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
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition Welcome to the 1980s. From the decade of big hair and pastel suits comes the story of one man's rise to the top of the criminal pile. Grand Theft Auto returns with Tommy Vercetti’s tale of betrayal and revenge in a neon-soaked tropical town full of excess and brimming with possibilities.

Price -60% 23.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 19 Jan 2023
Lunar Mirror "Lunar Mirror" It is a horror suspense decryption game with the theme of Cthulhu in the research institute. Nishimura Qiren's girlfriend mysteriously disappeared on campus. As the investigation deepened, strange events happened one after another

Price -45% 4.67€
Rating 7.6
Release 19 Jan 2023
A Space for the Unbound A magical adventure about two high school sweethearts set at the end of their school days - and the end of the world. Explore a crumbling town and help friends face their inner demons, which could be the key to stopping reality itself disintegrating. And don’t forget to pet the cats.

Price -85% 2.98€
Rating 9.4
Release 19 Jan 2023
Lake Haven - Chrysalis This game serves as a prequel chapter for the upcoming game 'Lake Haven'. Detective Zeke Reynold is called to investigate what he assumes will be another case he'll quickly forget, but what he finds will be sewn into the fabric of his existence forever.

Price 2.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 18 Jan 2023
Persona 3 Portable If I say there’s an hour “hidden” between one day and the next... would you believe me? Master the power of the heart, Persona, and uncover the tragic truth of the Dark Hour.

Price -36% 12.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 18 Jan 2023
The Bad Kids As an adaptation of the popular suspecse TV series, Cat's Cradle, this game combines investigation, solving puzzles and reasoning with original stories, which can build a more Immersive experience. Game will build new stories based on original setting and focus on the inner world of the character.

Price 7.70€
Rating 7.2
Release 17 Jan 2023
Demons Roots In a final struggle for survival, demonkind again invaded the human world. However, the world they return to after years in the darkness isn't the same as it once was...

Price 16.79€
Rating 8.9
Release 13 Jan 2023
Finnish Army Simulator Military service, just like you remember it! Or if you don’t, you’ll feel like you do.

Price 29.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 13 Jan 2023
Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2 Join an elite group of civilian agents in this action-packed RPG shooter. Engage in intense tactical combat, team-up with your friends, and survive in a dynamic open world to save Washington, D.C.

Price 29.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 12 Jan 2023
ONE PIECE ODYSSEY A brand new RPG set in the world of the popular anime, ONE PIECE! Play as members of the Straw Hat Crew in a fantastic adventure set in the ONE PIECE world!

Price 39.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 12 Jan 2023
Sailing Era Every voyage is a journey of "Sailing & Beyond" in Sailing Era! Navigate your fleet and sail for fun; run a business; have a romantic encounter in the tavern; capture pirates amid intense battle; explore inland for treasure... Experience foreign culture, make novel discoveries, and sail away!

Price -78% 5.59€
Rating 7.7
Release 11 Jan 2023
Children of Silentown Children of Silentown is a dark adventure game that tells the story of Lucy, a girl growing up in a village deep in a forest inhabited by monsters. People disappearing is nothing uncommon here, but this time, Lucy is old enough to investigate on her own. Or so she thinks.

Price -96% 0.84€
Rating 8.3
Release 11 Jan 2023
Atrio: The Dark Wild Keep your disposable android-body alive by automating everything. Automate farming, foraging, crafting and capturing - and even assimilate creatures into your production lines during your impossible mission to relight the world.

Price 16.79€
Rating 7.7
Release 10 Jan 2023
Fears to Fathom - Carson House Noah Baker, an 18 year old highschooler experiences unsettling occurrences while house-sitting for a media personality, little did he know what was about to unfold that night.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 09 Jan 2023
东北之夏 DongBeiZhiXia (a summer in the northeast of China)is a free visual novel, which tells the story that the protagonist followed parents' wishes to make one's living in Shenyang, met two online anchors Huniu and Daojiang by chance, and experience affairs one after another with Shamate.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.5
Release 09 Jan 2023
Breakout 13 Breakout 13 is a thrilling narrative game with interactive cinematic experience. Based on true stories. Embark on a revealing journey as you attempt to break free from a negligent correctional institute and carve out your own path to justice. Each decision you make shapes the story.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.5
Release 08 Jan 2023
Good Pizza, Great Pizza - Cooking Simulator Game Ever wanted to know what it feels like to run your own cozy Pizza shop? Do your best to fulfill pizza orders from customers while making enough money to keep your shop open. Upgrade your shop with new toppings and equipment to compete against your pizza rival, Alicante!

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.6
Release 06 Jan 2023
The Backrooms: Lost Tape You work in the cinema as an usher and accidentally fell into the Backrooms, now being trapped, needing to unravel the mysteries of the yellow rooms in order to get out of this place, but be careful, there are entities that will be in your way.

Price 8.79€
Rating 8.1
Release 23 Dec 2022
Otome * Domain An inconveniently orphaned young man must attend an all-girls school just to survive in this comedy visual novel. His housemates took him in when he was in trouble, but now he doesn't know who's taking care of who...!

Price -30% 17.15€
Rating 9.1
Release 22 Dec 2022
The House of Da Vinci 3 The grand finale to The House of Da Vinci trilogy is here! Solve numerous new puzzles and mind benders and explore new mystifying locations of ravishing beauty.

Price -37% 12.63€
Rating 8.5
Release 22 Dec 2022
Sail Forth Sail a fleet of customizable ships across an ocean whose ancient depths have swallowed the key to the mysterious past. Befriend fishfolk to expand your boat crews, take up arms against petulant pirates, and chart a course across an expansive watery world. Will you answer the call of High Adventure?

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.7
Release 21 Dec 2022
Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator Fresh Start is a relaxing single player game, in which you embark on a mission to clean up the world and restore nature to its fresh and colorful shape. Watch as the world changes in front of your eyes as you help animals, solve puzzles and grow plants around you.

Price -92% 0.68€
Rating 8.4
Release 20 Dec 2022
Super Lesbian Animal RPG Melody has decided to become a healer in this classic-inspired turn-based RPG about love, anxiety, and fighting funny-looking monsters in dungeons.

Price 12.49€
Rating 9.4
Release 20 Dec 2022
CaseCracker In order to improve the efficiency of selecting talents, the Chicheng police specially developed a test system-the true detection system, with the black robe company. As a tester, you need to complete the cracking of the case under the rules of the system.

Price 8.19€
Rating 8.7
Release 19 Dec 2022

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 16th 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 64,881 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
736,688
23,974

64,881
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 27,550 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

27,550
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 26,721 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

26,721
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 24,571 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

24,571
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 12,939 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

12,939
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 11,105 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

11,105
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 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 4,418 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.1
223,635
18,432

4,418
players

8. 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 4,354 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.9
22,421
2,353

4,354
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 3,972 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

3,972
players

10. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT

From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time? DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT is a story rich, open world and walking simulator game developed by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and published by 505 Games. Released on March 30th 2022 has received 39,516 reviews of which 36,697 were positive and 2,819 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 3,768 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.1
36,697
2,819

3,768
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 16th 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€ 0.51€

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. 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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in story rich games.
8.1
6,679
1,309

-99% 12.49€ 0.22€

4. 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 #4 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.8
6,789
1,730

-99% 45.99€ 0.88€

5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.6
846
221

-99% 19.99€ 0.34€

6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.4
554
161

-99% 24.99€ 0.40€

7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.3
1,227
386

-99% 19.99€ 0.37€

8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for story rich games.
6.8
666
274

-99% 49.99€ 0.42€

9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9
7,522
583

-98% 19.50€ 0.55€

10. 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 3,338 reviews of which 3,080 were positive and 258 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 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.
8.9
3,080
258

-98% 29.99€ 0.76€

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 16th 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 11,105 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

11,105
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 498, this story rich game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
9.0
2,173
144

498
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 480, 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

480
players

4. 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 343 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free story rich games on Steam.
9.5
162,769
6,432

343
players

5. 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 320 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free story rich games on Steam.
9.3
71,592
3,922

320
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 198 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

198
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 987 reviews of which 751 were positive and 236 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
751
236

30
players

8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.6
6,562
59

27
players

9. 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 1,350 reviews of which 1,337 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.3
1,337
13

24
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 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 #10 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.5
14,753
404

22
players