Best Lore-Rich 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 lore-rich games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free lore-rich games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Xuan-Yuan Sword: Dance of the Maple Leaves
*** This game is only available in Chinese *** 《轩辕剑外传 枫之舞》是一款以战国时代为背景的回合制RPG，主角辅子彻是墨家弟子，因为蜀桑子的阴谋而开始踏上江湖。并在途中遇到年轻可爱的少女桑纹锦，聒噪的鹦鹉疾鹏，以及脱离墨家的同门铸石子，三人一鸟开启了一段惊心动魄的冒险旅程。
Three Kingdoms The Last Warlord
The Last Warlord is a Turn-based strategy game. The game is based on the famous Chinese historical novel. The Three Kingdoms (A.D. 190 – 280) was the tripartite division of China between the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu.
Chroma: Bloom And Blight
Chroma: Bloom and Blight is a truly free-to-play competitive card game set in the story-rich lands of Arholt. Every card and game mode in Chroma is free, including all future expansions. Find your hero, build your deck and tell your story...without worrying about the cost of cards.
100 hidden mice
Hidden object game in the laboratory setting. Black and white hand-drawn graphics in a cartoon style. Difficult and interesting! Very large location!
Ghost in the pool
A bizarre campus legend, take you into the traditional Japanese black-and-white comic horror story. Witness the familiar scenes and contemplate the terrifying moments.
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen
The first game in the Utawarerumono trilogy of story-rich tactics RPGs. Into a world filled with verdant nature, populated by folk with fluffy ears and fuzzy tails, awakens Hakuowlo, a man of masked mien and missing memory.
RUSSIAPHOBIA
Immerse yourself in the Russian Realities as Foreign Agents and help the Presidents Make Russia Great Again! Cooperative Multiplayer, World Government, Evil Russians and more! Russia is Waiting for You!
Fragile
Get pulled into the nightmares of reality as you play as an abducted girl from the ger district of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Uncover a secret organization that deals in human trafficking and other horrendous activities. Try to escape from the scariest place on earth!
Apex Legends™
Apex Legends is the award-winning, free-to-play Hero Shooter from Respawn Entertainment. Master an ever-growing roster of legendary characters with powerful abilities, and experience strategic squad play and innovative gameplay in the next evolution of Hero Shooter and Battle Royale.
Ring of Pain
Enter the Ring of Pain, a roguelike card crawler where encounters come to you. Each step around the ring a dire decision. Go for the loot or backstab a creeping horror? Meet strange friends bearing gifts and treasure. Choose your gear wisely to survive and discover the secrets of the Ring of Pain.
RuneScape ®
RuneScape is a high fantasy open world MMORPG. Explore an ever changing and evolving living world where new challenges, skills, and quests await. Featuring unprecedented player freedom, you choose how to play, adventure, and grow.
BE-A Walker
Take control of a huge mech on an alien planet! Shoot and trample the natives, avenge your brother, or forgive his killers? Join the rebels to restore peace on the exotic planet of Eldorado.
TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children
TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children is the first season of a turn-based strategy SRPG that takes place in the world of Troubleshooter.
Nocturne: Prelude
The afterlife is now digital. Discover that eternal life comes with sacrifice in the first chapter of a genre-defying RPG with unique rhythm combat.
BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION
BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION is an isometric, point & click adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic future. Explore an unscene landscape, solve puzzles, meet new friends and make powerful enemies, mediate conflicts and fight for your life as you unravel the secrets of the desolate world around you.
Lightmatter
A first-person puzzler where shadows kill you. Watch your step or be swallowed by the darkness.
Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky DX
"The promise is entrusted to two alchemists..." The "Dusk" series, a trilogy of RPG titles from Gust's popular Atelier series, tells the story of a world on the verge ruin, told from the perspective of its unique characters.
Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk DX
"The promise begins." The "Dusk" series, a trilogy of RPG titles from Gust's popular Atelier series, tells the story of a world on the verge ruin, told from the perspective of its unique characters. The 1st title in the series "Atelier Ayesha" is now available as a deluxe version.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
The Master Chief’s iconic journey includes six games, built for PC and collected in a single integrated experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or meeting Spartan 117 for the first time, The Master Chief Collection is the definitive Halo gaming experience.
Blasphemous
Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.
Kingdom Wars 2: Definitive Edition
An intense real-time strategy game set in a dark fantasy world of Orcs, Elves and Dragons. Kingdom Wars 2 combines the best of Zombie survival and crafting with complex fast-paced city building. Fight massive siege battles that turn beautiful landscapes into gory blood-soaked battlefields.
Sanator: Scarlet Scarf
Scarlet Scarf is a visual novel inspired by the legend of Plague Maiden. Dive into the dark mysteries of a dying city with the fate of Sanator Richard Murdock in your hands. Perhaps it's not too late to stop the on-going calamity...
Most played lore-rich games on Steam
Take a look at the top lore-rich games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Limbus Company
As the Executive Manager of Limbus Company, lead your group of twelve Sinners, venture into the buried facilities of Lobotomy Corporation, and lay claim on the Golden Boughs. Limbus Company is a lore-rich, story rich and free to play game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 64,316 reviews of which 53,987 were positive and 10,329 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played lore-rich game, thanks to its 13,414 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.3
53,987
10,329
13,414
players
2. Age of Mythology: Retold
From the creators of the award-winning Age of Empires franchise, Age of Mythology: Retold goes beyond history to a mythical age where gods, monsters, and humans collide. Age of Mythology: Retold is a strategy, 3d and rts game developed by World's Edge, Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, CaptureAge and Virtuos Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on September 04th 2024 has received 16,708 reviews of which 15,043 were positive and 1,665 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 2,556 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among lore-rich games based on player count.
8.8
15,043
1,665
2,556
players
3. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition
Embark on a journey to a realm overrun by demons in a new epic RPG from the creators of the critically acclaimed Pathfinder: Kingmaker. Explore the nature of good and evil, learn the true cost of power, and rise as a Mythic Hero capable of deeds beyond mortal expectations. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition is a singleplayer, action rpg and 3d game developed by Owlcat Games and published by Owlcat Games and META Publishing. Released on September 02nd 2021 has received 38,496 reviews of which 32,303 were positive and 6,193 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 2,328 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among lore-rich games based on player count.
8.3
32,303
6,193
2,328
players
4. BOOK OF HOURS
Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be? BOOK OF HOURS is a rpg, card game and exploration game developed and published by Weather Factory. Released on August 17th 2023 has received 4,356 reviews of which 3,690 were positive and 666 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 200 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
8.2
3,690
666
200
players
5. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Hunt ghosts as two memorable characters in a story-driven Action-RPG where your decisions carry dramatic consequences. Torn between honoring your oath to the living and saving your departed partner, how far will you go for love? Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a narration, lore-rich and third person game developed by DON'T NOD and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on February 12th 2024 has received 6,128 reviews of which 5,288 were positive and 840 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 135 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
8.4
5,288
840
135
players
6. Legend of Mortal
The game world is set in a turbulent state and the mighty Tang-Man declines. The threats from the old enemies keep coming one after another.As a nobody, will you choose either to leave yourself out of it or to fight for Tang-Man's future and turning the tide? The journey of yours,is unpredictable. Legend of Mortal is a rpg, choices matter and multiple endings game developed by Obb Studio Inc. and published by Obb Studio Inc. and Paras Games. Released on June 14th 2024 has received 32,031 reviews of which 22,624 were positive and 9,407 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
7.0
22,624
9,407
94
players
7. Picayune Dreams
Picayune Dreams is a roguelike blend of bullet heaven horde survival, and bullet hell gameplay. Adrift across the endless void, you must fend off thousands of nightmarish and otherwordly creatures. Uncover a mysterious and surreal story. And don't forget. You mu [TRANSMISSION INTERRUPTED...] Picayune Dreams is a bullet hell, psychedelic and action roguelike game developed by Stepford, Andyland and milkypossum and published by 2 Left Thumbs. Released on December 04th 2023 has received 3,219 reviews of which 3,179 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
9.5
3,179
40
39
players
8. Three Kingdoms The Last Warlord
The Last Warlord is a Turn-based strategy game. The game is based on the famous Chinese historical novel. The Three Kingdoms (A.D. 190 – 280) was the tripartite division of China between the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu. Three Kingdoms The Last Warlord is a strategy, turn-based strategy and multiple endings game developed by LongYou Game Studio and published by LongYou Tech Ltd. Released on February 04th 2021 has received 3,798 reviews of which 2,669 were positive and 1,129 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
6.9
2,669
1,129
30
players
9. 咸鱼殿下 / My journey
This is a Interactive Live-Action Game. You will travel back in time to become a noble Highness and experience the local customs and practices of ancient times. A series of your choices will influence the development trajectory of this world. 咸鱼殿下 / My journey is a fmv, dating sim and lore-rich game developed by 大聪明工作室 and published by 恭迎皇子驾到工作室. Released on February 28th 2025 has received 1,773 reviews of which 1,541 were positive and 232 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
8.3
1,541
232
24
players
10. 重生之我是小虾米
With armor-clad horses and swords in hand, we roam the world, fighting for justice in a martial arts realm full of change and turmoil. Clad in cold garments and wielding iron swords, we march thousands of miles; who in the world does not know of us? 重生之我是小虾米 is a rpg, dungeon crawler and choices matter game developed and published by ForeverNo.2 Game Studio. Released on August 13th 2024 has received 1,676 reviews of which 1,599 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
9.1
1,599
77
18
players
Best deals on lore-rich games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of lore-rich 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 lore-rich games.
1. Picayune Dreams
Picayune Dreams is a roguelike blend of bullet heaven horde survival, and bullet hell gameplay. Adrift across the endless void, you must fend off thousands of nightmarish and otherwordly creatures. Uncover a mysterious and surreal story. And don't forget. You mu [TRANSMISSION INTERRUPTED...] Picayune Dreams is a bullet hell, psychedelic and action roguelike game developed by Stepford, Andyland and milkypossum and published by 2 Left Thumbs. Released on December 04th 2023 has received 3,219 reviews of which 3,179 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 87% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for lore-rich category.
9.5
3,179
40
-87%
4.99€
0.68€
2. Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan
Embark on a story-rich action RPG where only convictions fuel power. Gather and merge your Legacies to unleash devastating skills on the ground and in the air. Strive to reshape the world with your beliefs. Dive in The Aurion: this is a deep journey you’ll never forget. Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan is a story rich, lore-rich and fantasy game developed by Kiro'o Games and published by Kiroo Corp. Released on April 14th 2016 has received 348 reviews of which 231 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 86% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in lore-rich games.
6.4
231
117
-86%
4.99€
0.73€
3. BOOK OF HOURS
Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be? BOOK OF HOURS is a rpg, card game and exploration game developed and published by Weather Factory. Released on August 17th 2023 has received 4,356 reviews of which 3,690 were positive and 666 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 70% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in lore-rich games.
8.2
3,690
666
-70%
24.50€
7.44€
4. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Hunt ghosts as two memorable characters in a story-driven Action-RPG where your decisions carry dramatic consequences. Torn between honoring your oath to the living and saving your departed partner, how far will you go for love? Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a narration, lore-rich and third person game developed by DON'T NOD and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on February 12th 2024 has received 6,128 reviews of which 5,288 were positive and 840 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 63% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
8.4
5,288
840
-63%
49.99€
18.69€
5. Age of Mythology: Retold
From the creators of the award-winning Age of Empires franchise, Age of Mythology: Retold goes beyond history to a mythical age where gods, monsters, and humans collide. Age of Mythology: Retold is a strategy, 3d and rts game developed by World's Edge, Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, CaptureAge and Virtuos Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on September 04th 2024 has received 16,708 reviews of which 15,043 were positive and 1,665 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 56% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
8.8
15,043
1,665
-56%
29.99€
13.32€
6. Voidwrought
Voidwrought is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world of cosmic horrors. Explore the thawing ruins of the First Civilisation and strike down the gods that dwell there. Grow your powers, uncover ancient artifacts, and expand your shrine amid the wreckage. Voidwrought is a metroidvania, dark and lore-rich game developed by Powersnake and published by Kwalee. Released on October 24th 2024 has received 611 reviews of which 480 were positive and 131 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 47% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
7.4
480
131
-47%
19.50€
10.43€
7. Monochrome Mobius: Rights and Wrongs Forgotten
A new JRPG from veteran studio AQUAPLUS, commemorating 20 years of the multi-media Utawarerumono series. This is the story of a man who will be sung about in legends. Monochrome Mobius: Rights and Wrongs Forgotten is a jrpg, fantasy and lore-rich game developed by AQUAPLUS and published by DMM GAMES and Shiravune. Released on November 16th 2022 has received 682 reviews of which 551 were positive and 131 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10.
7.7
551
131
49.99€
8. Godsworn
Godsworn is a classic mythological RTS. Experience an epic fantasy retelling of the Baltic Crusades, where pagan gods and their tribes clash against crusaders and armies of heaven. Choose a divine hero, rally worshippers alongside mythical creatures, and smite the unworthy! Godsworn is a early access, story rich and rpg game developed and published by Thunderoak Interactive. Released on March 28th 2024 has received 666 reviews of which 621 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a 20% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
8.7
621
45
-20%
28.99€
23.19€
9. 咸鱼殿下 / My journey
This is a Interactive Live-Action Game. You will travel back in time to become a noble Highness and experience the local customs and practices of ancient times. A series of your choices will influence the development trajectory of this world. 咸鱼殿下 / My journey is a fmv, dating sim and lore-rich game developed by 大聪明工作室 and published by 恭迎皇子驾到工作室. Released on February 28th 2025 has received 1,773 reviews of which 1,541 were positive and 232 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a 20% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
8.3
1,541
232
-20%
11.79€
9.43€
Free lore-rich games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play lore-rich 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 lore-rich games.
1. Limbus Company
As the Executive Manager of Limbus Company, lead your group of twelve Sinners, venture into the buried facilities of Lobotomy Corporation, and lay claim on the Golden Boughs. Limbus Company is a lore-rich, story rich and free to play game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 64,316 reviews of which 53,987 were positive and 10,329 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 13,414 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free lore-rich games on Steam.
8.3
53,987
10,329
13,414
players
2. 重生之我是小虾米
With armor-clad horses and swords in hand, we roam the world, fighting for justice in a martial arts realm full of change and turmoil. Clad in cold garments and wielding iron swords, we march thousands of miles; who in the world does not know of us? 重生之我是小虾米 is a rpg, dungeon crawler and choices matter game developed and published by ForeverNo.2 Game Studio. Released on August 13th 2024 has received 1,676 reviews of which 1,599 were positive and 77 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 lore-rich games on Steam.
9.1
1,599
77
18
players
3. Brave Nine
Brave Nine is a strategic turn-based battle game featuring over 300 unique Mercenaries presented in stunning artwork. Create your own unique formations, challenge other Captains and engage in decisive combat in tons of modes. Brave Nine is a lore-rich, story rich and anime game developed and published by Valiant. Released on August 30th 2023 has received 436 reviews of which 301 were positive and 135 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free lore-rich games on Steam.
6.6
301
135
1
players
4. Crypt
This is not a video game. This is a psychological torture device. Do not attempt to play this game. You won't have an enjoyable experience. And that's intentional. Crypt is a dating sim, psychological horror and lore-rich game developed and published by Valefisk. Released on September 27th 2022 has received 1,384 reviews of which 1,250 were positive and 134 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free lore-rich games on Steam.
8.6
1,250
134
5. StopGate
StopGate visual novel is created by the community, without the involvement of professionals. This is not just a fanfiction about the authors of the StopGame game portal. StopGate is a comedy, adventure and visual novel game developed and published by Anton Pauli. Released on September 01st 2020 has received 566 reviews of which 518 were positive and 48 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free lore-rich games on Steam.
8.5
518
48