Facebook
Reddit
Email
One can get confused while looking for a new Visual Novel to play. In this guide, we will rank the 5 Best Visual Novels you can play in 2025.
Let’s start with the basics. Visual novels are an interactive narrative experience that allows players to really sink their teeth into the game’s story and actively take part in it. Think of a novel that you can play and affect throughout. Most of the time, these games have an anime-inspired art style and aesthetics, but that does not mean that every visual novel looks the same. On the contrary, every game in this genre has its distinct art direction that makes it unique.
5 Best Visual Novels You Can Try in 2025
The genre is perfect for someone who enjoys video games and a good novel at the same time. And even if you do not like reading a book, you will surely find something that draws your interest in our 5 best visual novels in 2025 list.
5. The Letter
Inspired by Asian horror movies such as The Ring, The Letter brings a compelling horror story to the table with many different outcomes and endings. The game is quite wordy—there are almost 700,000+ words in it—but for a visual novel, it only refers to how much content there is in the game.
If you are a fan of the horror genre, then you will have your fair share of scares to your heart’s content. Additionally, the game’s atmosphere works very well, mainly due to the portrayal of the characters and their relationships with each other. So, if you want to play The Letter, it will be completely up to you to survive the horror within the house or let your character experience an unfortunate fate.
4. Slay the Princess
Slay the Princess is quite like an art house film when it comes to the visual novel genre. There are only two characters present throughout the game: the princess and you. Your task is simplicity itself—simply slay the princess in the dungeon as the name suggests, and the game will be over.
However, we have played enough visual novels to know that nothing is ever simple in this genre. Without spoiling the story, we can tell you that the princess is totally normal, and the game follows a simple structure when it comes to its narrative. Additionally, Slay the Princess has beautifully crafted hand-drawn art and an amazing soundtrack. It is a game that you should definitely experience on your own.
3. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
If you are a newcomer to the series and want to try the games out, then the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy collection is the best option to go with. However, if you are a returning fan, then we must tell you that the developers did not change the original versions of the three games much, nor did they add anything new.
Now, back to the game. Phoenix Wright is a series with three very well-written games. You will play as a lawyer, Phoenix Wright, and each of your cases will have its own twists and turns. It will be up to you to navigate through the smoke and mirrors in order to win at the house of law. Additionally, all three games are filled with over-the-top anime personalities and a lot of detective and lawyer work, so we don’t think that you will feel bored even for a second.
2. Steins;Gate
If you are a fan of anime, then you have definitely heard of Steins;Gate at least once in your lifetime. It is regarded as one of the best sci-fi animes out there, and the visual novel does a great job of translating the compelling narrative into a sci-fi mystery game. It is also the second installment in the Science Adventure series.
You will play the protagonist of the anime and the visual novel, the “mad scientist” named Okabe Rintarou. Rintarou is a goofy but smart man because he has somehow found a way to time travel with a microwave. The story remains lighthearted and humorous in the beginning, but over time, it takes a dark turn, and our protagonist goes down a spiral of horrible events as he starts to realize the terrible price of time travel.
1. The House in Fata Morgana
This is a story that you will never forget. The House in Fata Morgana is considered one of the best visual novels ever made, and we can’t say that we disagree. The game has absolutely breathtaking gothic-inspired visuals that make you feel as if you have entered an Edgar Allan Poe story.
But it does not end there. The narrative is equally impressive, and mixed with the amazing soundtrack of the game, it creates an experience that seeps into your mind and grabs your thoughts. In the game, you play as a man who has lost his memories. You will find yourself in a mansion occupied by only you and a maid.
This enigmatic woman tells you a story that is full of twists and turns and allows you to uncover the truth about yourself and the mansion. We highly recommend playing The House in Fata Morgana at least once, and we are hopeful that after it, you will agree with us that it deserves the top spot on this list.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!
