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
Idol Manager
Idol Manager is a business sim about conquering the entertainment industry using any means you deem necessary.
Shades of Sakura
Shades of Sakura is a casual physics-based puzzle game. Challenge yourself to get 10 animated scenes with Live2D. Go on a fascinating journey through ancient Japan and our Samurai girls. Connect the balls by drawing lines to win!
Song of Farca
Hack into crime scenes, look for evidence, analyze data, interrogate criminals, track suspects and deal with the consequences of your decisions. This is a dark and brutal detective story with a Black Mirror-esque atmosphere of digital dominance and the narrative structure of a US crime procedural.
Grey Instinct
In this cyberpunk 2D point-and-click adventure game, play as Grey, an amateur detective. Unravel the mystery by searching for clues, solving puzzles, talking to the mask-wearing residents of New Corium, and, if you have time, maybe go on a date!
Sweet House
This is a relaxing and casual little game. You need to help the beautiful girls to find their lost things.
NEKOPARA - Catboys Paradise
When your grandfather passes away and you inherit his café, it's a tall task for anyone. But with the help of 4 talented catboys, Cafe Kin'uan is ready for business in NEKOPARA - Catboys Paradise!
Cabin Fever
An off-grid cabin. A tech-savvy loner. One ray of sunshine in a bleak, ruined world. Cabin Fever is a slice-of-life visual novel with meaningful player choices, multiple endings to explore, and a story that will touch your heart.
Billionaire Lovers
You’re a broke college graduate. Your rich, distant uncle has just shown up and given you 100 million dollars! And right at this moment, four handsome men come into your life. Could this be… the romance you’ve been waiting for!? But wait, there’s something behind their smiles that says otherwise…
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
Welcome to the club! Write poems for your crush and experience the terror of school romance in this critically-acclaimed psychological horror story.
Letters From a Rainy Day -Oceans and Lace-
Luscious artwork brings the beautiful streets of Kamakura in June to life in this bittersweet sapphic story of a romance that begins with blackmail... This is a yuri adventure game based on the theme of love between girls at a lady's school in Kamakura, Japan.
Eiyu*Senki Gold – A New Conquest
A young man takes up his sword and leads an army in search of his missing past. Carefully plan strategic turn-based battles against adorable portrayals of historical and mythical world heroes, as you conquer the globe... for not well explained reasons!
Vertical Slice: A Game Dev Story
From nobody to famous game producer in 3 years: that’s the journey you will live! Experience the trials and tribulations of game development in this life simulation game: live through the process of founding a small team and learning how to work together to develop a successful game.
TAISHO x ALICE epilogue
This is the final installment of TAISHO x ALICE, a fairytale visual novel in which YOU must save your Prince Charming! Take on the role of the heroine in order to rehabilitate your chosen love interest and guide him to his "happily ever after" once and for all!
WTF Is Wrong With You?
Have you ever wondered WTF Is Wrong With You? Well, so have we... Let's find out together, shall we?
Scarlet Hollow
You've finally made it to the dead-end mining town of Scarlet Hollow, North Carolina, where your aunt is dead, your cousin hates you, and something otherworldly stalks you from the shadows. You won't be able to save everyone. You might not even be able to save yourself. Welcome home.
Kinkoi: Golden Loveriche
Kinkoi: Golden Loveriche is a Japanese-style visual novel produced by Saga Planets, a Japanese developer of romance VNs. The game won numerous awards in the year of its release in Japan for its art, music, characters, and story.
Class of '09
This is the anti-visual novel. Instead of playing as some guy magically able to score with beautiful anime girls, YOU play the anime girl and create mass chaos in the lives of your potential "suitors". Earnest comedy, social accuracy, and late 2000's aesthetic await you in Class of '09!
Motesolo : No Girlfriend Since Birth
On a late afternoon in Seoul, you discover two people talking at a local cafe, and you spy on their conversation.
Tails Noir
Tails Noir is a post-noir narrative adventure. Become raccoon private eye Howard Lotor and explore dystopian Vancouver inhabited by animals as you uncover a deeply personal story of change and transformation.
Critters for Sale
Experience death from the comfort of your seat.
Overboard!
GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Highly replayable detective game where you're the one whodunnit. From the creators of 80 Days and Heaven's Vault.
Save Me, Sakuya-san!
She's here to help! Let Sakuya Izayoi from the Touhou Project comfort you after encountering some hardships in this beautiful visual novel that aims to heal your troubles away!
The Advisor - Episode 1: Royal Pain
The Advisor Series is a player-driven narrative where your choices & decisions, both in the game, and out of the game, determine how future episodes unfold. Play the role of villain protagonist Magnus the Magician, as he wreaks havoc across the land, one well-placed fireball at a time!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 1,711 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
49
players