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

Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition

SAIL THE STARS. BETRAY YOUR QUEEN. MURDER A SUN. Sunless Skies is a Gothic Horror roleplay game with a focus on exploration and exquisite storytelling.

Price 22.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 31 Jan 2019

9-nine-:Episode 1

Help Miyako and Kakeru track down a superpowered serial killer before they strike again.

Price 19.50€
Rating 9.0
Release 31 Jan 2019

Resident Evil 2

A deadly virus engulfs the residents of Raccoon City in September of 1998, plunging the city into chaos as flesh eating zombies roam the streets for survivors. An unparalleled adrenaline rush, gripping storyline, and unimaginable horrors await you. Witness the return of Resident Evil 2.

Price 39.99€
Rating 9.6
Release 24 Jan 2019

A Fisherman's Tale

Bend and twist reality in A Fisherman's Tale, the mind-bending VR puzzle adventure game in which being turned upside down and inside out is not merely a play on words.

Price -93% 1.04€
Rating 8.9
Release 22 Jan 2019

CHAOS;CHILD

From the creators of the critically acclaimed STEINS;GATE comes a sensational new visual novel: CHAOS;CHILD. Set in Shibuya in 2015, a group of high school students who survived an earthquake six years ago find themselves at the center of a new series of bizarre murders in the city.

Price 20.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 22 Jan 2019

SENRAN KAGURA Burst Re:Newal

Experience the original SENRAN KAGURA Burst, the beginning of the world's best-loved buxom battle series, like never before! Tackle the classic ninja brawler from a whole new perspective in gorgeous, fluid HD, with new features and mechanics throughout!

Price 29.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 22 Jan 2019

The Hong Kong Massacre

Blast your way through the streets of Hong Kong in a fast-paced, top-down shooter. Inspired by classic action movies, The Hong Kong Massacre places you at the center of a hard-boiled revenge story, filled with brutal, cinematic shootouts and vivid underworld locations.

Price -80% 3.90€
Rating 7.2
Release 21 Jan 2019

Strange Telephone

Strange Telephone is a 2D adventure game in which the player explores strange worlds created with merely 6 digits, and has multiple endings.

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 21 Jan 2019

Age of Fear: The Free World

Age of Fear: The Free World is an introduction to a decade-old turn-based strategy series that fuses a tabletop wargame with RPG elements. Choose your faction (Undead Legion, Human Kingdom or Greenskins Horde), build a unique army and embark on exploring the realm!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.9
Release 18 Jan 2019

YIIK: A Postmodern RPG

Experience YIIK: A Postmodern RPG 1.5 (I.V) update with revamped battles and cutscenes. A child relinquishes her name for a birthday invite, hoping to find her brother. Alex's reality unravels, guided by a mysterious cat, witnessing a woman vanish, igniting an obsession that threatens his world.

Price 19.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 17 Jan 2019

She and the Light Bearer

She and the Light Bearer is a point and click adventure game, a poem, a fairy tale. Take a journey inside a vibrantly colored forest, meet silly creatures, listen to serene folk music, and discover somber secrets.

Price 9.75€
Rating 7.9
Release 17 Jan 2019

Onimusha: Warlords

Capcom’s riveting samurai adventure returns! This version includes the original game’s intense swordplay and dramatic revenge story, plus improved controls, widescreen display, a new soundtrack, and more. Experience this enhanced version of the best-selling action-adventure classic!

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 15 Jan 2019

What Never Was

What Never Was is a short, story-driven first-person game focused on exploration and puzzle-solving about Sarah, having to shoulder the arduous task of clearing out her grandfathers attic, and soon finds that not everything about the attic is what it seems.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 11 Jan 2019

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Tales of Vesperia and the return of this fan-favorite with the Definitive Edition!

Price 39.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 10 Jan 2019

Catherine Classic

Catherine: a tale of love, betrayal, and the terror of commitment. Experience the mature action-adventure-puzzle game unlike any other from the makers of the Persona series, now enhanced for PC in all its Classic glory. Is love over? Climb to the top or die trying.

Price -70% 5.90€
Rating 8.5
Release 10 Jan 2019

Tailor Tales

Play as an aspiring fashion designer with your own boutique and experience a heart pounding romance.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 09 Jan 2019

Zeliria Sanctuary

Sense of reality has not yet returned after a teleportation experiment. Purple hamsters, girls with tails, medieval knights - a fantastic world of an alien planet, where you will lead special forces soldier Maxx.

Price 8.19€
Rating 8.3
Release 06 Jan 2019

Pamali: Indonesian Folklore Horror

A narrative horror game set in the daily lives of Indonesian society. Interact with various mystical objects as you explore haunted places, unravel their lingering mysteries, and experience how Indonesian myth, taboo and culture, combined with your choices, shape the course of your nights.

Price 14.79€
Rating 7.9
Release 27 Dec 2018

Heartbound

Heartbound is a non-traditional role-playing game about a boy, his dog, secrets, and sanity.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.3
Release 24 Dec 2018

sweet pool

As madness and horror devour his world, can Youji find hope amid the nightmare? Experience a bond deeper and darker than love in this unforgettable visual novel.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.3
Release 19 Dec 2018

ATOM RPG: Post-apocalyptic indie game

ATOM RPG is a post-apocalyptic indie game, inspired by classic CRPGs: Fallout, Wasteland, Deus Ex, Baldur's Gate and many others.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 19 Dec 2018

Wrench

Wrench is a mechanic simulator where players prepare and maintain race cars. The parts in Wrench are the most detailed of any game in the genre. Extreme attention has been paid to even the smallest components, including fasteners which are accurate to the thread pitch and install torque.

Price 28.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 19 Dec 2018

Gujian3(古剑奇谭三)

Gujian 3 is a mass 3D single-person RPG developed by Aurogon Info & Tech (Shanghai), a subsidiary of Wangyuan Shengtang. As the latest hit of the Gujian series, it boasts more free and smooth combat experience with its full real-time combat system. This generation expands the world of Gujian based on previous works.

Price 24.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 14 Dec 2018

GRIS

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Price -84% 2.42€
Rating 9.5
Release 13 Dec 2018

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 May 13th 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 752,974 reviews of which 729,226 were positive and 23,748 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 72,519 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
729,226
23,748

72,519
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 64,606 reviews of which 61,076 were positive and 3,530 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 61,925 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among story rich games based on player count.
9.3
61,076
3,530

61,925
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 721,250 reviews of which 664,977 were positive and 56,273 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 22,326 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
664,977
56,273

22,326
players

4. 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 turn-based tactics game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 56,853 reviews of which 48,842 were positive and 8,011 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 9,526 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.5
48,842
8,011

9,526
players

5. 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 20,420 reviews of which 18,391 were positive and 2,029 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 6,823 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.8
18,391
2,029

6,823
players

6. 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 829,157 reviews of which 797,036 were positive and 32,121 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 6,266 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.5
797,036
32,121

6,266
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 241,010 reviews of which 222,669 were positive and 18,341 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 4,124 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.1
222,669
18,341

4,124
players

8. 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 101,178 reviews of which 97,765 were positive and 3,413 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 3,772 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.5
97,765
3,413

3,772
players

9. The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-

Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi join forces for the first time to deliver the ULTIMATE adventure game! 15 students are tasked with defending a school from grotesque monsters for 100 days. Can they make it to the end? And will they survive long enough to uncover the truth? The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is a multiple endings, adventure and story rich game developed by Too Kyo Games and Media.Vision Inc. and published by Aniplex Inc.. Released on April 23rd 2025 has received 3,094 reviews of which 2,772 were positive and 322 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 3,520 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.6
2,772
322

3,520
players

10. Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition

The Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from the highly acclaimed Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD. Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition is a story rich, rpg and choices matter game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. Released on May 14th 2021 has received 55,692 reviews of which 50,720 were positive and 4,972 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 3,215 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.0
50,720
4,972

3,215
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 May 13th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted story rich games.

1. 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 907 reviews of which 642 were positive and 265 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for story rich category.
6.8
642
265

-97% 44.33€ 1.33€

2. Lost Eidolons

Lost Eidolons is a turn-based tactical RPG with a gripping cinematic narrative, set in a waning empire riven by civil war. Take on the role of a charming mercenary captain, Eden, and lead his band of allies through epic encounters on a classic turn-based battlefield. Lost Eidolons is a jrpg, war and perma death game developed and published by Ocean Drive Studio and Inc.. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 1,947 reviews of which 1,362 were positive and 585 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in story rich games.
6.8
1,362
585

-97% 33.33€ 1.00€

3. 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 5,732 reviews of which 5,458 were positive and 274 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in story rich games.
9.2
5,458
274

-96% 32.25€ 1.29€

4. 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 3,302 reviews of which 3,048 were positive and 254 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.9
3,048
254

-96% 26.25€ 1.05€

5. 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 711 reviews of which 551 were positive and 160 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.4
551
160

-96% 25.00€ 1.00€

6. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame

Bricksburg is in ruins and Emmet's friends have been taken! Team up with Emmet and a host of heroic characters to save their friends from the strange inhabitants of the Systar System. Journey into outer space, discover new worlds, and test your Master Building skills. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame is a adventure, lego and sandbox game developed by TT Games and Feral interactive (Mac) and published by Feral interactive (Mac) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released on February 26th 2019 has received 1,340 reviews of which 864 were positive and 476 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for story rich games.
6.3
864
476

-96% 29.25€ 1.17€

7. Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga

Enter Tahnra, a land savaged by war. You, a fresh academy graduate with humble beginnings, will grow to lead a grand army against a corrupt adversary. Gather heroes, form bonds, and lead your force in turn-based battles. Make use of tactics, terrain, morale and more to bring peace to the land! Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is a tactical rpg, rpg and story rich game developed by Dancing Dragon Games and published by indie.io. Released on June 10th 2022 has received 12,865 reviews of which 12,175 were positive and 690 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9.2
12,175
690

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

8. 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 7,983 reviews of which 7,410 were positive and 573 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9
7,410
573

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

9. Eternal Threads

Eternal Threads is a single-player, first-person story-driven puzzle game of time manipulation, choice and consequence. Eternal Threads is a choices matter, story rich and time manipulation game developed by Cosmonaut Studios and published by Secret Mode. Released on May 19th 2022 has received 708 reviews of which 612 were positive and 96 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.1
612
96

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

10. Foretales

Decide the fate of the world in this ingenious story-driven card game. Foretales offers a unique take on the adventure genre, with a multitude of playstyles and story paths through which you can save the world… or bring about its end. Foretales is a card game, story rich and dynamic narration game developed by Alkemi and published by Dear Villagers. Released on September 15th 2022 has received 1,005 reviews of which 851 were positive and 154 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.0
851
154

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

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 May 13th 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 turn-based tactics game developed and published by ProjectMoon. Released on February 26th 2023 has received 56,853 reviews of which 48,842 were positive and 8,011 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 9,526 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free story rich games on Steam.
8.5
48,842
8,011

9,526
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 2,059 reviews of which 1,935 were positive and 124 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 599, this story rich game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
9.0
1,935
124

599
players

3. 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 168,888 reviews of which 162,457 were positive and 6,431 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 226, this story rich game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
9.5
162,457
6,431

226
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 75,343 reviews of which 71,444 were positive and 3,899 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 201 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
71,444
3,899

201
players

5. 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 36,354 reviews of which 31,348 were positive and 5,006 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 128 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free story rich games on Steam.
8.5
31,348
5,006

128
players

6. 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 970 reviews of which 742 were positive and 228 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
7.3
742
228

43
players

7. 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 episodic game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 13,679 reviews of which 11,309 were positive and 2,370 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
8.1
11,309
2,370

39
players

8. Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi

Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story. Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi is a visual novel, mystery and anime game developed by 07th Expansion and published by MangaGamer. Released on May 15th 2015 has received 5,252 reviews of which 5,055 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.3
5,055
197

24
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 6,365 reviews of which 6,309 were positive and 56 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
6,309
56

21
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 14,987 reviews of which 14,582 were positive and 405 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
14,582
405

21
players