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 Red Strings Club

The Red Strings Club is a cyberpunk narrative experience about fate and happiness featuring the extensive use of pottery, bartending and impersonating people on the phone to take down a corporate conspiracy.

Price 14.79€
Rating 9.1
Release 22 Jan 2018

Hello Charlotte EP3: Childhood's End

"All ended well.There was nothing to grieve about." A farewell, and a greeting.

Price 3.99€
Rating 9.4
Release 04 Jan 2018

Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy

A game I made for a certain kind of person. To hurt them.

Price 6.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 06 Dec 2017

The Mammoth: A Cave Painting

Tell the 5 million year story of the mammoth in 5 minutes.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 22 Nov 2017

Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs

This is the 2nd half of the Umineko When They Cry sound novel series, featuring episodes 5 through 8. This steam version features multi-language options, swap-able renewed character sprites, as well as the original BGMs and un-cut content.

Price 27.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 17 Nov 2017

The Talos Principle VR

The Talos Principle VR is a virtual reality version of Croteam's critically acclaimed first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction.

Price 28.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 17 Oct 2017

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".

Price -40% 16.79€
Rating 8.9
Release 30 Aug 2017

Subsurface Circular

When the truth is buried, go underground. Step into this new take on text-based adventure from the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Volume. A short story that hands you the fate of the world above, as a detective looking for answers on the Subsurface Circular.

Price 5.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 17 Aug 2017

Bai Qu: Hundreds of Melodies

A melody of life and death surrounding a sickly girl and her friends.

Price 9.75€
Rating 9.0
Release 27 Jul 2017

Dies irae ~Amantes amentes~

Night after night, the same dream of a guillotine. A headhunting serial killer. And the "knights" in black who follow soon after. Irrationality that defies the realm of common sense begins to assault and devour the city.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 02 Jun 2017

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.

Price -89% 1.49€
Rating 8.0
Release 21 Apr 2017

The Search

Embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration in The Search - a story-driven puzzle-adventure set in a mysterious world where art comes to life!

Price 3.99€
Rating 7.1
Release 13 Apr 2017

Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition

Uncover secrets of past lives in this story-rich, tactical roleplaying game set in Sigil, a dark fantasy city at the heart of the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse. Explore the planes, survive combat alongside a party of bizarre companions, and solve puzzles unlike any ever seen in the genre.

Price -87% 2.62€
Rating 9.1
Release 11 Apr 2017

Fibrillation HD

Immerse yourself in an adaptation of an old story about Ewan Berrington.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 11 Apr 2017

Four Last Things

Four Last Things is a point-and-click adventure game made from Renaissance-era paintings and public domain recordings of classical music. It is about sin, and the Four Last Things – Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell – and strives to be intelligent and ridiculous in equal measures.

Price -75% 2.37€
Rating 9.1
Release 23 Feb 2017

Hello Charlotte EP2: Requiem Aeternam Deo

A eulogy for happiness, and a lament for connection that never was.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.2
Release 21 Nov 2016

Sisyphus Reborn

A short atmospheric adventure game about finding meaning in a meaningless world.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 05 Sep 2016

Don't Disturb

Single-player puzzle adventure with a beautiful, distinctive art style and a genuinely emotional story. As a lonely dog wandering the afterlife searching for his dead master, 'Don't Disturb' explores traditional Asian views on death and the underworld.

Price -75% 1.00€
Rating 8.0
Release 01 Sep 2016

The Turing Test

The Turing Test is a challenging first-person puzzle game set on Jupiter’s moon, Europa. You are Ava Turing, an engineer for the International Space Agency (ISA) sent to discover the cause behind the disappearance of the ground crew stationed there.

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 30 Aug 2016

Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs

Umineko When They Cry is the 2nd series of Sound Novel released by 07th Expansion. The steam version features renewed character sprites which is swappable from the classic art.

Price 22.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 08 Jul 2016

Haven Moon

Haven Moon will transport you to a mysterious world where you have to explore abandoned islands and solve their secrets to find a treasure. In this Myst-like game inspired by Jules Verne’s universe, use your senses and intelligence to find your way through secret passages and curious machinery.

Price 11.79€
Rating 7.4
Release 08 Jul 2016

The House in Fata Morgana

A gothic suspense tale set in a cursed mansion. "The House in Fata Morgana" is a full-length visual novel spanning nearly a millennium that deals in tragedy, human nature, and insanity.

Price 22.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 13 May 2016

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.

Price -57% 2.14€
Rating 6.4
Release 14 Apr 2016

The Witness

You wake up, alone, on a strange island full of puzzles that will challenge and surprise you.

Price 36.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 26 Jan 2016

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 April 30th 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 76,573 reviews of which 63,112 were positive and 13,461 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 173 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
63,112
13,461

173
players

2. 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 375 reviews of which 339 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. While seeing 169 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among philosophical games based on player count.
8.4
339
36

169
players

3. 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 11,772 reviews of which 11,244 were positive and 528 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 149 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among philosophical games based on player count.
9.3
11,244
528

149
players

4. 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 31,726 reviews of which 30,269 were positive and 1,457 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played philosophical games.
9.3
30,269
1,457

84
players

5. 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 538 reviews of which 455 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played philosophical games.
7.9
455
83

45
players

6. 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 1,867 reviews of which 1,743 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.9
1,743
124

15
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 3,720 reviews of which 3,092 were positive and 628 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
3,092
628

6
players

8. 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 1,189 reviews of which 1,117 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.9
1,117
72

4
players

9. 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 437 reviews of which 373 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played philosophical games.
8.0
373
64

3
players

10. 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 1,032 reviews of which 966 were positive and 66 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
966
66

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

1. 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 3,720 reviews of which 3,092 were positive and 628 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 89% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for philosophical category.
8.0
3,092
628

-89% 13.55€ 1.49€

2. 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 31,726 reviews of which 30,269 were positive and 1,457 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 86% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in philosophical games.
9.3
30,269
1,457

-86% 29.50€ 4.13€

3. 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 11,772 reviews of which 11,244 were positive and 528 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 63% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in philosophical games.
9.3
11,244
528

-63% 29.16€ 10.79€

4. 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 538 reviews of which 455 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 49% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for philosophical games.
7.9
455
83

-49% 5.00€ 2.55€

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 1,867 reviews of which 1,743 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 40% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for philosophical games.
8.9
1,743
124

-40% 27.99€ 16.79€

6. 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 375 reviews of which 339 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 27% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for philosophical games.
8.4
339
36

-27% 40.11€ 29.28€

7. 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. With My Past is a puzzle-platformer, female protagonist and pixel graphics game developed by Imagine Wings Studio and published by Edigger. Released on May 06th 2024 has received 315 reviews of which 302 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a 25% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for philosophical games.
8.8
302
13

-25% 8.79€ 6.59€

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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play philosophical games.

1. 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 437 reviews of which 373 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.0
373
64

3
players

2. 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 1,032 reviews of which 966 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.8
966
66

1
players

3. 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 542 reviews of which 512 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
8.8
512
30

1
players

4. 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 677 reviews of which 655 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free philosophical games on Steam.
9.0
655
22

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 1,044 reviews of which 968 were positive and 76 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
968
76

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 3,343 reviews of which 3,014 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
3,014
329