Best Story 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 story rich games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free story rich games are available at the bottom of the page.

Filters & Lists

Metropolis: Lux Obscura

A unique game with a film noir atmosphere, seductive wanton women, and dirty dangerous secrets. Gameplay is based on a motion comic with a non-linear plot mixed with MATCH3 puzzle fights.

Price 7.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 11 Oct 2017

The Invisible Hours

The Invisible Hours is a complex murder mystery in VR, in which players freely explore an intricate web of interwoven stories within a sprawling mansion. This is not a game. This is not a movie. This is a piece of immersive theatre with many tangled threads.

Price 34.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 10 Oct 2017

Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™

Experience an epic open-world brought to life by the award-winning Nemesis System. Forge a new Ring of Power, conquer Fortresses in massive battles and dominate Mordor with your personal orc army in Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™.

Price 39.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 09 Oct 2017

CAT Interstellar

A short story inspired by Robert Heinlein's:The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

Price 9.75€
Rating 6.9
Release 06 Oct 2017

Doki Doki Literature Club!

The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.5
Release 06 Oct 2017

Battle Chasers: Nightwar

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is an RPG inspired by the classic console greats, featuring deep dungeon diving, turn-based combat presented in a classic JRPG format, and a rich story driven by exploration of the world.

Price -87% 3.98€
Rating 8.5
Release 03 Oct 2017

HEADLINER

Short, thought-provoking adventure where you are a News Editor and decide what stories get published, set in a fictional city where most people are genetically modified. Multiple unique endings let you share your story and see what the Headliner before you did.

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 03 Oct 2017

Vaporum

Vaporum is a grid-based dungeon crawler RPG in an original steampunk setting, inspired by old-school classics of the genre. Stranded in the middle of an ocean, in front of a gigantic tower, the hero has to find out what the place is, what happened there, and most importantly, who he is.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.1
Release 28 Sep 2017

Total War: WARHAMMER II

Strategy gaming perfected. A breath-taking campaign of exploration, expansion and conquest across a fantasy world. Turn-based civilisation management and real-time epic strategy battles with thousands of troops and monsters at your command.

Price -85% 9.29€
Rating 9.1
Release 28 Sep 2017

The Painscreek Killings

Investigate an infamous cold case in the eerie, abandoned town of Painscreek. Search for evidence, connect the dots and uncover who killed Vivian Roberts. Can you expose the truth behind this town’s dark secrets?

Price -60% 7.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 27 Sep 2017

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home is a first-person horror adventure game based on Thai myths and beliefs. The core gameplay focuses on storytelling and stealth to avoid perilous spirits hunting you. Moreover, few puzzles are added into the game, making gameplay more various.

Price 15.79€
Rating 8.4
Release 26 Sep 2017

BLUE REFLECTION

A clear summer sky spreads over the Hoshinomiya Girls' High School. This story begins with the belated start of school life for Hinako Shirai, who has just recovered from a leg injury due to a tragic accident. The magical sisters Yuzu and Lime bestowed to her a special power to become a "Reflector".

Price -30% 42.27€
Rating 7.7
Release 26 Sep 2017

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony

A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death.

Price 33.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 25 Sep 2017

Figment

Figment is an action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique surreal universe filled with music, humor and multi layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind seeking to restore the courage that's been lost.

Price -80% 3.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 22 Sep 2017

Caligo

Caligo is the darkness everyone descends into one way or another, and to each of us it's something different. For some it's a short but exciting adventure, some will see it as a place to relax. Yet others will be reminded of their worst nightmare, while for a few, it might come as a revelation.

Price 5.89€
Rating 7.2
Release 22 Sep 2017

The Coma: Recut

You are Youngho, a Korean high school student trapped and relentlessly pursued by a psychotic killer in the hellish corridors of Sehwa High. Run, hide, explore, and survive while piecing together the mystery The Coma in this remastered version of the Korean cult classic.

Price 11.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 22 Sep 2017

XING: The Land Beyond

You died. Welcome to XING: The Land Beyond, an atmospheric first-person puzzle adventure for desktops and virtual reality. Enjoy your peaceful escape from the chaotic world of the living, and travel the lands of the dead.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.3
Release 21 Sep 2017

The Journey Down: Chapter Three

The final chapter of The Journey Down, a classic point-and-click saga with an Afro-Caribbean vibe. Get ready to embark on an epic journey of brain-teasing adventure!

Price 12.49€
Rating 8.5
Release 21 Sep 2017

Another Lost Phone: Laura's Story

Explore the social life of Laura in this spiritual sequel to A Normal Lost Phone.

Price 2.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 21 Sep 2017

Darkestville Castle

Like any decent demon Cid spends his nights performing all kind of evil deeds to the peaceful people of Darkestville. Little does he know that his old arch enemy is about to change his life forever.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.7
Release 21 Sep 2017

Tricolour Lovestory

Time flies and never comes back. But with an incredible 1-million-word script and 100+ original CGs, this game will take you back to when you were young, simple and pure. Go and get the love of your life back, start something new, or end everything in flame, that's for you to decide!

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 20 Sep 2017

ECHO

After a century in stasis the girl En arrives at her destination: A Palace out of legend. Out here, using forgotten technologies, she hopes to bring back a life that shouldn’t have been lost. But nothing could prepare her for what she’ll face in the ancient halls below.

Price 22.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 19 Sep 2017

Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition

The critically acclaimed RPG that raised the bar, from the creators of Baldur's Gate 3. Gather your party. Master deep, tactical combat. Venture as a party of up to four - but know that only one of you will have the chance to become a God.

Price 44.99€
Rating 9.5
Release 14 Sep 2017

Duck Season

The game of your dreams just dropped, DUCK SEASON, a hunter with ridiculous graphics. Luckily, it's summer vacation and Mom just surprised you with a one day rental of it! Unfortunately, as you binge play it becomes apparent that all is not right with Duck Season...

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.1
Release 14 Sep 2017

Story-rich games are a captivating genre that immerses players in compelling narratives, allowing them to experience deep emotional journeys and complex character arcs. These games often prioritize storytelling, character development, and player choices, making them perfect for those who love a good tale. This page showcases the best-rated story-rich games on Steam, all based on user scores and reviews, helping you find the perfect game to dive into.

In this category, you'll discover a variety of story-rich games that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Narrative-Driven Games
These games focus heavily on storytelling, often featuring linear plots with rich dialogue and character interactions.
Visual Novels
A subgenre that combines storytelling with visual art, allowing players to make choices that affect the outcome of the story.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
Games that allow players to create characters and engage in expansive worlds filled with quests and narratives.
Adventure Games
ames that emphasize exploration and puzzle-solving while delivering a strong narrative.

Each game offers unique storytelling mechanics and experiences, ensuring that there's something for every narrative enthusiast.

How to Find More Story Rich Games

If you're eager to explore even more story-rich games, our site makes it easy! Use the category filters to narrow down your search. You can look for tags like "narrative" for games focused on storytelling or "adventure" for those that emphasize exploration and puzzles. This way, you can quickly find games that match your interests.

Tips for Choosing the Right Story Rich Game

Consider your preferred storytelling style
Think about whether you enjoy linear narratives or games with branching paths that allow for multiple endings.
Look for games with strong character development
Games that invest in character arcs and relationships often provide a more immersive experience.
Check for user reviews
Reading reviews can give you insight into the game's quality, emotional impact, and overall storytelling effectiveness.

What are the best story-rich games for beginners?

If you're new to story-rich games, consider starting with Life is Strange - Episode 1 or Oxenfree. Both are user-friendly and offer engaging narratives that are easy to follow.

Are there free story-rich games on Steam?

Yes! There are several free-to-play story-rich games available, such as Doki Doki Literature Club! and The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit which provide engaging narratives without any cost.

What makes a story-rich game great?

A great story-rich game typically features high-quality writing, well-developed characters, and meaningful player choices that impact the narrative. Additionally, immersive world-building and emotional depth can significantly enhance the overall experience, making players feel connected to the story and characters.

Can I play story-rich games solo?

Absolutely! Most story-rich games are designed for single-player experiences, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the narrative without the need for multiplayer interactions. Games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Disco Elysium - The Final Cut are perfect examples of solo experiences that offer deep storytelling and character engagement.

With a wide variety of options available, you're sure to find a game that captivates you and provides an unforgettable narrative experience. Don't forget to check back regularly for updates, as new games are released and ratings change. Happy gaming, and enjoy diving into the rich stories that await you in these incredible games!

Most played story rich games on Steam

Take a look at the top story rich games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 12th 2025.

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a story-rich, party-based RPG set in the universe of Dungeons & Dragons, where your choices shape a tale of fellowship and betrayal, survival and sacrifice, and the lure of absolute power. Baldur's Gate 3 is a rpg, character customization and choices matter game developed and published by Larian Studios. Released on August 03rd 2023 has received 752,974 reviews of which 729,226 were positive and 23,748 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played story rich game, thanks to its 89,176 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
729,226
23,748

89,176
players

2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Lead the members of Expedition 33 on their quest to destroy the Paintress so that she can never paint death again. Explore a world of wonders inspired by Belle Époque France and battle unique enemies in this turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based combat, story rich and fantasy game developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on April 24th 2025 has received 57,650 reviews of which 54,347 were positive and 3,303 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 77,914 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among story rich games based on player count.
9.3
54,347
3,303

77,914
players

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Winner of over 175 Game of the Year Awards and recipient of over 250 perfect scores, RDR2 is the epic tale of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the infamous Van der Linde gang, on the run across America at the dawn of the modern age. Also includes access to the shared living world of Red Dead Online. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a open world, story rich and western game developed and published by Rockstar Games. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 721,250 reviews of which 664,977 were positive and 56,273 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 25,706 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among story rich games based on player count.
9.2
664,977
56,273

25,706
players

4. 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 turn-based tactics game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 56,853 reviews of which 48,842 were positive and 8,011 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 8,948 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.5
48,842
8,011

8,948
players

5. The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered

Experience the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, now on PC. Discover Ellie and Abby’s story with graphical enhancements, gameplay modes like the roguelike survival experience No Return, and more. The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered is a story rich, post-apocalyptic and third-person shooter game developed by Naughty Dog LLC, Nixxes Software and Iron Galaxy Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on April 03rd 2025 has received 20,420 reviews of which 18,391 were positive and 2,029 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 8,687 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.8
18,391
2,029

8,687
players

6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a open world, rpg and story rich game developed and published by CD PROJEKT RED. Released on May 18th 2015 has received 829,157 reviews of which 797,036 were positive and 32,121 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 7,237 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.5
797,036
32,121

7,237
players

7. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

The Master Chief’s iconic journey includes six games, built for PC and collected in a single integrated experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or meeting Spartan 117 for the first time, The Master Chief Collection is the definitive Halo gaming experience. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a great soundtrack, fps and classic game developed by 343 Industries, Splash Damage, Ruffian Games, Bungie and Saber Interactive and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on December 03rd 2019 has received 241,010 reviews of which 222,669 were positive and 18,341 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 5,605 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.1
222,669
18,341

5,605
players

8. Persona 5 Royal

Don the mask and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts as they stage grand heists, infiltrate the minds of the corrupt, and make them change their ways! Persona 5 Royal is a jrpg, story rich and great soundtrack game developed by ATLUS and published by SEGA. Released on October 20th 2022 has received 101,178 reviews of which 97,765 were positive and 3,413 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 4,610 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.5
97,765
3,413

4,610
players

9. The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-

Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi join forces for the first time to deliver the ULTIMATE adventure game! 15 students are tasked with defending a school from grotesque monsters for 100 days. Can they make it to the end? And will they survive long enough to uncover the truth? The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is a multiple endings, adventure and story rich game developed by Too Kyo Games and Media.Vision Inc. and published by Aniplex Inc.. Released on April 23rd 2025 has received 3,094 reviews of which 2,772 were positive and 322 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 4,004 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.6
2,772
322

4,004
players

10. Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition

The Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from the highly acclaimed Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD. Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition is a story rich, rpg and choices matter game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. Released on May 14th 2021 has received 55,692 reviews of which 50,720 were positive and 4,972 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 3,815 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.0
50,720
4,972

3,815
players

Best deals on story rich games on Steam

Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of story rich games available on Steam right now, updated on May 12th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted story rich games.

1. The Lamplighters League

Recruit a team of misfits with unique abilities and unforgettable personalities, and chase the Banished Court to the ends of the earth in a mix of real-time infiltration, turn-based tactical combat, and a character-driven story of adventure and intrigue. The Lamplighters League is a story rich, adventure and rpg game developed by Harebrained Schemes and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 03rd 2023 has received 907 reviews of which 642 were positive and 265 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for story rich category.
6.8
642
265

-97% 44.33€ 1.33€

2. Lost Eidolons

Lost Eidolons is a turn-based tactical RPG with a gripping cinematic narrative, set in a waning empire riven by civil war. Take on the role of a charming mercenary captain, Eden, and lead his band of allies through epic encounters on a classic turn-based battlefield. Lost Eidolons is a jrpg, war and perma death game developed and published by Ocean Drive Studio and Inc.. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 1,947 reviews of which 1,362 were positive and 585 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in story rich games.
6.8
1,362
585

-97% 33.33€ 1.00€

3. In Sound Mind

In Sound Mind is an imaginative first-person psychological horror with frenetic puzzles, unique boss fights, and original music by The Living Tombstone. Journey within the inner workings of the one place you can’t seem to escape—your own mind. In Sound Mind is a horror, psychological horror and story rich game developed by We Create Stuff and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on September 28th 2021 has received 5,732 reviews of which 5,458 were positive and 274 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in story rich games.
9.2
5,458
274

-96% 32.25€ 1.29€

4. Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical

Gods. Romance. Murder. Musical Numbers?! Play as Grace in a world where Greek Gods live in hiding among us. Change your fate as you draw friends, foes & lovers into song using your powers of musical persuasion to unravel the mystery of the Last Muse's death. Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is a interactive fiction, story rich and choices matter game developed by Summerfall Studios and published by Humble Games. Released on August 09th 2023 has received 3,302 reviews of which 3,048 were positive and 254 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.9
3,048
254

-96% 26.25€ 1.05€

5. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame

Bricksburg is in ruins and Emmet's friends have been taken! Team up with Emmet and a host of heroic characters to save their friends from the strange inhabitants of the Systar System. Journey into outer space, discover new worlds, and test your Master Building skills. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame is a adventure, lego and sandbox game developed by TT Games and Feral interactive (Mac) and published by Feral interactive (Mac) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released on February 26th 2019 has received 1,340 reviews of which 864 were positive and 476 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for story rich games.
6.3
864
476

-96% 29.25€ 1.17€

6. Beacon Pines

Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate! Beacon Pines is a visual novel, story rich and emotional game developed by Hiding Spot and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 3,422 reviews of which 3,346 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 60% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9.4
3,346
76

-60% 19.50€ 7.80€

7. 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! Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is a tactical rpg, rpg and story rich game developed by Dancing Dragon Games and published by indie.io. Released on June 10th 2022 has received 12,865 reviews of which 12,175 were positive and 690 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9.2
12,175
690

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

8. Citizen Sleeper

Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future. Citizen Sleeper is a rpg, dice and story rich game developed by Jump Over The Age and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on May 05th 2022 has received 7,916 reviews of which 7,352 were positive and 564 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9
7,352
564

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

9. Eternal Threads

Eternal Threads is a single-player, first-person story-driven puzzle game of time manipulation, choice and consequence. Eternal Threads is a choices matter, story rich and time manipulation game developed by Cosmonaut Studios and published by Secret Mode. Released on May 19th 2022 has received 708 reviews of which 612 were positive and 96 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.1
612
96

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

10. Foretales

Decide the fate of the world in this ingenious story-driven card game. Foretales offers a unique take on the adventure genre, with a multitude of playstyles and story paths through which you can save the world… or bring about its end. Foretales is a card game, story rich and dynamic narration game developed by Alkemi and published by Dear Villagers. Released on September 15th 2022 has received 1,005 reviews of which 851 were positive and 154 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.0
851
154

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

Free story rich games on Steam

Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play story rich games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 12th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play story 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 turn-based tactics game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 56,853 reviews of which 48,842 were positive and 8,011 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 8,948 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free story rich games on Steam.
8.5
48,842
8,011

8,948
players

2. Reverse: 1999

Reverse: 1999 is a 20th Century Time-Travel Strategic RPG developed by Bluepoch. As the Timekeeper, the observer of eras, you will embark on a journey across time and space, from the Roaring '20s to the turn of the millennium, uncovering the truth about the "Storm" and the mystery of the year 1999. Reverse: 1999 is a rpg, visual novel and story rich game developed and published by BLUEPOCH GAMES CO. and LIMITED. Released on October 08th 2024 has received 2,059 reviews of which 1,935 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 705, this story rich game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
9.0
1,935
124

705
players

3. Life is Strange - Episode 1

Episode 1 now FREE! Life is Strange is an award-winning and critically acclaimed episodic adventure game that allows the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future. Life is Strange - Episode 1 is a story rich, choices matter and great soundtrack game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment, Feral interactive (Mac) and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and Square Enix. Released on January 29th 2015 has received 168,888 reviews of which 162,457 were positive and 6,431 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 307, this story rich game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
9.5
162,457
6,431

307
players

4. Everlasting Summer

Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam! Everlasting Summer is a visual novel, story rich and free to play game developed and published by Soviet Games. Released on November 19th 2014 has received 75,343 reviews of which 71,444 were positive and 3,899 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 282 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free story rich games on Steam.
9.3
71,444
3,899

282
players

5. Life is Strange 2

After a tragic incident, brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz run away from home. Fearing the police, and dealing with Daniel's new telekinetic power, the boys head to Mexico. Each stop on their journey brings new friends and new challenges. Life is Strange 2 is a choices matter, story rich and adventure game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and Square Enix. Released on September 26th 2018 has received 36,354 reviews of which 31,348 were positive and 5,006 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 160 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free story rich games on Steam.
8.5
31,348
5,006

160
players

6. Tell Me Why

Tell Me Why is the multi-award winning episodic adventure game from Dontnod Entertainment in which twins use their supernatural bond to discover the truth of their troubled past. Tell Me Why is a choices matter, story rich and episodic game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 13,679 reviews of which 11,309 were positive and 2,370 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
8.1
11,309
2,370

53
players

7. cyberpunkdreams

2090s America, torn apart by war and corporate greed. A lone traveller stands outside the gates of Cincinnati, greatest of the border cities. How far will you go to make it to the top? How far will you go to fulfil your mission? cyberpunkdreams is a cyberpunk, rpg and interactive fiction game developed and published by Late Night Games. Released on May 14th 2021 has received 970 reviews of which 742 were positive and 228 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
7.3
742
228

45
players

8. Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi

Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story. Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi is a visual novel, mystery and anime game developed by 07th Expansion and published by MangaGamer. Released on May 15th 2015 has received 5,252 reviews of which 5,055 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.3
5,055
197

30
players

9. Paper Lily - Chapter 1

Paper Lily is an RPG horror game in which you can solve puzzles in different ways. Explore a hidden world, meet strange characters, and guide Lacie as she attempts to find answers about her unusual condition. Paper Lily - Chapter 1 is a pixel graphics, psychological horror and story rich game developed and published by Leef 6010. Released on January 26th 2024 has received 6,365 reviews of which 6,309 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.6
6,309
56

23
players

10. Outcore: Desktop Adventure

All you wanted was a nice game. But now you find yourself opening Windows apps like Paint & Notepad to solve puzzles, and searching for files on your computers that you didn't put there... Who is she? Why did she appear on your desktop? Let's dive into her memories and find out. Outcore: Desktop Adventure is a adventure, psychological horror and free to play game developed and published by Doctor Shinobi. Released on September 26th 2022 has received 14,987 reviews of which 14,582 were positive and 405 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.5
14,582
405

17
players