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
We Were Here
Lost in a frozen wasteland and split up from your partner inside an abandoned castle, the only possession you have left is a walkie-talkie with a familiar voice on the other end. Can the two of you find your way out in time?
Quern - Undying Thoughts
Discover the truth about Quern’s past, unfold the mysteries of its present, and be the explorer who shapes its future. Quern introduces reusable puzzle mechanics to the classic genre, making the player think about the game as a whole, and not just as a series of individual challenges.
Along the Edge
Along the Edge is a visual novel set in the European countryside, where your choices impact the main character's personality and appearance.
The Silver Case
The Silver Case – the debut title from world-renowned developer SUDA51 has been fully remastered and localized to English for the first time ever!
1 Moment Of Time: Silentville
This is the story of Silentville - a town with no future, no past and no present. A town lost to forever - unless someone can solve the mystery and release Silentville from its cursed non-existence. But should that someone fail, they will be trapped in Silentville... forever!
The Eyes of Ara
Explore a vast, mysterious castle riddled with secret rooms and challenging puzzles in this award-winning puzzle adventure.
Haven Moon
Haven Moon will transport you to a mysterious world where you have to explore abandoned islands and solve their secrets to find a treasure. In this Myst-like game inspired by Jules Verne’s universe, use your senses and intelligence to find your way through secret passages and curious machinery.
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
Experience a fantastic adventure with unique gameplay that blends investigation, action and exploration in a breath-taking thriller that will test the limits of your nerves and intelligence. Play as the great detective and track down evil in the darkest corners of London and the human soul…
Left Alone
Left Alone plunges you into a first-person psychological horror journey, where darkness and memories intertwine. As secrets emerge from shadows, use your wits to solve puzzles and explore haunting, forgotten locations. Every step echoes with the past; can you face the truths that await?
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 ?
Agatha Christie - The ABC Murders
The ABC Murders is an adventure and investigation game adapted from the classic Agatha Christie novel. You are the famous private detective Hercule Poirot and, once again, you find yourself up against a mysterious serial killer who goes by the name of "ABC".
A Wolf in Autumn
A one-armed young girl finds herself locked in a shed in the middle of an idyllic autumn forest, with threats both physical and immaterial drawing closer.
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...
Fingerbones
Explore a mysterious abandoned bunker and find notes that paint a disturbing picture.
Contradiction: Spot The Liar
Spot the lie and beat the liars in 'Contradiction' - the all-video murder mystery adventure!
The Moon Sliver
You are on a bleak, cold, windy island. And you seem to be alone... but fires and candles still burn. As you explore, a story of guilt, loneliness, and faith begins to take shape. And it becomes obvious that something is hunting you...
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition
Revisit of one of adventure gaming’s greatest classics by master storyteller Jane Jensen! Struggling bookstore owner Gabriel Knight investigates the sinister Voodoo Murders in New Orleans, discovering the secrets of his family history and unfolding his destiny in this tale of horror and suspense.
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.
Detective Grimoire
Detective Grimoire has been called to investigate a murder. The owner of a small tourist attraction, seemingly killed by the mythical creature his attraction is based around... Explore the area, inspect the crime scene, grill suspects, solve puzzles, hunt for clues & uncover the secret of the swamp!
Broken Sword 5 - the Serpent's Curse
From multi-award winning Revolution Software comes the latest explosive episode in this classic series. Playing as intrepid American George Stobbart and sassy French journalist Nico Collard, you find yourself on the trail of a stolen painting – and a murderous conspiracy...
Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut
Play as special agent Francis York Morgan in this open-world action-adventure as you solve the case of the Red Seed Murders and survive in a small, quirky American mountain town where supernatural creatures and a mysterious raincoat-clad, axe-wielding killer seek to end his investigation for good.
The Testament of Sherlock Holmes
Become the greatest detective of all time in The Testament of Sherlock Holmes, a twisting, turning investigation game set in a faithfully-reproduced London of 1898. As Sherlock Holmes, you must find clues, interrogate suspects and unveil a mystery in a story full of twists!
L.A. Noire
In his fight to climb the ranks and do what's right, LAPD detective Cole Phelps must unravel the truth behind a string of arson attacks, conspiracies, and brutal murders, battling the L.A. underworld and even members of his own department.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 April 30th 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 4,496 reviews of which 3,826 were positive and 670 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played investigation game, thanks to its 9,362 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
3,826
670
9,362
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 3,151 reviews of which 2,856 were positive and 295 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 162 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among investigation games based on player count.
8.7
2,856
295
162
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 2,938 reviews of which 2,854 were positive and 84 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 138 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among investigation games based on player count.
9.3
2,854
84
138
players
4. 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 12,009 reviews of which 9,815 were positive and 2,194 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played investigation games.
8.0
9,815
2,194
68
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 adventure game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 14th 2022 has received 7,562 reviews of which 7,211 were positive and 351 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
7,211
351
64
players
6. 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 8,940 reviews of which 8,652 were positive and 288 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.4
8,652
288
54
players
7. 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 12,944 reviews of which 12,272 were positive and 672 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.2
12,272
672
45
players
8. The Case of the Golden Idol
A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth. The Case of the Golden Idol is a mystery, detective and investigation game developed by Color Gray Games and published by Playstack. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 8,475 reviews of which 8,327 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.5
8,327
148
37
players
9. 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 2,878 reviews of which 2,710 were positive and 168 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.0
2,710
168
36
players
10. The Painscreek Killings
Investigate an infamous cold case in the eerie, abandoned town of Painscreek. Search for evidence, connect the dots and uncover who killed Vivian Roberts. Can you expose the truth behind this town’s dark secrets? The Painscreek Killings is a investigation, mystery and exploration game developed and published by EQ Studios. Released on September 27th 2017 has received 5,117 reviews of which 4,663 were positive and 454 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played investigation games.
8.8
4,663
454
18
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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted investigation games.
1. 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 405 reviews of which 285 were positive and 120 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 88% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for investigation category.
6.7
285
120
-88%
19.17€
2.30€
2. 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 471 reviews of which 394 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in investigation games.
7.8
394
77
-87%
7.69€
1.00€
3. 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 792 reviews of which 651 were positive and 141 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in investigation games.
7.8
651
141
-87%
19.77€
2.57€
4. 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 3,984 reviews of which 3,447 were positive and 537 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.4
3,447
537
-85%
16.49€
2.47€
5. 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 1,574 reviews of which 1,318 were positive and 256 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.0
1,318
256
-84%
12.50€
2.00€
6. Kona II: Brume
Northern Québec, 1970. A bizarre mist —the Brume— is disconnecting a rural mining village from its quiet reality. Step into the shoes of Detective Carl Faubert as he unfolds the mysteries haunting the region while battling for his own survival. Kona II: Brume is a adventure, exploration and investigation game developed by Parabole and published by Ravenscourt. Released on October 18th 2023 has received 366 reviews of which 304 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 79% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.8
304
62
-79%
29.52€
6.20€
7. Wytchwood
Wytchwood is a crafting adventure game set in a land of gothic fables and fairytales. As the old witch of the woods, explore a strange countryside, collect magic ingredients, brew sorcerous spells, and pass judgement upon a capricious cast of characters. Wytchwood is a crafting, story rich and exploration game developed and published by Alientrap. Released on December 09th 2021 has received 3,987 reviews of which 3,700 were positive and 287 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 77% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for investigation games.
8.9
3,700
287
-77%
16.78€
3.86€
8. The Room VR: A Dark Matter
The British Institute of Archaeology, London, 1908: The disappearance of an esteemed Egyptologist prompts a Police investigation into the unknown. Explore cryptic locations, examine fantastic gadgets and uncover an otherworldly discovery which blurs the line between reality and illusion. The Room VR: A Dark Matter is a adventure, puzzle and vr game developed and published by Fireproof Games. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 3,692 reviews of which 3,603 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for investigation games.
9.4
3,603
89
-70%
29.99€
8.99€
9. ANONYMOUS;CODE
Hack Into God ANONYMOUS;CODE is a adventure, visual novel and anime game developed by MAGES. Inc. and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 08th 2023 has received 399 reviews of which 329 were positive and 70 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.7
329
70
-70%
59.99€
17.99€
10. Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged
The classic multi-award winning adventure "Broken Sword - the Shadow of the Templars" returns with glorious 4K visuals and iconic remastered audio, pitching intrepid American George Stobbart and fearless journalist Nico Collard into a journey of perilous adventures and ancient conspiracies. Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is a mystery, narrative and point & click game developed and published by Revolution Software Ltd. Released on September 19th 2024 has received 731 reviews of which 710 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 67% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for investigation games.
9.1
710
21
-67%
30.36€
10.02€
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 April 30th 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 12,009 reviews of which 9,815 were positive and 2,194 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
9,815
2,194
68
players
2. 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 3,874 reviews of which 3,659 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
9.1
3,659
215
16
players
3. 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 3,437 reviews of which 3,173 were positive and 264 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.9
3,173
264
13
players
4. 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 7,482 reviews of which 6,457 were positive and 1,025 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.4
6,457
1,025
11
players
5. 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 5,909 reviews of which 5,114 were positive and 795 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
5,114
795
8
players
6. 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 1,979 reviews of which 1,797 were positive and 182 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.7
1,797
182
6
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 630 reviews of which 541 were positive and 89 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
89