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.

Filters & Lists
Thirty Flights of Loving Explore the world of Thirty Flights of Loving through a first-person short story. Take a deep dive with high-flying schemers, lovelorn criminals, and more stray kittens than you can shake a stick at.

Price -89% 0.55€
Rating 6.2
Release 20 Aug 2012
MapleStory Join over 260 million players worldwide in MapleStory, the world’s biggest 2D MMORPG adventure! Play now for free.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.2
Release 09 Aug 2012
Deponia In Deponia, the world has degenerated into a vast garbage dump, in which the crotchety Rufus ekes out his sorry existence.

Price -95% 0.54€
Rating 8.5
Release 06 Aug 2012
The Book of Unwritten Tales In a world torn by war, the aged gremlin archaeologist Mortimer MacGuffin harbors the dark secret of a powerful artifact.

Price -96% 0.88€
Rating 8.7
Release 31 Jul 2012
Prototype 2 Become the ultimate shape-shifting weapon!

Price 29.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 26 Jul 2012
Resonance When a brilliant particle physicist dies unexpectedly, the race is on to secure his terrible new technology before it falls into the wrong hands. The lives of four playable characters become entangled as they fight against the clock to find the dead scientist’s secret vault.

Price 14.79€
Rating 8.4
Release 25 Jul 2012
Divine Divinity Divine Divinity is an epic role-playing game with hack-and-slash action, offering a huge world to explore and thousands of items to investigate, trade and use.

Price -21% 3.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 05 Jul 2012
The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav Face your Destiny! In Andergast, whose inhabitants are considered to be superstitious, King Efferdan awaits a state visit from high-ranking dignitaries. For centuries the kingdom has been at odds with neighboring Nostria, but now first steps are being undertaken toward a lasting peace.

Price -96% 0.87€
Rating 8.3
Release 22 Jun 2012
LEGO® Batman™ 2: DC Super Heroes Legends Unite! The Dynamic Duo of Batman and Robin join other famous super heroes from the DC Universe including Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern to save Gotham City from destruction at the hands of the notorious villains Lex Luthor and the Joker.

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 22 Jun 2012
Indie Game: The Movie The emotional journey of four developers as they sacrifice money, health and sanity to realize their lifelong dreams of sharing their games with the world.

Price -92% 0.85€
Rating 8.8
Release 12 Jun 2012
Game of Thrones Experience an amazing adventure in one of the most fascinating universes! Amidst conspiracy and betrayal, try to survive the orchestrated machinations around the Iron Throne.

Price -22% 11.83€
Rating 7.0
Release 07 Jun 2012
The Lord of the Rings Online™ Join the world’s greatest fellowship of players in the award-winning online re-creation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendary Middle-earth.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 06 Jun 2012
Max Payne 3 No longer a New York City cop, Max Payne moves to São Paulo to protect a wealthy family in an effort to finally escape his troubled past. This complete edition of Max Payne 3 includes the complete original game and all previously released downloadable content.

Price -31% 13.89€
Rating 8.5
Release 31 May 2012
Ys Origin The perfect mix of action, exploration and story with screen-filling bosses, unique platforming elements, and innovative puzzles.

Price -94% 0.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 31 May 2012
Magical Diary: Horse Hall You have been invited to attend a magical school. You can make new friends, learn spells, face exams, run for class office, and try to find a date for the May Day Ball.

Price -92% 1.19€
Rating 8.5
Release 31 May 2012
Alan Wake's American Nightmare A thrilling new storyline, hordes of creepy enemies, serious firepower and beautiful Arizona locations, combined with a fun and challenging new game mode!

Price -96% 0.42€
Rating 7.1
Release 22 May 2012
Thief™ II: The Metal Age The ultimate thief is back! Tread softly as you make your way through 15 new complex, non-linear levels full of loot to steal and guards to outsmart. Improved enemy AI, new gadgets and a riveting story will draw you into the world of Thief™ II: The Metal Age, a place of powerful new technologies, fanatical religions and corruption.

Price -75% 1.74€
Rating 9.0
Release 22 May 2012
Thief™ Gold Stalk your prey on the quest for stolen goods with your blackjack, sword, and an assortment of unique arrows. Steal for money and uncover the hidden agendas of your allies and enemies as you play through an unravelling story of deception and revenge.

Price -75% 1.74€
Rating 8.9
Release 22 May 2012
The Dream Machine: Chapter 1 & 2 The Dream Machine is an award-winning point & click adventure game about exploring other people's dreams. It's built by hand using materials such as clay, cardboard and broccoli.

Price -83% 0.69€
Rating 8.3
Release 11 May 2012
Botanicula Humor-filled indie adventure game created by the makers of Machinarium and Samorost.

Price -92% 1.20€
Rating 9.2
Release 07 May 2012
Analogue: A Hate Story A dark visual mystery novel featuring transhumanism, traditional marriage, loneliness, and cosplay. Two pursuable characters. Five endings. Welcome to the future.

Price -85% 1.48€
Rating 8.9
Release 27 Apr 2012
Risen 2: Dark Waters Set several years after the end of Risen, raging titans have devastated the world and pushed humanity to the brink of existence. Subsequently, monstrous creatures have risen from the watery depths of the sea and their attacks have brought all seafaring to a grinding halt.

Price -83% 1.71€
Rating 7.8
Release 26 Apr 2012
Binary Domain Set in futuristic Tokyo, take control of the robotic community before they control everything!

Price -96% 0.64€
Rating 8.3
Release 26 Apr 2012
The Walking Dead A five-part adventure horror series set in the same universe as Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic book series.

Price -90% 1.47€
Rating 9.6
Release 24 Apr 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!