Free Detective Games on Steam
Steam currently has 2,399 Detective games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best free games ranked by popularity and ratings. Data for this list is calculated from reviews and player counts reported directly by Steam and will be updated in real-time. Free Detective game rankings were last updated on 11/13/2024.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best detective games on Steam
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- Best detective Steam games for Mac OS
- Best detective Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Fear Surrounds
Fear Surrounds is a horror-tinged take on the werewolf-style social subterfuge genre, where two evil spirits hide within a group of players and attempt to sabotage and murder them.
Fear Surrounds holds the #1 spot for "best free Detective game on Steam" with a Player Score of 85. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 11,010 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 9,553 positive reviews and 1,457 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.
| Release Date | 10/19/2021 |
| Developer | SaltyEgg Studio |
| Publisher | Yooreka Studio |
| Steam App Id | 1526490 |
2. Life Makeover
Explore Life Makeover: Unleash your style, dye outfits, and design freely. Dive into unlimited dress-up, build your dream home - all for free.
Life Makeover has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Detective games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,028 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 876 positive reviews and 152 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Life Makeover on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 11/15/2023 |
| Developer | Archosaur Games |
| Publisher | Archosaur Games |
| Steam App Id | 2626940 |
3. Adventure Escape Mysteries
Experience the unique puzzles and critically-acclaimed stories enjoyed by tens of millions of players. Investigate cryptic clues, unravel a mystery, and solve puzzles in beautifully illustrated adventures!
Adventure Escape Mysteries has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Detective games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 793 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 689 positive reviews and 104 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Adventure Escape Mysteries on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 5/5/2020 |
| Developer | Haiku Games Co |
| Publisher | Haiku Games Co |
| Steam App Id | 1141020 |
4. Cube Escape: Paradox
The tenth Cube Escape follows the story of detective Dale Vandermeer who finds himself trapped in two different universes and needs to escape. Cube Escape: Paradox will be released together with the accompanying Paradox: A Rusty Lake Film.
Cube Escape: Paradox has achieved a Player Score of 94, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Detective games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,856 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 9,593 positive reviews and 263 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Cube Escape: Paradox on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 9/20/2018 |
| Franchise | Rusty Lake |
| Developer | Rusty Lake |
| Publisher | Rusty Lake |
| Steam App Id | 909080 |
5. Crime Scene Cleaner: Prologue
When there’s a call, you are the man to clean up after your client’s dirty job. Siding with the mafia is a dangerous game, but they pay well, and you need money, right? So take your mop and better remove those bloodstains quickly before the police come.
Crime Scene Cleaner: Prologue has achieved a Player Score of 92, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Detective games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 4,582 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 4,396 positive reviews and 186 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Crime Scene Cleaner: Prologue on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 4/4/2024 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 2540100 |
6. Contraband Police: Prologue
Take over the duties of a border guard inspector in a communist country of the 80's. Smuggling, corruption and forgery are the order of the day here. Be vigilant and earn the respect of your superiors.
Contraband Police: Prologue has achieved a Player Score of 86, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Detective games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 6,895 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 6,133 positive reviews and 762 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Contraband Police: Prologue on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/16/2021 |
| Developer | Crazy Rocks |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1396240 |
7. Unsolved Case
A new lead turns up old doubts about an 'Unsolved Case'. A trap, or a copycat killer? In this co-op puzzle game prequel to the award-winning Cryptic Killer series, put on your detective badges as you collaborate and communicate to crack the codes, solve the riddles, and catch the Cryptic Killer.
Unsolved Case has achieved a Player Score of 86, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Detective games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 4,942 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 4,394 positive reviews and 548 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.
| Release Date | 11/24/2022 |
| Franchise | Eleven Puzzles |
| Developer | Eleven Puzzles |
| Publisher | Eleven Puzzles |
| Steam App Id | 2084050 |
8. Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories
"Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories" is a series of co-operative escape-room style puzzle scenarios. Each one is sure to test your wits as you try to overcome the challenges that stand in the way of your escape.
Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories has achieved a Player Score of 83, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Detective games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 4,963 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 4,239 positive reviews and 724 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 9/30/2022 |
| Franchise | 0 Deer Soft |
| Developer | 0 Deer Soft |
| Publisher | 0 Deer Soft Partnership |
| Steam App Id | 2098350 |
9. Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege
You only wanted to make a visit to your sick colleague, but what you encounter is beyond your imagination. Discover the secrets of your colleague and find a way to escape the trap.
Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Detective games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 11,559 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 9,541 positive reviews and 2,018 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 9/5/2020 |
| Developer | Bitbeast Games |
| Publisher | Bitbeast Games |
| Steam App Id | 1301720 |
10. Operation: Tango - Friend Pass
Download the Friend Pass and play for free with a friend who owns the full Operation: Tango game. It takes two to save the world, but it only takes one to pay for it.
Operation: Tango - Friend Pass has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Detective games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,994 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,716 positive reviews and 278 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Operation: Tango - Friend Pass on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 8/28/2020 |
| Developer | Clever Plays |
| Publisher | Clever Plays |
| Steam App Id | 1377150 |
More Free Detective Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Detective games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 295 | 10/19/2021 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 232 | 11/15/2023 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 159 | 5/5/2020 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 115 | 9/20/2018 | 94 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 113 | 4/4/2024 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 79 | 2/16/2021 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 62 | 11/24/2022 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 54 | 9/30/2022 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 46 | 9/5/2020 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 39 | 8/28/2020 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 36 | 7/23/2020 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 28 | 1/12/2023 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 25 | 10/12/2019 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 24 | 8/2/2024 | 55 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 23 | 4/27/2016 | 56 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 16 | 9/23/2022 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 16 | 12/29/2020 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 15 | 3/31/2023 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 15 | 3/13/2018 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 13 | 1/31/2023 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Player counts and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 13). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 13). Fear Surrounds on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 6). Life Makeover on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 20). Adventure Escape Mysteries on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, October 16). Cube Escape: Paradox on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 2). Crime Scene Cleaner: Prologue on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, October 13). Contraband Police: Prologue on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 17). Unsolved Case on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 5). Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 17). Escape Room - Der kranke Kollege on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, October 17). Operation: Tango - Friend Pass on Steam. Steam Store.