Text-Based Hidden Gems on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated text-based games.
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Bring Me that Shawarma
A visual novel about shawarma, consisting of multiple episodes.
Magic Research 2
Welcome to Magic Research 2, an incremental RPG from the creator of Magic Research. Learn countless spells, face powerful foes, and command a team of Wizards who can cast spells for you as you journey to find or create the Philosopher's Stone.
Voyager-19
A short horror game where you control a decaying spacecraft exploring distant star systems.
Kanna Maze
In an isolated lab beneath the earth, a childhood friend is resurrected. Amidst sealed walls, a spree of killings unfolds. In a godless abyss, parallel worlds entwine like a maze. Where does one find the path to the sole universe of bliss?
Idle Heros
《IDLE HEROS》 is a special placement game, invite your friends to form a fixed team, come to participate in the battle, placement can easily obtain a variety of resources
Staffer Reborn
Staffer Reborn is a game of supernatural abilities and logical deduction set in 1960s America. It tells the story of a man trapped in a cycle of death and resurrection caused by his supernatural ability and the investigator who was recruited to help.
The Shell Part II: Purgatorio
Detective Reiji Tokisaka is back to face down a mystery that spans decades, if not centuries. With the aftermath of his last case weighing on his soul and a long-silent cult resurgent, can he solve the crime—or will it become his curse?
outside the door
Outside the door is a mystic visual novel set within one office. You are about to figure out the stories of a few visitors without having a single memory of yourself.
Shanghai Summer
Shanghai Summer is an adventure game set in the millennium. Our protagonist, Baichuan, goes through a series of "anomalies" over the length of twelve days. In his pursuit of the truth, he found that his hopes and regrets from the past finally seem to converge. Will he be able to "fix" it for good?
Exotica: Petshop Simulator
Exotica is a simulation game where you run an exotic pet shop in the city.
The Lancaster Leak - Entity Exam
YOU CONTROL THE FOUND FOOTAGE. Another tape has been leaked, this time a recording of a training protocol. By answering questions and resisting jumpscares, can you beat the Entity Exam?
Xiangsheng Simulator
"Xiangsheng Simulator" is a humorous and witty adventure that takes you into the unique world of Xiangsheng. As a Xiangsheng Penggen, you'll team up with your Dougen partner to deliver a performance filled with laughter.
Writer's Rush
Writer's Rush is a writer life simulator where you compete with other authors for the title of the world's greatest writer. Craft articles, books, scripts, and fanfics. Complete publisher contracts, unlock new skills, and level up your literary talents.
Petit Game Collection vol.1
A spin-off minigame collection of "Needy Streamer Overload". Meet your internet angel in this retro-style game world!
Buriedbornes2 - Dungeon RPG -
"The oldest and most abhorrent Prophecy has become reality. This is endless and merciless warfare for Buriedbornes, army can revive forever." The long-awaited sequel to the easy-to-play turn-based dungeon RPG series is finally here!
Seal World
Meet silly seals, eat fibsh, swim, and relax!
Anon's Neko Waifus
Discover an enchanting world where cute neko girls await to steal your heart. Immerse yourself in a tale of romance and emotions. It's the perfect getaway for a good time.
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!
Hira Hira Hihiru
"Hira Hira Hihiru" is a visual novel set in a fictional Taishō Era. It tells the story of its two protagonists' struggle against Aerodema, a terrifying disease which brings the dead back to life.
UsoNatsu ~The Summer Romance Bloomed From A Lie~
This is a story about finding love to overwrite the feelings for the one they held dearest. A girls love visual novel about summer, love and adolescence.
AI Roguelite
World's first RPG in which all entities are AI-generated and all game mechanics are AI-directed.
Romance Club - Stories I Play
Immerse yourself in romantic visual stories where you control what happens!
Heads Will Roll: Reforged
Hardcore survival RPG with non-linear story that lets you play as a young medieval soldier who over the course of battles and adventures becomes the most formidable and respected knight of his era. Or, if he’s not lucky enough, perishes in the chaos of the Hundred Years' War.
Vampires' Melody 2
Emerald seas! Blue skies! Sandy beaches! An island adventure in the ocean sounds like a trip to paradise. However, the place is a nightmare with no one to provide any blood for Raylan to feed on after he turned into a vampire by accident, especially since he has another hungry vampire at his side.
ghostpia Season One
"In my dreams, I can get out. In my dreams, I can fit in." 'ghostpia' mixes the adorable art style of an illustrated book with glitches-and-noise effects. There are no choices to be made. There's only a lonely girl in a ghost town and her story full of mystery, friendhood...and a bit of violence.
Art Reborn: Painting Connoisseur
Dear curator, you are about to embark on a journey to captivate the audience! You will be in charge of an art gallery.Impress the museum curators around the world with these masterpieces, collect badges, apply for support funds, and learn the value of art!
The Shell Part I: Inferno
Unravel a string of gruesome murders terrorizing Tokyo in this mystery-thriller visual novel. The secrets of a case from six years prior may just be the key to the current unending cycle of tragedy—and the thing that cracks this woeful world’s shell may be one girl’s smile.
Stone Story RPG
An auto-RPG with strategic combat, deep crafting and programming elements, animated entirely in ASCII-art. In a realm of perpetual darkness, a single stone could change everything...
Nodes Escape
The game presents realistic game graphics through sound effects, narration and imagination. The level design is subtle and challenging, allowing players to challenge their intelligence and logic skills in solving puzzles.
Kuroinu Redux
Desperate to end a bloody war, the Seven Shields Alliance—led by an elven goddess incarnate—seek out the assistance of the protagonist Vult and his Black Dog Mercenaries. He turns on them and takes control in this visual novel story of betrayal.
Paper Bride 4 Bound Love
"Paper Bride 4 Bound Love" is a Chinese horror puzzle game, the fourth work in the "Paper Bride" series. Welcome everyone to return to the world of Paper Bride. This time, let us uncover the secrets of Yichang Town together.
Lightracer Spark
Lightracer Spark is a Sci-Fi Narrative game. You are an amender from a high civilization, descending to various extraterrestrial worlds. Guide living beings to prosperity, or nip a spark in the bud. Accumulate strength through choices and strategies to grasp the rise and fall of all civilizations.
Misericorde: Volume One
Misericorde: Volume One is the first part of a series of mystery visual novels set in a convent in 1482.
Magic Research
Magic Research is a text-based incremental game about Magic. You are the headmaster of a newly-created institution of Magic. Will you be able to lead your school to win the prestigious Tournament of Magic?