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
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.
Still Life
Still Life 2 also now available!
Scratches - Director's Cut
Dark Legends surround the old abandoned Blackwood house, secluded far away in the northern wastelands. For writer Michael Arthate, this cold, solitary atmosphere is fodder for his restless imagination. But Michael soon becomes distracted by the mysteries offered up, as he follows a trail exploring and delving into the secrets of the past.
Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper
Recognized as one of the best licenses in gaming and lauded by the press, Sherlock Holmes is back with an investigation that is sure to be the most horrifying of the series. The famous detective stands against the most dangerous serial killer England has ever known - Jack the Ripper.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2008)
The Sherlock Holmes series returns with this updated version of The Awakened, which brings a whole new dimension to the original title developed by Frogwares. The game puts the player into an investigation of the Cthulhu Mythos - as imagined by Father of modern horror, H.P. Lovecraft.
Sherlock Holmes - Nemesis
This new Sherlock Holmes game sends us to 19th Century London where Arséne Lupin, a young French burglar with an impressive track record, has just challenged Scotland Yard and the most famous of detectives - Sherlock Holmes.
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