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
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.
Mindlock - The Apartment
Colin’s apartment maze has puzzles, dialogues, and some dry humor waiting for you. A surreal adventure of a special kind.
Follow the meaning
Follow the meaning is a surreal point-and-click puzzle adventure. Join detective Paul Trilby as he works to unravel the mysteries of a peculiar town, seemingly ruled by the local Hospital. Over the wall and behind tightly shut gates, a dark secret lies in wait…
Loco Motive
On the Reuss Express a passenger has been murdered, and you’re the prime suspects. Uncover a thrilling mystery and solve satisfying point and click puzzles to prove your innocence! A slapstick adventure, packed full of deadly surprises, shocking twists and larger than life characters!
Once Alive
A story-driven, first-person adventure game offering a cinematic experience. Embark on a journey to HaustVille, an abandoned settlement in a post-apocalyptic world. Explore your surroundings and uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the last survivors.
Great God Grove
THE WORLD IS ENDING AND THE GODS ARE SQUABBLING! Suck up and launch dialogue in a world of puzzles, puppets, and weird gods… or THE RIFT WILL CONSUME US ALL!
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?
Daemonologie
A short folk horror story about the Scottish witch trials. You play the role of a witch finder. Speak to the locals and sort their truths from their lies. On the last morning a witch must hang, best you know who by then.
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
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 15th 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 4,163 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.5
7,306
1,096
4,163
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 286 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
286
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 185 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
185
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 131 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
131
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 116 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
116
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
98
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.0
2,825
178
70
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played investigation games.
9.4
8,803
290
66
players
9. 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. Depersonalization is a lovecraftian, pixel graphics and investigation game developed by MeowNature and published by Gamirror Games. Released on August 08th 2024 has received 5,955 reviews of which 5,571 were positive and 384 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
5,571
384
56
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
53
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 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted investigation games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for investigation category.
7.3
903
279
-97%
19.99€
0.60€
2. 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 #2 best deal in investigation games.
8.9
3,761
288
-96%
19.50€
0.93€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in investigation games.
8.7
1,371
119
-96%
14.79€
0.64€
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€
0.86€
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€
2.44€
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. 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. Lucifer Within Us is a investigation, detective and demons game developed and published by Kitfox Games. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 659 reviews of which 497 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for investigation games.
7.2
497
162
-90%
19.50€
2.14€
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 15th 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
98
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
30
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
15
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 7,494 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 #4 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.4
6,463
1,031
13
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free investigation games on Steam.
8.7
1,809
187
12
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
10
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
5
players