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
Metaphor: ReFantazio After his assassination, the will of the late king decrees the next monarch to be elected by the people. Forge bonds and win over a kingdom divided in this award-winning fantasy RPG with turn-based and action combat, party customization with powerful Archetypes, and hours of exploration.

Price -61% 27.31€
Rating 8.9
Release 10 Oct 2024
Bad Parenting 1: Mr. Red Face Mr. Red Face, a fictional character created by adults to teach their children, suddenly becomes real..

Price 1.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 09 Oct 2024
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.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 08 Oct 2024
Anthology Of The Killer The complete surrealist horror-comedy series! A mysterious world of zines and blood!!

Price 6.89€
Rating 9.1
Release 08 Oct 2024
SkyBrew: Entropic Strategist Experience entrepreneurship in a floating cloud cafe. Manage your flying cafe, customize construction, train staff, handle random events, and uncover the secrets of the commercial empire, growing from a small shop to the sky's brightest star.

Price 17.49€
Rating 7.3
Release 08 Oct 2024
SILENT HILL 2 Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2.

Price -60% 28.00€
Rating 9.4
Release 07 Oct 2024
Putrika 1st.cut:The Reason She Must Perish "Even though I knew this love was forbidden..." While the tragedy is being told, the girl's true love is revealed! Enjoy this crazy pure love drama with beautiful visuals and cute characters!

Price 17.49€
Rating 8.9
Release 06 Oct 2024
Until Dawn™ Rebuilt and enhanced for PC – Until Dawn invites you to relive the nightmare, and immerse yourself in a gripping slasher horror where every decision can make the difference between life and death.

Price 69.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 04 Oct 2024
Grunn A gardener gets hired for maintenance work over the weekend. A simple task, but strangely some tools are missing… The owner of the garden isn't around, and their house is off-limits. Perhaps new tools can be found in the mysterious town, or maybe some of the reserved townsfolk have seen them?

Price 12.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 04 Oct 2024
SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream In this online co-op action game, enter a distorted version of the SWORD ART ONLINE world. Pick your role in the form of favorite SWORD ART ONLINE characters and team up with 20 players for raids to defeat powerful enemies.

Price -48% 31.44€
Rating 6.5
Release 03 Oct 2024
Five Hearts Under One Roof Yuman’s, the player, once solitary home and routine are now invaded by five beautiful women! Each has her unique charm – the 'childhood friend of 20 years,' the 'first love and former idol,' the 'demanding boss,' the 'bold younger girl,' and the 'shy recluse.' Who will you choose?

Price -71% 5.81€
Rating 8.8
Release 02 Oct 2024
OneShot: World Machine Edition A completely self-contained portable version of one of the highest user-rated games. Built on an entirely new engine with new UI, support for Steam Deck, & more. Features world-bending puzzles, intriguing denizens, surreal environments, and a captivating story about the truth of the game's reality.

Price 9.75€
Rating 9.4
Release 30 Sep 2024
Rogue Waters Rogue Waters is a Pirate Tactical Turn-Based Rogue-lite. Play as Captain Cutter, commanding your ship and crew through procedurally generated encounters to seek revenge. Recruit, train, and upgrade crew, use powerful sea creatures, and engage in dynamic naval and melee combat to gain the upper hand.

Price -75% 7.45€
Rating 7.8
Release 30 Sep 2024
Silence of the Siren A turn-based sci-fi strategy that combines exploration and exciting clashes on the battlefield. Take control over several different species, raise powerful armies for your heroes and destroy your opponents! This HoMM-like is set in a scifi universe, with new mechanics on top of the classic formula.

Price -33% 16.88€
Rating 8.6
Release 30 Sep 2024
Dread Dawn This is an open-world zombie survival game set in a quarantined city. You play as a student left behind due to missing the evacuation convoy. Together with classmates and other survivors, you must defend the school, survive, and await rescue.

Price -62% 7.41€
Rating 7.1
Release 30 Sep 2024
63 Days Coming of age as a part of the first generation born free, WWII stripped me of my family, home, and future. Now I'm left with only one choice: to get my revenge and independence, or die trying. The odds are against us: will our tactics, stealth and teamwork be enough?

Price -92% 2.55€
Rating 7.4
Release 26 Sep 2024
ZERO PROTOCOL In this immersive sci-fi thriller, you will experience the atmosphere of classic 3D games as you solve puzzles, follow an intriguing non-linear storyline, and engage in battles with monsters.

Price -30% 8.25€
Rating 8.0
Release 26 Sep 2024
Realm of Ink Realm of Ink is an Ink-style action Roguelite game. While pursuing the Fox Demon, the swordswoman Red, unexpectedly finds that her life is dictated by the 'destiny' within the world of the book. Only by breaking free can she unveil the truth of her existence and challenge the constraints of fate.

Price 16.49€
Rating 8.9
Release 26 Sep 2024
Mouthwashing The five crew members of the Tulpar are stranded in the empty reaches of space, shrouded in perpetual sunset. God is not watching.

Price -14% 11.07€
Rating 9.4
Release 26 Sep 2024
The Nameless: Slay Dragon The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a gamebook-adventure flavored turn-based RPG In short - how to slay the immensely powerful and cunning evil dragon? You will play as a young man having a bloody feud with a dragon, and face powerful, sinister and tricky enemies with friends....

Price 17.49€
Rating 8.7
Release 26 Sep 2024
Beyond Hanwell Explore Westminster, London on a journey to the ruins of Hanwell. Fight with whatever you can find or use the environment to defend yourself against an ever increasing scourge of Anomalies.

Price 24.50€
Rating 7.3
Release 26 Sep 2024
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed Embark on a magical journey in Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed! Shape your adventure with the stroke of a brush and transform Wasteland as Mickey Mouse in this beautifully recreated 3D platformer.

Price -71% 17.53€
Rating 8.9
Release 24 Sep 2024
Nigate Tale Fight your way through a procedurally generated labyrinthic castle in this rogue-like dungeon crawler, set in a vibrant and colorful anime world. You’re lost in a spiritual realm, but powerful monster girls will help you get back home with new powers and weapons if you bring them the right presents!

Price -96% 0.82€
Rating 6.6
Release 24 Sep 2024
Bloomtown: A Different Story Bloomtown: A Different Story is a narrative JRPG mixing turn-based combat, monster taming and social RPG set in a seemingly pleasant 1960s Americana world. Join Emily and her group of friends to save their cozy town from the demonic creatures that live in the hearts of its residents!

Price -67% 8.28€
Rating 8.2
Release 24 Sep 2024

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 June 15th 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 760,662 reviews of which 736,688 were positive and 23,974 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 66,117 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
736,688
23,974

66,117
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 111,032 reviews of which 106,216 were positive and 4,816 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 29,948 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among story rich games based on player count.
9.4
106,216
4,816

29,948
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 733,542 reviews of which 676,667 were positive and 56,875 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 28,679 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
676,667
56,875

28,679
players

4. DELTARUNE

Dive into the parallel story to UNDERTALE! Fight or spare your way through action-packed battles as you explore a mysterious world alongside an endearing cast of new and familiar characters. Chapters 1-4 will be available on launch, with more planned as free updates! DELTARUNE is a story rich, great soundtrack and pixel graphics game developed and published by tobyfox. Released on June 04th 2025 has received 2,835 reviews of which 2,804 were positive and 31 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 26,548 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.4
2,804
31

26,548
players

5. 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 835,349 reviews of which 802,993 were positive and 32,356 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 13,756 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.5
802,993
32,356

13,756
players

6. Limbus Company

As the Executive Manager of Limbus Company, lead your group of twelve Sinners, venture into the buried facilities of Lobotomy Corporation, and lay claim on the Golden Boughs. Limbus Company is a lore-rich, story rich and free to play game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 64,316 reviews of which 53,987 were positive and 10,329 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 13,414 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.3
53,987
10,329

13,414
players

7. 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 24,774 reviews of which 22,421 were positive and 2,353 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 4,505 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.9
22,421
2,353

4,505
players

8. 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 242,067 reviews of which 223,635 were positive and 18,432 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 4,351 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.1
223,635
18,432

4,351
players

9. 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 103,144 reviews of which 99,657 were positive and 3,487 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 4,098 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.5
99,657
3,487

4,098
players

10. 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. Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition is a tactical rpg, rpg and turn-based strategy game developed and published by Larian Studios. Released on September 14th 2017 has received 190,124 reviews of which 182,166 were positive and 7,958 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 4,056 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.5
182,166
7,958

4,056
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 June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted story rich games.

1. 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 5,812 reviews of which 5,535 were positive and 277 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for story rich category.
9.2
5,535
277

-99% 29.99€ 0.52€

2. As Dusk Falls

Explore the entangled lives of two families across thirty years in an original interactive drama from INTERIOR/NIGHT. Starting in 1998 with a robbery-gone-wrong, the character's lives depend on the choices you make. As Dusk Falls is a choices matter, story rich and cinematic game developed by INTERIOR/NIGHT and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on July 19th 2022 has received 3,307 reviews of which 3,005 were positive and 302 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in story rich games.
8.7
3,005
302

-99% 29.99€ 0.44€

3. Wasteland 3

Following the critically acclaimed 2014 Game of the Year winner Wasteland 2, the RPG series that pioneered the post-apocalyptic genre in video games returns with Wasteland 3. Wasteland 3 is a crpg, character customization and choices matter game developed and published by inXile Entertainment. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 20,896 reviews of which 17,695 were positive and 3,201 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in story rich games.
8.3
17,695
3,201

-99% 41.99€ 0.82€

4. Broken Age

A family friendly, hand-animated, puzzle-filled adventure game with an all-star cast, including Elijah Wood, Jack Black and Masasa Moyo. Funded by a record breaking crowdfunding campaign and designed by industry legend Tim Schafer, Broken Age is a timeless coming-of-age story. Broken Age is a point & click, adventure and story rich game developed and published by Double Fine Productions. Released on January 28th 2014 has received 7,988 reviews of which 6,679 were positive and 1,309 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.1
6,679
1,309

-99% 12.49€ 0.23€

5. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

A ground-based RTS prequel to the classic Homeworld games. Assemble your fleet and lead them to victory on the shifting sands of Kharak in this compelling strategy game for PC from Blackbird Interactive. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on January 20th 2016 has received 8,519 reviews of which 6,789 were positive and 1,730 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.8
6,789
1,730

-99% 45.99€ 0.88€

6. Jack Move

Jack Move is a JRPG that features a unique blend of gritty cyberpunk story telling, turn based battles and beautiful modern pixel art. Take on the role of Noa, a vigilante hacker who is thrust into a world of murder, kidnapping and dark research after her father goes missing. Jack Move is a turn-based, jrpg and cyberpunk game developed by So Romantic and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on September 08th 2022 has received 1,067 reviews of which 846 were positive and 221 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.6
846
221

-99% 19.99€ 0.34€

7. Epic Chef

Get ready to embark on a comedic culinary quest unlike any other as you take on the role of Zest in this story-driven adventure game; from humble beginnings you will build a farm, grow delectable ingredients, craft machinery and cook your way to becoming the most Epic Chef in Ambrosia! Epic Chef is a story rich, comedy and funny game developed by Infinigon Games and published by Team17. Released on November 11th 2021 has received 715 reviews of which 554 were positive and 161 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.4
554
161

-99% 24.99€ 0.40€

8. Where the Water Tastes Like Wine

Where the Water Tastes Like Wine is a Narrative-Adventure game about traveling, sharing stories, and surviving manifest destiny. Where the Water Tastes Like Wine is a adventure, indie and story rich game developed by Dim Bulb Games and Serenity Forge and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on February 28th 2018 has received 1,613 reviews of which 1,227 were positive and 386 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.3
1,227
386

-99% 19.99€ 0.37€

9. 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 940 reviews of which 666 were positive and 274 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for story rich games.
6.8
666
274

-99% 49.99€ 0.42€

10. 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 8,105 reviews of which 7,522 were positive and 583 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9
7,522
583

-98% 19.50€ 0.54€

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 June 15th 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 free to play game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 64,316 reviews of which 53,987 were positive and 10,329 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 13,414 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free story rich games on Steam.
8.3
53,987
10,329

13,414
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 2,317 reviews of which 2,173 were positive and 144 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 549, this story rich game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
9.0
2,173
144

549
players

3. 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 lgbtq+ game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 13,883 reviews of which 11,457 were positive and 2,426 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 473, this story rich game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
8.1
11,457
2,426

473
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 75,514 reviews of which 71,592 were positive and 3,922 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 404 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
71,592
3,922

404
players

5. 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 169,201 reviews of which 162,769 were positive and 6,432 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 346 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free story rich games on Steam.
9.5
162,769
6,432

346
players

6. 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 36,634 reviews of which 31,616 were positive and 5,018 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 212 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free story rich games on Steam.
8.5
31,616
5,018

212
players

7. 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 15,157 reviews of which 14,753 were positive and 404 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.5
14,753
404

35
players

8. TRIBE NINE

Defy the madness. Brutal Action RPG "TRIBE NINE" Set in the nation of Neo Tokyo, where absolute madness rules. Here, teens face life-or-death battles, constantly resisting the harsh and unjust world—all in pursuit of reclaiming their lost freedom and dreams. TRIBE NINE is a action, rpg and free to play game developed and published by Akatsuki Games Inc.. Released on February 18th 2025 has received 4,834 reviews of which 3,242 were positive and 1,592 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
6.6
3,242
1,592

34
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 6,621 reviews of which 6,562 were positive and 59 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
6,562
59

33
players

10. Poco

Poco is the story of the world's smallest clown, who is banished from the circus and finds themself in a mysterious undergrowth full of lost and broken things. Explore, meet strange creatures, solve puzzles, and help Poco return to the circus in this charming 2D/3D hybrid point-and-click adventure. Poco is a point & click, story rich and exploration game developed by Whalefall and published by Micah Boursier. Released on May 20th 2025 has received 1,327 reviews of which 1,315 were positive and 12 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.4
1,315
12

29
players