Best Text-Based 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 text-based games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free text-based games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Crimson Diamond
Follow amateur geologist and reluctant detective Nancy Maple to the ghost town of Crimson, Ontario to investigate the discovery of a massive diamond in this retro-inspired, EGA text parser mystery adventure!
JudgeSim
Things were worse than ever in Banana Republic, a somber island country. While anarchists roamed the streets, corruption was running deeper due to economic crisis and rising crime rates. Bearing these burdens were "judges" who tried to make things right with honesty...
Hookah Haze
It's the year 2xxx. The inexperienced Toru Sumiki lands a job managing Hookah Haze, a new hookah lounge on the outskirts of Akihabara, where they meet three eccentric girls. The story unfolds as the girls gradually open up to them, connecting through their fondness for hookah...
Inverted Angel
A girl visited your home, who you don't know but she identified herself as your girlfriend. She seems a little bit Menhera, but she knows too much to be just a stalker. This is a Kawaii Future Mystery, you will answer by free input for branching story. Please Try to find out true identity of her.
Football Referee Simulator
Football Referee Simulator—the groundbreaking game that puts you in the referee's shoes! Are you ready to kickstart your career in the lower divisions and ascend to legendary status by overseeing thrilling finals?
The Dearest Person
A visual novel about what it means to be human. A story about loneliness, self-identification, and the meaning of existence.
Uncover the Smoking Gun
A Battle of Wits with AI: Solve the case by conversing with a suspect robot using GPT to gather evidence. What single truth emerges from countless dialogues and pieces of information?
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.
CaseCracker2
Jia huasheng ,the policeman of Chicheng police station, got disappeared without any trace after leaving a letter which illustrates the police station to start the CaseCracker system version 2.0.
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.
Aliya: Timelink
The player connects to a girl in distress in space thousands of years later? How will they resolve the crisis and discover the truth? Through the mechanism of real-time synchronization, the game breaks through the dimensional wall and creates an immersive dialogue across time and space.
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.
I Wani Hug that Gator!
I Wani Hug that Gator! Is a choice-driven narrative about teenagers struggling to find their way. Help Inco, loser highschooler extraordinaire, navigate his budding friendships (and romance!) while surviving being the only human in a dinosaur-filled school.
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.
Nothing Together
A game about doing Nothing Together
Most played text-based games on Steam
Take a look at the top text-based games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Your Chronicle
"Let's begin your own story." This is a text-based idle RPG game. There are already more than 3,000 unique story actions and it's still growing. Your Chronicle is a rpg, idler and text-based game developed and published by Samurai Games. Released on April 04th 2021 has received 2,048 reviews of which 1,640 were positive and 408 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played text-based game, thanks to its 3,320 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.7
1,640
408
3,320
players
2. Idling to Rule the Gods
Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play Idle-Game with a lot of content and some Minigames. Depending on your play-style, you can play it fast or slow. Either way it can be fun for hundreds of hours! Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play, indie and simulation game developed and published by Shugasu GmbH. Released on May 27th 2016 has received 1,916 reviews of which 1,638 were positive and 278 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 1,120 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among text-based games based on player count.
8.2
1,638
278
1,120
players
3. SIGame
Exciting quiz game where you can test your knowledge, compete with friends and smart bots, and explore a variety of topics! SIGame is a trivia, multiplayer and education game developed and published by Vladimir Khil. Released on March 22nd 2025 has received 625 reviews of which 508 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. While seeing 842 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among text-based games based on player count.
7.7
508
117
842
players
4. Trimps
A text-based incremental idle game with a ridiculous amount of unique content. Automate old stuff as you unlock new stuff to keep things interesting for hours and hours, no spam clicking necessary! Trimps is everything you love about your favorite games, distilled to their purest form. Trimps is a idler, strategy and free to play game developed and published by Greensatellite. Released on May 02nd 2022 has received 1,287 reviews of which 1,176 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 757 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played text-based games.
8.7
1,176
111
757
players
5. Football Coach: College Dynasty
A true college football management game. Play as a coach or a school, recruit players, develop your team, and compete for national championships. Build a college football dynasty and become a coaching legend! Football Coach: College Dynasty is a simulation, sports and football (american) game developed and published by Coach Apps. Released on January 16th 2025 has received 1,202 reviews of which 1,155 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 188 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played text-based games.
9.1
1,155
47
188
players
6. Pro Wrestling Sim
Pro Wrestling Sim is a text-based pro-wrestling booking simulator. Control a wrestling promotion, decide your roster, and create storylines, feuds and matches where the winners and losers are in your hands. Pro Wrestling Sim is a simulation, wrestling and strategy game developed and published by Pro Wrestling Sim. Released on March 29th 2021 has received 492 reviews of which 476 were positive and 16 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 137 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played text-based games.
9.0
476
16
137
players
7. 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. Magic Research 2 is a auto battler, idler and text-based game developed and published by Maticolotto. Released on May 21st 2024 has received 485 reviews of which 451 were positive and 34 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 115 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played text-based games.
8.6
451
34
115
players
8. Incremental Adventures
Lead your heroes in their neverending adventures! A minimalistic Idle game where combat is fully automated. It's up to you to make the most of that automation to reach extremely high numbers! Incremental Adventures is a idler, automation and text-based game developed and published by Gniller. Released on August 11th 2020 has received 774 reviews of which 605 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 104 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played text-based games.
7.4
605
169
104
players
9. The Farmer Was Replaced
Program and optimize a drone to automate a farm and watch it do the work for you. Collect resources to unlock better technology and become the most efficient farmer in the world. Improve your problem solving and coding skills. The Farmer Was Replaced is a programming, automation and idler game developed and published by Timon Herzog. Released on February 10th 2023 has received 1,543 reviews of which 1,496 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played text-based games.
9.2
1,496
47
45
players
10. Roadwarden
Roadwarden is an illustrated text-based RPG that uses isometric pixel art and combines mechanics borrowed from RPGs, Visual Novels, adventure games and interactive fiction. Roadwarden is a rpg, text-based and adventure game developed by Moral Anxiety Studio and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on September 12th 2022 has received 4,218 reviews of which 4,001 were positive and 217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played text-based games.
9.1
4,001
217
42
players
Best deals on text-based games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of text-based games available on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted text-based games.
1. Roadwarden
Roadwarden is an illustrated text-based RPG that uses isometric pixel art and combines mechanics borrowed from RPGs, Visual Novels, adventure games and interactive fiction. Roadwarden is a rpg, text-based and adventure game developed by Moral Anxiety Studio and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on September 12th 2022 has received 4,218 reviews of which 4,001 were positive and 217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for text-based category.
9.1
4,001
217
-98%
10.99€
0.28€
2. Stories Untold
Stories Untold is a compilation tape of four experimental adventures, including a remaster of the original hit episode “The House Abandon”. Stories Untold is a adventure, text-based and horror game developed by No Code and published by Devolver Digital. Released on February 27th 2017 has received 5,142 reviews of which 4,480 were positive and 662 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in text-based games.
8.4
4,480
662
-95%
9.75€
0.49€
3. Warsim: The Realm of Aslona
Warsim is a deep, rich text based kingdom ruling sim unlike anything else, complete with charming ASCII graphics. Navigate the millions of different procedurally generated races, events and areas with a huge emphasis on player choice. Don't let its look fool you, there is depth in every direction. Warsim: The Realm of Aslona is a text-based, simulation and rpg game developed and published by Huw Millward. Released on December 20th 2022 has received 1,998 reviews of which 1,916 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in text-based games.
9.1
1,916
82
-93%
9.75€
0.77€
4. Subsurface Circular
When the truth is buried, go underground. Step into this new take on text-based adventure from the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Volume. A short story that hands you the fate of the world above, as a detective looking for answers on the Subsurface Circular. Subsurface Circular is a visual novel, investigation and detective game developed and published by Bithell Games. Released on August 17th 2017 has received 1,889 reviews of which 1,787 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for text-based games.
9
1,787
102
-87%
5.99€
0.82€
5. Monsters of Little Haven
At the heart of the action are a twelve-year-old Kenneth and his younger sister Esme, children of the Murphy family, who hit the trail of a mysterious monster following series of entangled events. Monsters of Little Haven is a horror, visual novel and casual game developed and published by Missing Calm. Released on July 09th 2019 has received 406 reviews of which 357 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for text-based games.
8.2
357
49
-80%
4.99€
0.99€
6. 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. Nodes Escape is a word game, puzzle and text-based game developed by 夜喵 and Allen and published by 夜喵. Released on July 14th 2023 has received 490 reviews of which 421 were positive and 69 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for text-based games.
8.0
421
69
-50%
1.99€
0.99€
7. Arcadie: Second-Born
In this interactive tale of love and war, be the force of reason that your kingdom needs, or perpetuate its reputation as a force of destruction. Find love and weave friendships, or cast it all away for the sake of retribution. Arcadie: Second-Born is a interactive fiction, romance and choose your own adventure game developed and published by Arcadie & Utopie. Released on December 09th 2022 has received 352 reviews of which 333 were positive and 19 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a 25% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for text-based games.
8.7
333
19
-25%
7.99€
5.99€
Free text-based games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play text-based games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play text-based games.
1. Your Chronicle
"Let's begin your own story." This is a text-based idle RPG game. There are already more than 3,000 unique story actions and it's still growing. Your Chronicle is a rpg, idler and text-based game developed and published by Samurai Games. Released on April 04th 2021 has received 2,048 reviews of which 1,640 were positive and 408 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 3,320 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free text-based games on Steam.
7.7
1,640
408
3,320
players
2. Idling to Rule the Gods
Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play Idle-Game with a lot of content and some Minigames. Depending on your play-style, you can play it fast or slow. Either way it can be fun for hundreds of hours! Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play, indie and simulation game developed and published by Shugasu GmbH. Released on May 27th 2016 has received 1,916 reviews of which 1,638 were positive and 278 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,120, this text-based game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free text-based games on Steam.
8.2
1,638
278
1,120
players
3. SIGame
Exciting quiz game where you can test your knowledge, compete with friends and smart bots, and explore a variety of topics! SIGame is a trivia, multiplayer and education game developed and published by Vladimir Khil. Released on March 22nd 2025 has received 625 reviews of which 508 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 842, this text-based game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free text-based games on Steam.
7.7
508
117
842
players
4. Trimps
A text-based incremental idle game with a ridiculous amount of unique content. Automate old stuff as you unlock new stuff to keep things interesting for hours and hours, no spam clicking necessary! Trimps is everything you love about your favorite games, distilled to their purest form. Trimps is a idler, strategy and free to play game developed and published by Greensatellite. Released on May 02nd 2022 has received 1,287 reviews of which 1,176 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 757 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free text-based games on Steam.
8.7
1,176
111
757
players
5. Incremental Adventures
Lead your heroes in their neverending adventures! A minimalistic Idle game where combat is fully automated. It's up to you to make the most of that automation to reach extremely high numbers! Incremental Adventures is a idler, automation and text-based game developed and published by Gniller. Released on August 11th 2020 has received 774 reviews of which 605 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 104 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free text-based games on Steam.
7.4
605
169
104
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 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 #6 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
7.3
751
236
20
players
7. 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? The Lancaster Leak - Entity Exam is a horror, action and text-based game developed by Jeremy Fischer and published by Jflyer Games. Released on February 05th 2024 has received 455 reviews of which 409 were positive and 46 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
8.4
409
46
1
players
8. Space Bear
Space Bear is a multi-choice text adventure typing game! Sort of. I mean, there isn't many actual choices, and the typing is more "mashing"... Space Bear is a free to play, adventure and indie game developed by Damon Smith and published by Space Bear Games. Released on March 05th 2020 has received 455 reviews of which 447 were positive and 8 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
9.1
447
8
9. "LIFE" not found;
This small Narrative Point & Click (Puzzle) game is about the mental health struggles of a adolescent high school dropout who's lost at life. Find out what they're struggling with, you might even recognize some things from your own life. "LIFE" not found; is a point & click, text-based and indie game developed and published by BerCh1n. Released on June 23rd 2022 has received 303 reviews of which 287 were positive and 16 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
8.7
287
16
10. Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder
Follow Detective Butler and his sidekick Gilligan as they solve a locked-room murder during a haunted cruise ship's maiden voyage. Can you solve the mystery before Detective Butler reveals the answer? Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder is a mystery, visual novel and detective game developed and published by Goldbar Games. Released on May 26th 2017 has received 301 reviews of which 246 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free text-based games on Steam.
7.6
246
55