Best Visual Novel 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 visual novel games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free visual novel games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
How to Build a Magnificent Kingdom
The once prosperous kingdom of Avon now lies in tatters with nothing left in its coffers and a pitiful four citizens to its name. Yet even in its darkest hour, Princess Ariadne is determined to restore it to its former glory. Will her perseverance carry her through?
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
Spend your teenage years on an alien planet in this narrative RPG with card-based battles. Explore, grow up, and fall in love. The choices you make and skills you master over ten years will determine the course of your life and the survival of your colony.
Soul Hackers 2
Explore a supernatural RPG with stylish summoners and dark dangers lurking under the neon lights of a cyberpunk Japan. It is up to Ringo, an agent of Aion, to save the world from apocalypse.
Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch (The witch of the Ihanashi)
The English version of the heartwarming story that was highly acclaimed in Japan. Enjoy the meticulously crafted narrative. Set in Okinawa, Japan, it is also a story that unravels the mysteries hidden within its history and fantasy.
First Date : Late To Date
FIRSTDATE: LATE TO DATE is a romantic-comedy interactive cinematic (FMV) game in which the audience determines the progress of the movie with the options that appear every minute.
natsuno-kanata - beyond the summer
── In the summer of the world that has ended, the girl travels aimlessly. "natsuno-kanata - beyond the summer" is a text adventure game that depicts girls traveling in apocalypse. Through talking to the girls, we get to know them and approach the mysteries of the world ──
My Therapy
A visual novel about cute melancholic girls!
Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll
Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll: the romanticism of the Eighties, mystery and intrigues, betrayal and sacrifice, hatred and passion — all this and more in the new game from the creators of the legendary visual novel Everlasting Summer!
South of the Circle
South of the Circle is a deep narrative experience of the emerging relationship between Peter and Clara, Cambridge academics involved in a political conflict. The story focuses on promises made in between career and true love, where our choices burdened by our past seem to be illusory.
Hooked on You: A Dead by Daylight Dating Sim™
Welcome to Murderer’s Island. Your companions: four dead-sexy Killers who, underneath their murderous exteriors, just want a little romance. Flirt your way into their hearts, uncovering dark twists along the way. Will you find true love, forge friendships… or get hacked to death?
Digimon Survive
Digimon Survive presents a hybrid visual novel and tactical RPG set in a mysterious world filled with dangerous monsters and deadly battles that will test your ability to survive.
The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki
The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki is finally coming to Steam®! The sprawling Republic of Calvard is experiencing an unprecedented economic boom brought on by post-war reparations. Here is the beginning of a new "Trails (story)".
Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp
With an all-star dream lineup of characters from each Danganronpa game, gather Hope Fragments at a tropical resort. Explore Jabberwock Island and develop your Dangan characters. Gather money through battle and upgrade your equipment, then defeat bosses and move on to the next island!
Ballads at Midnight
When a sarcastic bard is arrested and exiled to an abandoned castle, she expected to be at the mercy of a hungry, blood-thirsty vampire. She soon discovers that the vampire, Lucius, is not starving: he is gravely bored. She may just survive on borrowed time, one ballad each midnight.
Kinkoi: Golden Time
Welcome to Noble Private Academy, an institution that cultivates the wealthiest, most well-connected students in all of Japan! At this boarding school, one must be willing to accept all of its refined and dignified teachings or be met with strict opposition!
TRATRITLE
A little master lived happily with his maids. But what bothered him was that the maids were too naive and simple. One day, he received a letter from his father. He thought he could solve the current problem... But unexpectedly, another succubus maid came. Will he still be a good boy or...?
Escape Academy
Welcome to Escape Academy. Train to become the ultimate Escapist. Solve Puzzles. Hack Servers. Meet the Faculty. Brew the perfect cup of tea. Escape Rooms in single player or co-op with a friend - local or online!
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
Special Agents Mizuki and Ryuki, along with their AI partners Aiba and Tama, are tasked to solve the bizarre Half Body serial killings in this sequel to the critically acclaimed AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES.
Flowers -Le volume sur hiver-
Suoh finally uncovers the the truth behind Saint Angraecum Academy in this emotional conclusion to the Flowers visual novel series.
Meteor World Actor: Badge & Dagger
Superpowered detective noir. Maverick detective Ruka Hiryu pursues criminals by day—and ices perps by night...
My Lovely Wife
My Lovely Wife delves into the depths of a man’s grief after the sudden death of his beloved wife. Explore the notions of one’s willingness to do anything for love and the importance of letting go in this mix of dating, management, and alchemy simulators.
CORPSE FACTORY
Discard your sense of morality and enter the world of CORPSE FACTORY. An obscure website allows users to request a death. Victims supposedly receive a photograph of their own corpse before they are killed! With English voice acting by an all-star cast.
Love Delivery
A coming-of-age romance simulation that follows the raw, relatable journey of a real loser.Most played visual novel games on Steam
Take a look at the top visual novel games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. 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 1,992 reviews of which 1,873 were positive and 119 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played visual novel game, thanks to its 728 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.0
1,873
119
728
players
2. Monster Prom 4: Monster Con
Can you find love at the nerdiest convention ever? "Monster Con" goes back to the multiplayer dating sim formula: go through absurd and funny situations as you find love among six sexy monsters! Who will you romance? The mimic who cosplays? The idol clown? Or the eldritch cutie? (There's also Liam) Monster Prom 4: Monster Con is a visual novel, lgbtq+ and comedy game developed and published by Beautiful Glitch. Released on April 24th 2025 has received 552 reviews of which 543 were positive and 9 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 679 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.1
543
9
679
players
3. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a detective, visual novel and story rich game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on April 09th 2019 has received 36,728 reviews of which 35,862 were positive and 866 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 427 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.6
35,862
866
427
players
4. Doki Doki Literature Club!
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a psychological horror, visual novel and anime game developed and published by Team Salvato. Released on October 06th 2017 has received 209,772 reviews of which 202,345 were positive and 7,427 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 367 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
202,345
7,427
367
players
5. Love Curse: Find Your Soulmate
Love Curse is a GL visual novel. You’ve fallen under a curse, and the only way to break it is to find your soulmate! The clock is ticking… Will you find true love? And what secrets will you uncover along the way? Love Curse: Find Your Soulmate is a lgbtq+, female protagonist and visual novel game developed and published by Xso. Released on April 19th 2025 has received 923 reviews of which 890 were positive and 33 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 210 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.1
890
33
210
players
6. 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 Date with Death is a dating sim, visual novel and lgbtq+ game developed and published by Two and a Half Studios. Released on December 07th 2023 has received 10,130 reviews of which 9,958 were positive and 172 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 208 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
9,958
172
208
players
7. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is a anime, visual novel and mystery game developed by Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. and Abstraction Games and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on February 18th 2016 has received 30,180 reviews of which 28,987 were positive and 1,193 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 197 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.4
28,987
1,193
197
players
8. NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD
NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD is a “multi-ending ADV” depicting daily life with “OMGkawaiiAngel”, a young girl with a rather extreme need for approval attempting to become the #1 “Internet Angel” (streamer). NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD is a psychological horror, anime and visual novel game developed by WSS playground and xemono and published by WSS playground. Released on January 21st 2022 has received 46,383 reviews of which 43,977 were positive and 2,406 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 197 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
43,977
2,406
197
players
9. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is a anime, detective and visual novel game developed by Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. and Abstraction Games and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on April 18th 2016 has received 26,410 reviews of which 25,428 were positive and 982 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 188 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.4
25,428
982
188
players
10. 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 75,303 reviews of which 71,409 were positive and 3,894 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 184 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
71,409
3,894
184
players
Best deals on visual novel games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of visual novel games available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted visual novel games.
1. Beacon Pines
Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate! Beacon Pines is a visual novel, story rich and emotional game developed by Hiding Spot and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 3,406 reviews of which 3,331 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for visual novel category.
9.4
3,331
75
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
12th century, England: In a time of poverty and war, a small town begins the construction of a cathedral to claim wealth and safety for its people. In their struggle to survive, lives and destinies intertwine. Based on Ken Follett's world-bestseller ‘The Pillars of the Earth’. Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth is a choices matter, adventure and visual novel game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on August 15th 2017 has received 7,035 reviews of which 6,517 were positive and 518 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in visual novel games.
9.0
6,517
518
-94%
20.50€
1.23€
3. Arcade Spirits
Arcade Spirits is a romantic visual novel that follows an alternative timeline where the 1983 video game crash never occurred. It's 20XX and you've just started a new job at the Funplex game arcade. Who will you meet along the way? Will you find the romance you're seeking? Arcade Spirits is a cute, dating sim and lgbtq+ game developed by Fiction Factory Games and published by PQube. Released on February 12th 2019 has received 597 reviews of which 552 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in visual novel games.
8.6
552
45
-93%
18.86€
1.32€
4. Mediterranea Inferno
Explore the inner demons of three childhood friends on a summer retreat. Unearth secrets, fears and obsessions as you help them reconnect and rediscover themselves. A mature and treacherous visual novel from the creator of Milky Way Prince – The Vampire Star. Mediterranea Inferno is a lgbtq+, choose your own adventure and visual novel game developed by Eyeguys and Lorenzo Redaelli and published by Santa Ragione. Released on August 24th 2023 has received 414 reviews of which 341 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.7
341
73
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk
Uncover the secret – Unite the clans In a town ruled by opposing clans and overshadowed by superstition and legend, a child is born with the dreaded mark of a witch. She conceals her identity until the theft of a mysterious relic brings to light a series of staggering revelations. Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk is a otome, adventure and visual novel game developed by Idea Factory and published by Intragames. Released on August 30th 2019 has received 611 reviews of which 529 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.1
529
82
-92%
29.50€
2.36€
6. 7'scarlet
The remote town of Okunezato is shaped like a crescent moon and shrouded in dark myths and legends. Take on the role of a brave young woman journeying into the unknown to uncover dangerous truths and locate her missing brother with her childhood friend. 7'scarlet is a otome, adventure and visual novel game developed by Idea Factory and TOYBOX and published by Intragames. Released on March 12th 2019 has received 798 reviews of which 605 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.2
605
193
-92%
27.50€
2.20€
7. If Found...
If Found... is a game about going home, coming out and erasing everything. If Found... is a indie, lgbtq+ and casual game developed by DREAMFEEL and published by Annapurna Interactive. Released on May 19th 2020 has received 2,034 reviews of which 1,838 were positive and 196 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.6
1,838
196
-90%
11.40€
1.14€
8. Ambition: A Minuet in Power
18th century Paris - a city of love, lies and revolution. You are a woman of fashion trying to survive the political turmoil. Date a cast of unforgettable characters. Amass the wealth and respect you deserve. Engage in gossip that can alter the course of history, or lead you to the guillotine. Ambition: A Minuet in Power is a dating sim, visual novel and choose your own adventure game developed by Joy Manufacturing Co. and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on August 18th 2021 has received 381 reviews of which 324 were positive and 57 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.9
324
57
-85%
19.93€
2.99€
9. Murder by Numbers
Solve Pixel Puzzles to find clues. Use those clues to interrogate witnesses. Work your way to the truth... ...and uncover the mystery of Murder by Numbers! Murder by Numbers is a investigation, visual novel and puzzle game developed by Mediatonic and published by The Irregular Corporation. Released on March 06th 2020 has received 1,574 reviews of which 1,318 were positive and 256 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.0
1,318
256
-84%
12.50€
2.00€
10. For the People
For the People is a mix of a political management sim and a visual novel, putting players in the shoes of an idealistic young state official tasked with shaping the future of a communist factory town. Will the party provide for the people, or are the people just cogs in its machine?.. For the People is a choose your own adventure, visual novel and political sim game developed by Brezg Studio and published by 101XP. Released on August 13th 2020 has received 732 reviews of which 548 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.2
548
184
-84%
15.00€
2.40€
Free visual novel games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play visual novel games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play visual novel games.
1. 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 1,992 reviews of which 1,873 were positive and 119 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 728 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free visual novel games on Steam.
9.0
1,873
119
728
players
2. Doki Doki Literature Club!
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a psychological horror, visual novel and anime game developed and published by Team Salvato. Released on October 06th 2017 has received 209,772 reviews of which 202,345 were positive and 7,427 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 367, this visual novel game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
202,345
7,427
367
players
3. 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 Date with Death is a dating sim, visual novel and lgbtq+ game developed and published by Two and a Half Studios. Released on December 07th 2023 has received 10,130 reviews of which 9,958 were positive and 172 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 208, this visual novel game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
9,958
172
208
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 75,303 reviews of which 71,409 were positive and 3,894 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 184 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.3
71,409
3,894
184
players
5. Our Life: Beginnings & Always
A twenty-dollar bill, four summers, fifteen years, and a one of a kind life. Create an experience that’s all your own in this near-fully customizable visual novel where you grow from childhood to adulthood with the lonely boy next door. Our Life: Beginnings & Always is a visual novel, romance and lgbtq+ game developed and published by GB Patch Games. Released on November 16th 2020 has received 12,318 reviews of which 12,173 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 173 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.6
12,173
145
173
players
6. Life Makeover
Explore Life Makeover: Unleash your style, dye outfits, and design freely. Dive into unlimited dress-up, build your dream home - all for free. Life Makeover is a female protagonist, simulation and casual game developed and published by Archosaur Games. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,207 reviews of which 1,020 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 122 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
8.0
1,020
187
122
players
7. Katawa Shoujo
Katawa Shoujo is a romantic visual novel set in the fictional Japanese Yamaku High School for disabled children. Hisao's congenital heart defect forces him to move to a new school. Despite his difficulties, Hisao is able to find friends—and perhaps love, if he plays his cards right. Katawa Shoujo is a visual novel, romance and dating sim game developed and published by Four Leaf Studios. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 3,581 reviews of which 3,515 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.4
3,515
66
76
players
8. Romance Club - Stories I Play
Immerse yourself in romantic visual stories where you control what happens! Romance Club - Stories I Play is a visual novel, simulation and romance game developed and published by Your Story Interactive. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 816 reviews of which 653 were positive and 163 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
7.6
653
163
67
players
9. Saihate Station
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men. Saihate Station is a psychological horror, lgbtq+ and horror game developed and published by びぶ/viv. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,568 reviews of which 1,514 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.2
1,514
54
55
players
10. Cooking Live - Italian Kitchen Simulator
Hello everyone! My name is Jane, and I need your help! I travel around the world and create a blog about local restaurants and cuisine. I’ve seen how big corporations squeeze out talented local cooks and their restaurants! Let’s take matters into our own hands and give them back their zest for life! Cooking Live - Italian Kitchen Simulator is a free to play, cooking and casual game developed and published by Matryoshka. Released on February 02nd 2023 has received 1,701 reviews of which 1,278 were positive and 423 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
7.3
1,278
423
49
players