The Best Detective Games for Linux

Update : Trust No One added at rank #32.
1

Hypnospace Outlaw (2019)

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100
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Hypnospace Outlaw is a unique game that takes you to the world of the early internet circa 1999. As an assigned moderator of the Hypnospace community, you have to investigate unapproved commerce, strike down images and links with copyright infringement and page through personal blogs and projects. You will explore a web browser as well as a customizable desktop with programs and documents, while having to scan for references and redirects.


What we like:
  • Unique game setting in the early internet
  • Investigative detective work
  • Engaging storyline
  • Eye-searing kitsch comedy
  • Built with consistent world elements
What could be improved:
  • Limited color palette
  • Grainy pixelated artwork

  • detective
  • alternate
  • conspiracy
  • simulation
  • parody
  • funny
  • online
  • puzzle
  • 1990s

2

BROK the InvestiGator (2022)

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86
Review score
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PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch Linux Mac OS

BROK the InvestiGator is an adventure game set in a futuristic cyberpunk city where humans have been replaced by animals and robots. Join Brok, a former boxer turned private detective, as he attempts to uncover a sinister plot while struggling with parenthood and providing for his deceased wife's son. Experience the fusion of point-and-click adventure and beat 'em up gameplay styles as you explore your surroundings, talk to NPCs and solve puzzles.


What we like:
  • Fully voiced cast
  • Seamless fusion of point-and-click and beat 'em up genres
  • Relatable story with heartfelt moments
  • Sherlock Holmes­-esque interrogation sequences
  • Multiple endings for replayability
What could be improved:
  • Some puzzles are too simple to work out
  • Some sequences drag on too long serving little purpose outside of padding out the runtime

  • point-and-click
  • detective
  • beat-em-up
  • cyberpunk
  • dystopian
  • adventure
  • soundtrack
  • choices
  • investigation
  • futuristic
  • fight
  • mystery
  • cartoony
  • puzzle
  • post-apocalyptic

3

Backbone (2021)

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76
Review score
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Mac OS PC Windows Linux Playstation 4 Xbox One Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch Android

Backbone is a post-noir narrative adventure. Become raccoon private eye Howard Lotor and explore dystopian Vancouver inhabited by animals as you uncover a deeply personal story of change and transformation.


  • detective
  • dystopian
  • pixel
  • adventure
  • narrative
  • mystery
  • noir
  • puzzle
  • conspiracy
  • point-and-click
  • stealth
  • post-noir

4

Lamplight City (2018)

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90
Review score
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Mac OS PC Windows Linux Nintendo Switch IOS iPhone

A steampunk-ish detective adventure from the creator of A Golden Wake and Shardlight! Can you help private investigator Miles Fordham find justice for his clients and track down his partner's killer before his entire world comes apart?


  • detective
  • point-and-click
  • steampunk
  • alternate
  • adventure
  • mystery
  • noir
  • historical
  • pixel
  • crime
  • hand-drawn
  • third-person

5

Nine Noir Lives (2022)

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80
Review score
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Linux PC Windows Mac OS

Stretch your legs, clean your whiskers, and dive into Nine Noir Lives. Enjoy a "point-and-lick" comedy-noir adventure, full of humour, crazy characters, and intriguing locations. Solve challenging puzzles and answer the immortal question: how many things need to be licked to solve a murder in this town?


  • detective
  • noir
  • comedy
  • cats
  • point-and-click
  • funny
  • mystery
  • hand-drawn
  • cartoony
  • story
  • relaxing
  • 2d
  • family-friendly
  • cute
  • crime

6

The Wild Case (2021)

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80
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Android IOS iPhone Mac OS Linux

Embark on a journey to an eerie village shrouded in mystery in The Wild Case. Solve puzzles, negotiate with inhabitants, and uncover supernatural occurrences in this atmospheric adventure. With stunning hand-drawn graphics and haunting sound effects, immerse yourself in an open world that will keep you on edge. Unravel the secrets of the forgotten village if you dare.


What we like:
  • Short but well-rounded gameplay
  • Intriguing mystery with satisfying ending
  • Beautiful hand-drawn artwork
  • Atmospheric music and sound effects
  • Adequate price point
What could be improved:
  • Lack of motivation for replayability
  • Rough English translation
  • Story not frightening for adults

  • detective
  • point-and-click
  • story
  • puzzle
  • hand-drawn
  • atmospheric
  • 2d
  • adventure
  • text
  • supernatural
  • exploration
  • first-person
  • investigation
  • linear
  • narration

7

Voodoo Detective (2022)

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88
Review score
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Nintendo Switch IOS iPhone Android Mac OS Linux PC Windows

Do you like adventure, comedy, and dime store detective novels? Then boy have we got the game for you! Join Voodoo Detective in a hand-drawn, point-and-click noir where you’ll pit your wits and hoodoo know-how against a sinister evil that’s taken root on beautiful Zo Wanga Isle.


  • point-and-click
  • noir
  • detective
  • investigation
  • hand-drawn
  • conversation
  • mystery
  • 2.5d
  • comedy
  • cartoony
  • story
  • adventure
  • 2d
  • funny
  • romance

8

Lord Winklebottom Investigates (2022)

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76
Review score
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PC Windows l Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One Linux Mac OS Nintendo Switch

It’s the 1920s and the world’s foremost detective is about to embark on his most challenging case yet. Thankfully, in this world that’s not quite like our own, there’s nobody better to crack the case than the great detective and gentleman giraffe, Lord Winklebottom.

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  • detective
  • mystery
  • crime
  • investigation
  • puzzle
  • narrative
  • comedy
  • dark
  • point-and-click
  • adventure
  • surreal
  • classic

9

Interrogation: You Will Be Deceived (2019)

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82
Review score
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Linux Nintendo Switch PC Windows Mac OS

As a police detective tasked with bringing down a dangerous terrorist group, you fight on two fronts: interrogating suspects & managing your team and its reputation. With time running out, how far will you go to stop these criminals? Manipulation, threats or even torture? Does the end justify the means?


  • detective
  • political
  • noir
  • crime
  • psychological
  • story
  • visual-novel
  • choices
  • mature
  • fiction
  • book
  • comic
  • dark
  • manipulation
  • realistic

10

The Darkside Detective (2017)

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86
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4 stadia Nintendo Switch Linux Mac OS

Join Detectives McQueen and Dooley as they solve six different cases full of humour and great references in the town of Twin Lakes. With beautiful retro-style pixel graphics, this is a must play for lovers of cats, coffee and all kinds of videogames!


What we like:
  • Crisp and clean pixel graphics
  • Variety in music
  • Sense of satisfaction when solving a case
  • Humourous atmosphere
  • Great movie references
What could be improved:
  • Cases are straightforward
  • Not super challenging
  • No tries to scare you

  • point-and-click
  • detective
  • supernatural
  • pixel
  • funny
  • adventure
  • retro
  • mystery
  • puzzle
  • comedy
  • story

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