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
Isolomus Bite-sized surreal horror with multiple choices. Make your own way through the claymation madness!

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 04 Dec 2020
DRAGON QUEST® XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age™ - Definitive Edition The Definitive Edition includes the critically acclaimed DRAGON QUEST XI, plus additional scenarios, orchestral soundtrack, 2D mode and more! Whether you are a longtime fan or a new adventurer, this is the ultimate DQXI experience.

Price 39.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 04 Dec 2020
Haven Two lovers gave up everything and escaped to a lost planet to be together. Glide through a mysterious landscape, explore a fragmented world and fight against what’s trying to tear them apart in this RPG adventure about love, rebellion, and freedom.

Price -80% 5.11€
Rating 8.7
Release 03 Dec 2020
Creeper World 4 The unstoppable fluid enemy has returned and destroyed every world in its path! Defend against Creeper as it floods across the 3D terrain in this real time strategy game where the enemy is a fluid.

Price -57% 10.54€
Rating 9.2
Release 03 Dec 2020
Arise: A Simple Story Embark on an emotional journey of losing the love of one's life. Manipulate time, solve puzzles, reshape surroundings as you push forward into the bittersweet recollections of a past life. This is a story about happiness and hardship, joy and sorrow. A story that all of us will one day experience.

Price -97% 0.64€
Rating 8.8
Release 03 Dec 2020
Sam & Max Save the World An open-and-shut case of petty vandalism balloons into a far-flung mind-control conspiracy involving former child stars, the media, the mafia, the government, the internet, and the bright side of the moon. Telltale's episodic classic, lovingly remastered by members of the original development team.

Price -87% 2.33€
Rating 8.9
Release 02 Dec 2020
Red Dead Online Step into the vibrant, ever-evolving world of Red Dead Online and experience life in frontier America. Chase down bounties, battle outlaw gangs and other players, hunt, fish and trade, search for exotic treasures, run Moonshine, and much more to discover in a world of astounding depth and detail.

Price -50% 9.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 01 Dec 2020
Summerland Summerland is a first-person narrative game about morality and the afterlife. You take control of Matthew, a detective reliving the events of his past, being questioned on his morals along the way. In every door lies another memory, and every memory unlocks another door.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 01 Dec 2020
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante — Chapter 1&2 A narrative-driven hardcore RPG set in a gritty world where the gods are real. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice you make has a price to pay and consequence to it. Will you become an inquisitor, a judge, or conspire against the old order? Dare to decide!

Price Free to play
Rating 9.2
Release 01 Dec 2020
Project Wingman Project Wingman is a flight action game that lets you take the seat of advanced fighter jets and become a true ace. Fight in various missions and gamemodes ranging from intense aerial dogfights to large scale ground assault in an alternate scorched earth setting.

Price -67% 8.41€
Rating 9.2
Release 01 Dec 2020
NEKOPARA Vol. 4 Despite the popularity of, "La Soleil", Kashou's father continues to disapprove of it. Determined to get his father to approve of him, Kashou journeys to France to seek advice from the teacher who taught him his craft. A new chapter awaits in the next volume of the NEKOPARA series!

Price 9.75€
Rating 9.4
Release 26 Nov 2020
HIVESWAP: ACT 2 Continue Joey and Xefros’s adventure through the dark and dangerous planet Alternia. Meet dozens of unique and memorable characters, some more helpful than others, as you navigate this volatile alien culture. Hurry up! There’s a train to catch.

Price 12.49€
Rating 8.3
Release 25 Nov 2020
Lighthouse Keeper This dark act takes place from a single day of the Lighthouse Keeper. Listen to keeper carefully and help him to interrupt his twenty-years-old shift at the Lighthouse.

Price 1.49€
Rating 7.4
Release 22 Nov 2020
Aurora: A Child's Journey Guide Aurora through this beautiful adventure using her imagination to discover who's responsible for the fire that is ravaging her village and its surroundings.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 20 Nov 2020
~Be a maid in the Demon World~ The Secret Café of the Demon Angel Hero. The protagonist who Reincarnated to the Demon World became a black mascot, in order to restore his original appearance. Use the knowledge of the "different world" to transform the little devil's tavern into a maid cafe, and aim for the first maid cafe in the demon world!

Price -60% 6.39€
Rating 7.4
Release 20 Nov 2020
UNREAL LIFE And now, for today's story.

Price -56% 7.40€
Rating 9.1
Release 19 Nov 2020
At Dead Of Night At Dead Of Night is part horror film, part horror game and part ghost hunt. It blends live-action and graphics to create a unique immersive horror experience like no other.

Price 15.79€
Rating 9.0
Release 19 Nov 2020
Shenmue III Shenmue III sees the eagerly anticipated continuation of the epic story-driven saga. Take control of Ryo Hazuki, a teenage martial artist, determined to unravel the mystery behind his father's murder and to exact revenge on the killer.

Price -98% 0.64€
Rating 7.1
Release 19 Nov 2020
Five Dates Five Dates is an interactive rom-com about the unpredictable world of digital dating. With five potential female matches, Vinny explores whether compatibility, chemistry and connection is still possible in a world where physical touch is no longer an option.

Price -97% 0.47€
Rating 8.2
Release 17 Nov 2020
Fragile Get pulled into the nightmares of reality as you play as an abducted girl from the ger district of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Uncover a secret organization that deals in human trafficking and other horrendous activities. Try to escape from the scariest place on earth!

Price 8.19€
Rating 6.2
Release 11 Nov 2020
Observer: System Redux The year is 2084. In a dark cyberpunk world shattered by plagues and wars, become a neural police detective and hack into the jagged minds of others. Make use of anything they felt, thought, or remembered to solve the case and catch the elusive killer.

Price -70% 9.21€
Rating 8.3
Release 10 Nov 2020
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin Discover the true power of rice in Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin! Take on hordes of demons in side-scrolling combat to reclaim the land as Sakuna, a spoiled harvest goddess banished to a dangerous island. Then, return to your mountain village and tend a field full of glorious rice.

Price -59% 12.50€
Rating 8.9
Release 10 Nov 2020
The Falconeer Soar through the skies aboard a majestic warbird, explore a stunning oceanic world and engage in epic aerial dogfights, in this BAFTA-nominated air combat game from solo developer, Tomas Sala.

Price -98% 0.51€
Rating 7.3
Release 10 Nov 2020
Yakuza: Like a Dragon Become Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza grunt left on the brink of death by the man he trusted most. Take up your legendary bat and get ready to crack some underworld skulls in dynamic RPG combat set against the backdrop of modern-day Japan.

Price -76% 4.90€
Rating 9.3
Release 10 Nov 2020

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!