Games
Story games have become very popular in the gaming world. These games offer more than just action and adventure; they provide engaging stories that capture players' interest and keep them coming for more. Quite recently the Blix team made an article about Hades 1 and 2; check it out.
We made this list of the best story games on Steam based on user ratings, online discussions, and mentions across various platforms. We've focused on narrative quality, character development, immersive gameplay, and value for money. That, again, is one of many materials about Steam - check the Steam Deck Hidden Gems article, for instance. But for now - follow the story!
Highlights
- List of 10+2 Steam games with the richest stories
- Lists with a quick comparison of the essential features of these games
- A thorough recap of each game's features - narrative quality, character development and gameplay
- Additional inclusion of three Honorable Mentions games
Why Story Games Are Popular
Story games are popular because they provide a deep and engaging experience. They have rich plots, complex characters, and immersive worlds. Players feel a sense of control and emotional connection when playing story games, which makes them a top choice for gamers who want more than just gameplay mechanics.
Top 10 Story Games on Steam
Discover the best story games on Steam with our top picks for narrative lovers. From The Witcher 3 to Disco Elysium, find your next favorite game with an engaging story.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Life is Strange
- Disco Elysium
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Baldur's Gate 3
- Fallout 4
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Hades
- Hades 2
- Dishonored
- Dishonored 2
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
- Outer Wilds
- Starfield
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Genre: RPG, Open World
Playtime: 50-100+ hours
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Steam Price: $39.99
Metacritic Score: 93
Follow Geralt of Rivia in a vast, open world filled with monsters, magic, and morally complex choices.
Narrative Quality
The Witcher 3 offers an epic and personal story. It intertwines political intrigue with mythical lore.
Character Development
Players follow Geralt and his evolving relationships. Characters like Ciri and Yennefer are central to the story.
Immersive Gameplay
Explore a living world with dynamic events. Deep side quests enrich the experience.
Life is Strange
Life is Strange
Genre: Adventure, Episodic
Playtime: 10-15 hours
Developer: Dontnod Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, MacOS, Linux
Steam Price: $19.99
Metacritic Score: 83
Experience the story of Max Caulfield, a teenage girl with time-manipulating abilities, and her journey with her friend Chloe.
Narrative Quality
Focused on emotional journeys. The episodic structure ensures powerful moments.
Character Development
Max and Chloe's relationship is central. Character interactions are meaningful.
Immersive Gameplay
Choices impact the story's outcome. Personal and engaging experience.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium
Genre: RPG, Detective
Playtime: 20-40 hours
Developer: ZA/UM
Platforms: PC, MacOS, PS4, Xbox One
Steam Price: $39.99
Metacritic Score: 91
A detective thriller set in a unique, dystopian world filled with philosophical questions and dark humor.
Narrative Quality
A philosophical story with a rich, crafted world. It combines dark humor with profound themes.
Character Development
The protagonist's personality evolves based on choices. Deep interactions with characters.
Immersive Gameplay
Driven by dialogue and choices. Detailed environments enhance immersion.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2
Genre: Action-Adventure, Open World
Playtime: 60-80+ hours
Developer: Rockstar Games
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Steam Price: $59.99
Metacritic Score: 93
An epic tale of outlaws in the dying days of the Wild West, with a richly detailed world and emotionally resonant story.
Narrative Quality
An epic and detailed story. Focuses on the dying days of the Wild West.
Character Development
Arthur Morgan's journey is central. Deep character interactions.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy
Genre: RPG, Open World
Playtime: 30-40 hours
Developer: Portkey Games
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Steam Price: $59.99
Metacritic Score: 84
Explore the magical world of Harry Potter, attend classes, and uncover secrets in a richly detailed Hogwarts setting.
Narrative Quality
A magical story set in the Harry Potter universe. Engaging plot and setting.
Character Development
Interact with well-known characters. New faces enrich the narrative.
Immersive Gameplay
Explore Hogwarts and beyond. A mix of story-driven and open-world gameplay.
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3
Genre: RPG, Strategy
Playtime: 100+ hours
Developer: Larian Studios
Platforms: PC, MacOS
Steam Price: $59.99
Metacritic Score: 93
A Dungeons & Dragons RPG that combines deep storytelling with strategic combat and player choices.
Narrative Quality
A rich, D&D-inspired story. Intricate plotlines and lore.
Character Development
Deep character interactions. Player-driven stories evolve.
Immersive Gameplay
Turn-based combat and exploration. Strong narrative focus.
Fallout 4
Fallout 4
Genre: RPG, Open World
Playtime: 30-100+ hours
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Steam Price: $29.99
Metacritic Score: 84
Survive in a post-apocalyptic world, build settlements, and uncover the story of the Sole Survivor.
Narrative Quality
A compelling post-apocalyptic story. Focus on exploration and survival.
Character Development
Evolving relationships and choices. Affects the game world deeply.
Immersive Gameplay
Open-world exploration and settlement building. Strong narrative elements.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077
Genre: RPG, Open World
Playtime: 25-60 hours
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Steam Price: $59.99
Metacritic Score: 86
Navigate the neon-lit streets of Night City in this dystopian RPG with a gripping story and memorable characters.
Narrative Quality
A dark, cyberpunk narrative.Explores personal and political themes.
Character Development
Complex characters with impactful choices. Profound and memorable interactions.
Immersive Gameplay
Expansive open world with rich storytelling. Engaging and immersive experience.
Hades
Hades
Genre: Roguelike, Action RPG
Playtime: 20-30 hours
Developer: Supergiant Games
Platforms: PC, MacOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Steam Price: $24.99
Metacritic Score: 93
Battle through the underworld in this roguelike dungeon crawler with a strong narrative and character interactions.
Narrative Quality
Mythological story with engaging dialogue. Deep and captivating plot.
Character Development
Evolving relationships with gods and heroes. Characters develop over time.
Immersive Gameplay
Fast-paced combat with deep storytelling. Replayable and engaging.
Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2
Genre: Action-Adventure, Stealth
Playtime: 12-20 hours
Developer: Arkane Studios
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Steam Price: $29.99
Metacritic Score: 86
Experience a steampunk world where choices impact the story, playing as supernatural assassins.
Narrative Quality
Intricate plots with multiple outcomes. Player choices shape the story.
Character Development
Deep, engaging characters. Evolving stories based on actions.
Immersive Gameplay
Stealth-based gameplay with a solid narrative. Engaging and dynamic.
Honorable Mentions
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Genre: Action-Adventure, Psychological
Playtime: 6-8 hours
Developer: Ninja Theory
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Steam Price: $29.99
Metacritic Score: 83
Narrative Quality
A powerful story about mental health and mythology. Deeply emotional narrative.
Character Development
Senua's journey is deeply personal. Character development is intense.
Immersive Gameplay
Atmospheric and emotionally intense. Engaging and immersive experience.
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds
Genre: Adventure, Exploration
Playtime: 15-20 hours
Developer: Mobius Digital
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Steam Price: $24.99
Metacritic Score: 85
Narrative Quality
A unique exploration story about a solar system in a time loop. Engaging and mysterious.
Character Development
Discover ancient civilizations' mysteries. Deep and intriguing characters.
Immersive Gameplay
Exploration-driven gameplay. Strong narrative focus.
Starfield
Starfield
Genre: RPG, Sci-Fi
Playtime: 30-100+ hours
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Steam Price: $59.99
Metacritic Score: 88
Narrative Quality
A space exploration epic with a detailed universe. Rich and expansive story.
Character Development
Complex characters with profound lore. Intriguing character interactions.
Immersive Gameplay
Expansive open-world exploration. Rich narrative experience.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Story Games
When selecting the best story games, we focused on several criteria:
Narrative Quality - The depth and engagement of the story.
Character Development - The complexity and growth of characters.
Immersive Gameplay - How well the game draws players into its world.
Price - The value for money based on the content and experience offered.
These criteria ensure that the games listed provide exceptional storytelling experiences, making them must-plays for any narrative lover on Steam.
FAQ
What are the best story games on Steam?
The best story games on Steam include:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Life is Strange
- Disco Elysium
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Baldur's Gate 3
- Fallout 4
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Hades
- Hades 2
- Dishonored
- Dishonored 2
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
- Outer Wilds
- Starfield
What is the most story-driven game on Steam?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often considered the game with the most immersive story on Steam. It has a detailed, expansive plot with complex characters. Disco Elysium is also highly praised for its in-depth story and philosophical themes.
Are there any good single-player story games on Steam?
Yes, there are many excellent single-player story games on Steam. Some of the top picks include:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Life is Strange
- Disco Elysium
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Hades
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
What are the best narrative games on Steam for 2024?
For 2024, the best narrative games on Steam are:
- Baldur's Gate 3
- Starfield
- Hogwarts Legacy
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Disco Elysium
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Outer Wilds
- Hades
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
How do story games on Steam compare to console story games?
Story games on Steam often offer comparable or even superior experiences to those on consoles. Steam provides a wide selection of narrative-driven games with extensive mod support, high customization, and exceptional graphics capabilities on powerful PCs.
Many story games on Steam are also cross-platform, offering similar console experiences. However, some players prefer consoles for convenience and exclusive titles that may not be available on PC.
