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

BATTLETECH

Take command of your own mercenary outfit of 'Mechs and the MechWarriors that pilot them, struggling to stay afloat as you find yourself drawn into a brutal interstellar civil war.

Price -75% 9.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 24 Apr 2018

El Tango de la Muerte

Do the tango to win the heart of your loved one! Each song in this casual RHYTHM game will unveil the story of Luciano and Martita. Influenced by games like OSU and Crypt of the Necrodancer, with a pinch of melodramatic humor, inspired by the best Latin American soap operas!

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 24 Apr 2018

Doodle Date

Romance, seduce, and even marry your own drawings! Forget about finding true love; In Doodle Date, you create it!

Price 1.99€
Rating 6.9
Release 19 Apr 2018

Keepsake

Keepsake was a labor of love developed 10 years ago by us as an independent studio. For its anniversary, we thought it would be great to see it live again on steam and gain a new following, as we feel that it is still relevant today.

Price 0.79€
Rating 7.7
Release 17 Apr 2018

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA

Ys returns with a brand new adventure for the first time in 8 years! Adol awakens shipwrecked and stranded on a cursed island. There, he and the other shipwrecked passengers he rescues form a village to challenge fearsome beasts and mysterious ruins on the isolated island.

Price -55% 17.89€
Rating 8.7
Release 16 Apr 2018

Secret Little Haven

An adventure game about old computers, community, creativity, fandom, gender, and the internet. Alex Cole is a teenage trans girl in 1999 who has yet to figure herself out. She spends much of her free time on the internet, browsing a fan forum for her favorite magical girl show, and chatting with her friends.

Price 3.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 16 Apr 2018

Marie's Room

Marie's Room is a short story exploration game about an unconventional friendship between two classmates. You play as Kelsey, remembering Marie's room as it was twenty years ago. But something’s off. What happened to Marie?

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 13 Apr 2018

Hiveswap Friendsim

You’ve crash landed on a dangerous alien planet with no food, medicine, or prospects, but you do know one thing—you are absolutely desperate for friendship.

Price -80% 2.55€
Rating 8.8
Release 13 Apr 2018

Tower of Time

A new kind of RPG awaits you. A story-rich dungeon crawler with innovative real-time combat that lets you pause or slow time. Tactical thinking is essential to succeed. Now with RPGlite and Permadeath for fast-paced game.

Price 23.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 12 Apr 2018

Dead In Vinland

DEAD IN VINLAND is a survival/management game, mixed with RPG and adventure elements, about a Viking family trying their best to survive on a mysterious island.

Price 19.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 12 Apr 2018

Super Daryl Deluxe

Shoot rubber ducky arrows, pound enemies with a rhino hammer, and help Beethoven get his groove back in the last totally normal high school themed RPGvania you’ll ever want.

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 10 Apr 2018

Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation

A roguelite monster-management simulation inspired by the likes of the SCP Foundation, Cabin in the Woods, and Warehouse 13. Order your employees to perform work with the creatures and watch as it unfolds; harness greater energy, and expand the facility

Price 22.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 09 Apr 2018

Changed

You are trapped in an experiment, trying to find ways to make you still "yourself" , persevere, and survive.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 04 Apr 2018

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

A true, full-length open-world game for VR has arrived from Bethesda Game Studios. Skyrim VR reimagines the complete epic fantasy masterpiece with an unparalleled sense of scale, depth, and immersion. Skyrim VR also includes all official add-ons.

Price -79% 12.40€
Rating 7.4
Release 02 Apr 2018

How To Cope With Boredom and Loneliness

Harold Fletcher has been grounded to his bedroom for over 30 years. Join award-winning journalist Nigel Wimble as he discovers how one man has coped with the boredom and loneliness in this one of a kind, FREE, documentary film simulator!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 02 Apr 2018

Her Lie I Tried To Believe

Her Lie I Tried To Believe is a short kinetic novel about the persisting hatred of a boy throughout his life, the destructive relationship that was born from it, and the consequences he had to face as a direct result.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 02 Apr 2018

Fatal Twelve

Shishimai Rinka was a high schooler who ran a small café named Lion House in place of her grandmother. She lived her life much like any other person her age, but one day, she was caught up in an explosion while returning home on the train alongside her friend, Hitsuji Naomi.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.7
Release 30 Mar 2018

The Flood

The Flood is a peaceful 5 minute narrative experience in which you pilot a little boat down a river. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes we should stop worrying about our destination and just enjoy the journey.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 30 Mar 2018

Jalopy

Build, repair, refuel and drive a dilapidated old car on a grand journey through the territories of the former Eastern bloc. Explore Germany, CSFR, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria

Price -90% 1.49€
Rating 7.6
Release 28 Mar 2018

The Pirate's Fate

Embark on a swashbuckling adventure in The Pirate's Fate, a visual novel experience with a unique twist: the story, the crew, and who you are transform based on your choices. Seek treasure, find love, and choose your fate.

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 27 Mar 2018

CROSS†CHANNEL: Steam Edition

"This is the Gunjo Broadcasting Club. Is there anyone left out there?” CROSS†CHANNEL is now available to the whole world for the first time ever. Eight students relive an eternally looping week as tensions rise. Can they mend their broken friendships, or are they too far gone to salvage...?

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 27 Mar 2018

Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition

Return to the Forgotten Realms in this bestselling Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Combines all the content of Neverwinter Nights Diamond Edition with all-new enhanced features. Includes 100+ hours of award-winning adventures and the tools to create your own!

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.8
Release 27 Mar 2018

Far Cry® 5

Discover the open world of Hope County, Montana, besieged by a fanatical doomsday cult. Dive into the action solo or two-player co-op in the story campaign, use a vast arsenal of weapons and allies, and free Hope County from Joseph Seed and his cult.

Price 59.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 26 Mar 2018

Ni no Kuni™ II: Revenant Kingdom

Join the young king Evan as he sets out on an epic quest to found a new kingdom and, with the help of some new friends, unite his world, saving its people from a terrible evil.

Price 59.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 23 Mar 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 89,176 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
729,226
23,748

89,176
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 57,650 reviews of which 54,347 were positive and 3,303 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 77,914 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
54,347
3,303

77,914
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 25,706 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

25,706
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 8,948 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

8,948
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 8,687 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

8,687
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 7,237 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

7,237
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 5,605 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

5,605
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 4,610 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

4,610
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 4,004 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

4,004
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 3,815 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

3,815
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. 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 #5 position in the best deals for story rich games.
6.3
864
476

-96% 29.25€ 1.17€

6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9.2
12,175
690

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for story rich games.
9
7,410
573

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.1
612
96

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for story rich games.
8.0
851
154

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

10. Batora: Lost Haven

Batora: Lost Haven® is a choice-driven isometric action adventure with RPG elements and a unique duality system affecting combat, story, dialogues, puzzles, and endings, that will make you question the meaning of sacrifice. Batora: Lost Haven is a action rpg, rpg and story rich game developed by Stormind Games and published by Team17. Released on October 20th 2022 has received 399 reviews of which 266 were positive and 133 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 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.
6.4
266
133

-95% 22.60€ 1.13€

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 8,948 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

8,948
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 705, this story rich game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free story rich games on Steam.
9.0
1,935
124

705
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 307, 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

307
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 282 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

282
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 160 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

160
players

6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
8.1
11,309
2,370

53
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 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 #7 spot among the most played free story rich games on Steam.
7.3
742
228

45
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

30
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

23
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

17
players