Are you a lover of detective games on PC and you’re out there looking for the best titles to play? Look no further because here’s an article where you’ll discover the top-rated PC games with detective gameplay experience. It’s more of playing mystery games on Windows and we can say there are a few similarities between some of the titles that are available on Steam.
Detective games offer an exhilarating gameplay experience. Well, that’s because they allow players to immerse themselves in an engaging narrative, puzzle-solving and so much more. With the large number of mystery/detective games that are present on the internet. We can agree that knowing which game will be worth one’s time can sometimes be a daunting task.
There’s no joy in having to try out so many titles before getting the right one installed. To make things a lot easier, we’ve made the best compilations for you. In this article, we’ve curated the best detective games for PC users. Even if you’re not using a PC, some of these games are available on the latest consoles like the PlayStation 5 and other alternatives.
Table of Content
List of The Best Detective Games for Windows and macOS
One thing that makes games like these worth playing is that they give players that unique feeling of being a detective. From exploring crime scenes to solving puzzles and making background investigations, there’s a lot to enjoy in each title. With that said, let’s dive into the following list of detective games we’ve handpicked.
1. L.A. Noire
If you want to begin your gameplay journey as a detective, L.A. Noire is one of the few titles to begin with. It’s a very popular mystery game that is just perfect. This game will let you step into the shoes of Detective Cole Phelps. Your job is to investigate different crimes that happened in 1940s Los Angeles. One of the outstanding features of this game is the open-world settings.
With a blend of realistic facial animations, engaging storylines and tons of cinematic cutscenes, L.A. Noire offers perfection. There is a lot of deep investigating to carry on while playing as Cole Phelps. Having this type of game installed on your PC won’t be a thing to regret. Lastly, L.A Noire offers smooth detective gameplay on any supported device.
2. Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium features an RPG experience that’ll see you take the role of a detective. In this game, you’ll need to solve a complex murder case while dealing with an inner demon. One of the reasons why you’ll love Disco Elysium is that it offers a unique blend of dialogue-driven gameplay. If you want to know what it feels like to be a detective, you should start with this.
When it comes to the overall gameplay and user experience, Disco Elysium comes with a detailed world to explore. As the player, you’ll find plenty of memorable characters, engaging mysteries and much more. Furthermore, you can customize your character skills, appearance and other stuff that makes a professional detective.
3. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments
Crimes & Punishments from Sherlock Holmes is a very popular game that’ll put you in the shoes of the world’s famous detective. While playing as Holmes, you’ll need to put his legendary skills into play as you’ll be analyzing and solving different crimes. This game offers a gameplay set in Victorian-era London and it’s based on a story.
As most people would have read in popular books about Sherlock Holmes, Crimes & Punishments comes as one of the few games to experience its gameplay. There are over 6 cases for players to solve and each one comes with different challenges and mysteries to unveil. Lastly, the game features different endings but they’re based on your choices as a player.
4. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
In The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, players will experience a narrative-driven mystery game that makes perfect sense. If you’re looking for a detective game that is based on adventure, exploring and solving puzzles, you should consider this game. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is set in an open world and as the player, you must solve the mysterious disappearance of a young boy named Ethan Carter.
In terms of graphics, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter has one of the best visuals you’ll find on a mystery game on PC. Also, it offers an immersive exploration and a soundtrack that blends completely with the game. While investigating, you must uncover clues and solve puzzles. There are a lot of hidden secrets, bring them all to light makes you the perfect detective.
5. Shadows of Doubt
If you love noir-inspired detective games, then you should consider Shadows of Doubt. Besides being noir-inspired, it is set in an open-world city where players must solve crimes, gather evidence, and uncover the truth behind a series of interconnected mysteries. Shadow of Doubt features a lot of gameplay mechanics and each one is designed to simulate the thrill of being a detective.
In addition, the game features a dynamic weather system and detailed crime scene investigation. Sometimes, playing it often feels like you’re being a detective in the real world. As the player, you must gather evidence, interview witnesses and interrogate suspects. There’s no doubt this is an outstanding detective game you should consider playing.
6. Observer: System Redux
Another popular detective PC title on the list is Observer: System Redux. It’s a cyberpunk detective game that’ll see you play as Daniel Lazarski. You’ll take the role of a neural detective and you’ll be using your ability to hack into people’s minds to interrogate their fears and memories. I had time to play this game some months back and I can say it’s one of the real deal.
Observer: System Redux features a unique blend of detective gameplay and psychological horror. One thing that’ll keep you engaged is when you begin to hack inside different suspect minds, each one of them has different dark secrets that need to be uncovered. For those who enjoy cyberpunk thrillers, Observer: System Redux is a game that’ll keep you on edge.
7. Gemini Rue
Gemini Rue offers another cyberpunk adventure gameplay on PC. This game combines elements of detective work, puzzle-solving, and storytelling to create a compelling and immersive experience. You’ll also love to play this one because it features a gripping detective gameplay experience. In Gemini Rue, you’ll take the role of Azriel and Delta-Six.
With availability on Windows and Mac, Gemini Rue features a gripping sci-fi mystery and an innovative investigation system that can’t be seen in other games. When considering a detective game, Gemini Rue makes perfect sense. Besides, the game’s cyberpunk graphics and atmospheric soundtrack make it a joy to play. Everything about it makes perfect sense and it’s a popular choice you won’t want to miss out on.
8. Murdered: Soul Suspect
The list won’t be complete without including Murdered: Soul Suspect. This is a unique detective game that’ll see players take the role of a ghostly detective named Ronan O’Connor as he investigates his murder in the fictional town of Salem, Massachusetts. You’re looking at a detective game where players possess supernatural abilities like walking through walls, possessing people and a lot more.
As Ronan O’Connor, you must use your supernatural powers to gather clues and solve puzzles. It’s unlike any detective game you’ve played and the addition of supernatural elements just makes it perfect. Murdered: Soul Suspect features a haunting atmosphere, an immersive story and a gameplay mechanic that makes it stand out among other titles.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that detective games always have something that keeps players engaged to their screen. We can say one of them is the immersive storyline, puzzle-solving scenarios, and much more. Detective games aren’t like other fast-paced action games, they’re games that require logical thinking. Whether you’re playing on a Windows PC or macOS, you’ll get to enjoy any of the games mentioned above.