7 Detective Games That Channel Your Inner Sherlock

Ever wanted to step into the shoes of Sherlock Holmes, piecing together clues and cracking cases with razor-sharp wit? Detective games let you do just that, immersing you in mysteries where your brain is the ultimate tool. These games challenge you to think critically, spot details others miss, and unravel complex stories. They’re not just about action—they’re about feeling clever and in control as you solve the unsolvable.

I’ve rounded up seven detective games that capture the thrill of being a master sleuth. Each one offers unique mechanics, gripping stories, and that satisfying moment when the pieces click. From gritty noir to supernatural twists, these titles will have you deducing like Sherlock himself. Let’s dive into the cases.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments (2014)

This game from Frogwares puts you directly in the role of Sherlock Holmes, tackling six distinct cases in Victorian London. You’ll investigate crime scenes, interrogate suspects, and use Sherlock’s keen observation skills to spot clues. The game’s deduction system lets you link evidence in a mental ‘deduction board,’ where your choices shape the outcome. Moral dilemmas add depth, forcing you to decide whether to condemn or show mercy.

What sets ‘Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments’ apart is its focus on player agency. You’re not just following a script—your conclusions can alter the story’s resolution. The detailed environments and period-accurate atmosphere make every investigation feel alive. It’s a game that rewards sharp thinking and makes you feel like a true detective.

Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)

In ‘Return of the Obra Dinn,’ you play an insurance investigator in 1807, tasked with uncovering the fate of a missing ship’s crew. Armed with a magical pocket watch that reveals a person’s final moments, you explore frozen vignettes of death and chaos. The game demands you piece together identities and causes of death using sparse clues and a crew manifest.

The stark, monochrome art style creates a haunting vibe, while the open-ended deduction system lets you solve the mystery at your own pace. It’s less about hand-holding and more about trusting your instincts. Every correct deduction feels like a personal triumph, making this a standout for aspiring Sherlocks.

The Wolf Among Us (2013)

Based on the ‘Fables’ comic series, ‘The Wolf Among Us’ casts you as Bigby Wolf, a sheriff in a hidden fairy-tale community in New York. A grisly murder kicks off a noir-inspired mystery, blending gritty dialogue with tough choices. You’ll investigate scenes, question quirky characters, and decide how to handle volatile situations. The game’s episodic format keeps the tension high.

Its strength lies in its narrative and moral complexity. Your decisions shape Bigby’s relationships and the story’s outcome, with no clear right or wrong. The vibrant art and sharp writing pull you into a world where every clue matters. It’s less about puzzles and more about feeling like a hard-boiled detective.

Disco Elysium (2019)

‘Disco Elysium’ drops you into the role of a washed-up detective in the rundown city of Revachol, solving a murder while battling your own demons. The game’s RPG mechanics let you develop skills like empathy or logic, which shape how you approach clues and conversations. Dialogue trees are deep, with your choices driving the investigation forward. The story’s dark humor and rich world make every moment engaging.

What makes this game shine is its focus on character. Your detective’s inner thoughts—voiced as competing personalities—guide or sabotage your work. It’s a cerebral experience that rewards creative thinking. You’ll feel like Sherlock, but one grappling with his own flaws.

Her Story (2015)

‘Her Story’ is a unique detective game where you sift through a database of live-action police interview clips to uncover a missing person’s fate. You search by typing keywords, piecing together a fragmented story through videos of a woman named Hannah. The game offers no guidance, leaving you to connect the dots and form your own conclusions.

Its minimalist approach makes every discovery feel personal. The authentic acting and nonlinear storytelling keep you hooked as you unravel the truth. It’s a game that trusts your intelligence, letting you play detective in a way that feels raw and real.

The Case of the Golden Idol (2022)

Set in an 18th-century world of intrigue, ‘The Case of the Golden Idol’ challenges you to solve a series of bizarre murders tied to a mysterious artifact. Each case presents a frozen scene packed with visual clues, from letters to bloodstains. You fill in blanks to deduce who did what and why, with no hand-holding. The game’s cartoonish art belies its complex puzzles.

The joy here comes from piecing together seemingly unrelated details into a coherent story. Each solved case feels like cracking a code, with later mysteries building on earlier ones. It’s a compact, brain-teasing experience that makes you feel brilliant with every ‘aha’ moment.

The Sinking City (2021)

In ‘The Sinking City,’ you play private investigator Charles Reed in the flooded, eerie town of Oakmont, chasing a supernatural mystery tied to cosmic horror. You explore an open world, gather clues, and use a unique ‘mind palace’ system to connect evidence. The game blends Lovecraftian dread with detective work, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

Combat and clunky writing can drag, but the investigation mechanics shine. You’ll track leads across gloomy streets and question strange locals, with your deductions shaping the story. It’s a game that captures the thrill of uncovering dark secrets, perfect for fans of moody mysteries.

Which detective game makes you feel like the ultimate sleuth, or did I miss a case worth solving? Drop your thoughts in the comments!