Discounted 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
Sovereign Syndicate A Victorian steampunk RPG with tarot cards instead of dice. Investigate the disappearance of society’s most vulnerable to uncover a mysterious cult. Play as three characters, each with their own skills and motivations. Customize your characters with narrative choices to unlock new tarot cards.

Price -73% 5.35€
Rating 7.7
Release 15 Jan 2024
Angel at Dusk Overwhelmingly bizarre beauty. Shoot, dodge, and destroy! A shmup where an apocalyptic world awakens to primal desires!

Price -30% 10.35€
Rating 9.4
Release 12 Jan 2024
Haunted House "Cheong Wing Mansion" A plot game set in a public housing estate, Prosperous Mansions is an exploration of Hong Kong in the olden days, with elements of ghosts and urban legends. The game is divided into units, each of which has its own story, yet is closely intertwined.

Price -94% 0.55€
Rating 8.0
Release 10 Jan 2024
Archaelund Explore a vast open world and crawl through dungeons in first person, then fight tactical turn-based battles from a top-down perspective. Guide your adventuring party through Archaelund, mankind's last frontier, and uncover its many secrets.

Price -20% 18.80€
Rating 7.9
Release 08 Jan 2024
Cygnus Enterprises Action RPG Shooter with Base Management elements, featuring AI NPCs. Take charge of an abandoned outpost, explore a lush alien planet, battle fierce creatures, gather resources, and upgrade your base as you develop your character and bring dozens of distinct weapons to bear.

Price -77% 4.63€
Rating 6.6
Release 19 Dec 2023
Trinity Fusion ANOMALY WARP Update Out Now! Take control of your parallel selves and explore dark, Sci-Fi worlds. Slash, bash and shoot your way through this unique rogue-lite metroidvania where the only way to save the multiverse is to end it.

Price -90% 2.09€
Rating 8.3
Release 15 Dec 2023
WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.

Price -35% 30.21€
Rating 9.5
Release 14 Dec 2023
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Made in a close partnership with Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a story-rich classical RPG from Owlcat Games, developers of the critically acclaimed game, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous.

Price -77% 11.73€
Rating 8.4
Release 07 Dec 2023
A Highland Song Moira McKinnon is running away. A wild adventure through the Scottish Highlands, with open platforming and dynamic storytelling, maps and music. From the creators of Heaven's Vault and 80 Days.

Price -82% 2.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 05 Dec 2023
A guard walks into a tavern You are a guard whose job is to post bounties. Try your best to deal with various matters and make money to raise your family. But remember, when various factions come to you, you will have to make choices!

Price -50% 3.29€
Rating 8.0
Release 30 Nov 2023
The Expanse: A Telltale Series Take on the role of Camina Drummer and explore the dangerous, uncharted edges of the Belt. From scavenging wrecked ships in a zero-g environment, to combating fearsome pirates, you make the difficult choices in this latest Telltale adventure. All five episodes playable at launch!

Price -92% 2.03€
Rating 7.5
Release 20 Nov 2023
In Stars And Time Live with the ever-present burden of being trapped in a time loop only you can know about in this turn-based RPG. Create a better future for you and your friends. Find hope where there is none left. Pray to the stars and free yourself from time.

Price -42% 11.46€
Rating 9.4
Release 20 Nov 2023
Anvil Saga Anvil Saga is a management sim with RPG elements where you take control of a blacksmith shop amidst the Hundred Years' War. Each decision you make impacts the story and gameplay.

Price -96% 0.91€
Rating 7.0
Release 16 Nov 2023
Universe For Sale A space station nestled in the clouds of Jupiter. A bizarre bazaar where a young, worried woman crafts entire universes in the palm of her hand. A mysterious cultist who's stripped the flesh from his bones in order to reach enlightenment. Here, there's a universe for sale. You buying?

Price -94% 1.00€
Rating 7.6
Release 16 Nov 2023
American Arcadia American Arcadia is a cinematic puzzle game that combines a 2.5D platformer and first-person game to tell the tale of a thrilling escape. Experience the extraordinary story of Trevor, an average man escaping from the world's most popular reality tv show.

Price -86% 2.86€
Rating 9.1
Release 15 Nov 2023
Astral Ascent Choose one of four heroes and explore the Garden, an astral prison guarded by 12 powerful mystical bosses: the Zodiacs. Challenge them with dozens of unique spells and faithful friends by your side to unfold the story of this platform roguelite with lightning fast combat.

Price -98% 0.54€
Rating 9.2
Release 14 Nov 2023
Invincible Presents: Atom Eve Become Atom Eve and take control of your own path as one of the most powerful superheroes in the Invincible universe! Unravel a mystery and balance the dangers and responsibilities of being a superhero with the relatable challenges of everyday life.

Price -73% 2.65€
Rating 8.9
Release 14 Nov 2023
Strike Force Heroes Strike Force Heroes is an oldschool arena shooter rebuilt with modern mechanics with full co-operative and PvP online multiplayer. It melds over the top action with epic story-telling in this intense remake of the hit Flash game.

Price -64% 7.15€
Rating 7.9
Release 10 Nov 2023
Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure Ikonei Island is yours to discover! Explore and gather resources. Farm the land, craft tools and gear, and build your base or a cozy home. Befriend magical creatures and fight monsters with your friends or solo!

Price -96% 1.12€
Rating 7.3
Release 09 Nov 2023
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name ERASE YOUR PAST TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding.

Price -67% 16.75€
Rating 9.4
Release 08 Nov 2023
SANABI SANABI is an exhilarating stylish dystopian action-platformer. Play as a legendary retired veteran and use your signature prosthetic arm to jump over cliffs and skyscrapers, zip through bullets and traps and defeat powerful enemies.

Price -77% 2.93€
Rating 9.5
Release 08 Nov 2023
Cobalt Core A sci-fi roguelike deckbuilder with a deep new single-axis spin on tactics games! Dodge missiles, line up your cannons, and blast 'em out of the sky... Then get to the bottom of these time loops, before it's too late!

Price -35% 12.67€
Rating 9.3
Release 08 Nov 2023
Little Goody Two Shoes Venture into the woods as you play Little Goody Two Shoes, a phantasmagorical horror narrative adventure where all your decisions matter!

Price -38% 12.50€
Rating 9.1
Release 07 Nov 2023
The Invincible Rethink human’s dominion in The Invincible: a story-driven adventure set in a hard sci-fi world by Stanisław Lem. Discover planet Regis III as scientist Yasna, use atompunk tools looking for a missing crew and face unforeseen threats. Make choices in a philosophical story that’s driven by science.

Price -98% 0.78€
Rating 8.6
Release 06 Nov 2023

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€ 0.52€

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. Wasteland 3

Following the critically acclaimed 2014 Game of the Year winner Wasteland 2, the RPG series that pioneered the post-apocalyptic genre in video games returns with Wasteland 3. Wasteland 3 is a crpg, character customization and choices matter game developed and published by inXile Entertainment. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 20,896 reviews of which 17,695 were positive and 3,201 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in story rich games.
8.3
17,695
3,201

-99% 41.99€ 0.82€

4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.1
6,679
1,309

-99% 12.49€ 0.23€

5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.8
6,789
1,730

-99% 45.99€ 0.88€

6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.6
846
221

-99% 19.99€ 0.34€

7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.4
554
161

-99% 24.99€ 0.40€

8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for story rich games.
7.3
1,227
386

-99% 19.99€ 0.37€

9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for story rich games.
6.8
666
274

-99% 49.99€ 0.42€

10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9
7,522
583

-98% 19.50€ 0.54€

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 1,327 reviews of which 1,315 were positive and 12 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
9.4
1,315
12

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