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Detective Gaming is rising as one of the most popular gaming genres of recent times.
This gaming sector has multiple gems that players shouldn’t miss if they are looking for something exciting.
Starting from 1983, detective games have attracted the attention of gamers with loads of captivating mysteries and twists to uncover and identify the criminal.
As the gaming industry evolves, multiple underrated genres are getting traction. In the crowd of action-adventure, open-world RPG, and survival horror, detective games or crime thrillers have never received the popularity they deserve. However, 2025 has changed this scenario to some extent.
Detective games offer rich narratives, bold visuals, and impressive mechanics. Whether it's a murder mystery or a courtroom drama, these detective games offer some thrilling experiences. Though underrated, this genre still has multiple games to consider, and here are the top 10 that one mustn’t miss if they want to solve some of the toughest crime mysteries.
Released in 2024, Nobody Wants to Die takes players to a dark, futuristic New York City where technological advancement has awarded people immortality. However, that’s only true for the elites. Players will take the role of James Karra, a detective in the Mortality Department, who is in charge of investigating a series of murder cases. As the game progresses, players have to make decisions, and each of them will lead to a new ending.
Return of the Obra Dinn was released in 2018. Even after so many years, this game is a masterclass in deduction. Set in 1807, this game makes players an unnamed investigator for the East India Company. The gameplay unfolds as the player starts investigating the reappearance of a merchant ship that was missing for five years.
As the game progresses, players will get the ability to see the final moment of all the passengers using a magical pocket watch. It will help them identify the passengers, their cause of death, and relationships.
Disco Elysium is an award-winning RPG that’s a top-tier choice for players. With its philosophical depth of detective investigation, this game presents an isometric perspective. In this game, players assume the role of an amnesiac cop investigating a murder in a politically disturbed city. Therefore, players have to balance their inner evils with external pressures to reach the end of the game.
Also Read: Top 10 Offline Mobile Games of 2025 for Android & iOS
This detective game takes players back to 19th-century Victorian London and Japan. Players will take the role of Ryunosuke Naruhodo, an ancestor of Phoenix Wright. This beautifully designed in-game world blends investigation with explosive courtroom drama to create a unique experience for gamers. Players can use logic, evidence, and deduction to cross-examine witnesses and outwit rivals.
The next game on the list, Paradise Killer, is a bold and stylish open-world experience where players become an investigator named Lady Love Dies. This detective was in exile for years and was again called to solve the murder of the island’s council. Players have to explore the 3D in-game world to look for clues and solve mysteries. Players need to gather evidence to accuse the guilty. The best part is that every player will get a new version of the truth. Therefore, everyone’s experience will be different from others.
Contradiction: Spot The Liar! is an indie game where players will follow the storyline of Detective Inspector Frederick Jenks investigating the suicide case of Kate Vine in the small British village of Edenton. It’s a full-motion video where all the scenes and locations are displayed using live-action video and not using computer graphics. Players need to observe the responses of each character to contradiction. That’s the main tool to identify the guilty.
AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative is a 2022 game that presents a surreal and anime-based murder mystery. The storyline follows two investigators as they keep exploring the in-game world in search of truth. Players will constantly switch between solving puzzles in the real world and diving into dream worlds, where symbolism is the key.
Released in 2007, Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is a cult classic from the Nintendo DS era. In this game, players assume the role of Kyle Hyde and interact with the in-game environment to find clues and progress through the storyline. The investigator checks into a mysterious hotel to find the answers to some mysteries. The game presents unique sketch-style visuals and touch-screen mechanics to create a realistic vibe throughout the gameplay.
An iconic detective game that is considered to have begun this gaming genre. This classic game received a revised version that keeps the retro vibe intact. Here players will play as a seasoned investigator uncovering a series of murders and betrayals through dialogues and commands. Players have to focus on gathering clues to get on the right track. Almost every detective and mystery game has its influence. Therefore, this one is a must-play.
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One presents a stylish storyline where players control a young Sherlock, who is investigating the mystery of his mother’s death on a Mediterranean island. This game offers freeform exploration, disguise mechanisms, and branching investigations that will lead players to different paths. So, considering the right clues and making the right decisions will lead players to the path to justice.
These are the top detective games to explore in 2025. From psychological introspection to anime-themed murder cases, this genre has a bunch of different storytelling styles to explore and enjoy. Whether one is looking for narrative elegance or courtroom drama, this detective gaming genre is ready to offer them multiple games to fit their preferences. Don’t waste time and dive into these gripping cases to make your gaming experience more captivating.
