10+ Best Detective Games to Play in 2025: Immersive Investigations

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Whether you’re drawn to brooding noir streets, or cozy small-town whodunits, detective games offer the perfect blend of challenge and storytelling.

They can be a great way to improve your analytical skills while still having a modicum of fun, though deciding which title is worth your time can be a tough case to crack.

So grab your magnifying glass and join Techopedia as we solve the mystery, which is the best detective game in 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • Detective games feature problem-solving mechanics and stories surrounding a mystery.
  • The best detective games include Disco Elysium, L.A Noire and Return of the Obra Dinn.
  • The best Nintendo Switch detective games are Ace Attorney and Professor Layton.
  • More of the best detective games include Deceive Inc., Her Story, and Grim Fandango.
  • Mystery and detective games are available on all platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile.

Best Detective Games to Play in 2025

The best detective video games achieve one of two things. They offer intricate game mechanics that force the player to analyze and methodically approach various puzzles; they also tell a compelling story full of mystery, intrigue, and shocking revelations.

10. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

A chilling scene from The Vanishing of Ethan Carter showing a wounded man crawling on railway tracks with a train approaching from behind in a dense forest setting.
One of the best first person mystery games. Source: The Astronauts.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is one of the best investigation games available. It is a first-person, point-and-click mystery game that comes in two editions: the original and the Unreal Engine 4 remaster.

The game revolves around you trying to find Ethan Carter amidst a series of mysterious murders. Its slow and methodical gameplay shows that you don’t need explosions and high-octane action to get your heart racing.

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9. Alan Wake 2

A dark, atmospheric scene from Alan Wake 2 showing the protagonist, Alan Wake, sitting at a desk under a dimly lit lamp, intensely focused on a typewriter in a shadowy room.
A mysterious thriller with stunning graphics. Source: Epic Games.

Alan Wake 2 is the best mystery game available on PC, but it also thrives on consoles. It is a masterful blend of psychological horror, gripping storytelling, and stunning visuals.

The game boasts intricate puzzles, exceptional voice acting for both Alan Wake and Saga Anderson, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. Alan Wake 2 delivers an unforgettable experience that solidifies its place as a standout detective-horror game.

8. Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire’s Conspiracy

A cozy and colorful scene from Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire’s Conspiracy depicting Katrielle and her companions in a charming study room filled with books, notes, and a bulletin board. Katrielle is seated at a table, gesturing confidently, while her dog rests in a basket nearby.
The classic 3DS game is even better on the Nintendo Switch. Source: Nintendo.
  • Highlights: Unique art style, refined puzzle solving, enhanced visuals on Switch.
  • Developer: Level 5
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Availability & Cost: $39.99 on Nintendo

The deluxe edition of Layton’s Mystery Journey is the best detective game on the Switch at this time. It is a fantastic upgrade to the original 3DS title and a great adventure to delve into before the release of Professor Layton: New World of Steam in 2025.

The deluxe edition not only enhances visuals but also restructures certain puzzles and mechanics to better suit the new functionalities of the Nintendo Switch console.

7. Ace Attorney: Anthology

Apollo Justice, a character from the Ace Attorney Anthology series, stands confidently in a courtroom, pointing assertively while questioning a witness. The courtroom setting features wooden panels and Apollo’s signature red vest and teal tie, emphasizing his determined demeanor.
Six detective games in one makes for a great deal. Source: Capcom.
  • Highlights: Six games in one, many puzzles and cases, iconic characters.
  • Developer: Capcom
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Availability & Cost: $59.99 on Nintendo

Ace Attorney is one of the best crime-solving games to date, turning the high stakes of courtroom debates into fun and creative games. Investigate, object, and solve your way through many cases and meet a cast of unique clients along the way.

The Ace Attorney: Anthology games contain both the Phoenix Wright and Apollo Justice trilogies, providing endless hours of case-solving gameplay.

6. Life is Strange: True Colors

Alex Chen, the protagonist from Life is Strange: True Colors, is shown in a close-up shot. She has short, dark hair, round glasses, and a nose piercing, wearing a purple hoodie under a denim jacket. The background features vibrant flowers and a warm, atmospheric setting.
A spin-off to the BAFTA award winning Life is Strange game. Source: Square Enix.

When it first launched on Steam in 2015, Life is Strange was one of the best detective games. The series was praised for its choice and consequence systems, as well as its complex characters.

The new spin-off takes the detective aspects to a different level as Alex Chen uncovers the truth behind her brother’s death. It’s a great title for players who value the story in a detective game.

5. Heavy Rain

A scene from Heavy Rain showing Detective Scott Shelby in a close-up. He wears a brown coat, a white shirt, and a striped tie, looking serious and focused. The setting is indoors, with a blurry figure in the foreground and a slightly dim, moody atmosphere.
A multiple choice narrative that defined the murder mystery genre. Source: Quantic Dream.

Heavy Rain is one of the best murder mystery games, having defined the genre thanks to its multiple choices and compelling characters. This cinematic adventure game excels at creating tension and moral dilemmas, immersing players in the hunt for the elusive Origami Killer.

It’s a fantastic title for players looking for drama, suspense, and human emotion in their detective games.

4. The Wolf Among Us

A scene from The Wolf Among Us featuring stylized comic book characters. Bigby Wolf, wearing a white shirt and tie, stands in the center with a determined expression. Snow White, on the left, looks stern and focused, while an older man with glasses and a bow tie is speaking on the right. The background includes a rhino head and knight statues, adding a mysterious and noir-like atmosphere.
Telltale specializes in creating multiple choice narrative games. Source: Telltale

Telltale Games has always been known for creating some of the best story games, and The Wolf Among Us is considered by many to be an underrated class act. As one of the best crime games available, The Wolf Among Us adds a grim twist to classic fables and fairy tales.

Telltale is known for its distinct cell-shaded style and unique narrative-driven gameplay experience influenced by player choices.

3. Return of the Obra Dinn

A monochromatic pixel-art scene from Return of the Obra Dinn. A group of characters in vintage attire stands in the background, with one figure leaning forward in the foreground, appearing injured or lifeless. The scene’s green-tinted, retro aesthetic conveys mystery and tension, reminiscent of early computer graphics.
One of the most unique detective games to date. Source: 3909.

Return of the Obra Dinn is without question one of the best detective games on PC. Players step into the role of an insurance investigator tasked with uncovering the fates of the 60 crew members aboard a mysteriously abandoned ship.

The monochromatic, retro-inspired pixelated visuals create an eerie atmosphere, while the haunting sound design deepens the sense of mystery. There is no game quite like it; offering a deeply satisfying detective experience.

2. L.A. Noire

A detective from L.A. Noire leans against a brick wall, wearing a brown pinstripe suit, red tie, and fedora. He holds a pistol cautiously, illuminated by a flashlight on his chest. A shadowy figure’s silhouette looms ominously on the wall, adding tension and mystery to the scene.
One of the most iconic detective games of all time. Source: Rockstar Games.

L.A. Noire is among the best detective games on Xbox and PlayStation, made by Team Bondi in collaboration with the iconic Rockstar Games.

L.A. Noire captivated what makes Rockstar titles so great: open-world exploration, compelling characters, and intense gunfighting. It also stood out from its peers because of its interviewing system, which allowed you to react based on NPCs’ facial reactions.

The facial expressions were cutting-edge for their time, though they might seem amusing now. However, this doesn’t detract from the excitement and thrill the game delivers.

1. Disco Elysium – The Final Cut

Two detectives from Disco Elysium - The Final Cut stand against a surreal cityscape. One holds a flashlight, the other a gun, set under a vibrant orange and blue sky.
The game boasts arguably the most intricate and unique dialogue system of any detective game. Source: ZA/UM.

Disco Elysium is celebrated as the best detective game for its rich storytelling, complex characters, and unparalleled freedom in role-playing. Players take on the role of a deeply flawed detective unraveling a murder mystery.

The game’s unique dialogue system allows for deep, nuanced interactions, while its skill-based mechanics shape the protagonist’s personality and investigative approach.

This isometric RPG detective game features sharp writing, a captivating art style, and an immersive world that pushes the genre’s boundaries to new heights.

More of the Best Detective Games to Play in 2025

Deceive Inc.Sherlock Holmes: The AwakenedGrim Fandango RemasteredHer StoryBatman: Arkham Knight

One of the best multiplayer detective games available, combining fast-paced first person shooter combat with stealth abilities and mechanics. $19.99 on Steam, $19.99 on Epic Games store, $19.99 or PS Plus Extra on PlayStation, $19.99 on Xbox.

A Lovecraftian tale where Sherlock Holmes investigates a series of disappearances and comes face to face with the Cthulu Mythos. $39.99 on Steam, $39.99 on Xbox, $39.99 on Epic Games store.

One of the oldest and best murder mystery games of all time has been remastered, bringing upgraded visuals, sound design, and controls. $14.99 on Steam, $14.99 on Nintendo, $14.99 or Game Pass on Xbox, $14.99 on PlayStation.

An interactive problem-solving story where you scour through various police interview tapes to uncover the truth. One of the best detective mobile games available. $9.99 on Steam, $9.99 on Xbox, $2.99 on iOS, $2.99 on Android.

Play as the world’s greatest detective. The last of a legendary trilogy, the Batman: Arkham series is known for its intuitive brawler combat, open-world exploration, and puzzle-solving scenes. $19.99 on Steam, $19.99 on Epic Games Store, $19.99 or Game Pass on Xbox, $19.99 or PS Plus Extra on PlayStation, $24.99 on Nintendo.

The Bottom Line

This list covers the best detective games, covering a range of genres, platforms, and franchises. Despite their differences, each of these titles excels in the problem-solving and mystery aspects commonly associated with detective games.

Whether you’re finding the culprit to murder or defending clients in court, these titles are a cut above the rest due to their compelling stories, memorable characters, and intuitive gameplay features.

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References

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  3. Alan Wake (Xbotwitter)
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  6. LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY™: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site (Nintendo)
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  8. Life is Strange: True Colors on Steam (Store.steampowered)
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  15. The Wolf Among Us on Steam (Store.steampowered)
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Joey Morris
Gaming Writer
Joey Morris
Gaming Writer

Joey Morris is a Gaming Writer. He has spent several years writing on his own blog site and for other creative publications. He has written reviews, features, and even a digital magazine. He has also produced podcasts, video essays, and held interviews with various experts in the gaming industry. He enjoys playing video games as both a profession and passion.