house and figuring out what he's hiding in the basement. Play against an advanced AI that learns from your actions. Hello Neighbor Alpha 1 is a cartoony, horror and survival horror game developed by Dynamic Pixels and published by tinyBuild. Released on October 12th 2019 has received 3,479 reviews of which 3,212 were positive and 267 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.9
3,212
267
27
players
3. Hello Neighbor Alpha 2
Welcome to Alpha 2 of Hello Neighbor. Play against an advanced, self-learning AI in what eventually became Act 1 of Hello Neighbor - the stealth horror home invasion sim. Hello Neighbor Alpha 2 is a horror, survival horror and stealth game developed by Dynamic Pixels and published by tinyBuild. Released on October 15th 2019 has received 3,930 reviews of which 3,714 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
9.1
3,714
216
17
players
4. Hello Neighbor Pre-Alpha
The Original Pre-Alpha of Hello Neighbor, a Stealth Horror Game about sneaking into your neighbor's house and figuring out what he's hiding in the basement. Play against an advanced AI that learns from your actions. Hello Neighbor Pre-Alpha is a horror, stealth and sandbox game developed by Dynamic Pixels and published by tinyBuild. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 1,996 reviews of which 1,809 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.7
1,809
187
16
players
5. Unfortunate Spacemen
An online multiplayer game about shapeshifting deception and betrayal! As a hapless, brave spaceman employed by The Company you'll work diligently to defend and be rescued from failing outposts, but not everyone around you is who they claim to be... Unfortunate Spacemen is a survival horror, investigation and co-op game developed by Geoff 'Zag' Keene and Deep Field Games and published by Deep Field Games and New Blood Interactive . Released on June 12th 2020 has received 7,494 reviews of which 6,463 were positive and 1,031 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.4
6,463
1,031
8
players
6. Hello Neighbor 2 Alpha 1.5
Hello Neighbor 2 is a Stealth Horror Game where you’re being stalked by a mysterious creature as you try to track down Mr. Peterson (The Neighbor) who has disappeared after the events of the first game. Play against an advanced, self-learning AI that tracks and adapts to your every move. Hello Neighbor 2 Alpha 1.5 is a adventure, puzzle and stealth game developed by Eerie Guest and tinyBuild and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 23rd 2020 has received 5,931 reviews of which 5,136 were positive and 795 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.4
5,136
795
7
players
7. Silver Creek Falls: Chapter 1
Two city detectives are sent to a small idyllic town in North Carolina called ‘Silver Creek Falls” to investigate a strange series of events that the local sheriff can’t seem to get his mind around. What initially seems like an open-and-shut case unfolds into a truly terrifying mystery that will leave the detectives wondering what is... Silver Creek Falls: Chapter 1 is a horror, investigation and casual game developed and published by Sapphire Dragon Productions. Released on August 12th 2015 has received 629 reviews of which 541 were positive and 88 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.1
541
88
1
players