With so many games on the Itch.io platform, we thought it’d be best to highlight which are the best visual novels on Itch.io! This feature receives weekly updates with new, old, and ever-popular titles.
We love Itch.io here on Gamezebo, which is why we also have two other features that cover more games on the platform. Read our Best Horror Games on Itch.io piece or our Best Otome Games on Itch.io for tons of recommendations!
Best Visual Novels On Itch.io
The visual novels you just have to try!
Elevator Hitch
From the creator of the ever-popular title, Dead Plate, Elevator Hitch is a surrealist horror experience that mixes point-and-click and escape room mechanics, all bundled into a visual novel. The story follows a couple of co-workers who enter an elevator that seems normal at first, if not a little dated – it’s got 1970s vibes!
Now, they’re not stuck inside the elevator, but they sure are trapped in whatever building they’ve suddenly found themselves in. Stepping out of the elevator takes them across multiple liminal floors that look like The Backrooms.
The two main characters must try to work out how to get to the correct elevator that takes them back to their daily lives… and away from whatever this is. All I can say is, something is very amiss with this elevator.
My Bed, Your Grave
What’s better than a vampire story? A vampire and werewolf story. Where are my fellow Twilight fans? Anyway, this visual novel follows Lethia and Thana, two lovers who cannot risk being too close. Lethia is a vampire, and Thana is a dangerous werewolf. Whilst being attracted to each other, they cannot pursue a relationship, leading to both of them deciding that they can no longer carry on like this.
To stop her heart from hurting, Lethia concludes that Thana must kill her, rather than killing Thana herself. Your choices matter as the dialogue and plotline alter depending on what you select, resulting in multiple endings. Keep an eye on the affection bar too!
Cryptid Crush
If you like Monster Prom, you have to try Cryptid Crush. The art style is absolutely scrumptious, with a charming and cartoony pop. After arriving in Longhope, you meet lots of new people, as well as familiar faces, such as your bestie, Mothman.
Get to know the cryptids around you, whether you choose to remain just friends with them, or you want to pursue something further. It isn’t all above the love! You can build platonic relationships with the residents of Longhope, from demons to monsters, and underwater creatures to the undead.
Cold Front
Another one by Racheldrawsthis (the creator behind Dead Plate and Elevator Hitch)! The plotline of this visual novel follows Winnie and Augustine, two childhood best friends who have never been apart. With Winnie planning on moving away to attend university, both he and Augustine plan a day out with just the two of them.
However, what was supposed to be a sunny and relaxing day, soon turns into a nightmare as the temperatures drastically drop, leading to a blizzard. Soon, their town feels incredibly dangerous, and they need to find a way to safety as soon as possible.
