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
Machinarium Machinarium is the award-winning independent adventure game developed by the makers of Samorost series, Botanicula and CHUCHEL. Help Josef the robot save his girlfriend Berta kidnapped by the Black Cap Brotherhood gang!

Price -88% 2.43€
Rating 9.3
Release 16 Oct 2009
Nancy Drew®: Curse of Blackmoor Manor Delve into Dark Legends Lurking in the Shadow of an Old English Mansion!

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.2
Release 10 Oct 2009
Nancy Drew®: Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon Catch this train — it’s your ticket to solving a century-old mystery!

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.9
Release 10 Oct 2009
Risen Delve into a gritty, raw and atmospheric fantasy world in which every action has a consequence. In the epic world of Risen, filled with mysterious earthquakes, fearsome monsters and unimaginable treasures, forge your path with the sword, learn the art of staff fighting or become a powerful mage.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 02 Oct 2009
STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast™ The Legacy of Star Wars Dark Forces™ and Star Wars® Jedi Knight lives on in the intense first-person action of Jedi Outcast.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.8
Release 16 Sep 2009
STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy™ Forge your weapon and follow the path of the Jedi Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is the latest installment of the highly acclaimed Jedi Knight series. Take on the role of a new student eager to learn the ways of the Force from Jedi Master Luke Skywalker.

Price 9.75€
Rating 9.3
Release 16 Sep 2009
STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II picks up where the award-winning Dark Forces™ game left off...with even more features and firepower in dazzling 3D graphics. As Kyle Katarn, you must acquire a lightsaber and learn the ways of the Force to become a Jedi Knight.

Price 5.89€
Rating 7.7
Release 16 Sep 2009
STAR WARS™ Knights of the Old Republic™ It is four thousand years before the Galactic Empire and hundreds of Jedi Knights have fallen in battle against the ruthless Sith. You are the last hope of the Jedi Order. Can you master the awesome power of the Force on your quest to save the Republic? Or will you fall to the lure of the dark side?

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.9
Release 05 Sep 2009
Prince of Persia®: The Sands of Time Amidst the scorched sands of ancient Persia, there is a legend spun in an ancient tongue. It speaks of a time borne by blood and ruled by deceit. Drawn to the dark powers of a magic dagger, a young Prince is led to unleash a deadly evil upon a beautiful kingdom.

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 27 Aug 2009
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory® The year is 2008. Citywide blackouts ... stock exchange sabotage ... electronic hijacking of national defense systems ... this is information warfare. To prevent these attacks, operatives must infiltrate deep into hostile territory and aggressively collect critical intelligence, closer than ever to enemy soldiers.

Price -75% 2.49€
Rating 9.0
Release 27 Aug 2009
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones™ The Prince of Persia, a seasoned warrior, returns from the Island of Time to Babylon with his love, Kaileena. Instead of the peace that he longs for, he finds his homeland ravaged by war and the kingdom turned against him.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 27 Aug 2009
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within™ Enter the dark underworld of Prince of Persia Warrior Within, the sword-slashing sequel to the critically acclaimed Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time™. Hunted by Dahaka, an immortal incarnation of Fate seeking divine retribution, the Prince embarks upon a path of both carnage and mystery to defy his preordained death.

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 27 Aug 2009
Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game Fallout® 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed game that took RPG'ing out of the dungeons and into a dynamic, apocalyptic retro-future. It's been 80 long years since your ancestors trod across the wastelands.

Price 9.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 19 Aug 2009
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel Tactical Squad-Based Combat comes to the Fallout® Universe! You are the wretched refuse. You may be born from dirt, but we will forge you into steel. You will learn to bend; if not you, will you break. In these dark times, the Brotherhood - your Brotherhood - is all that stands between the rekindled flame of civilization and the howling,...

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.6
Release 19 Aug 2009
Space Quest™ Collection Experience a blast from the past with the complete, completely twisted Space Quest Collection.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 23 Jul 2009
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition Back by popular demand, The Secret of Monkey Island™: Special Edition faithfully re-imagines the internationally-acclaimed classic game (originally released in 1990) for original and new audiences alike.

Price -90% 1.00€
Rating 9.2
Release 15 Jul 2009
The Dig® An asteroid the size of a small moon is on a crash course toward Earth. Once the wayward asteroid is nuked into a safe orbit, a trio conducts a routine examination of the rocky surface. What they uncover is anything but routine.

Price 5.89€
Rating 8.7
Release 08 Jul 2009
Indiana Jones® and the Fate of Atlantis™ The Man With The Hat Is Back In His Greatest Adventure Yet! 1939 - The eve of World War II. Nazi agents are about to get their hands on a weapon more dangerous than the atom bomb. Only Indy can stop them before they unleash the deadly secret that sank Atlantis.

Price 5.89€
Rating 8.9
Release 08 Jul 2009
LOOM™ Long after the passing of the Second Shadow, when dragons ruled the twilight sky and the stars were bright and numerous, came the Age of the Great Guilds. Blacksmiths. Shepherds. Clerics. Each dedicated to the absolute control of secret knowledge. Another such Guild was the Weavers.

Price 5.89€
Rating 8.4
Release 08 Jul 2009
Tales of Monkey Island: Complete Season While explosively stripping the evil pirate LeChuck of his demonic mojo, Guybrush Threepwood inadvertently infects the entire Caribbean with the arch-fiend's expelled voodoo, which threatens to transform buccaneers into unruly pirate monsters.

Price -92% 1.00€
Rating 8.4
Release 07 Jul 2009
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood THE OLD WEST, 1864. In order to save their family, the McCall brothers will kill anyone who stands between them and the legendary Gold of Juarez.

Price -96% 0.47€
Rating 8.4
Release 02 Jul 2009
Call of Cthulhu®: Dark Corners of the Earth Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth is a first-person horror game that combines intense action and adventure elements.

Price 4.99€
Rating 6.6
Release 16 Jun 2009
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Game of the Year Edition (2009) PUBLISHER UPDATE - This is the product page for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition, released in 2009. ---The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Game of the Year Edition presents one of the best RPGs of all time like never before. Step inside the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created.

Price 14.99€
Rating 9.4
Release 16 Jun 2009
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind® Game of the Year Edition The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind® Game of the Year Edition includes Morrowind plus all of the content from the Bloodmoon and Tribunal expansions. The original Mod Construction Set is not included in this package. An epic, open-ended single-player RPG, Morrowind allows you to create and play any kind of character imaginable.

Price 14.99€
Rating 9.3
Release 16 Jun 2009

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