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
Before The Night
Before The Night is a horror action adventure game based on a macabre twist to a fable. Survive in the tiny, cute animal village! Your animal friends will literally turn rabid at night! Uncover the secrets of the world where animals keep human pets. Join the cute pet human "Lisa" on her adventure!
Growing My Grandpa!
Growing My Grandpa! is a Cronenberg-inspired point-and-click adventure game with virtual pet elements that puts a heavy emphasis on exploration and lore.
Resonance of the Ocean
Pick up what the waves wash ashore to make instruments. Use those instruments to answer the echoes heard from beyond the ocean.
Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition
Oddworld: Soulstorm is the explosive second game in a brand new Oddworld Quintology that tells the continuing story of Abe and his comrades as they discover further crimes against Mudokonkind and look for the spark that will ignite a revolution.
Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga
Enter Tahnra, a land savaged by war. You, a fresh academy graduate with humble beginnings, will grow to lead a grand army against a corrupt adversary. Gather heroes, form bonds, and lead your force in turn-based battles. Make use of tactics, terrain, morale and more to bring peace to the land!
Meteor World Actor: Badge & Dagger
Superpowered detective noir. Maverick detective Ruka Hiryu pursues criminals by day—and ices perps by night...
Haiku, the Robot
Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you.
神都不良探 Underdog Detective
Underdog Detective is a video-based playable, interactive story Set in the reign of Empress Wu Zetian of ancient China, you will play as a slum dweller in the imperial capital of Luoyang and embark on a thrilling yet comedic adventure! Traps and conspiracies, comradery and your unknown origin...
Darza's Dominion
The Dominion takes no prisoners! Fight for your survival in the unforgiving terrains that surround you, strengthen your hero through slaying dangerous creatures, gather a group of allies and bring the battle to Darza in this fast-paced roguelike cooperative bullet-hell MMO!
Athanasy
Deep beneath the surface of the dead Earth, the City, the last refuge of humanity, hides. Engineering genius and efforts of all mankind; a giant structure of steel, concrete, and biopolymers. It keeps the remnants of civilization one step away from total extinction.
FixFox
Arriving on a curious planet, Vix and her toolbox Tin explore space, fixing machines with unconventional tools and eating cozy meals with kind robot locals. On an epic adventure, the duo repairs an interstellar beacon, constructs giant mechs, and unravels a cosmic mystery that transcends existence.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Tokyo's population has vanished, and deadly supernatural forces prowl the streets. Use an arsenal of elemental abilities to unravel the truth behind the disappearance and save Tokyo.
ANNO: Mutationem
ANNO: Mutationem is an action-adventure game with RPG elements set in a cyberpunk world, featuring a unique mix of pixelated 2D & 3D graphic style with a rich, dark and bizarre plot.
Blazing Aries
The game tells the story of a new adventurer named Aries. She visits all kinds of cities, travels around the unknown world, fights against the "Calamities" that spread all over the world. This game's core is the orthodox action fighting mode!
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream
A mysterious story of a mysterious dream ... This is a story about one of the adventures Sophie the Alchemist had after she left her hometown of Kirchen Bell.
FINAL FANTASY VI
The original FINAL FANTASY VI comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the sixth game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
Who's Lila?
A reverse-detective adventure, where you control your character's face
SCP: 5K
SCP: 5K is a co-op or singleplayer tactical horror FPS project that puts players in the midst of a conspiracy where the SCP Foundation has turned on humanity. Enjoy Early Access as we continue to work towards a completed full release of the project!
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Descend into madness in a first-person survival horror inspired by Lovecraft and Giger. Solve the mystery of esoteric cults. Cross the gate to the blasphemous land of Lusst’ghaa. Play the new M-rated cut of the fan-favorite Lust from Beyond.
Happy's Humble Burger Barn
Have you ever DREAMED of working at the best burger place ever? Your dream is about to become a reality as you just landed a brand new job at Happy's Humble Burger Barn! Welcome to Happy Humble's Burger Barn, home of the chilled beef burger, can we take your order?
Praey for the Gods
Praey for the Gods is a boss climbing open world adventure game where you play a lone hero sent to the edge of a dying frozen land to explore and solve the secrets of a never ending winter. Grapple, glide and grab hold of massive beasts as you fight to survive and return the world to proper order.
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