You are looking for the best detective games to satisfy your craving for mystery and suspense? Look no further! This article presents the 20 best games to keep you engaged, challenged, and entertained. From solving murders in atmospheric settings to unraveling intricate conspiracies, these games offer captivating narratives, immersive gameplay, and mind-bending puzzles. Whether you’re a fan of classic point-and-click adventures, interactive storytelling, or atmospheric thrillers, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, put on your detective hat, sharpen your deductive skills, and dive into these immersive worlds where every clue counts. Let the investigations begin!
The 20 Best Detective Games
Unleash your inner detective and embark on thrilling investigations with the 20 best online games that offer captivating narratives, immersive gameplay, and mind-bending puzzles.
1. L.A. Noire: Top detective game
L.A. Noire takes players back to 1940s Los Angeles, immersing them in a gritty noir atmosphere. As Detective Cole Phelps, you’ll investigate crimes ranging from theft to murder. The game seamlessly blends action, exploration, and detective work. The groundbreaking MotionScan technology brings characters to life with realistic facial animations, adding depth to interrogations. With a captivating storyline, meticulously recreated cityscape, and detailed period setting, L.A. Noire offers an immersive experience for mystery lovers.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC.
2. The Wolf Among Us
Based on the popular Fables comic book series, The Wolf Among Us throws players into a dark and mysterious world. As Bigby Wolf, sheriff of Fabletown, you’ll investigate a brutal murder that unravels a web of intrigue and hidden truths. The game’s unique choice-based narrative and striking art style create an immersive atmosphere where every decision matters. With its compelling characters, engaging storytelling, and gripping plot twists, The Wolf Among Us is a must-play for fans of games and thrilling mysteries.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, mobile devices.
3. Return of the Obra Dinn
In Return of the Obra Dinn, you play as an insurance investigator in 1807, tasked with unraveling the mystery of what happened aboard the abandoned ghost ship, Obra Dinn. Equipped with a time-manipulating pocket watch, you can explore past frozen moments to deduce the crew members’ identities and fates. With its distinctive monochromatic art style and intricate puzzle design, the game offers a unique detective experience. The nonlinear storytelling, atmospheric soundtrack, and attention to detail make Return of the Obra Dinn a captivating and intellectually satisfying detective game.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC.
4. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
Step into the shoes of the legendary detective himself in Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments. It is one of my favorite detective games. Set in Victorian London, this game presents players with complex cases to solve. Employ your powers of deduction, analyze crime scenes, interrogate suspects, and make tough moral choices that can impact the outcome of each case. With its immersive atmosphere, authentic Victorian setting, and challenging puzzles, Crimes and Punishments captures the essence of Sherlock Holmes’ adventures. Whether you’re a fan of the original stories or new to the world of Sherlock Holmes, this game offers a fascinating experience that will put your detective skills to the test.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, PC.
5. Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a groundbreaking role-playing detective game set in a dystopian world. As a troubled detective with a unique personality, you’ll investigate a murder while navigating a politically charged city on the brink of collapse. The game’s open-world design allows for multiple approaches to solving the case, with your choices and interactions shaping both the story and your character’s development. With its richly detailed world, deep narrative, and thought-provoking themes, Disco Elysium offers an unforgettable experience for mystery lovers and fans of immersive storytelling.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, PC.
6. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Immerse yourself in the atmospheric and haunting world of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. As a paranormal investigator with psychic abilities, you arrive in the beautiful yet unsettling Red Creek Valley to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of a young boy named Ethan Carter. The game’s stunning visuals and detailed environments draw players into a narrative-driven experience of puzzles and psychological suspense. With its emphasis on exploration, immersive storytelling, and a chilling atmosphere, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a must-play for those who enjoy online games with a touch of the supernatural.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, PC.
7. Jenny LeClue
Embark on a charming and captivating detective adventure with Jenny LeClue. As a young aspiring detective, Jenny is entangled in a thrilling murder mystery in her small town. With its gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, witty dialogue, and engaging characters, the game offers a delightful combination of storytelling and puzzle-solving. Players will uncover secrets, interrogate suspects, and make choices that shape the outcome of the investigation. Jenny LeClue provides an enjoyable and family-friendly detective experience that will keep players hooked from start to finish.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile devices.
8. Paradise Killer
Step into a surreal and stylish world with Paradise Killer, an open-world detective game set on a mysterious island. As investigator Lady Love Dies, you must solve a series of murders and unearth the truth behind a corrupt paradise. With its vibrant art style, nonlinear gameplay, and profound lore, Paradise Killer offers a unique blend of detective work and exploration. Players can freely explore the island, gather evidence, interview suspects, and even accuse different characters. This immersive and unconventional detective experience is perfect for those seeking a captivating and unorthodox mystery adventure.
Platform availability: PC.
9. Professor Layton
Enter the enchanting world of puzzle-solving and detective work with the beloved Professor Layton series. Follow the adventures of the esteemed Professor Layton and his apprentice as they tackle a variety of mysteries, each filled with mind-bending puzzles and clever twists. With its charming art style, engaging storytelling, and challenging brainteasers, the Professor Layton games offer hours of entertainment for players of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of brain teasers or enjoy immersive detective adventures, the Professor Layton series is a delightful choice that will test your wits and captivate your imagination.
Platform availability: Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, mobile devices.
10. Heavy Rain
Immerse yourself in the intense and emotionally charged world of Heavy Rain. This gripping cinematic crime thriller follows four playable characters whose lives intertwine as they hunt down the elusive Origami Killer. As players navigate through a branching narrative, their choices and actions directly impact the story’s outcome. With its realistic graphics, immersive storytelling, and a focus on character-driven drama, Heavy Rain offers a unique and emotionally engaging detective experience. The game’s gripping atmosphere, thrilling set pieces, and intricate mysteries make it a must-play for fans of gripping narratives.
Platform availability: PlayStation.
11. Hypnospace Outlaw
Step into the surreal world of Hypnospace Outlaw, a retro-futuristic internet simulation game where players take on the role of an internet police officer. Patrol the digital landscape of the late 1990s, solving crimes, tracking cyber criminals, and uncovering hidden secrets. With its nostalgic pixelated graphics, catchy music, and immersive gameplay, Hypnospace Outlaw offers a unique and satirical detective experience. Dive into virtual communities, explore websites, and crack cases in this unconventional detective game that blends humor, mystery, and nostalgia.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC.
12. Murdered: Soul Suspect
In Murdered: Soul Suspect, players assume the role of Ronan O’Connor, a detective who is murdered and becomes a ghost. Trapped in the limbo of Dusk, Ronan must solve his own murder and uncover the identity of the notorious Bell Killer. As a ghost, players can possess people, influence their actions, and explore the supernatural realm to gather clues. With its dark and atmospheric setting, intriguing storyline, and unique gameplay mechanics, Murdered: Soul Suspect offers a fresh twist on the detective genre. Dive into a world where the line between life and death is blurred, and solve the ultimate mystery of your own demise.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, PC.
13. The Darkside Detective
The Darkside Detective is a delightful point-and-click adventure game that follows the humorous and quirky investigations of Detective Francis McQueen. Players explore the peculiar town of Twin Lakes, solving supernatural mysteries and encountering eccentric characters. With its retro pixel art style, witty dialogue, and clever puzzles, The Darkside Detective offers a charming and lighthearted take on detective games. Immerse yourself in this world of humor, supernatural phenomena, and intriguing cases as you unravel the mysteries on the dark side.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile devices.
14. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is a thrilling visual novel and mystery game combining detective work, courtroom drama, and psychological suspense. Players find themselves trapped in Hope’s Peak Academy, where they must solve a series of murders while navigating a twisted game orchestrated by a sadistic bear named Monokuma. Interact with colorful characters, gather evidence, and engage in intense class trials to uncover the truth. With its gripping storyline, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc offers a unique blend of mystery, suspense, and visual novel storytelling. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as you try to survive and unmask the mastermind behind the killings.
Platform availability: PlayStation, PC, mobile devices.
15. Grim Fandango
Embark on a classic adventure in the Land of the Dead with Grim Fandango. As Manny Calavera, a travel agent for the afterlife, players unravel a captivating tale of corruption, betrayal, and redemption. With its unique blend of film noir and Mexican folklore, the game’s compelling story, memorable characters, and clever puzzles have made it a beloved title in the detective genre. Explore the beautifully rendered world, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth in this iconic adventure game that has stood the test of time.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, mobile devices.
16. The Last Express
Set aboard the luxurious Orient Express on the eve of World War I, The Last Express offers a unique and immersive detective experience. As Robert Cath, an American doctor with a mysterious past, players must navigate a train filled with intrigue and deception. The game’s real-time mechanics create a sense of urgency and realism as players interact with characters, investigate their backgrounds, and unravel a web of conspiracy. With its meticulously recreated period setting, engaging storyline, and branching narrative, The Last Express is a testament to the power of storytelling in the detective genre.
Platform availability: PC, mobile devices.
17. Discworld Noir
Based on Terry Pratchett’s popular Discworld series, Discworld Noir takes players on a thrilling adventure as they assume the role of a private investigator in the city of Ankh-Morpork. Set in a dark and humorous world, players solve crimes, uncover clues, and interact with the colorful characters of Discworld. With its unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and humor, Discworld Noir offers a captivating detective experience. Immerse yourself in the iconic Discworld universe with memorable characters, clever dialogue, and complex cases. Whether you’re a fan of the Discworld novels or new to the series, this game provides an enjoyable and humorous detective adventure.
Platform availability: PC.
18. Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter invites players to step into the shoes of the iconic detective once again. Solve a series of interconnected cases, each with its unique challenges and mysteries, in the atmospheric and detailed Victorian London. Employ your deductive reasoning, gather evidence, and interrogate suspects to uncover the truth. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to play as Sherlock’s brilliant daughter, adding depth to the overall experience. With its immersive world, engaging investigations, and authentic portrayal of the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, PC.
19. Blacksad: Under the Skin
Blacksad: Under the Skin is an engaging detective game based on the popular graphic novel series. Set in a noir-inspired 1950s New York City, players assume the role of John Blacksad, a feline private detective who finds himself entangled in a dark conspiracy. As players investigate crime scenes, interrogate witnesses, and make tough choices, they unravel a gripping narrative filled with complex characters and moral dilemmas. With its stunning hand-drawn visuals, atmospheric jazz soundtrack, and compelling storytelling, Blacksad: Under the Skin offers a unique and immersive detective experience. Prepare to dive into a world of corruption, intrigue, and anthropomorphic animals in this captivating and visually striking game.
Platform availability: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC.
20. Gemini Rue
Gemini Rue is a captivating sci-fi noir adventure game that combines mystery, suspense, and futuristic dystopia elements. Set in a gritty, rain-soaked world, players assume the roles of two protagonists, Azriel Odin and Delta-Six, as their paths intertwine in a web of conspiracy and memory manipulation. The game features a compelling storyline with deep character development and thought-provoking themes.
Players must solve puzzles, gather clues, and make choices that shape the outcome of the narrative. With its pixelated art style reminiscent of classic point-and-click adventures and its immersive atmosphere, Gemini Rue offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on the detective genre. Dive into a world filled with dark secrets, shady organizations, and morally ambiguous choices in this sci-fi mystery.
Platform availability: PC, mobile devices.
Bonus List of Detective Games
- Detective Grimoire
- Blade Runner (1997 video game)
- Kathy Rain
- Contradiction: Spot the Liar!
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Deadly Premonition
- Criminal Case
- Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
- Thimbleweed Park
- Sherlock Holmes Chapter One
- Under a Killing Moon
- Judgment
- Layton Brothers: Mystery Room
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
- The Shapeshifting Detective
- Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
- Batman: Arkham City
- Detroit: Become Human
- Condemned: Criminal Origins
- Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
- The Sinking City
- Who Is The Killer? Episode I
- The Shivah
- Sam & Max: Hit the Road
- Rainswept
- Hotel Dusk: Room 215
- A Normal Lost Phone
- The Flower Collectors
- Betrayal.io
- Tiny Room Stories: Town Mystery
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the world of detective games is vast and diverse, offering an array of thrilling experiences for mystery lovers. From the atmospheric streets of noir-inspired cities to the haunting depths of supernatural realms, these 20 best detective games have showcased the best of the genre. With their immersive narratives, engaging characters, and challenging puzzles, these games have the power to transport players into a world of intrigue and suspense.
Whether you prefer solving murders, uncovering conspiracies, or exploring the unknown, these games offer endless hours of entertainment and the opportunity to unleash your inner detective. So, gather your wits, follow the clues, and embark on these thrilling adventures that will test your investigative skills. Get immersed in the captivating worlds of the best detective games out there!
