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, check out lists of the most played, top deals and best free to play Story Rich games on Steam.

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DmC: Devil May Cry In this retelling of Dante's origin story which is set against a contemporary backdrop, DmC Devil May Cry™ retains the stylish action.

Price -98% 0.64€
Rating 9.1
Release 24 Jan 2013
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition The classic adventure returns! Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition includes the original Baldur’s Gate adventure, the Tales of the Sword Coast expansion, and all-new content including three new party members.

Price -69% 6.20€
Rating 9.0
Release 16 Jan 2013
Sacred 2 Gold Experience the world of Ancaria in its full glory with Sacred 2: Gold Edition. Containing Sacred 2 Fallen Angel and the awesome add-on Ice and Blood. Defeat countless dangerous enemies; capture powerful weapons and valuable treasures. Prepare yourself for the ultimate battle and become a legend.

Price -90% 1.50€
Rating 7.4
Release 21 Dec 2012
Waking Mars In 2097, life is discovered on Mars. When your mission of first contact becomes trapped by a cave-in, you must master the alien ecosystem to survive. Soon you stumble upon more than anyone expected, and with time running out, you will make a decision that determines the fate of a lost planet.

Price -96% 0.34€
Rating 8.4
Release 13 Dec 2012
Sea Dogs: To Each His Own 1654 AC. The Caribbean. A place of opportunities and mysteries.

Price -96% 0.62€
Rating 7.1
Release 06 Dec 2012
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Take control of two powerful and highly evolved vampires: Kain, an all-powerful demigod, and Raziel, a demonic angel of death. Each equipped with a legendary sword, Kain & Raziel must battle through a world loaded with conflict and intrigue as they attempt to unravel their destinies and defeat the dark forces that seek to condemn...

Price -92% 0.57€
Rating 8.1
Release 06 Dec 2012
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2 (2001) In this sequel to the critically acclaimed Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, reassume the role of Raziel, and travel back through the currents of time into various eras of Nosgoth's past in your relentless pursuit of Kain.

Price 6.99€
Rating 6.4
Release 06 Dec 2012
Primordia Life has ceased. Man is but a myth. And now, even the machines have begun to fail. Lead Horatio Nullbuilt and his sarcastic sidekick Crispin on a journey through the crumbling world of Primordia, facing malfunctioning robots, ancient secrets, and an implacable, power-hungry foe.

Price -69% 3.11€
Rating 9.3
Release 05 Dec 2012
Tomb Raider II (1997) The second instalment in the Tomb Raider series invites you to join Lara as she travels around the globe to retrieve a precious artefact before it falls into the wrong hands. The legendary artefact, the Dagger of Xian, is said to give its possessor the power of a fire breathing dragon.

Price 6.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 28 Nov 2012
Far Cry 3 Discover the dark secrets of a lawless island ruled by violence and take the fight to the enemy as you try to escape. You’ll need more than luck to escape alive!

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 28 Nov 2012
Miasmata Miasmata is a first-person survival/adventure game, developed from the ground-up by brothers Joe and Bob Johnson. You play as Robert Hughes, a plague-stricken scientist on a journey to discover a cure. Your adventure begins on the shores of a remote and mysterious island.

Price -90% 1.61€
Rating 7.4
Release 28 Nov 2012
Hitman: Absolution™ The original assassin is back! Betrayed by the Agency and hunted by the police, Agent 47 finds himself pursuing redemption in a corrupt and twisted world.

Price -90% 1.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 19 Nov 2012
Sonic Adventure 2 Experience two unique adventures featuring both long-time heroes and new and returning villains as they battle for the fate of the world!

Price -80% 2.00€
Rating 8.7
Release 19 Nov 2012
Little Inferno Throw your toys into your fire, and play with them as they burn. An adventure that takes place almost entirely in front of a fireplace - about looking up up up out of the chimney, and the cold world just on the other side of the wall. From the creators of World of Goo and Human Resource Machine.

Price -72% 4.18€
Rating 9.2
Release 19 Nov 2012
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.

Price -95% 0.46€
Rating 9.1
Release 12 Nov 2012
Chaos on Deponia With this long-expected sequel to the critically highly acclaimed and lavishly praised Deponia, the player enters round two. Chaos on Deponia turns out to be even wackier than its predecessor and instantly puts the player under its spell.

Price -97% 0.73€
Rating 8.7
Release 06 Nov 2012
Defender's Quest: Valley of the Forgotten (DX edition) Defender's Quest is a Tower-Defense/RPG Hybrid tightly focuses on three things: tactical depth, customization, and story

Price 12.49€
Rating 9.1
Release 30 Oct 2012
Condemned: Criminal Origins What twists the mind of an ordinary human into a serial killer?

Price -96% 0.44€
Rating 8.4
Release 29 Oct 2012
Divinity II: Developer's Cut Dragons: they have been hunted, they have been slain, but now the hour to strike back has come.

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 29 Oct 2012
Lucius Equipped with supernatural powers, take control of Lucius as he begins his blood filled tour of horror through his own house.

Price -69% 3.10€
Rating 7.9
Release 26 Oct 2012
Deadlight “Probably the best downloadable title on the market right now.” 9/10 – Eurogamer.se

Price -96% 0.51€
Rating 7.7
Release 25 Oct 2012
Edna & Harvey: Harvey's New Eyes From the creators of the award winning games “The Whispered World” and “Deponia” comes this extraordinary game Edna & Harvey: Harvey's New Eyes.

Price -96% 0.96€
Rating 8.5
Release 16 Oct 2012
Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken Annihilate an evil penguin regime in this cinematic platform adventure game offering full solo and co-op campaigns.

Price -92% 0.42€
Rating 7.7
Release 15 Oct 2012
Dishonored Dishonored is an immersive first-person action game that casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. With Dishonored’s flexible combat system, creatively eliminate your targets as you combine the supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal.

Price -91% 0.93€
Rating 9.6
Release 11 Oct 2012

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!