Steam is a popular digital distribution platform that offers various games in many genres, including visual novels. Visual novels are narrative-driven games that typically feature static graphics, text-based dialogue, and interactive choices that determine the story's outcome. Steam's library of visual novels includes titles from many developers, ranging from lighthearted romantic comedies to dark, psychological thrillers.
What's more, Steam also features many free-to-play visual novels, allowing players to try out these games without any financial commitment. These games range from short, experimental titles to longer, more complex stories with branching paths and multiple endings. Let’s take a few visual novel games that are free on Steam.
9 Doki Doki Literature Club!
Doki Doki Literature Club! is a psychological thriller game disguised as a cute and innocent dating sim. As the player, you must write poems and make choices that affect the main character's romantic interest. The game cleverly uses familiar dating sim mechanics to draw the player in before gradually unraveling a deeply disturbing narrative.
With the recent release of Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!, players can now experience even more content, including new side stories and music tracks. The game's unique blend of horror and romance has earned it a dedicated fanbase and cemented its status as a modern classic of the genre.
8 Everlasting Summer
Everlasting Summer is a visual novel game that follows the story of Semyon, an ordinary young man who wakes up in a pioneer camp in the middle of a hot summer after falling asleep on a bus during winter. To unravel the mystery of how he ended up there, Semyon must navigate the complex web of relationships among the local inhabitants and possibly even find love.
As he tries to solve the camp's mysteries, Semyon must confront his problems and question whether he wants to return to his previous life or stay in this new world. Despite his ordinary appearance, Semyon's journey is anything but average.
7 Our Life: Beginnings & Always
Our Life: Beginnings & Always is a heartwarming visual novel that allows players to design their character and embark on a journey of growth from childhood to adulthood alongside the lonely boy next door. The game's near-fully customizable options and choice-heavy story create a unique experience that is all your own.
This simulation game tackles painful emotions with reassurance, understanding, and support. With four different periods of life to experience and customization for even tiny details, players can enjoy simple pleasures such as a preferred drink and a caring neighbor who remembers it.
6 Missed Messages
Missed Messages is a visual novel game that explores the intersection of romance, horror, and modern technology. One of the game's standout moments comes when the player character receives an airdropped photo from their "goth gf's iPhone."
The decision to accept or decline the photo changes the tone for the rest of the game, hinting at the potential danger and mystery lurking just beneath the surface. With four possible endings and playthroughs ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, Missed Messages is an immersive and visually striking experience that will leave a lasting impression on players.
5 Find Love or Die Trying
Find Love or Die Trying is a visual novel game where finding a partner is a matter of life and death. The dating show's premise is to keep the players on their toes, as failing to find love means certain death. With five possible love interests, players must try to win over the hearts of the daring Allie, the scientific Scarlett, the mysterious Violet, the eccentric Terra, or the sweet Yui.
The game boasts over 4 hours of gameplay, branching choices, and eight different endings. The original story, art, and music make this game a unique and exciting experience. Additionally, players have the option to choose their gender, adding to the game's inclusivity.
4 Cinderella Phenomenon
Cinderella Phenomenon is a visual novel game that presents a captivating story set four years after the Great War. The player takes on the role of Crown Princess Lucette of Angielle, who struggles to settle with her new life and family following the loss of her mother.
The game takes an odd turn when the Fairytale Curse throws Lucette into a battle to regain her crown in a kingdom far from unified. With 235,636 words, customizable names, and ten different endings, players can enjoy unique storylines for each of the five bachelors, along with multiple unlockable CGs and original background music.
3 Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft
Dagon, a visual novel game inspired by H. P. Lovecraft, offers players a chance to face unspeakable horrors and succumb to madness in a free, daemonic narrative experience. Players take on the role of a former ship officer and morphine addict, exploring a drug-addled mind and uncovering the horrors of a distant eldritch island.
The fully-voiced narrative experience features real-time 3D graphics and introduces players to the twisted world of H. P. Lovecraft and the origin of the Cthulhu Mythos. Players can also support the game's future projects by purchasing an optional DLC that includes an audiobook and a screenshot-filled e-book. All profits will be donated to help victims of war in Ukraine.
2 Purrgatory
Purrgatory is a delightful visual novel game that offers a unique slice-of-death perspective. The game revolves around the concept of waiting for eternity to pass in the afterlife, where nothing matters. The game features a whimsical point-and-click world that allows players to explore and get to know the downtrodden inhabitants of the world.
Purrgatory's standout feature is its LGBTQ+ characters, which adds a refreshing twist to the game's narrative. Additionally, it offers hours of cozy escapism with 80+ hand-drawn locations and multiple endings. The game is brimming with cat puns and is now available in European Spanish.
1 Tailor Tales
Tailor Tales is an otome game that puts players in the shoes of a fashion designer running her boutique in a fictional European country. Along the way, she'll meet a range of charming bachelors, each with a unique route to explore. Players can design custom clothes and customize the main character's appearance, making their experience memorable.
Tailor Tales offers the choice of being fierce or kind, with no bad endings, and players can choose to make the first move or let the bachelor take the lead. With beautiful art, partial voice acting, and around 4-5 hours of gameplay per route, Tailor Tales is a must-play for fans of the genre.