With the library of visual novels growing all the time, it can be hard to know what the must-play visual novels on PC should be for novices and experts alike. Even for players that have some experience with VNs, seeking out the next storytelling masterpiece from among a digital storefront's huge range of titles in the genre can be difficult. Many classic Japanese visual novels have received English translations or definitive releases in recent years, making the market better than ever.
For those worried they're missing out on the best visual novels PC has to offer, this list provides a starting point for diving into the genre. Players of any experience or inclination can find something that matches their preferences, with everything from classic romance VNs to crime-solving detective games to science fiction. Although there are many more visual novels to offer, selecting from the titles listed here creates an easy and reliable way to sample some of the best of what the genre brings to the table.
10 Higurashi When They Cry (2002-2006)
07th Expansion is a legendary name in the world of visual novel game development thanks in no small part to its legendary debut in the genre starting in 2002. Higurashi When They Cry a must-play title for fans of mysterious stories with dark themes and concepts, hiding some heavy elements behind its cute exterior.
Centered on a group of friends living in a village plagued by unexplainable occurrences, the game does a great job of building up a sense of paranoia surrounding its murder mystery elements while also containing lighthearted slice-of-life elements that make its twisted moments even more striking.
9 Steins;Gate (2009)
It's not uncommon for some of the better visual novels to have inspired adaptations to anime or other media. In the case of Steins;Gate, the anime adaptation of the visual novel has received significant acclaim as a unique sci-fi work.
The central appeal of Steins;Gate is its fascinating and at times heart-wrenching visual novel storytelling centered on a group of students who discover the secret to time travel only to soon realize the full consequences of what they've done. Time travel can be a tricky mechanic but few pull it off better than Steins;Gate which even features multiple endings depending on the player's choices.
8 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (2010)
For anyone that loves solving mysteries, courtroom drama, psychological horror, and everyday social simulation gameplay, Danganronpa combines them all into a package that has won no shortage of loyal fans since it began in 2010. All three mainline titles and a couple of spin-offs are available on Steam, and each of the games brings something new to the table.
The first game, subtitled Trigger Happy Havoc, sets the tone by introducing a distinctive class of elite students that have been locked inside an empty school and tasked with competing in a terrifying murder game. Decisions count too as it's a game with a memorable ending for those who make the wrong choice.
7 Muv-Luv (2003)
Silly, light-hearted romance and warfare with giant mechs might not seem like a natural combination, but it's exactly what has made Muv-Luv an iconic visual novel for nearly two decades. Fans of b rom-com stories and huge science fiction stakes alike can find something to love in this visual novel.
When the game's ordinary high-schooler player character is suddenly thrust into a situation they're completely unprepared for after waking up in bed with a powerful heiress, Muv-Luv begins to set up one of the biggest genre shifts in history. Steam features a revamped version of the game with official English subtitles thanks to a massive Kickstarter campaign.
6 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy (2019)
Many have tried to emulate the Ace Attorney titles, but there are simply no games quite like the real thing. The characters and scenarios may be ridiculous, but it's impossible not to get swept along by the over-the-top courtroom drama that makes Ace Attorney games unique.
Although there are more Ace Attorney games than the original Phoenix Wright trilogy, this marks the perfect starting point for the series. Phoenix Wright is the face of the Ace Attorney games for a reason and stepping into the shoes of the spiky-haired lawyer as he sets out to get to the bottom of strange and often baffling murders is a simple joy that can't be found anywhere else in gaming.
5 The House In Fata Morgana (2012)
Darkly ambitious, The House in Fata Morgana presents a fascinating gothic tale that takes place across nearly a millennium as well as multiple genres. The game's ambition and scope make it immediately compelling, although players considering should check content warnings beforehand.
That's because The House in Fata Morgana is nothing if not devastating and goes to some uncomfortable places. Love and tragedy go hand-in-hand in the game's massive story that's presented in vivid, evocative paintings. Though the game is lacking somewhat in interactivity, that's rarely a disappointment when the story is so richly told.
4 Little Busters! English Edition (2017)
Clannad might be slightly more well-known, but players that have delved into this emotional visual novel made by the same acclaimed studio Key often have overwhelmingly positive responses. The Steam release of Little Busters! provides a perfect way to play the game, improving upon past releases to create a definitive experience.
Originally released in 2007, subsequent versions have expanded the story and characters with the English Edition being the first to package it all together in HD resolution for an English-speaking audience. Its dating-sim format disguises a simple but powerful story as well as a chance to get invested in some unique and memorable characters.
3 Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen (2002)
For anyone that finds low-interactivity and minimal gameplay visual novels a little offputting, Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen and the rest of the games in the Utawarerumono trilogy are more than worth checking out. Strategic RPG gameplay offers a moderate alternative to the challenging tactics of Tactics Ogre: Reborn and similar games, making Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen immediately set itself apart from the crowd.
Prelude to the Fallen acts as an HD remake of the original Utawarerumono visual novel. The story starts with the protagonist Hakuowlo awaking with no memories and grows to an epic scale as both the problems of the present and the mysteries of his past unfold.
2 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs (2016)
07th Expansion's second massive series is no less ambitious than Higurashi, presenting a long and complex mystery that takes some serious unwrapping. Fans who want a more direct focus on the fear and atmosphere might prefer Higurashi, while those looking for maximal intricacy could opt for Umineko.
It's no surprise that one of the game's biggest strengths is its cast, which is one of the most interesting and varied of any visual novel. However, it's Umineko's story that means it's consistently at the top of people's must-play lists, managing to be shocking and thought-provoking at times in ways that few games manage.
1 Clannad (2004)
Though it's now known for the tear-jerking anime adaptation as much as the classic visual novel, Clannad still stands as one of the best-told emotional dramas in the genre. Development studio Key is well-known as the company behind many of the best visual novels, and Clannad may well be its greatest achievement.
That's because Clannad is an icon of the genre and makes for a great demonstration of the kind of storytelling visual novels are capable of for those new to it. With well-developed characters, unforgettable twists, and now in HD for the Steam version on PC, there's no reason not to begin playing.