Best Philosophical 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 philosophical games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free philosophical games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Talos Principle: Reawakened
Step back into a world of thought-provoking puzzles, philosophical intrigue, and breathtaking visuals with The Talos Principle: Reawakened - a first-person puzzle masterpiece for both new players and long-time fans alike.
PEPPERED: an existential platformer
An existential platformer where Doomsday is just around the corner. Save the world or become an eternal corporate slave for the God of Death. Choices matter. Or do they? Goof around and find out.
KARMA: The Dark World
KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller set in a dystopian world where the Leviathan Corporation is omnipresent. The year is 1984, the place is East Germany, and things are not quite what they seem.
Moral Dilemma: The Interview
A fourth-wall-breaking narrative adventure. It’s interview day, and you really need this job—enough to ignore the talking printer, the anomaly corridor, and the ridiculous life-or-death trials your interviewer keeps putting you in. But deep down, you know... something here is very, very wrong.
The Shell Part III: Paradiso
The coiling chains of obsession that began with The Shell now threaten to strangle Detective Reiji Tokisaka in the third and final entry in the trilogy. As old friends and foes rise up for one last confrontation, can anyone break the cycle—and can Reiji's heart ever be set free?
Seedsow Lullaby
"My mother, my daughter, and me—three sixteen-year-olds on an extraordinary adventure."After traveling through time to meet their sixteen-year-old counterparts, three generations of women set off on an adventure through the Land of the Gods. What could await them at the end of their journey?
Death of the Reprobate
Explore a world built from the luscious landscapes, turbulent townscapes and preposterous portraits of real Renaissance paintings. Death of the Reprobate is a Rabelaisian adventure game from the creator of Four Last Things and The Procession to Calvary.
Minds Beneath Us
MINDS BENEATH US is an emotional sci-fi narrative game. Through the eyes of a humble individual, experience a mad world where humans are exploited as computing devices for AI. Listen to the concerns of those you meet and offer guidance. Together, face challenges and confront an uncertain destiny.
Thought Experiment Simulator
This is a stupid game that might include Trolley Problem, Ship of Theseus, Brain in a Vat, Infinite Monkey, Sisyphus, Prisoner's Dilemma, Schrodinger's Cat, etc.
Vampire Therapist
Guide vampires through centuries of emotional baggage, decades of delusions and the odd bout of self-loathing with real cognitive behavioral therapy concepts and become a Vampire Therapist! Even vampires need a shoulder to cry on when a neck to bite just won’t do.
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.
The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence.
Riven
Uncover a story of intrigue, betrayal, and a civilization teetering on the brink of collapse as you solve intricate puzzles to unlock the secrets of Riven. Built from the ground-up and expanded from the award-winning original game released in 1997.
MEMOLOGY: GOYDA
Take the annual meme exam and prove you're an expert!
With My Past
"How should I face my past in my ever-changing life? "Collaborating with the shadow of the past to unravel allegorical puzzles, confront inner struggles, and explore the path of self-growth.
The Game of Sisyphus
Roll the boulder to the top.
YIIK Nameless Psychosis
Experience a sneak peek of YIIK I.V! Step beyond Alex Eggleston's story and become the Nameless Child, a young girl pushed from a mysterious tower. Guide her through a surreal dimension where she must find a way to save both the Good Brother and the Bad Brother.
A Difficult Game About Climbing
This is a difficult game about climbing.
Islands of Insight
Seek out and solve 10,000+ puzzles at your own pace across this sublime puzzle game.
Svarog's Dream
Awaken as a soul from the Underworld. Discover who you are and explore an ever-changing open world full of mystery. Battle beasts and gods, or forge alliances with them. Die and be reborn in this adventure.
Rock Simulator 2
Rock Simulator 2 is a multiplayer, meditative idle game for relaxation and discovery. Start in the Hideaway, a peaceful retreat where you collect and appreciate nature’s creations. Unwind with friends, shape your environment, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the world around you.
Refind Self: The Personality Test Game
Games can really show someone's personality, don't you think? By way of a simple exploration-based adventure, this data-science game analyzes your actions to estimate your personality.
The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges.
Most played philosophical games on Steam
Take a look at the top philosophical games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 14th 2025.
1. Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy
A game I made for a certain kind of person. To hurt them. Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy is a psychological horror, difficult and singleplayer game developed and published by Bennett Foddy. Released on December 06th 2017 has received 77,003 reviews of which 63,479 were positive and 13,524 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played philosophical game, thanks to its 220 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
63,479
13,524
220
players
2. The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges. The Talos Principle 2 is a puzzle, story rich and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. Released on November 02nd 2023 has received 11,897 reviews of which 11,357 were positive and 540 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 144 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among philosophical games based on player count.
9.3
11,357
540
144
players
3. The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. Made by Croteam and written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything). The Talos Principle is a puzzle, philosophical and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Croteam and Devolver Digital. Released on December 11th 2014 has received 31,861 reviews of which 30,399 were positive and 1,462 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 115 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among philosophical games based on player count.
9.3
30,399
1,462
115
players
4. The Talos Principle: Reawakened
Step back into a world of thought-provoking puzzles, philosophical intrigue, and breathtaking visuals with The Talos Principle: Reawakened - a first-person puzzle masterpiece for both new players and long-time fans alike. The Talos Principle: Reawakened is a puzzle, philosophical and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 496 reviews of which 450 were positive and 46 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.4
450
46
65
players
5. Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
Wonderful Everyday is a visual novel with multiple routes which develops a story based on a few concepts: "the sky and the world", "the beginning and the end", "literature and science", "savior and hero", "brother and sister". Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole is a visual novel, psychological horror and philosophical game developed by KeroQ and published by Frontwing USA. Released on August 30th 2017 has received 1,918 reviews of which 1,790 were positive and 128 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.9
1,790
128
14
players
6. The Void
Only brought to life by scarce sparks of Color, the bleak, grey Void is a peculiar place. The player gets to explore it, get to know the Sisters, Brothers, and other weird creatures inhabiting it, and learn the ways of Color, harvesting it and drawing sigils that change the world around them. The Void is a surreal and philosophical game developed and published by Ice-Pick Lodge. Released on December 15th 2009 has received 1,111 reviews of which 898 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played philosophical games.
7.7
898
213
5
players
7. Everything
Be the Universe in this epic, award-winning reality simulation game - featuring thousands of playable characters, endless exploration, an extraordinary soundtrack and narration from Alan Watts. Everything is a philosophical, simulation and casual game developed by David OReilly and published by David OReilly and PLAYISM (Japan). Released on April 21st 2017 has received 3,734 reviews of which 3,102 were positive and 632 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.0
3,102
632
4
players
8. Thought Experiment Simulator
This is a stupid game that might include Trolley Problem, Ship of Theseus, Brain in a Vat, Infinite Monkey, Sisyphus, Prisoner's Dilemma, Schrodinger's Cat, etc. Thought Experiment Simulator is a dynamic narration, comedy and philosophical game developed by HoHo Game Studio and published by Gamera Games and Gamirror Games. Released on July 22nd 2024 has received 583 reviews of which 487 were positive and 96 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played philosophical games.
7.9
487
96
2
players
9. PLAYNE : The Meditation Game
Grow a beautiful island as you build a daily habit of mindfulness and meditation. Experience relaxation and learn ways to care for your mental wellbeing. PLAYNE : The Meditation Game is a relaxing, singleplayer and philosophical game developed by Krish Shrikumar and published by Vismaya. Released on May 01st 2020 has received 1,192 reviews of which 1,119 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.9
1,119
73
1
players
10. The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence. The Dearest Person is a artificial intelligence, philosophical and atmospheric game developed by house.opposite and Саманта and published by house.opposite. Released on June 26th 2024 has received 552 reviews of which 522 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.8
522
30
1
players
Best deals on philosophical games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of philosophical games available on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted philosophical games.
1. The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. Made by Croteam and written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything). The Talos Principle is a puzzle, philosophical and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Croteam and Devolver Digital. Released on December 11th 2014 has received 31,861 reviews of which 30,399 were positive and 1,462 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for philosophical category.
9.3
30,399
1,462
-93%
28.99€
2.13€
2. Everything
Be the Universe in this epic, award-winning reality simulation game - featuring thousands of playable characters, endless exploration, an extraordinary soundtrack and narration from Alan Watts. Everything is a philosophical, simulation and casual game developed by David OReilly and published by David OReilly and PLAYISM (Japan). Released on April 21st 2017 has received 3,734 reviews of which 3,102 were positive and 632 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in philosophical games.
8.0
3,102
632
-93%
12.99€
0.91€
3. Thought Experiment Simulator
This is a stupid game that might include Trolley Problem, Ship of Theseus, Brain in a Vat, Infinite Monkey, Sisyphus, Prisoner's Dilemma, Schrodinger's Cat, etc. Thought Experiment Simulator is a dynamic narration, comedy and philosophical game developed by HoHo Game Studio and published by Gamera Games and Gamirror Games. Released on July 22nd 2024 has received 583 reviews of which 487 were positive and 96 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 84% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in philosophical games.
7.9
487
96
-84%
4.99€
0.82€
4. The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges. The Talos Principle 2 is a puzzle, story rich and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. Released on November 02nd 2023 has received 11,897 reviews of which 11,357 were positive and 540 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 72% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for philosophical games.
9.3
11,357
540
-72%
28.99€
8.34€
5. The Talos Principle: Reawakened
Step back into a world of thought-provoking puzzles, philosophical intrigue, and breathtaking visuals with The Talos Principle: Reawakened - a first-person puzzle masterpiece for both new players and long-time fans alike. The Talos Principle: Reawakened is a puzzle, philosophical and first-person game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 496 reviews of which 450 were positive and 46 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 23% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for philosophical games.
8.4
450
46
-23%
39.99€
30.87€
6. PLAYNE : The Meditation Game
Grow a beautiful island as you build a daily habit of mindfulness and meditation. Experience relaxation and learn ways to care for your mental wellbeing. PLAYNE : The Meditation Game is a relaxing, singleplayer and philosophical game developed by Krish Shrikumar and published by Vismaya. Released on May 01st 2020 has received 1,192 reviews of which 1,119 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 20% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for philosophical games.
8.9
1,119
73
-20%
14.79€
11.83€
Free philosophical games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play philosophical games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play philosophical games.
1. The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence. The Dearest Person is a artificial intelligence, philosophical and atmospheric game developed by house.opposite and Саманта and published by house.opposite. Released on June 26th 2024 has received 552 reviews of which 522 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.8
522
30
1
players
2. Animyst
Explore a strange and dark afterlife as the Undead. Inhabit the body of a Skeleton or Fleshy Corpse and build a new life in The Droughts, a giant desert of ancient ruins and occult monsters. Craft powerful spells and befriend or battle other players in a single open online world... Animyst is a dark fantasy, demons and horror game developed and published by Animyst Games. Released on July 02nd 2018 has received 439 reviews of which 375 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.0
375
64
1
players
3. MetaWare High School (Demo)
How do you see the world when nothing is real? An experimental metafictional visual novel. MetaWare High School (Demo) is a visual novel, philosophical and experimental game developed and published by Not Fun Games. Released on April 02nd 2020 has received 679 reviews of which 657 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
9.0
657
22
4. Locke(d)
An algorithm decided to show you this. What now? Locke(d) is a philosophical, conversation and short game developed and published by KigyoDev. Released on January 23rd 2023 has received 1,045 reviews of which 979 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.8
979
66
5. Sisyphus Reborn
A short atmospheric adventure game about finding meaning in a meaningless world. Sisyphus Reborn is a adventure, free to play and philosophical game developed by Edwin Montgomery and Myshkin Entertainment and published by Myshkin Entertainment. Released on September 05th 2016 has received 1,052 reviews of which 977 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.8
977
75
6. HOME
HOME is a feel-good walking simulator experience in which you create your own poem and music. Embark on a poetic and musical heartwarming journey about what home means to you. HOME is a philosophical, relaxing and atmospheric game developed and published by LORE NINE. Released on May 11th 2019 has received 3,338 reviews of which 3,009 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.7
3,009
329