Best Point and Click Games on Steam: Top Picks for 2024

Published on November 11, 2024

Point and click games have been a staple in the gaming world for decades, known for their immersive storytelling, clever puzzles, and rich worlds. These games often focus on narrative-driven experiences where players solve mysteries, uncover secrets, or navigate complex worlds using simple point-and-click mechanics. Whether you’re a fan of retro classics or newer, innovative titles, there’s no shortage of exceptional point and click games available on Steam.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best point and click games on Steam, providing an overview of the top titles you should add to your library in 2024. From atmospheric detective stories to whimsical adventures, these games offer something for every kind of gamer.

What Are Point and Click Games?

Point and click games are typically adventure games where the gameplay is focused on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than action-packed mechanics. Players interact with the game world by pointing at objects, characters, or areas on the screen and clicking to perform actions. The simplicity of the controls allows players to focus on the narrative and environment, making these games perfect for those who enjoy a slower, more thoughtful pace.

Core Features of Point and Click Games:

• Puzzle-solving: Players often need to solve complex puzzles using items they find within the game world.
• Story-driven: These games tend to be rich in narrative, featuring interesting plots, engaging characters, and deep world-building.
• Exploration: Players explore environments, discover hidden objects, and interact with various characters to uncover clues or progress through the story.
• Minimal Action: Unlike action games, point-and-click titles focus more on interaction and observation, requiring players to think critically to advance.

Now, let’s dive into some of the best point and click games available on Steam.

1. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition

• Developer: Lucasarts, Special Edition by Telltale Games
• Genre: Adventure, Point and Click
• Release Year: 2009 (Remastered)

The Secret of Monkey Island is a classic point and click game that defined an entire genre. Set in a whimsical pirate world, players control Guybrush Threepwood, a would-be pirate, as he navigates various puzzles and encounters quirky characters. This remastered version, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, features updated graphics, voice acting, and remixed music, all while maintaining the charm and wit of the original.

Why It’s Great:

• Legendary humor and witty dialogue.
• Classic point and click mechanics that remain fun and accessible.
• A must-play for fans of retro adventure games.

2. Grim Fandango Remastered

• Developer: Double Fine Productions
• Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Point and Click
• Release Year: 2015 (Remastered)

Grim Fandango is a critically acclaimed point and click game by Tim Schafer, known for its unique setting in the Land of the Dead. Players take on the role of Manny Calavera, a travel agent helping souls navigate their way through the afterlife. The game combines noir-inspired themes with Mexican folklore, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The remastered version features enhanced visuals, voice acting, and improved controls.

Why It’s Great:

• Rich, memorable story and characters.
• Distinct art style with a blend of film noir and Mexican Day of the Dead motifs.
• Excellent remaster with updated visuals and controls while retaining the original’s soul.

3. Thimbleweed Park

• Developer: Terrible Toybox
• Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Point and Click
• Release Year: 2017

Thimbleweed Park is a modern take on classic point and click games, developed by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick, the creators of Monkey Island. The game follows two detectives investigating a bizarre murder in a small, strange town filled with eccentric characters. With its retro pixel art style and darkly humorous narrative, Thimbleweed Park is a nostalgic yet fresh entry in the genre.

Why It’s Great:

• Engaging mystery with tons of twists and quirky characters.
• Retro visual style that harks back to the golden age of point-and-click games.
• Excellent writing with plenty of humor and intrigue.

4. Syberia Series

• Developer: Microids
• Genre: Adventure, Point and Click
• Release Year: 2002 (Original), 2021 (Finale)

The Syberia series is known for its beautiful art direction and immersive storytelling. Players control Kate Walker, a lawyer sent to a small European town to finalize the sale of a factory, only to find herself caught up in a mysterious and magical journey involving automatons, ancient secrets, and a fascinating, snow-covered world. The series is beloved for its captivating visuals and thought-provoking story.

Why It’s Great:

• Stunning environments and intricate art direction.
• Engaging plot with a deep emotional narrative.
• A captivating world full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

5. Life is Strange

• Developer: Dontnod Entertainment
• Genre: Adventure, Interactive Drama
• Release Year: 2015

While Life is Strange isn’t a traditional point-and-click game, it’s worth mentioning here because it combines adventure elements with choice-driven gameplay. The game follows Max Caulfield, a teenager with the power to rewind time, as she navigates a series of mysteries and emotional challenges. The game features a branching narrative, where every decision you make can have far-reaching consequences. With stunning visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and strong character development, Life is Strange redefines what point-and-click games can be.

Why It’s Great:

• Innovative gameplay with time-manipulating mechanics.
• Emotionally driven narrative with strong character development.
• Beautiful art style and immersive world-building.

6. The Darkside Detective

• Developer: Spooky Doorway
• Genre: Puzzle, Mystery, Point and Click
• Release Year: 2017

The Darkside Detective is a short but highly engaging point-and-click game that’s filled with mystery, humor, and supernatural elements. Players take on the role of Detective Francis McQueen as he investigates strange, paranormal occurrences in the town of Twin Lakes. The game features quirky, pixelated graphics and a series of episodic cases that are fun, funny, and sometimes a little creepy.

Why It’s Great:

• Light-hearted humor with clever writing and unique characters.
• Short, episodic format that’s easy to dive into.
• Fun supernatural mysteries with lots of charm.

7. The Longest Journey

• Developer: Funcom
• Genre: Adventure, Point and Click
• Release Year: 1999

The Longest Journey is an epic point-and-click adventure that follows the journey of April Ryan, a young woman who discovers she has the ability to travel between two worlds: the magical world of Arcadia and the futuristic world of Stark. The game features a richly detailed world, complex puzzles, and a thought-provoking storyline that touches on themes of destiny, power, and personal growth.

Why It’s Great:

• A vast and intricately detailed world full of lore.
• Strong narrative with memorable characters and an engaging plot.
• Thought-provoking themes and storylines that resonate long after playing.

8. Escape the Room Series

• Developer: Various
• Genre: Puzzle, Point and Click
• Release Year: 2015 (Various)

The Escape the Room genre has exploded in popularity, with numerous titles offering a variety of escape challenges. These games typically place players in a locked room, challenging them to solve puzzles and find clues in order to escape. The series offers several variations, from spooky, horror-themed rooms to more whimsical or science-fiction settings.

Why It’s Great:

• Challenging and rewarding puzzles.
• A wide variety of escape room themes.
• Quick and satisfying gameplay sessions.

9. Broken Sword: Director’s Cut

• Developer: Revolution Software
• Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Point and Click
• Release Year: 2009 (Director’s Cut)

Broken Sword is a classic point-and-click adventure series with a gripping storyline, detailed characters, and brain-teasing puzzles. The Director’s Cut includes updated graphics and voice acting while retaining the charm of the original 1996 release. The game follows George Stobbart, an American tourist who gets caught up in a conspiracy involving murder, historical mysteries, and international intrigue.

Why It’s Great:

• Intriguing mystery with twists and turns.
• Beautifully designed environments and rich story.
• Enhanced visuals and voice acting in the Director’s Cut.

10. The Witness

• Developer: Jonathan Blow
• Genre: Puzzle, Exploration, Point and Click
• Release Year: 2016

While The Witness is not a typical point-and-click game, it incorporates elements of the genre through its exploration and puzzle-solving mechanics. Set on a mysterious island, the game challenges players to solve puzzles scattered throughout the environment, with no hand-holding and minimal narrative. The open-world structure and intricate puzzles make The Witness a rewarding experience for puzzle lovers.

Why It’s Great:

• Challenging, non-linear puzzles that require critical thinking.
• Stunning, serene art style with a focus on exploration.
• Minimalist storytelling that invites players to piece together the narrative on their own.

Best Point and Click Games on Steam: Conclusion

Point and click games are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in rich stories, solve intricate puzzles, and explore captivating worlds. The best point and click games on Steam offer a diverse range of experiences, from quirky mysteries to epic adventures and thought-provoking puzzles. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or new to it, these titles provide hours of engaging gameplay that will keep you coming back for more.

From the classic humor of Monkey Island to the emotional depth of Life is Strange, there’s a point and click game for every type of player. So, pick up one of these titles on Steam today and dive into a world of puzzles, mystery, and adventure!