Top 15 Best Mystery Games on PC

Updated:

24 Oct 2023

The PC boasts a vast selection of fascinating and captivating mystery games. Mystery games have long been a popular genre among gamers.

PC gamers may immerse themselves in gripping storylines and tackle challenging puzzles in everything from traditional point-and-click adventures to contemporary open-world investigations.

You'll find a mix of classics and brand-new titles that will challenge your skills and keep you engrossed for hours.

Consequently, whether you're an experienced sleuth or a curious newbie, get ready to solve some of the most intriguing puzzles in video game history. These are the top 15 best mystery games on PC.

15. Inside the Backrooms - 2022 (PC)

Liminal spaces and mystery just sorta meld together like cheeseburgers and soda

Since the backrooms were made famous by VFX artist and 17 year old director Kane Pixels on YouTube, the backrooms seemed to take on a life of its own as it has spawned countless lore stories, copycat videos, and even a game on the PC.

Inside the Backrooms takes players to an odd and unsettling other universe called, well, The Backrooms. Intentionally low-resolution graphics in the game add to the sense of being confined in a bizarre and glitchy universe.

The game takes place in a network of interconnected rooms, each of which has its own peculiar and particularly terrifying creatures and features.

Exploring the corridors, solving puzzles, and avoiding numerous hazards including monsters and traps make up the gameplay.

The eerie mood of the game is heightened by its disturbing sound design and background noise.

The game can be difficult at times, but the satisfaction you get after finishing a particularly challenging puzzle or segment is well worth it.

Inside the Backrooms is a superbly designed game that will appeal to puzzle and horror game aficionados alike.

Inside the Backrooms (ALL LEVELS + ENDING) Walkthrough Gameplay [SOLO Mode]

14. Disco Elysium - 2019 (macOS, PC PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

The game truly captures the life of a gamer during the 2020 (redacted because we don’t want to go back to that time anymore)

In the fictitious city of Revachol, where Disco Elysium is set, you take on the role of a detective attempting to solve a murder.

The focus on character development and discussion rather than action and fighting distinguishes this game from others in its genre.

With hand-drawn sceneries and character portraits that produce a gritty and deep atmosphere, the game's art style is distinctive and visually striking.

The dialogue is clever and thought-provoking, delving into issues of identity, politics, and human nature.

The "thought cabinet," which enables players to explore their character's inner thoughts and feelings and potentially build new skills and powers based on those thoughts, is one of the game's most famous elements.

This gives the game an additional degree of complexity and depth that keeps players interested in the development of their characters.

For those who enjoy narrative-driven games and are seeking out something new and original, Disco Elysium is a must-play.

It is an outstanding title that shouldn't be missed due to its combination of breathtaking visuals, engaging writing, and original gameplay mechanics.

Disco Elysium Gameplay Ultra Settings

13. Firewatch - 2016 (Linux, OS X, PS4, PC, Xbox One, Switch)

A fire tower where you can, you know, watch fires

Firewatch will transport you on an incredible adventure through the Wyoming wilderness.

You take control of a man attempting to communicate to a girl over the radio while dodging bear attacks. So yeah there's that part

The voice acting in the game is excellent, and the graphics are simply gorgeous. The tale is interesting, and the characters are likable.

You take on the role of Henry, a middle-aged guy who accepts a position as a fire lookout in a remote location in Wyoming. Delilah, who is continuously flirting with you over the radio, is your only company.

The game's rules are straightforward but efficient. The majority of your time will be spent exploring the environment, conversing with Delilah, and looking into numerous mysteries.

The game does an excellent job of giving you the impression that you are truly lost in the woods, relying solely on your wits to survive.

Firewatch is a fantastic game all around and is definitely worth your time. You'll be kept on the edge of your seat by this enjoyable and captivating event. So gather a bear spray and get ready to explore Wyoming's wilderness.

Firewatch RTX 2070 4k Ultra Settings Gameplay

12. The Wolf Among Us Season 1 - 2013 (Android, iOS, OS X, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One)

There is an imposter amogus

The Wolf Among Us is the ideal game for you if you enjoy the weird tandem of criminal dramas and fairy tales, I mean how many other games have that kind of premise.

The characters from well-known tales like "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Three Little Pigs" are given a dark, noir twist in this game.

You take on the role of Bigby Wolf, the lawman of Fabletown, a neighborhood of fictional figures residing in New York City.

You'll interact with characters like Snow White, Ichabod Crane, and the Jersey Devil as you look into a string of gruesome murders. Why the Jersey Devil is in the game I'm not sure but hey.

The dark and perilous atmosphere of Fabletown is brilliantly depicted in the game's distinctive aesthetic.

The characters have an almost comic book-like aspect to them, similar to the borderlands games, and are exquisitely portrayed.

The writing, though, is the true star of the show. The conversation options in the game are razor-sharp, clever, and frequently amusing.

You'll find yourself entertained throughout the entire game at Bigby's stoic reactions to the ridiculous (and dangerous) situations he finds himself in.

All things considered, "The Wolf Among Us" is a must-play for anyone who enjoys a compelling narrative, endearing characters, and a good deal of humor.

Just be aware that you won't be able to stop playing once you start until Season 2 of the game makes a comeback after a decade of waiting

The Wolf Among Us Season 1 1080p

11. What Remains of Edith Finch - 2017 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

This aint concept art but the actual game itself. And i’ll tell you why it's worth your time

What Remains of Edith Finch is a narrative-driven video game developed by Giant Sparrow.

The game tells the story of the Finch family, a cursed family that has suffered from an unusual number of deaths over the years.

The player takes on the role of Edith Finch, the last surviving member of the family, as she explores the family's old mansion and uncovers the mysterious and tragic stories of her relatives.

The game's tale is masterfully told, with each family member's death being presented in a unique and inventive way.

From a little girl who becomes a monster, to a newborn who transforms into a bird, each narrative is a testament to the game's inventiveness and storytelling abilities.

The aesthetics of the game are also excellent, with a lovely and creepy look that perfectly conveys the depressing mood of the narrative.

What Remains of Edith Finch isn't your typical video game, some players could find the absence of standard gaming mechanics like combat or puzzles to be off-putting.

Yet, What Remains of Edith Finch is another must-play for everyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotional experience.

It is a game that will stick with you long after you've finished playing it, and stands as a testament to the effectiveness of video game storytelling.

What Remains of Edith Finch Complete Walkthrough

10. Outer Wilds - 2019 (PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)

Interstellar banjo nights with your friends are the best

Mobius Digital created the independent 2019 action-adventure game Outer Wilds. The game has a special time loop system that gives the gameplay a sense of urgency and mystery.

As an astronaut exploring a vast and enigmatic solar system, the player learns the mysteries of a long-gone civilization that once called it home.

When the player explores the various planets and celestial bodies, the breathtaking and immersive graphics and sound design evoke a sense of amazement and wonder.

The tale is interesting and provocative, while the game's puzzles are hard but never annoying.

Outer Wilds’ ability to perfectly meld gameplay and storyline into an experience that feels both interactive and dramatic is one of its most outstanding features.

During each cycle, the player can experiment and discover more about the world and its inhabitants thanks to the time loop mechanic.

Outer Wilds is a marvel of game design that encourages tenacity, curiosity, and discovery overall.

Fans of science fiction, deep storytelling, and action-adventure games should definitely try the uniqueness and mystery that Outer Wilds offers.

Outer Wilds [PC Gameplay RTX-2080-TI 4k]

9. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishment - 2014 (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Switch)

Sherlock always looking cool as heck in any kind of medium

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments is a detective game developed by Frogwares and was released in 2014.

It puts you in the shoes of the famous detective as he solves six different cases, ranging from murders to thefts, by investigating crime scenes, interrogating suspects, and analyzing clues.

The game's impressive graphics and music transports you to Victorian London for the majority of the game.

The landscapes and character designs exhibit extraordinary attention to detail coupled by excellent voice acting

The game's emphasis on player choice is one of its standout elements. You must decide how to proceed as you solve each case, such as whether to turn over a suspect to the police or let them go free.

Both the game's conclusion and the characters' futures are impacted by these decisions.

The game provides a nice degree of challenge without getting too difficult while making the puzzles and investigations interesting.

The game moves along rather quickly but has a decent balance of action, research, and deduction.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments is a top-notch detective game that faithfully represents its source material.

It is a must-play for aficionados of detective fiction and the Sherlock Holmes franchise because of its immersive atmosphere, compelling investigations, and emphasis on player choice.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments Gameplay PC [1080p 60fps]

8. Grim Fandango - 1998 (PC, Linux, OS X, PS4, PS Vita, Android, iOS, Switch, Xbox One)

1998 gaming has never looked this sharp

Grim Fandango is a classic adventure game developed by LucasArts and released in 1998.

The game is set in the Land of the Dead and follows the story of Manuel "Manny" Calavera, a travel agent for the Department of Death who helps souls reach their final destination.

The game features a unique combination of film noir and Mexican folklore aesthetics, with a cast of unforgettable characters, including Manny's sidekick Glottis, his love interest Mercedes "Meche" Colomar, and the villainous Hector LeMans.

Players must solve puzzles and navigate through a variety of environments to uncover a conspiracy involving the sale of souls to the highest bidder.

Along the way, Manny learns about the corruption within the Department of Death and his own past mistakes.

Grim Fandango is beloved for its witty writing, memorable characters, and immersive world-building.

It was praised for its innovative use of 3D graphics and pre-rendered cutscenes, as well as its jazz-inspired soundtrack. The game has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the best adventure games of all time.

Grim Fandango Full Game 1080p 60fps

7. Phasmophobia - 2020 (PC)

Yeah no absolutely not gonna look at this sh*t

Phasmophobia took the world by storm on its release as it makes for a spooky and fun experience. It's a game that both makes you laugh at your own horror while you scream and escape from ghosts.

The graphics are just realistic enough to give you goosebumps without being too scary to play at night (I mean that's just me when I played it cause I’m a big boy)

The gameplay is straightforward yet effective: utilizing equipment like cameras, EMF readers, and spirit boxes. You and your ghost hunting crew must detect and capture various kinds of ghosts.

The problem is that the ghosts can hear you, so you have to keep silent or run the risk of frightening them even more by making noise (which doesn’t make sense to me like I should be the one scared of you)

The multiplayer mode of Phasmophobia is its best feature; you can work together with your buddies to brave a terrifying mansion while jointly peeing your pants together.

Nothing draws friends closer together like screaming in fear together when a ghost jumps out at you.

Nevertheless, Phasmophobia is undoubtedly worth a try if you're searching for a game that can simultaneously scare the hell out of you and have you laughing.

Phasmophobia 4k 60fps Gameplay

6. LA Noire - 2011 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One)

Revolutionary facial capture technology that beats games even today *cough cough* *Mass Effect Andromeda* *cough*

L.A. Noire is a detective thriller video game made by our friends from Rockstar Games and set in Los Angeles in the 1940s.

The game follows the story of Cole Phelps, a former Marine and LAPD officer who must solve a series of crimes that range from small-time burglaries to high-profile murders.

The game's graphics are stunning, with highly detailed environments and characters that bring the 1940s to life.

The game also features an innovative facial animation system that allows players to read the emotions of the characters they encounter and determine whether they are telling the truth or lying.

The gameplay revolves around interrogating suspects and witnesses, investigating crime scenes, and solving puzzles to uncover clues.

The game's storyline is engaging, with a well-crafted narrative that keeps players guessing until the very end.

Overall, L.A. Noire is a unique and immersive gaming experience that successfully captures the atmosphere and style of the film noir genre.

The game's attention to detail and strong writing make it a standout title that is definitely worth playing.

LA Noire Playthrough RTX 3080 4k

5. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter - 2014 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

Please don’t come near me Mr. Bleeding all over the Train Tracks

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a first-person exploration game released in 2014 and developed by The Astronauts.

The game follows the story of a detective who receives a letter from a boy named Ethan Carter, who claims that something is wrong in his hometown of Red Creek Valley.

The detective sets out to investigate, and soon discovers that something terrible has happened in the town.

The game's spectacular graphics, which are made possible by Unreal Engine 4, are one of its most distinctive aspects.

The surroundings are intricately designed, with notably amazing lighting and weather effects. The player is free to move around the town and its surroundings as the game places a big emphasis on exploration.

The game's storytelling, though, is where it really excels. The story is effectively delivered through a collection of interconnected, non-linear storylines that gradually become less clear as the player advances through the game.

The game succeeds in creating a genuinely spooky atmosphere paired with superb writing, which keeps players interested throughout.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is an all-around excellent game with a compelling plot and stunning graphics.

Although it isn't very long or difficult, lovers of the genre should play it nonetheless because of its emphasis on exploration and storyline.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter Full HD 1080p 60 fps

4. Stray - 2022 (PS4, PS5, PC)

This game has a dedicated meow button. 10/10 best game ever made idc what anyone says

Stray is a charming adventure game developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive that ALMOST beat the likes of God of War Ragnarok and Elden Ring in terms of story quality and overall mass appeal.

The game puts players in the role of a stray cat exploring a futuristic city filled with robots and otherworldly creatures.

The titular stray can jump, climb, and interact with the environment, and even has a small drone companion to help solve puzzles.

The game's graphics are beautiful, featuring a lovely cityscape with a cyberpunk theme and intricate character designs.

Another excellent feature is the soundtrack, which blends orchestral and electronic music to precisely convey the mood of the game.

Despite the relatively brief length of the game's primary plot, there are a ton of side missions and trinkets to keep players interested.

Even though the puzzles can occasionally be difficult, they never feel unfair or annoying.

Overall, Stray is a distinctive and entertaining game that presents a novel viewpoint on the adventure subgenre.

Anybody looking for an enjoyable and engaging experience should give it a try and A MUST PLAY for cat lovers. And also the dedicated meow button is the best gaming innovation ever made.

Realistic Ultra Graphics Gameplay [4k UHD 60fps]

3. Night in the Woods - 2017 (PC, macOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS)

Same Mae, Same

Night in the Woods is a narrative-driven adventure game developed by Infinite Fall. The game revolves around a young cat named Mae, who returns to her hometown of Possum Springs after dropping out of college.

The game follows Mae as she reconnects with her old friends and tries to unravel the mysteries of the town.

The game's distinctive aesthetic and musical score create the ideal atmosphere for its kinda depressing and provocative narrative.

The game also deftly and graciously addresses issues like mental health, identity, and the difficulties of small-town living.

Exploration, dialog choices, and a little light platforming make up the majority of the gameplay. But the game's writing, characters, and world-building, which are all superbly made, really shine.

The numerous dialogue options that can change the course of the plot contribute to the game's replay potential as well.

All things considered, Night in the Woods is a game that fans of narrative adventures just must play. It is a game that is deeply moving and emotionally charged and has a lasting effect on the player.

Night in the Woods Full Game Walkthrough

2. Oxenfree - 2016 (OS X, PC, Xbox One, PS4, Linux, iOS, Android, Switch)

My brain at any given point in time

Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller adventure game released in 2016 by Night School Studio. The game follows the story of Alex, a teenage girl who travels to an abandoned island with her friends for a party.

However, things take a sinister turn as they unwittingly unleash an otherworldly force that threatens their lives.

With the help of their decisions and interactions with other characters, players can influence the plot thanks to the game's original dialogue system which pops up as text bubbles above the characters heads.

The hand-drawn art style used in the gameplay is exquisitely produced, producing an eerie and deep environment.

The gameplay entails traveling the island and solving puzzles while learning the sinister mysteries of the past. The sound design is immersive as it can get, featuring a spooky soundtrack and standout voice acting.

Overall, Oxenfree is an excellently made game that skillfully combines aspects of horror, adventure, and mystery.

It is a remarkable game in its genre because of its captivating tale, original dialogue system, and captivating atmosphere.

Oxenfree PC Full Game Walkthrough

1. The Sinking City - 2019 (PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

Cthulhu awaits

And at number one we decided to show a little love to one of the more underrated games of recent memory.

The Sinking City is an action-adventure video game developed by Frogwares and released in 2019.

The game is set in a fictionalized version of 1920s Oakmont, Massachusetts, where the city has been partially submerged by a flood and is now plagued by supernatural events.

Players take on the role of private investigator Charles W. Reed, who is tasked with uncovering the cause of the flood and the mysterious occurrences plaguing the city.

The game's open world setting promotes investigation, exploration, and problem-solving. To advance through the game's main plot and side quests, players must acquire information, speak with witnesses, and solve riddles.

The gameplay's mechanics are primarily influenced by H.P. Lovecraft, with a focus on occultism, psychological terror, and cosmic horror.

The mood of the game is one of its best qualities. The overall atmosphere of the game is gloomy, oppressive, and unsettling thanks to the game's graphics, sound design, and writing.

The game's narrative is also captivating, with lots of unexpected turns to keep players interested.

The game is not without faults, though. The game's wide world occasionally feels a bit lifeless and sterile, while the gameplay is somewhat clumsy and unpleasant.

The game also experiences bugs and frequent crashes due to technological problems as is my playthrough of the game.

Fans of Lovecraftian horror and investigative games should definitely give The Sinking City a try, despite its flaws.

While its combat and technical flaws can be aggravating, they do not significantly distract from the overall experience and still delivers its promise to bring us a fully realized world that H.P. Lovecraft himself intended to.