PC gaming has always been a haven for adventure games where the story takes center stage. From unraveling murder mysteries to surviving apocalyptic worlds, these games prove that interactive storytelling can rival novels and movies. Whether you prefer classic point-and-click puzzles or modern narrative epics, these are the ten best narrative-driven adventure games on PC that every story-focused gamer should experience.

1. The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)

Developer: LucasArts
A timeless point-and-click classic. Follow Guybrush Threepwood on his hilarious quest to become a pirate while solving clever puzzles. Its humor, charm, and witty dialogue make it a must-play for adventure fans.

2. Grim Fandango (1998)

Developer: LucasArts
Set in the Land of the Dead, Grim Fandango combines film noir storytelling with Mexican folklore. Players follow Manny Calavera, a travel agent for souls, uncovering conspiracies in beautifully designed environments.

3. Planescape: Torment (1999)

Developer: Black Isle Studios
Famous for the line “What can change the nature of a man?” this hybrid RPG/adventure emphasizes dialogue and moral choice over combat. Its deep philosophical story and complex characters make it a standout.

4. Life is Strange (2015)

Developer: Dontnod Entertainment
An episodic adventure with time-rewinding mechanics. Players follow Max Caulfield uncovering mysteries in Arcadia Bay. The branching narrative and emotionally charged choices redefine modern interactive storytelling.

5. The Longest Journey (1999)

Developer: Funcom
This epic adventure combines fantasy and sci-fi storytelling. Players control April Ryan as she traverses parallel universes, uncovering secrets in a rich, immersive world.

6. Syberia (2002)

Developer: Microids
A beautifully paced adventure following lawyer Kate Walker across Europe to secure a mysterious inventor’s legacy. Intricate puzzles, lush visuals, and strong narrative make it unforgettable.

7. The Walking Dead: Season One (2012)

Developer: Telltale Games
Episodic storytelling at its finest. Choices dramatically affect the narrative, and the relationship between Lee and Clementine remains one of the most emotionally impactful in gaming history.

8. Disco Elysium (2019)

Developer: ZA/UM
A narrative RPG with minimal combat but immense storytelling depth. Players act as a detective unraveling a murder mystery with world-reactive dialogue and moral choices.

9. Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars (1996)

Developer: Revolution Software
A classic point-and-click adventure with a conspiracy story at its core. Players follow George Stobbart as he uncovers a mysterious cult, solving clever puzzles along the way.

10. What Remains of Edith Finch (2017)

Developer: Giant Sparrow
A short but unforgettable experience. Explore the Finch family home and relive the final moments of its members. Unique mechanics and touching stories make it a modern storytelling gem.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers – Dark mysteries and rich character arcs.
  • Return of the Obra Dinn – A unique investigative adventure with a distinctive visual style.
  • Kentucky Route Zero – Magical realism blended with episodic storytelling.
  • Heaven’s Vault – Archaeology-based narrative exploration with branching dialogue.

Whether you’re revisiting classics like Monkey Island or diving into modern gems like Life is Strange, PC adventure games prove that stories in games can be as compelling as any book or movie. These ten titles (plus honorable mentions) showcase the best in narrative design, immersive worlds, and unforgettable characters. Pick one, start playing, and lose yourself in some of the finest storytelling PC gaming has to offer.