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

Grunn

A gardener gets hired for maintenance work over the weekend. A simple task, but strangely some tools are missing… The owner of the garden isn't around, and their house is off-limits. Perhaps new tools can be found in the mysterious town, or maybe some of the reserved townsfolk have seen them?

Price 12.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 04 Oct 2024

SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream

In this online co-op action game, enter a distorted version of the SWORD ART ONLINE world. Pick your role in the form of favorite SWORD ART ONLINE characters and team up with 20 players for raids to defeat powerful enemies.

Price -48% 31.44€
Rating 6.5
Release 03 Oct 2024

Wizard of Legend 2

Face perilous magical trials in the fast-paced rogue-lite follow-up to the acclaimed original, featuring co-op and vibrant new 3D visuals. Master new Arcana and elements, experiment with spell combinations, and become the next Wizard of Legend!

Price 24.99€
Rating 6.4
Release 03 Oct 2024

Five Hearts Under One Roof

Yuman’s, the player, once solitary home and routine are now invaded by five beautiful women! Each has her unique charm – the 'childhood friend of 20 years,' the 'first love and former idol,' the 'demanding boss,' the 'bold younger girl,' and the 'shy recluse.' Who will you choose?

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.8
Release 02 Oct 2024

OneShot: World Machine Edition

A completely self-contained portable version of one of the highest user-rated games. Built on an entirely new engine with new UI, support for Steam Deck, & more. Features world-bending puzzles, intriguing denizens, surreal environments, and a captivating story about the truth of the game's reality.

Price -20% 7.80€
Rating 9.4
Release 30 Sep 2024

Rogue Waters

Rogue Waters is a Pirate Tactical Turn-Based Rogue-lite. Play as Captain Cutter, commanding your ship and crew through procedurally generated encounters to seek revenge. Recruit, train, and upgrade crew, use powerful sea creatures, and engage in dynamic naval and melee combat to gain the upper hand.

Price -69% 8.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 30 Sep 2024

Silence of the Siren

A turn-based sci-fi strategy that combines exploration and exciting clashes on the battlefield. Take control over several different species, raise powerful armies for your heroes and destroy your opponents! This HoMM-like is set in a scifi universe, with new mechanics on top of the classic formula.

Price -35% 16.22€
Rating 8.6
Release 30 Sep 2024

Dread Dawn

This is an open-world zombie survival game set in a quarantined city. You play as a student left behind due to missing the evacuation convoy. Together with classmates and other survivors, you must defend the school, survive, and await rescue.

Price -53% 9.13€
Rating 7.1
Release 30 Sep 2024

63 Days

Coming of age as a part of the first generation born free, WWII stripped me of my family, home, and future. Now I'm left with only one choice: to get my revenge and independence, or die trying. The odds are against us: will our tactics, stealth and teamwork be enough?

Price -72% 8.12€
Rating 7.4
Release 26 Sep 2024

ZERO PROTOCOL

In this immersive sci-fi thriller, you will experience the atmosphere of classic 3D games as you solve puzzles, follow an intriguing non-linear storyline, and engage in battles with monsters.

Price 11.79€
Rating 8.0
Release 26 Sep 2024

Realm of Ink

Realm of Ink is an Ink-style action Roguelite game. While pursuing the Fox Demon, the swordswoman Red, unexpectedly finds that her life is dictated by the 'destiny' within the world of the book. Only by breaking free can she unveil the truth of her existence and challenge the constraints of fate.

Price 16.49€
Rating 8.9
Release 26 Sep 2024

Mouthwashing

The five crew members of the Tulpar are stranded in the empty reaches of space, shrouded in perpetual sunset. God is not watching.

Price -13% 11.07€
Rating 9.4
Release 26 Sep 2024

The Nameless: Slay Dragon

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a gamebook-adventure flavored turn-based RPG In short - how to slay the immensely powerful and cunning evil dragon? You will play as a young man having a bloody feud with a dragon, and face powerful, sinister and tricky enemies with friends....

Price 17.49€
Rating 8.7
Release 26 Sep 2024

Beyond Hanwell

Explore Westminster, London on a journey to the ruins of Hanwell. Fight with whatever you can find or use the environment to defend yourself against an ever increasing scourge of Anomalies.

Price 24.50€
Rating 7.3
Release 26 Sep 2024

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed

Embark on a magical journey in Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed! Shape your adventure with the stroke of a brush and transform Wasteland as Mickey Mouse in this beautifully recreated 3D platformer.

Price -65% 20.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 24 Sep 2024

Nigate Tale

Fight your way through a procedurally generated labyrinthic castle in this rogue-like dungeon crawler, set in a vibrant and colorful anime world. You’re lost in a spiritual realm, but powerful monster girls will help you get back home with new powers and weapons if you bring them the right presents!

Price -65% 5.94€
Rating 6.6
Release 24 Sep 2024

Bloomtown: A Different Story

Bloomtown: A Different Story is a narrative JRPG mixing turn-based combat, monster taming and social RPG set in a seemingly pleasant 1960s Americana world. Join Emily and her group of friends to save their cozy town from the demonic creatures that live in the hearts of its residents!

Price -49% 12.70€
Rating 8.2
Release 24 Sep 2024

BRAZILIAN DRUG DEALER 3: I OPENED A PORTAL TO HELL IN THE FAVELA TRYING TO REVIVE MIT AIA I NEED TO CLOSE IT

A BRAZILIAN BOOMER SHOOTER GAME MADE USING THE ID TECH 2 ENGINE! SHOOT, JUMP, EMBARK ON A JOURNEY THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO, HELL AND EVEN HEAVEN! SAVE BRAZIL!

Price 2.99€
Rating 9.3
Release 21 Sep 2024

Just a To the Moon Series Beach Episode

The Beach Episode™ of To the Moon, Finding Paradise, and Impostor Factory. But something's off.

Price 7.79€
Rating 9.4
Release 20 Sep 2024

God of War Ragnarök

Kratos and Atreus embark on a mythic journey for answers before Ragnarök arrives – now on PC.

Price 59.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 19 Sep 2024

Copycat

A poignant narrative-driven game about rejection, belonging and the meaning of home. It follows the story of a newly adopted shelter cat whose space in the home is taken by a copycat. Bring the tissues.

Price 14.79€
Rating 8.1
Release 19 Sep 2024

Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged

The classic multi-award winning adventure "Broken Sword - the Shadow of the Templars" returns with glorious 4K visuals and iconic remastered audio, pitching intrepid American George Stobbart and fearless journalist Nico Collard into a journey of perilous adventures and ancient conspiracies.

Price -67% 10.02€
Rating 9.1
Release 19 Sep 2024

Wild Indigo Ranch

Wild Indigo Ranch is a cozy cowboy-life RPG for 1-4 players. Start a new life on the prairie, explore the frontier, build the finest ranch in the West, and ride into the sunset.

Price 19.50€
Rating 6.8
Release 18 Sep 2024

Train Sim World® 5

The Rails are Yours in Train Sim World 5! Take on new challenges and new roles as you master the tracks and trains of iconic cities across 3 new routes. Immerse yourself in the ultimate rail hobby and embark on your next journey.

Price 34.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 17 Sep 2024

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 April 30th 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 750,126 reviews of which 726,468 were positive and 23,658 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 80,336 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
726,468
23,658

80,336
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 20,857 reviews of which 19,311 were positive and 1,546 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 58,990 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among story rich games based on player count.
9.1
19,311
1,546

58,990
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 717,516 reviews of which 661,377 were positive and 56,139 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 21,238 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among story rich games based on player count.
9.1
661,377
56,139

21,238
players

4. Blue Prince

Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46? Blue Prince is a puzzle, exploration and mystery game developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 4,857 reviews of which 4,151 were positive and 706 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 9,362 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.3
4,151
706

9,362
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 17,562 reviews of which 15,749 were positive and 1,813 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 8,659 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.8
15,749
1,813

8,659
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 56,260 reviews of which 48,269 were positive and 7,991 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 6,949 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.5
48,269
7,991

6,949
players

7. 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 828,492 reviews of which 796,387 were positive and 32,105 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 5,997 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.5
796,387
32,105

5,997
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 240,453 reviews of which 222,169 were positive and 18,284 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 4,638 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.1
222,169
18,284

4,638
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 985 reviews of which 933 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 4,064 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played story rich games.
8.9
933
52

4,064
players

10. 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 turn-based combat game developed by ATLUS and published by SEGA. Released on October 20th 2022 has received 100,454 reviews of which 97,086 were positive and 3,368 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 3,436 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played story rich games.
9.5
97,086
3,368

3,436
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 April 30th 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 900 reviews of which 637 were positive and 263 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
637
263

-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 1,931 reviews of which 1,351 were positive and 580 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
1,351
580

-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 5,708 reviews of which 5,436 were positive and 272 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
5,436
272

-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 3,289 reviews of which 3,039 were positive and 250 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
3,039
250

-96% 26.25€ 1.05€

5. 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 1,332 reviews of which 861 were positive and 471 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 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.
6.3
861
471

-96% 29.25€ 1.17€

6. Beacon Pines

Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate! Beacon Pines is a visual novel, story rich and emotional game developed by Hiding Spot and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 3,406 reviews of which 3,331 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9.4
3,331
75

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

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 12,774 reviews of which 12,089 were positive and 685 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
12,089
685

-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 7,869 reviews of which 7,310 were positive and 559 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
7,310
559

-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 704 reviews of which 608 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
608
96

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

10. 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 8,484 reviews of which 6,772 were positive and 1,712 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 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.
7.8
6,772
1,712

-95% 45.00€ 2.25€

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 April 30th 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 56,260 reviews of which 48,269 were positive and 7,991 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 6,949 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
48,269
7,991

6,949
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 1,992 reviews of which 1,873 were positive and 119 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 728, this story rich game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
9.0
1,873
119

728
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 168,817 reviews of which 162,389 were positive and 6,428 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 216, this story rich game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
9.5
162,389
6,428

216
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 75,303 reviews of which 71,409 were positive and 3,894 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 184 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
71,409
3,894

184
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 36,277 reviews of which 31,281 were positive and 4,996 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 120 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
31,281
4,996

120
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 953 reviews of which 731 were positive and 222 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
731
222

56
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 lgbtq+ game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 13,657 reviews of which 11,292 were positive and 2,365 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
11,292
2,365

43
players

8. Return to campus

An open world school game, you can bully your classmates, collect protection fees, go to the supermarket to make zero-dollar purchases, or even blow up the school. Of course, you can also study hard and exchange ideas with your classmates. Return to campus is a casual, simulation and rpg game developed and published by 聂宇星. Released on January 12th 2025 has received 988 reviews of which 810 were positive and 178 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
7.8
810
178

41
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 anime game developed and published by Leef 6010. Released on January 26th 2024 has received 6,254 reviews of which 6,198 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
6,198
56

19
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 14,933 reviews of which 14,532 were positive and 401 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
14,532
401

19
players