The Best Mystery Games

Update : The Rise of the Golden Idol added at rank #5.
1

Outer Wilds (2019)

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96
Review score
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Xbox One Android Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Playstation 4

Unravel the mysteries of the universe in Outer Wilds, an award-winning open world game. Explore an ever-evolving solar system, uncover alien secrets, and enjoy a thought-provoking narrative. With no enemies to fight, you're free to discover at your own pace. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in space!


What we like:
  • Unique and immersive gameplay experience
  • Beautiful and intricate world-building
  • Thought-provoking narrative
  • Encourages fearless discovery
  • Captures the mysteries of the universe
What could be improved:
  • May cause motion sickness
  • Game's physics can lead to unexpected deaths

  • exploration
  • mystery
  • discovery
  • puzzle
  • open-world
  • space
  • sci-fi
  • adventure
  • endless
  • first-person
  • day
  • story

2

Strange Horticulture (2022)

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85
Review score
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Mac OS Nintendo Switch PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 4 Android IOS iPhone j IOS iPhone (IOS iPhone)

Step into the shoes of a plant shop owner in the enigmatic town of Undermere in 'Strange Horticulture'. Uncover dark mysteries, identify mysterious plants, and interact with intriguing characters. Your choices shape an occult narrative in this puzzle-filled adventure. Can you navigate the secrets and maintain your sanity? Embark on a botanical journey where your detective skills will determine your fate.


What we like:
  • Unique blend of puzzles and narrative
  • Rich, evolving gameplay experience
  • Engaging detective-style gameplay
  • Deeply intriguing story
  • Multiple endings for replayability
What could be improved:
  • Narrative complexity may be overwhelming
  • Limited replayability due to story conclusion

  • mystery
  • puzzle
  • cult
  • investigation
  • detective
  • nature
  • relaxing
  • multiple-endings
  • local
  • lovecraftian
  • book
  • grid
  • choices
  • card
  • bizarro

3

GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective (2023)

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86
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Android PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox One IOS iPhone

In Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, you're a ghost solving your own murder mystery before sunrise. With time manipulation, object possession, and mind-bending puzzles, you'll uncover a story full of twists and turns. This HD remaster offers an upgraded visual experience, new music arrangements, and a gallery of artwork, making it the ultimate version of this classic adventure.


What we like:
  • Engaging story with satisfying twists
  • Endearing, unique characters
  • Fantastic art style and graphic upgrades
  • Fun voice acting
  • Intriguing puzzle-solving mechanics
What could be improved:
  • Puzzles can be frustrating and require trial-and-error
  • Unhelpful hint system
  • Lack of bonus content

  • puzzle
  • mystery
  • detective
  • cult
  • adventure
  • narrative
  • supernatural
  • classic
  • assassin

4

The Forgotten City (2021)

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89
Review score
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Playstation 5 Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch

Unravel the mysteries of The Forgotten City, a time-looping adventure set in an ancient Roman city. Engage with well-crafted characters, navigate ethical dilemmas, and uncover secrets that will keep you hooked. Despite its humble origins as a Skyrim mod, this game offers a captivating experience with multiple endings, making every decision count.


What we like:
  • Gripping story with clever twists
  • Immersive, detailed visuals
  • Strong voice performances
  • Thought-provoking themes and ethical dilemmas
  • Multiple dialogue options and quest-solving approaches
What could be improved:
  • Backtracking can be tedious
  • Limited impact of player's chosen backstory
  • Occasional slowdowns and glitches
  • Fixed map despite vast experience

  • mystery
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • rpg
  • story
  • historical
  • exploration
  • skyrim
  • combat
  • crime
  • thought-provoking
  • discovery
  • puzzle
  • first-person

5

The Rise of the Golden Idol (2024)

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84
Review score
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Nintendo Switch j IOS iPhone Android PC Windows Playstation 4 Playstation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series X Mac OS

The Award-winning detective saga returns in this standalone sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. Uncover the truth behind 20 strange cases of crime, death and depravity in the 1970s. The world has changed dramatically - the sins of humanity have not.


  • detective
  • mystery
  • crime
  • puzzle
  • conspiracy
  • point-and-click
  • investigation
  • pixel
  • narrative

6

This Bed We Made (2023)

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88
Review score
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l PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One j

This Bed We Made is a third-person mystery game in which you play as a maid in a 1950s hotel and snoop around strangers' rooms to uncover their deadly secrets. Discover what links guests together in this tale of love, heartbreak and murder!

Buy

  • mystery
  • noir
  • detective
  • cinematic
  • lgbtq
  • third-person
  • walking-simulator
  • investigation
  • 1950s
  • crime
  • fiction
  • choices
  • historical
  • story
  • romance

7

Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins (2021)

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86
Review score
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Playstation 4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch PC Windows Android IOS iPhone

Enter the thrilling found-phone mystery of Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins and uncover the chilling truth before it's too late. Help solve cryptic puzzles and interact with authentic characters as you navigate through an eerie abandoned house. But watch out for the Weeping Angels! Immerse yourself in this unique blend of horror and sci-fi elements that will leave you wanting more.


What we like:
  • Immersive storytelling
  • Challenging puzzles
  • Impressive graphics and sound design
  • Replay value
  • Unique blend of horror and sci-fi elements
What could be improved:
  • Short length compared to other games
  • No Steam achievements

  • mystery
  • horror
  • puzzle
  • sci-fi
  • interactive
  • simulacra
  • adventure
  • narrative
  • visual-novel
  • immersive
  • fiction
  • investigation
  • detective

8

Life is Strange Double Exposure (2024)

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74
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X Playstation 5

When Max Caulfield finds her friend Safi dead in the snow, she tears open the way to a parallel timeline. Here, Safi is still alive - and still in danger! With her new power to Shift between two timelines – can Max solve and prevent the same murder?


  • supernatural
  • mystery
  • choices
  • narrative
  • lgbtq
  • romance
  • story
  • adventure
  • drama
  • emotional
  • puzzle
  • stylized
  • alternate

9

Paradise Killer (2020)

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87
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows

Paradise Island, a world outside reality. There’s been a murder that only "investigation freak" Lady Love Dies can solve. Gather evidence and interrogate suspects in this open world adventure. You can accuse anyone, but you’ll have to prove your case in trial. It’s up to you to decide who’s guilty.


  • crime
  • mystery
  • detective
  • open-world
  • exploration
  • psychedelic
  • investigation
  • visual-novel
  • first-person
  • surreal
  • multiple-endings
  • story
  • demons
  • choices
  • stylized

10

Pentiment (2022)

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91
Review score
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Xbox One Nintendo Switch j Playstation 4 Playstation 5 PC Windows Xbox Series X

Pentiment can be seen as a educational game set in the 15th century, combining point-and-click adventure with role-playing elements and a branching narrative. It follows Andreas Mahler as he tries to clear his friend's name while uncovering the secrets of a small Bavarian town.

Buy

What we like:
  • Captivating story
  • Immersive atmosphere
  • Beautiful visuals and sound
  • Interesting characters and dialogue
  • Deep RPG elements and replayability
What could be improved:
  • Limited number of puzzles which are not particularly challenging

  • historical
  • narrative
  • mystery
  • medieval
  • rpg
  • choices
  • book
  • crime
  • adventure
  • detective
  • education
  • story
  • fiction
  • stylized
  • local

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