Best Story Rich Games on Steam

Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated story rich games. For those who prefer not to search, check out lists of the most played, top deals and best free to play Story Rich games on Steam.

Filters & Lists
Lamplight City A steampunk-ish detective adventure from the creator of A Golden Wake and Shardlight! Can you help private investigator Miles Fordham find justice for his clients and track down his partner's killer before his entire world comes apart?

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 13 Sep 2018
Shining Song Starnova Take the stage in Shining Song Starnova!

Price -80% 5.79€
Rating 8.7
Release 13 Sep 2018
BLACK CLOVER: QUARTET KNIGHTS Take part in 4-on-4 team battles and cast an array of magic spells to defeat the opposing team! You can assume one of four roles. Use your role and spells to the best possible effect, and cooperate with your teammates to win the battle!

Price -96% 2.29€
Rating 7.2
Release 13 Sep 2018
Virtual Virtual Reality A game about VR, AI, and our collective sci-fi fever dreams. In a future where AI has transformed society, can humans still find purpose? Find out with Activitude, a service that lets humans aid AI clients in increasingly curious ways.

Price 12.49€
Rating 8.6
Release 07 Sep 2018
428: Shibuya Scramble A kidnapping on the streets of Shibuya brings together a hot-blooded detective, hard-hitting journalist, former gang leader, the head researcher of a big pharma manufacturer and a part-timer stuck in cat costume for a series of events each more unexpected and outrageous than the last.

Price 49.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 04 Sep 2018
Shadows: Awakening Shadows: Awakening is a unique, isometric single-player RPG with real-time tactical combat. You embark on an epic adventure with challenging gameplay, a gripping storyline and enchanting graphics.

Price -99% 0.48€
Rating 7.3
Release 31 Aug 2018
303 Squadron: Battle of Britain The enemies are close, would you dare to join the Squadron? Tweak planes in a 1st person mechanic mode, set the clouds on fire in aerial fights sim and discover extra missions in an open world of RAF Base. Enjoy a gameplay based on a real history and become the Ace of Sky.

Price 9.75€
Rating 6.0
Release 31 Aug 2018
Wild Animal Sports Day All your favourite Wild Animals are competing for the title of Wild Animal Champion of Champions! Tennis, Hurdles, Darts, Diving, Skiing, Pole-Vault, Trampolining and for the first time in a game Rhythmic Gymnastics! But watch out for King Croc! Wild Animal Sports Day (WASD) is out now!

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 31 Aug 2018
Hero of the Kingdom III Lovely adventuring RPG series. Casual, story-driven journey and quests. An ancient evil awakened in the kingdom. Travel through the four valleys to become a hero and save the kingdom on the brink of destruction.

Price -96% 0.39€
Rating 7.5
Release 30 Aug 2018
one night, hot springs Haru is invited by her old friend Manami to spend a night at the hot springs. All Haru wants to do is enjoy the hot springs like everyone else, but she doesn't want to cause any trouble...

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 30 Aug 2018
Donut County Donut County is a story-based physics puzzle game where you play as an ever-growing hole in the ground. Meet cute characters, steal their trash, and throw them in a hole.

Price -84% 2.01€
Rating 8.9
Release 28 Aug 2018
The King's Bird Escape into a world kept secret by a tyrant, and discover the truth about your freedom. Run, jump, and fly through forgotten lost kingdoms with a uniquely momentum-based flying mechanic.

Price -97% 0.61€
Rating 6.7
Release 23 Aug 2018
ISLAND Sanzenkai Setsuna awakens on the shore of isolated island Urashima with no memories of his past. Befriending three local girls, Rinne, Karen, and Sara, Setsuna's quest to discover the secrets of Urashima and how they tie into his own past - and future - begins.

Price 33.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 23 Aug 2018
Crystalline A choice-driven, fantasy adventure visual novel featuring full voice-over and an intricate relationship system!

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.9
Release 22 Aug 2018
Bean Battles A unique take on the popular genre of battle royales. Multiple fast pace rounds that rewards kills just as much as being the last alive. Team up, take revenge, and be the last bean standing.

Price 0.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 22 Aug 2018
Shenmue I & II SEGA®’s most requested re-release of all time finally comes to a new generation. Shenmue delivers an epic story of revenge within a unique open world that is still unrivalled in depth and detail. Return to the epic saga that defined modern gaming. The saga begins…again.

Price -95% 2.01€
Rating 8.5
Release 21 Aug 2018
Lucah: Born of a Dream FOR THE POWER AND GLORY; NOW AND FOREVER

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.8
Release 21 Aug 2018
Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment Take on the role of Kirito, the hero of the popular Sword Art Online anime series, and explore a fantasy world alongside attractive companions! Take down tough enemies in strategic battles and communicate with your companions in real time!

Price -88% 2.54€
Rating 7.5
Release 20 Aug 2018
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Exe:Late[cl-r] Pick one of 20 unique characters and fight your way through the dangers of the “Hollow Night”, and claim your victory over those who would get in your way. Experience intuitive and tight 2D fighter controls, with a splash of devastating combos and unique fighting styles to keep your appetite for battle sated!

Price -95% 2.02€
Rating 9.1
Release 20 Aug 2018
Not Tonight Person of European Heritage #112: Welcome to Relocation Block B, your new home. Your designated role is 'Bouncer'. Work hard, stay out of trouble, and we might let you stay in the UK.

Price -96% 0.80€
Rating 8.0
Release 17 Aug 2018
Your Dry Delight Set in 1920s Prohibition-era America, this romantic comedy follows Detective Richter and his adventures as he attempts to unravel Cleveland's liquor industry.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 17 Aug 2018
State of Mind State of Mind is a futuristic thriller game delving into transhumanism. The game explores themes of separation, disjuncture and reunification, in a world that is torn between a dystopian material reality and a utopian virtual future.

Price -98% 0.54€
Rating 7.6
Release 15 Aug 2018
Graveyard Keeper Build and manage a medieval graveyard while facing ethical dilemmas and making questionable decisions. Welcome to Graveyard Keeper, the most inaccurate medieval cemetery sim of the year.

Price -95% 1.01€
Rating 8.5
Release 15 Aug 2018
Phantom Doctrine The year is 1983. The world teeters on the verge of destruction as the Cold War tightens its icy grip. East or West: trust no one, question everything. The fate of humanity rests in your hands as you pit spy versus spy in tactical Phantom Doctrine.

Price -95% 2.19€
Rating 7.2
Release 14 Aug 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!