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 Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.
In Between
In Between is set inside the mind of a man hit by a cruel twist of fate. Together you are on a journey through the protagonist's head, a world that doesn’t obey the laws of physics.
Fingerbones
Explore a mysterious abandoned bunker and find notes that paint a disturbing picture.
Notch - The Innocent LunA: Eclipsed SinnerS
This is an isolated town, a town of memories that have been forgotten by its people. However, this small town has not been quiet and peaceful since the murders began... Time passes by, where are the sinful spirits going? Are my memories reality, or just a dream?
Dreaming Sarah
Dreaming Sarah is an adventure platformer where you play as Sarah, a girl who is in a coma. Explore the world around her and help her wake up!
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 Old City: Leviathan
The Old City: Leviathan is an experiment in first person exploration that focuses entirely on story. All that exists is you and the world. Set in a decaying city from a civilization long past, The Old City: Leviathan puts the player in the shoes of a sewer dwelling isolationist.
Potatoman Seeks the Troof
Potatoman will put your reflexes and worldview to the test as you journey through scorching deserts, dark forests, busy cities, the tallest mountains and eventually your own potato-consciousness in search of the ultimate answer. Are you prepared to face the TROOF?
The Swapper
What if someone knew your mind better than you did? The Swapper is an award-winning, narrative driven puzzle game set in the furthest reaches of space.
The Bridge
The Bridge is a logic puzzle game that forces you to reevaluate your preconceptions of physics and perspective. It is Isaac Newton meets M. C. Escher. Manipulate gravity to redefine the ceiling as the floor while venturing through impossible architectures.
Thomas Was Alone
Guide a group of rectangles through a series of obstacles, using their different skills together to get to the end of each environment.
BioShock® 2
Set approximately 10 years after the events of the original BioShock, the halls of Rapture once again echo with sins of the past. Along the Atlantic coastline, a monster has been snatching little girls and bringing them back to the undersea city of Rapture.
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.
Aquaria
Aquaria is an award-winning action-adventure game set in a massive underwater world teeming with life and filled with ancient secrets. Join Naija, a lone underwater adventurer, as she travels from hidden caves shrouded in darkness, to beautiful, sunlit oases in search of her past.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