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

Age of Wonders 4

Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn!

Price -51% 24.50€
Rating 8.0
Release 02 May 2023

Bramble: The Mountain King

Bramble The Mountain King is a grim adventure set in a world inspired by dark, Nordic fables. Explore the beautiful yet dangerous and twisted land of Bramble in your endeavour to rescue your sister. Traverse a wondrous landscape and survive deadly encounters with Bramble's many hideous creatures.

Price -85% 4.54€
Rating 9.2
Release 27 Apr 2023

Afterimage

Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world.

Price -93% 1.77€
Rating 7.6
Release 24 Apr 2023

Zoeti

Zoeti is a turn-based roguelite that features a deck of playing cards used to create card combos and activate skills in the heat of battle. Bolster your arsenal of skills through battles, discoverable upgrades, or aid from the locals which enhance your plays to overcome the evil plaguing your land.

Price -95% 1.00€
Rating 6.3
Release 20 Apr 2023

Deepening Fire

Deepening Fire is a side-scrolling action adventure game. Choose different classes, with appropriate equipment, explore hidden complex map, defeat powerful enemies, expose the conspiracy of the chaotic world, experience the souls-like battle

Price -70% 3.53€
Rating 6.9
Release 19 Apr 2023

Lightracer Spark

Lightracer Spark is a Sci-Fi Narrative game. You are an amender from a high civilization, descending to various extraterrestrial worlds. Guide living beings to prosperity, or nip a spark in the bud. Accumulate strength through choices and strategies to grasp the rise and fall of all civilizations.

Price 12.79€
Rating 8.0
Release 12 Apr 2023

The Test: Secrets of the Soul 2

You will answer questions that will reveal things deep within. Some will be uncomfortable, but with great knowledge comes great sacrifice. Can you make it all the way through The Test, and are you SURE you want the answers you seek? For it is time to once again unlock "Secrets of the Soul..."

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 10 Apr 2023

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

Step into a dark reimagination of Arthurian legends in this first person, open world RPG. Explore a world stuck in everlasting autumn, witness falling legends and make meaningful choices woven into a complex, branching storyline.

Price 43.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 30 Mar 2023

9 Years of Shadows

Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.

Price 18.49€
Rating 7.4
Release 27 Mar 2023

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key

The final summer, the final secret... Ryza's final adventure is about to begin!

Price -60% 23.88€
Rating 8.7
Release 23 Mar 2023

FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

Japanese survival horror game "FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse" is back with better graphics.

Price -25% 37.28€
Rating 8.6
Release 08 Mar 2023

Garten of Banban 2

Continue the story of Banban’s Kindergarten. Delve deeper into the bizarre establishment where the place was left suspiciously empty. Try to survive the unexpected residents, all while uncovering the truth behind the place…

Price 4.99€
Rating 6.6
Release 03 Mar 2023

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.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 26 Feb 2023

SpaceBourne 2

Embark on a journey to greatness. Get ready for adrenaline-fueled battles and a chance to claim your place in the galaxy. Grab the controls of your ship, gear up for the fight, and unleash your ambition to conquer and build a new empire in the vastness of space.

Price 19.50€
Rating 7.7
Release 17 Feb 2023

Dreams in the Witch House

Navigate the eerie world of Dreams in the Witch House, a unique blend of point-and-click and RPG-adventure. Unravel occult mysteries in Arkham, maintain your sanity, and survive the May-Eve in this Lovecraftian horror game.

Price 10.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 16 Feb 2023

SkyIsland

"SkyIsland" is made by a group of students in a college, quarter-view action-adventure game. Enjoy the wonderful world and beautiful environments as you help the protagonist, Pino, fix his broken plane and defeat monsters to return home safely.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 15 Feb 2023

SpellForce: Conquest of Eo

On a journey to great magical might, explore and control the lands of Eo in this ever-changing turn-based strategy role-playing game. Field armies and heroes in tactical combat, finish hundreds of quests, and gather spells and artefacts to become the most powerful mage of all.

Price -65% 10.37€
Rating 7.8
Release 03 Feb 2023

Forspoken

Forspoken follows the journey of Frey, a young New Yorker transported to the beautiful and cruel land of Athia. In search of a way home, Frey must use her newfound magical abilities to traverse sprawling landscapes and battle monstrous creatures.

Price -70% 23.99€
Rating 6.1
Release 24 Jan 2023

东北之夏

DongBeiZhiXia (a summer in the northeast of China)is a free visual novel, which tells the story that the protagonist followed parents' wishes to make one's living in Shenyang, met two online anchors Huniu and Daojiang by chance, and experience affairs one after another with Shamate.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.5
Release 09 Jan 2023

Breakout 13

Breakout 13 is a thrilling narrative game with interactive cinematic experience. Based on true stories. Embark on a revealing journey as you attempt to break free from a negligent correctional institute and carve out your own path to justice. Each decision you make shapes the story.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.5
Release 08 Jan 2023

The Backrooms: Lost Tape

You work in the cinema as an usher and accidentally fell into the Backrooms, now being trapped, needing to unravel the mysteries of the yellow rooms in order to get out of this place, but be careful, there are entities that will be in your way.

Price 8.79€
Rating 8.1
Release 23 Dec 2022

Sail Forth

Sail a fleet of customizable ships across an ocean whose ancient depths have swallowed the key to the mysterious past. Befriend fishfolk to expand your boat crews, take up arms against petulant pirates, and chart a course across an expansive watery world. Will you answer the call of High Adventure?

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.6
Release 21 Dec 2022

Duelyst II

Choose your faction, construct your deck and put your strategy to the test in the evolution of the ultimate collectible tactics game.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.2
Release 16 Dec 2022

PROJECT: PLAYTIME

PROJECT: PLAYTIME is a Free-to-Play multiplayer horror game where six players attempt to create one giant toy while surviving a terrifying monster that roams the toy factory. A seventh player controls the monster and is given only one goal: Find and kill everyone.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 12 Dec 2022

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 April 30th 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 56,260 reviews of which 48,269 were positive and 7,991 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played lore-rich game, thanks to its 6,949 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.5
48,269
7,991

6,949
players

2. 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 1,637 reviews of which 1,435 were positive and 202 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. While seeing 115 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among lore-rich games based on player count.
8.4
1,435
202

115
players

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 4,297 reviews of which 3,632 were positive and 665 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 110 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among lore-rich games based on player count.
8.2
3,632
665

110
players

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 5,986 reviews of which 5,169 were positive and 817 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
8.4
5,169
817

82
players

5. 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 3,059 reviews of which 3,022 were positive and 37 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
9.4
3,022
37

50
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 31,691 reviews of which 22,575 were positive and 9,116 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
22,575
9,116

43
players

7. 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 561 reviews of which 443 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
7.5
443
118

27
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 3,784 reviews of which 2,666 were positive and 1,118 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
2,666
1,118

24
players

9. Trials of Innocence

Trials of Innocence is an indie courtroom detective game. Step into the shoes of the main character, rookie lawyer Luna Ray, and navigate her journey through the legal world. Unravel a shocking conspiracy that changes the fate of many, including herself, and confront her inner choices. Trials of Innocence is a detective, visual novel and interactive fiction game developed and published by 猫龙游戏. Released on March 25th 2025 has received 497 reviews of which 461 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played lore-rich games.
8.6
461
36

17
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 1,663 reviews of which 1,590 were positive and 73 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
1,590
73

15
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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted lore-rich games.

1. 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. Featuring a massive 57% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for lore-rich category.
6.4
231
117

-57% 4.98€ 2.14€

2. 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 5,986 reviews of which 5,169 were positive and 817 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 56% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in lore-rich games.
8.4
5,169
817

-56% 50.16€ 22.07€

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 4,297 reviews of which 3,632 were positive and 665 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 53% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in lore-rich games.
8.2
3,632
665

-53% 24.70€ 11.61€

4. 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 3,784 reviews of which 2,666 were positive and 1,118 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 35% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
6.9
2,666
1,118

-35% 3.29€ 2.13€

5. 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. Currently offered at a 30% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
7.7
551
131

-30% 49.99€ 34.99€

6. 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 654 reviews of which 610 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a 20% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for lore-rich games.
8.7
610
44

-20% 28.99€ 23.19€

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 April 30th 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 56,260 reviews of which 48,269 were positive and 7,991 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 6,949 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free lore-rich games on Steam.
8.5
48,269
7,991

6,949
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 1,663 reviews of which 1,590 were positive and 73 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
1,590
73

15
players

3. 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 1,368 reviews of which 1,236 were positive and 132 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free lore-rich games on Steam.
8.6
1,236
132

1
players

4. 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 strategy rpg game developed and published by Valiant. Released on August 30th 2023 has received 433 reviews of which 298 were positive and 135 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free lore-rich games on Steam.
6.6
298
135

1
players

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 567 reviews of which 519 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
519
48