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
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.
Is this Game Trying to Kill Me?
An old shack deep in a dense forest, a strange computer and a game that's trying to kill you!
Clock Tower: Rewind
The 16-bit nightmare returns. Survive, hide, and avoid the deadly Scissorman in this legendary horror classic.
Grunn
A gardener gets hired for maintenance work over the weekend. A simple task, but strangely some tools are missing… The owner of the garden isn't around, and their house is off-limits. Perhaps new tools can be found in the mysterious town, or maybe some of the reserved townsfolk have seen them?
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.
Machinika: Atlas
Machinika: Atlas is an indie puzzle game and is the direct sequel to Machinika: Museum, you play as a museum researcher who just land on Atlas. Will you unravel the mysteries of the alien vessel? Solve cryptic puzzles to find out what happened!
Hard Time III
The toughest prison sim in the yard is back to serve its 3rd consecutive sentence - combining classic moments from the OG with the best aspects of 2D, while putting out a few hits of its own! Tackle crime from either side of the prison fence, while a larger world beyond it makes life worth living.
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!
The Casting of Frank Stone™
The shadow of Frank Stone looms over Cedar Hills, a town forever altered by his violent past. As a group of young friends are about to discover, Stone’s blood-soaked legacy cuts deep, leaving scars across families, generations, and the very fabric of reality itself.
Depersonalization
"May all stories find their best endings." "Depersonalization" is an anthology-style game featuring standalone chapters and diverse story genres. We continuously collect and create a wide variety of stories, ultimately housing them in a library that transcends the flow of time.
The Operator
Welcome to the FDI. As our newest Operator, your role is to use your detective skills to assist our field agents and investigate mysterious crimes. Use cutting-edge FDI software to dig for clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth.
LOCKDOWN Protocol
A first person social deduction game, combining real time action and communication, 3 to 8 players. While most players will do their best to complete objectives and ensure victory, a small portion of dissidents will try to stop them at all costs, without getting caught.
Nobody Wants to Die
Lose yourself in the dystopian world of New York, 2329; immortality comes at a price that someone has to pay. In this interactive noir story, lead the investigation using advanced technology, as Detective James Karra who risks it all in pursuit of a serial killer targeting the city’s elite.
JudgeSim
Things were worse than ever in Banana Republic, a somber island country. While anarchists roamed the streets, corruption was running deeper due to economic crisis and rising crime rates. Bearing these burdens were "judges" who tried to make things right with honesty...
Supernatural
Detective Wyatt confronts a chilling mystery as he investigates a housemaid's disappearance. Unearth sinister secrets as you navigate through a haunted house, where every shadow hides a lurking terror.
Project Unknown
An online co-op horror game featuring unique playable characters and RPG mechanics. Exorcise ghosts using your special abilities and tools while surviving the supernatural onslaught
DeathWatchers
Use the specialized equipment at your disposal to locate & log as many paranormal events as possible. Decipher the ingredients needed for your ritual and try to exorcise any demons within. Any incorrect ingredients and you may never leave! 1-4 Players
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.
Uncover the Smoking Gun
A Battle of Wits with AI: Solve the case by conversing with a suspect robot using GPT to gather evidence. What single truth emerges from countless dialogues and pieces of information?![[Bober Bros] It's Just A Prank](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3001730/header.jpg)
[Bober Bros] It's Just A Prank
It's Just A Prank is a first-person horror game about kids playing pranks on each other until a PRANK GOES WRONG. Experience suspense, fear, and unexpected twists as a simple joke becomes a nightmare.
Doki Doki AI Interrogation
A short interrogation game taking full advantage of ChatGPT! You are tasked with interrogating the suspect [AI] of a murder case as an [excellent police officer]. How you choose to interrogate the suspect is up to you. How the AI reacts is rendered in real-time through ChatGPT.
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Solving crime is no walk in the pond. You are a down-on-his-luck detective who also happens to be a duck. Use your powers of de-duck-tion to inspect evidence, fill in the blanks, and bust the case wide open! This is a short but twisty detective case.
Arctic Eggs
Eggs: perfection in two parts. The simple whites. The sublime yolk. Each the lesser without its partner. Chorus and verse. A symphony of flavor. The catchy tune reminding us of warm baths and late-night movies. The elevator music to whatever lies beyond.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