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
Murders on the Yangtze River
"Murders on Yangtze River" is an Ace Attorney-like detective game that takes you on a journey through early 20th century China as you solve a series of intriguing cases. Use your logical reasoning and deduction skills to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and solve the mysteries.
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese.
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!
No Case Should Remain Unsolved
Twelve years after Senior Inspector Jeon Gyeong's retirement, she is visited by a young police officer: a woman who pleads with her to reexamine Seowon's case. But with each uncovered memory, only one thing becomes clear: everyone in Seowon's vicinity was lying.
Home Safety Hotline
Hearing noises? Seeing things? Call Home Safety Hotline! Our operators are standing by, waiting to give you the answers you need to protect your home from all manner of pests and household hazards.
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 Date with Death
Fight against & romance the one hunting for your soul in A Date with Death, a romance chat simulator where you date(?) the Grim Reaper himself. Create your own character, decorate your apartment, and chat away with the charming yet dangerous Grim Reaper through text and video calls.
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.
Football Manager 2024
Build a world-class team ready to dominate your rivals in football’s most prestigious competitions. Progress never stops when you’re pursuing footballing greatness.
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.
Wolvesville
Wolvesville is a multiplayer game for up to 16 players. Each game has different teams such as villagers or werewolves all fighting to be the last team standing. Use special abilities to uncover the roles of other players and convince your fellow players to work with you.
Myths of Rules
This is a text-based adventure puzzle game, where you must struggle to survive in a world filled with ghosts and urban legends. While collecting clues, you'll uncover the truth behind the world and find the way out. The game features a wealth of levels, unconventional rules, and a touch of horror.
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.
BOOK OF HOURS
Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be?
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