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
Actual Sunlight
A short interactive story about love, depression and the corporation.
The Yawhg
The Yawhg is a one-to-four player choose-your-own-adventure game that randomizes a unique story every time you play. The evil Yawhg is returning. How will the town’s locals lead their lives in the meanwhile, and what will they do when the dreaded Yawhg finally arrives?
Go! Go! Nippon! ~My First Trip to Japan~
The week you spend in Japan will certainly be memorable!!! Get a taste of the foreign travel offered by printed guidebooks. Enjoy a tour around Japan from the comfort of your own home!
Journal
Enter the pages of the hand painted world of Journal. A journey through the life of a young and troubled girl as she tries to face up to the choices and responsibilities that come with childhood. An experience that questions the reliability of how we choose to remember events and explores the truths hidden within our dreams.
Agarest: Generations of War
At the dawn of time, a terrible war raged between the forces of good and evil, ending in the destruction of the world of Agarest. After their victory, the Gods of Light unified the decaying bodies of the Gods of Darkness and created a new world.
Loren The Amazon Princess
Loren The Amazon Princess is a fantasy epic combining intricate turn-based battles with a heroic tale of overcoming evil - with a twist! In this tale, you play as a loyal servant of the hero rather than the hero herself.
War of the Human Tanks
War of the Human Tanks is a story driven strategy game with a gameplay reminiscent of Battleship and Chess, featuring a story of war, loyalty, sacrifice and human shaped tanks.
Long Live The Queen
Rule the world or die trying!Being a Princess is not an easy job. Being a Queen is even harder. Especially when you're only fourteen years old, and the reason you've inherited the throne is that your royal mother has just met an untimely end.Now power is up for grabs.
Dracula: Love Kills
The Queen of Vampires emerges from the ashes of history, seeking to destroy the world of humans and rule over its ruins! No one, human or vampire, will stand in her way!Count Dracula awakens, weakened and stripped of his powers after years of healing from his last battle with Dr. Van Helsing.
The Wolf Among Us
From the makers of the 2012 Game of the Year: The Walking Dead, comes a thriller based on the award-winning Fables comic books. As Bigby Wolf you will discover that a brutal, bloody murder is just a taste of things to come in a game series where your every decision can have enormous consequences.
Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos
From Dischan Media, creators of the highly acclaimed Juniper's Knot, comes Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos.Dysfunctional Systems is a visual novel series featuring Winter Harrison, a student mediator from a utopian world. Learning to Manage Chaos is the first entry in the series.What is a mediator?
Hate Plus
Let's spend the next three real-time days together uncovering the mystery of what went horribly wrong on a derelict generation ship, with the help of a spunky/more-than-slightly-traumatized AI sidekick! A sequel to Analogue: A Hate Story that tells a whole new hate story of its own.
Monster Loves You!
Live the life of a Monster, from birth to elderhood and beyond, making decisions that affect the world of Monsters and Humans. Solve problems. Meet animals and interesting people. Get to know them. Eat them. Make your own story!
Kentucky Route Zero: PC Edition
KENTUCKY ROUTE ZERO is a magical realist adventure game about a secret highway running through the caves beneath Kentucky, and the mysterious folks who travel it.
Magical Diary: Horse Hall
You have been invited to attend a magical school. You can make new friends, learn spells, face exams, run for class office, and try to find a date for the May Day Ball.
Analogue: A Hate Story
A dark visual mystery novel featuring transhumanism, traditional marriage, loneliness, and cosplay. Two pursuable characters. Five endings. Welcome to the future.
Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures
Enter the colorful world of West Wallaby Street in a series of four cracking adventures brought to you by Aardman Animations, the creators of the Wallace & Gromit animated films, and award-winning Telltale Games.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 May 07th 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 2,059 reviews of which 1,935 were positive and 124 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 784 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.0
1,935
124
784
players
2. 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 36,833 reviews of which 35,964 were positive and 869 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 457 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.6
35,964
869
457
players
3. 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 210,009 reviews of which 202,575 were positive and 7,434 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 389 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.5
202,575
7,434
389
players
4. 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, comedy and lgbtq+ game developed and published by Beautiful Glitch. Released on April 24th 2025 has received 1,003 reviews of which 995 were positive and 8 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 368 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
995
8
368
players
5. 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 243 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
71,409
3,894
243
players
6. Slay the Princess — The Pristine Cut
You're here to slay the princess. Don't believe her lies. Slay the Princess — The Pristine Cut is a visual novel, choices matter and psychological horror game developed by Black Tabby Games and published by Black Tabby Games and Serenity Forge. Released on October 23rd 2023 has received 23,270 reviews of which 22,594 were positive and 676 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 223 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
22,594
676
223
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 210 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
210
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 203 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
203
players
9. 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. With 201 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.6
12,173
145
201
players
10. 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. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a adventure, visual novel and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 24th 2024 has received 3,183 reviews of which 2,883 were positive and 300 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 199 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played visual novel games.
8.7
2,883
300
199
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 May 07th 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 3,422 reviews of which 3,346 were positive and 76 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
3,346
76
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. 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 612 reviews of which 530 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in visual novel games.
8.1
530
82
-95%
30.60€
1.53€
3. 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 7,046 reviews of which 6,526 were positive and 520 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in visual novel games.
9.0
6,526
520
-94%
20.50€
1.23€
4. 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 799 reviews of which 605 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.2
605
194
-94%
30.17€
1.81€
5. 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 598 reviews of which 553 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.6
553
45
-93%
18.86€
1.32€
6. 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 417 reviews of which 344 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 #6 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.7
344
73
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. Sixtieth Kilometer
You're going to work by train, but strange things happens on the way: the train stops, the pink fog appears outside and the man who came off the train immediately dies. The main characters turned out to be locked in the train without any clues about what's happening... Sixtieth Kilometer is a visual novel, indie and adventure game developed by Talentplace and published by KishMish Games. Released on August 25th 2016 has received 1,643 reviews of which 1,275 were positive and 368 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 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.
7.5
1,275
368
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
8. My Furry Dictator 🐾
Wake up, comrade, you've arrived in the best country in the world! We have socialism, paws, and most importantly - a hot dictator. Experience the story of a young billionaire and his relationship with the most insane woman in his life! My Furry Dictator 🐾 is a visual novel game developed and published by Dirty Fox Games. Released on October 08th 2021 has received 394 reviews of which 295 were positive and 99 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.1
295
99
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
9. 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 383 reviews of which 324 were positive and 59 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.9
324
59
-85%
19.93€
2.99€
10. Neo Cab
A visual novel about emotional survival in an automated world. Play as Lina, the last human cab driver. It’s your first night driving the lonely streets of Los Ojos, and your best friend has just disappeared. Stay on the road. Stay on the search. Stay human. Neo Cab is a visual novel, cyberpunk and interactive fiction game developed by Chance Agency and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on October 03rd 2019 has received 2,494 reviews of which 2,025 were positive and 469 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.8
2,025
469
-85%
14.79€
2.21€
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 May 07th 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 2,059 reviews of which 1,935 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 784 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
1,935
124
784
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 210,009 reviews of which 202,575 were positive and 7,434 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 389, this visual novel game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
202,575
7,434
389
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 243, this visual novel game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.3
71,409
3,894
243
players
4. 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 201 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.6
12,173
145
201
players
5. 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 10,218 reviews of which 10,045 were positive and 173 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 167 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
10,045
173
167
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 1,219 reviews of which 1,029 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 155 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
1,029
190
155
players
7. 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 822 reviews of which 657 were positive and 165 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
7.6
657
165
88
players
8. 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 3,630 reviews of which 3,563 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
9.4
3,563
67
83
players
9. Saihate Station
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men. Saihate Station is a psychological horror, visual novel and lgbtq+ game developed and published by びぶ/viv. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,733 reviews of which 1,671 were positive and 62 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
1,671
62
70
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 1,711 reviews of which 1,285 were positive and 426 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free visual novel games on Steam.
7.2
1,285
426
45
players