Top 15 Best Detective Games To Play Right Now
Detective stories are among the most stimulating pieces of media/literature out there. From novels to short stories to TV shows to movies, everything in a detective story from their deductive abilities to finally solving the case to meeting their intellectual match contribute to what makes stories like it so fun. This time, however, we’re talking about the best detective video games to play out there, so if you’re looking for games that are meant to intellectually stimulate, scroll further down.
15. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter (PS4/XBox/PC/Switch)
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A first-person, open-world mystery game, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a detective story with supernatural elements, and it does very little hand-holding, meaning it leaves a whole lot for the player to figure out on his own. Well-designed visuals and a captivating story make it one of the best detective games you can play right now, and you should.
14. Life Is Strange (PlayStation/XBox/PC)
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LiS is a third-person graphic adventure wherein you play as Max Caulfield and you possess the ability to rewind time. This mechanic is central to the game, as all the actions you take or otherwise and the puzzles you solve influence the story. It’s a unique interactive story game and it deserves a spot on this list.
13. Blade Runner (PC)
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Based on the Ridley Scott film, this point-and-click adventure puts you in the shoes of Blade Runner Ray McCoy and sets you on the hunt for replicants, and the gameplay mechanics overall is an impressive detective simulator for its time.
12. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (PlayStation/PC)
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This Japanese mystery visual novel has two modes: School Life and Class Trials. It places you in a high school where students are trapped and the only way out is to kill each other, and once they do, it’s up to you to solve it.
11. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments (PlayStation/XBox/PC)
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Play as the most famous detective of all time, and solve crimes and mysteries with his trusty sidekick Watson. Sherlock Holmes’ deductive abilities are put to test in this game, in which each case has multiple solutions and endings. It’s a bit rough around the edges but it’s a good detective game and this list just wouldn’t be complete without it.
10. The Wolf Among Us (PlayStation/XBox/Windows)
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Set in Fabletown where fantastical creatures are real, investigate murders as sheriff Bigby Wolf. The game consists of multiple episodes, and choices have varying effects on the story. The game feels very much like a good movie, and with good movies, it’s always the story that shines above all else.
9. Her Story (PC/Mobile)
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An unusual approach to detective video games, Her Story is played via watching a series of police interviews, each cut into smaller clips. It’s up to you to piece these clips together and solve the game’s mystery. The interviews are an actual person talking on-camera to an off-screen detective, making for a very unique crime-solving experience.
8. What Remains of Edith Finch (PS4/XBox/PC/Switch)
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Enter their house and solve the mystery of the Finch family, seemingly afflicted by a curse that kills all but one person each generation. Meet the Finch family’s deceased members and learn their stories in this first-person adventure with spectacular visuals and a touching story.
7. Return of the Obra Dinn (PS4/XBox/PC/Switch)
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Solve the mystery of the long-lost ship, the Obra Dinn, and determine the fates of all those who were on board. Retro-style visuals and a dark, mysterious story make this unique game one of the best detective video games out there.
6. The Flower Collectors (PC/Switch)
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The Flower Collectors is a nice indie adventure game, wherein you solve the game’s mystery as a former cop in a wheelchair. While it probably needs a bit more polish, the art style and visuals are amazing and the story is more than captivating enough to merit the game a high spot on this list, as this list is purely about detective games.
5. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (PlayStation/XBox/PC/Nintendo)
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Enter the courts with everyone’s favourite video-game attorney, Phoenix Wright. The franchise has multiple entries under its name but we’re talking about the original, 2001 game. Ace Attorney is a classic visual novel, enabling the player to conduct investigations and defend their client as much as best they can.
4. Heavy Rain (PlayStation/PC)
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A story game by Quantic Dream, Heavy Rain is centered around four protagonists and the Origami Killer. Choice-based gameplay may lead to the death of any of the controllable characters, and the subtle, emotional narrative makes it a must-play game for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
3. Paradise Killer (PC/Switch)
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Solve a murder mystery in a game I can’t describe with anything other than beautiful, from its visuals to the soundtrack. Paradise Killer takes you to Paradise Island, lets you pursue different leads at your own pace, and possesses a satisfyingly deep narrative.
2. LA Noire (PlayStation/PC/XBox/Switch)
Rockstar Games’ crime thriller takes you to a stunning rendition of 1940s Los Angeles as detective Cole Phelps. You interrogate, look for clues, and solve crimes. It’s one of the best crime games ever made, and I just have to reiterate how beautiful the setting is. Rockstar delivers time, and time again..
1. Disco Elysium (PlayStation/PC/XBox/Switch)
This game is a detective RPG, making it unique among other games on this list. Disco Elysium boasts deep, multi-faceted gameplay, immersive storytelling, and worldbuilding, making it the best detective video game ever released. Oh, and its Final Cut edition is the highest-rated PC game on MetaCritic.
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