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
Lingering Fragrance
We walk together, play together, and do everything together. This is our last trip, our last memory. It is a short visual novel contains three story lines, after main story the other two will be unlocked. Which one is your side of story?
妄想症：Deliver Me
Based on the best seller 妄想症Paranoia, the story about Lingluo's college life will bring you to a world unknown. She pursues her music dream without knowing her life is about to be turned upside down. Losing her best friend and her confidence, she plunges into the depth of despair. What will she do?
Learn Japanese To Survive! Kanji Combat
Learn Japanese kanji in this interactive role-playing game! No experience needed – start reading and writing in Japanese!
Flowers -Le volume sur ete-
Summer has arrived early to Saint Angraecum Academy, and with it comes change. Follow the story of Erika in the second game in the Flowers series.
NEKOPARA Extra
About half a year before the opening of the patisserie, La Soleil where the catgirls work with Kashou. Back when Chocola and Vanilla were still kittens when they first arrived at the Minaduki household and before they opened up to the other catgirls.
Heaven Will Be Mine
HEAVEN WILL BE MINE is a visual novel about making terrible life decisions in the midst of a hot-blooded battle between giant robots. Select one of three terribly behaved girls to fight and/or make out with each other in their struggle for the fate of space.
Gal*Gun 2
Notoriously lewd first-person shooter, where you find yourself irresistible to every girl in school! Fend off their advances as you explore the school grounds. Use gadgets to expel mischievous demons and upgrade kit like the 'Demon Sweeper' to suck the skirts clean off your suitors!
Mary Skelter: Nightmares
The "Jail" suddenly appeared a number of years ago, sinking the city deep into the ground. There, this impenetrable living prison 666 metres beneath the surface, held power over eerie creatures called "Marchens." Within the prison was a boy named Jack - living a life of suffering...
The Miskatonic
Explore the most prestigious occult school in North America, The Miskatonic University, in a hilarious dark comedy set after the Lovecraft canon, in which the greatest threat to mankind is its own ambitions.
Shining Resonance Refrain
Play as Yuma Ilvern and stop the Empire from exploiting the power of the ancient dragons, including the soul of the Shining Dragon within you. With the help of your friends, realize your destiny, save Astoria, and unleash the strength you’ve always had locked away.
Depression The Game
Depression The Game is an interactive game simulating major depression. You are joining a young man on one of his really bad days trying to handle his thoughts and survive that day... Will he?
Lagoon Lounge : The Poisonous Fountain
This is a visual novel containing furry characters and homosexual themes. You take on the role of a furry who has moved to a seaside village and become involved in the lives of its residents.
DERE EVIL EXE
DERE EVIL EXE is both a terrifying thriller with a gripping meta horror story and a retro 16-bit pixel platformer with unique puzzles and obstacles.
Adolescent Santa Claus
This visual novel game tells the tale of a cute little Santa Clause appearing
A Light in the Dark
──We cannot choose in this unfair world.The rich boy stuck in his never changing daily life...The fierce girl struggling for survival...Two people in totally opposite positions in life.In the face of confusion and the choices before them, what will they find...?
Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse: The Beginning
Join Hank and Larry, two small defenseless animals, as they manipulate their way through the zombie apocalypse. Meet various characters and get them to scavenge for you while guiding them to "safety." Make life-or-death decisions, bargain, manage inventory, trade, and gamble.
Kid,napper: Gosh, I'm Kidnapped by a Pupil
I had to admit, the only thing that is more scary than a murder weapon, is that girl, who is not even supposed to hold it
Trash Story
Trash style kinetic novel, created by one man. Short life story with naughty jokes, memes, author made pictures and not ordinary voiceover.
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 June 17th 2025.
1. 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 37,254 reviews of which 36,370 were positive and 884 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played visual novel game, thanks to its 736 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
36,370
884
736
players
2. 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 2,317 reviews of which 2,173 were positive and 144 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 498 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among visual novel games based on player count.
9.0
2,173
144
498
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 210,717 reviews of which 203,247 were positive and 7,470 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 435 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
203,247
7,470
435
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 75,514 reviews of which 71,592 were positive and 3,922 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 320 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.3
71,592
3,922
320
players
5. 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 3,272 reviews of which 2,960 were positive and 312 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 277 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played visual novel games.
8.7
2,960
312
277
players
6. Suzerain
Assume the role of President Anton Rayne and guide the nation of Sordland. Amidst brewing international conflicts, need for reform, deep-seated corruption, and economic recession, you must make the decisions in this political drama. How will you lead? Suzerain is a visual novel, choose your own adventure and political sim game developed and published by Torpor Games. Released on December 04th 2020 has received 9,266 reviews of which 8,658 were positive and 608 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 258 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.1
8,658
608
258
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 30,431 reviews of which 29,230 were positive and 1,201 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 256 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.4
29,230
1,201
256
players
8. 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 12,452 reviews of which 12,306 were positive and 146 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 237 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.6
12,306
146
237
players
9. 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 23,963 reviews of which 23,265 were positive and 698 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 231 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.5
23,265
698
231
players
10. 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 26,611 reviews of which 25,613 were positive and 998 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 223 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played visual novel games.
9.4
25,613
998
223
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 June 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted visual novel games.
1. Hiveswap Friendsim
You’ve crash landed on a dangerous alien planet with no food, medicine, or prospects, but you do know one thing—you are absolutely desperate for friendship. Hiveswap Friendsim is a visual novel, indie and simulation game developed by What Pumpkin Games and Inc. and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on April 13th 2018 has received 1,355 reviews of which 1,253 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for visual novel category.
8.8
1,253
102
-99%
12.79€
0.16€
2. Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip
Embark on a road trip like no other in this co-op narrative survival adventure. Visit fun locations, meet wacky characters, and manage your resources wisely. And yes: you still can date some hot monsters ;) Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip is a visual novel, lgbtq+ and dating sim game developed and published by Beautiful Glitch. Released on October 21st 2022 has received 3,112 reviews of which 3,038 were positive and 74 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in visual novel games.
9.3
3,038
74
-98%
11.99€
0.28€
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 599 reviews of which 555 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in visual novel games.
8.6
555
44
-98%
19.99€
0.48€
4. Eliza
Eliza is a visual novel about an AI counseling program, the people who develop it, and the people who use it. Follow Evelyn Ishino-Aubrey as she reconnects with people from her past, gets to know the people of Seattle who use Eliza for counseling, and decides the course of her future. Eliza is a female protagonist, visual novel and emotional game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on August 12th 2019 has received 1,673 reviews of which 1,518 were positive and 155 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.6
1,518
155
-98%
14.79€
0.43€
5. Pesterquest
Embark on a quest of epic importance in Pesterquest, a grimsical episodic visual novel adventure set in the darkly funny Homestuck / Hiveswap universe, created by American author and artist Andrew Hussie. Pesterquest is a indie, adventure and rpg game developed by What Pumpkin Games and Inc. and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on September 04th 2019 has received 1,438 reviews of which 1,294 were positive and 144 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.6
1,294
144
-98%
11.79€
0.29€
6. Ancient Enemy
Ancient Enemy is an RPG card battler set in a crumbling world where the forces of evil have already won. Blast distorted enemies with a satisfying range of spells and abilities. Journey into a scarred wilderness and draw power and hope from the landscape to defeat the deadliest foe of all! Ancient Enemy is a crpg, puzzle and card battler game developed and published by Grey Alien Games. Released on April 09th 2020 has received 490 reviews of which 435 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
8.3
435
55
-98%
16.49€
0.46€
7. 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 808 reviews of which 611 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.2
611
197
-98%
28.99€
0.78€
8. Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York
Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York is a narrative experience set in the rich universe of Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition. It presents the struggle for power between two vampiric factions - the Camarilla and the Anarchs - bathed in the night lights of the Big Apple. Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York is a visual novel, indie and vampire game developed by Draw Distance and published by Dear Villagers. Released on December 11th 2019 has received 2,879 reviews of which 2,124 were positive and 755 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
7.2
2,124
755
-98%
19.99€
0.52€
9. 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. Tails Noir is a detective, pixel graphics and visual novel game developed by Eggnut and published by Raw Fury. Released on June 08th 2021 has received 3,093 reviews of which 2,072 were positive and 1,021 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
6.6
2,072
1,021
-98%
24.99€
0.65€
10. 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 3,495 reviews of which 3,417 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for visual novel games.
9.4
3,417
78
-97%
19.50€
0.63€
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 June 17th 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 2,317 reviews of which 2,173 were positive and 144 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 498 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
2,173
144
498
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 210,717 reviews of which 203,247 were positive and 7,470 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 435, this visual novel game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.5
203,247
7,470
435
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 75,514 reviews of which 71,592 were positive and 3,922 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 320, this visual novel game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free visual novel games on Steam.
9.3
71,592
3,922
320
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 12,452 reviews of which 12,306 were positive and 146 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 237 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
12,306
146
237
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 10,483 reviews of which 10,302 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 205 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
10,302
181
205
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 1,263 reviews of which 1,063 were positive and 200 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 156 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
1,063
200
156
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 837 reviews of which 665 were positive and 172 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 111 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
7.6
665
172
111
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 3,806 reviews of which 3,736 were positive and 70 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 104 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free visual novel games on Steam.
9.4
3,736
70
104
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 2,484 reviews of which 2,383 were positive and 101 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
2,383
101
48
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 1,738 reviews of which 1,304 were positive and 434 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
1,304
434
47
players