Games Like Detective Dotson

Solving crime is no walk in the pond. You are a down-on-his-luck detective who also happens to be a duck. Use your powers of de-duck-tion to inspect evidence, fill in the blanks, and bust the case wide open! This is a short but twisty detective case.

Why similar: Detective 32.5%, Investigation 18.7%, Cozy 12.6%, Mystery 8.9%, Cute 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the same humorous, short-form, and cozy detective vibe that makes Detective Dotson so approachable.

You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery.

Why similar: Detective 26.2%, Investigation 14.9%, Mystery 10.5%, Funny 10%, Comedy 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the quirky, funny, and low-stakes investigative charm found in Dotson's world.

JENNY LECLUE is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet, mysteries and puzzles to solve across a vibrant, atmospheric world.

Why similar: Detective 41.5%, Mystery 18.1%, Funny 12.8%, Exploration 11%, Story Rich 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a strong narrative-driven mystery with a charming protagonist and a focus on exploration.

Unravel a thrilling mystery by exploring a strange and twisted mansion, discovering curious clues, interrogating peculiar suspects and solving unique puzzles. Will you be able to uncover the secrets of Tangle Tower?

Why similar: Detective 42.8%, Mystery 12.1%, Investigation 10.7%, Funny 10.1%, Exploration 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It features a delightful cast of characters and a bright, engaging art style that complements the investigative gameplay.

A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth.

Why similar: Detective 33.8%, Investigation 23.3%, Mystery 15.4%, Interactive Fiction 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: While more puzzle-heavy, it offers a satisfying investigative experience that rewards keen observation.

Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate!

Why similar: Cozy 43.9%, Interactive Fiction 14.2%, Exploration 10.7%, Mystery 10.6%, Cute 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cozy mystery game that uses a unique story-book mechanic to unravel secrets in a charming, small-town setting.

Pat the alligator, a (mostly) harmless and (probably) innocent reptile is at the center of a conspiracy that could bring down the biggest, scariest family in Alligator New York City: his own! Explore the city, meet the Family, and try to save Pat before the clock runs out.

Why similar: Mystery 26.4%, Funny 25%, Cute 21.1%, Comedy 17.7%, Casual 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is a hilarious, hand-drawn mystery adventure that emphasizes character interaction and lighthearted puzzle-solving.

Delouse your room with sage and pack up your travel-sized ouija board, it’s time to re-enter Twin Lakes - America’s 34th most haunted city. Join Detective McQueen as he puzzles his way through 9 chilling cases, risking life and pixelated limb to solve the macabre mysteries that plague the poor town.

Why similar: Detective 28.3%, Investigation 14.2%, Mystery 11.5%, Comedy 9.1%, Interactive Fiction 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a series of funny, episodic mysteries with a pixel-art style that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Murder. Nothin’ nice about it. In this old school detective adventure, step into the boots of whip-smart Inspector Waffles and travel the city to track hidden clues, interrogate shady suspects, and unravel a dangerous mystery. But be warned: curiosity killed the cat...

Why similar: Detective 31.3%, Investigation 17.8%, Mystery 11.5%, Funny 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, cat-led detective story that balances a classic mystery plot with a cozy, approachable aesthetic.

A top-down adventure game in a coloring book world full of vibrant characters. Use painting powers to explore, solve puzzles, make friends, and draw on anything! From creators on Wandersong + Celeste.

Why similar: Adventure 31.2%, Cute 30.9%, Funny 19.3%, Story Rich 14.5%, Casual 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a wholesome, exploration-heavy adventure that focuses on community and discovery in a vibrant world.

Even the smallest person can make a big difference. Join Alba, as she sets out to save her beautiful island and its wildlife. And possibly start a revolution.

Why similar: Wholesome 40.6% ★, Cozy 30.9%, Funny 6.8%, Exploration 6.6%, Cute 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the same wholesome, exploration-focused energy as Dotson, set in a beautiful, sunny environment.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

Why similar: Cozy 24.3%, Exploration 22.2%, Cute 18.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Adventure 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for cozy, bite-sized exploration games that focus on character interactions and atmosphere.

Embark on an adorable adventure, discover new friends and uncover everything the island has to offer. Climb, Swim, Glide and slide your way into the hearts of the many different characters you meet on your travels!

Why similar: Wholesome 40.4% ★, Cozy 33.3%, Funny 8.9%, Cute 8%, Casual 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game emphasizes cute, low-stress exploration and lighthearted social interactions, much like the world of Dotson.

Detective Grimoire has been called to investigate a murder. The owner of a small tourist attraction, seemingly killed by the mythical creature his attraction is based around... Explore the area, inspect the crime scene, grill suspects, solve puzzles, hunt for clues & uncover the secret of the swamp!

Why similar: Detective 34.6%, Investigation 17%, Funny 11.3%, Mystery 10.9%, Exploration 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic point-and-click mystery that focuses on interviewing suspects and gathering clues in a stylized environment.

"Murders on Yangtze River" is an Ace Attorney-like detective game that takes you on a journey through early 20th century China as you solve a series of intriguing cases. Use your logical reasoning and deduction skills to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and solve the mysteries.

Why similar: Detective 47.9%, Investigation 18.3%, Mystery 13.2%, Exploration 8.6%, Story Rich 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A detective adventure that focuses on logical deduction and narrative progression in a historical setting.

There's been a murder aboard the Reuss Express, and you're the suspects! Prove your innocence in this comedy 'point n' click' murder mystery - packed with twists, laughs, and larger-than-life characters!

Why similar: Detective 29.4%, Investigation 21.2%, Mystery 13.6%, Comedy 10.3%, Funny 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A funny, point-and-click mystery set on a train that emphasizes humor and clever puzzle design.

Join the investigation in Murder Is Game Over, a pixel art point-and-click game where you and Cleo try to solve the murder of a famous game designer. Can you uncover the clues and catch the killer before it's game over?

Why similar: Detective 32.6%, Interactive Fiction 16.7%, Exploration 12.7%, Hidden Object 11.3%, Funny 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A casual, cute mystery game that is easy to pick up and play for fans of lighthearted detective stories.

Carto is a charming adventure game wrapped around a unique, world-altering puzzle mechanic. Use this power to explore mysterious lands, help a quirky cast of characters, and guide Carto on her journey back to her family.

Why similar: Cute 26.5%, Exploration 21.5%, Funny 20.9%, Stylized 11%, Story Rich 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a unique map-manipulation mechanic that makes exploration feel like a rewarding puzzle.

Guide brush strokes and solve a variety of puzzles to help an aspiring artist complete her masterpiece amid her brusque neighbor’s gaze and his pesky cat. As her painting starts to take shape, uncover an emotional tale of chance and artistry revealed behind unrelated yet familiar moments.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 26.9%, Exploration 19.4%, Cute 18.4%, Hidden Object 16.5%, Story Rich 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: An artistic, cozy mystery that focuses on observation and storytelling through a beautiful, painterly lens.

Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries.

Why similar: Cozy 30.4%, Detective 25.9%, Investigation 17.5%, Mystery 11.8%, Exploration 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a cozy, atmospheric mystery where you manage a shop and use observation to solve botanical puzzles.

The Last Campfire is an adventure, a story of a lost ember trapped in a puzzling place, searching for meaning and a way home.

Why similar: Cute 49.4%, Adventure 25.8%, Story Rich 24.8%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, narrative-driven puzzle adventure that focuses on helping others in a gentle, melancholic world.

Crime O'Clock is a hidden objects investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man!

Why similar: Detective 27.7%, Investigation 20.3%, Mystery 11.2%, Funny 8.8%, Hidden Object 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A hidden-object investigation game that challenges you to solve crimes across different time periods.

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.

Why similar: Detective 32.1%, Investigation 20.8%, Mystery 13.4%, Funny 9.8%, Comedy 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a hand-drawn art style and a story-rich mystery that feels like a classic detective adventure.

Donut County is a story-based physics puzzle game where you play as an ever-growing hole in the ground. Meet cute characters, steal their trash, and throw them in a hole.

Why similar: Funny 29.5%, Cute 23.7%, Casual 12.9%, Comedy 10.2%, Adventure 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A funny, physics-based game that features a quirky cast and a very casual, satisfying gameplay loop.

You are the one and only Duck Detective, a depressed and recently divorced duck who must quack the case. Inspect evidence, make de-duck-tions, and solve this no-murder mystery!

Why similar: Detective 30.8%, Investigation 20.6%, Mystery 10.2%, Cozy 8.3%, Cute 7.4%

NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.

Why similar: Mystery 26.6%, Funny 20.6%, Exploration 18.4%, Story Rich 12.8%, Stylized 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: It excels at character-driven exploration and capturing the feeling of uncovering secrets in a small, relatable town.

A Bleaker Predicklement is a hilarious AND mysterious point and click adventure game. Explore smoggy alleys, meet suspicious characters and help Bertram as he finds himself framed for a murdering he did not commit!

Why similar: Detective 31.4%, Mystery 17%, Funny 11.8%, Comedy 11.3%, Adventure 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A quirky, funny adventure game that leans into its comedic tone and unique visual style.

Detective Ridelle is a cozy murder mystery game featuring escape room style puzzles. Find clues, interrogate suspects, solve the mystery - before it's too late.

Why similar: Detective 37.7%, Investigation 21%, Mystery 15%, Comedy 9.3%, Cozy 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A mystery-focused visual novel that incorporates escape-room elements to keep the investigation engaging.

Lost and Found Co. is a hidden object adventure in a cozy and immersive world. Join a cast of lively characters on their epic journey across countless magical locations. Find lost items, solve puzzles, and help a tiny dragon regain her power!

Why similar: Wholesome 34.1% ★, Cozy 28%, Funny 9.9%, Hidden Object 8.4%, Cute 8.3%

Little Problems is a Cozy Detective game about solving minor inconveniences, everyday misunderstandings, and of course, little problems. This game is not about saving the world; it's about enriching it, one case at a time.

Why similar: Cozy 25.8%, Detective 23.2%, Investigation 15.2%, Interactive Fiction 7.3%, Mystery 6%

It's 1986 - Meredith Weiss takes a break from her career in the big city to deliver mail in her hometown. How will she experience two weeks in beautiful Providence Oaks, with its iconic lake and quirky community? And what will she do next? It's up to you.

Why similar: Cozy 40.4%, Wholesome 37.6% ★, Comedy 7.3%, Story Rich 6%, Exploration 5%

Why You'll Like It: A slow-paced, cozy narrative game that focuses on the simple joys of exploration and meeting new people.

A deceptively difficult deduction game about one very unfortunate family. Revisit their worst moments, form your own conclusions, and solve this silly yet challenging mystery.

Why similar: Detective 28%, Cozy 19.1%, Investigation 19.1%, Mystery 11.7%, Interactive Fiction 7.9%

The Wild Case is a 2D first-person point-and-click adventure. In this story-focused adventure, players meet a cast of colorful characters, experience mysterious encounters, and solve puzzles to progress through the game.

Why similar: Detective 39.6%, Investigation 18.9%, Mystery 11.7%, Exploration 10.5%, Cute 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A point-and-click mystery that focuses on investigating strange occurrences in a remote, atmospheric setting.

You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery in the wild west.

Why similar: Detective 26.2%, Investigation 16.1%, Mystery 12.3%, Funny 11%, Comedy 10.8%

Whisper of the House is a cozy game about organizing and decorating. You'll take on various tasks from the townspeople—helping them move, organize, and clean their spaces. In the process, your gentle touch might make a difference in their lives, and perhaps uncover some hidden stories...

Why similar: Cozy 38.4%, Mystery 15%, Exploration 9.6%, Hidden Object 9.2%, Cute 8.8%

Uncover high drama in this whodunnit set in a small-town community theater. Gather clues by investigating the sets, casts and backstage crews of 10 theatrical productions, and piece together the story of each deadly crime.

Why similar: Detective 28.8%, Investigation 18.1%, Mystery 14.9%, Exploration 11.7%, Funny 10.4%

You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery. Also there's a wizard.

Why similar: Detective 26.6%, Investigation 16%, Mystery 11%, Funny 9.6%, Comedy 9.4%

There's only one detective to unravel this murder turned museum heist... and they're the cat's meow. Interrogate a "colorful" cast of suspects until they cough up hairballs... and the truth. Will you wrap up the case in time for an afternoon nap, and make injustice knead its last biscuit?

Why similar: Detective 36.6%, Mystery 13.9%, Interactive Fiction 12.5%, Investigation 12.4%, Funny 11.8%

A cozy detective adventure where you play as a vacation-bound writer who stumbles upon an idyllic town plagued by an enigmatic thief. Crack the case in this charming seaside town, build relationships, and unravel secrets in a world full of quirky characters and heartwarming stories.

Why similar: Cozy 26.9%, Detective 23.7%, Investigation 15.4%, Mystery 9.8%, Exploration 6.3%

Methods: The Canada Files is a mystery visual novel. You play as a team of eccentric detectives in a mysterious crime-solving competition. To solve each mystery, you must use your team member’s unique detective methods, refute faulty theories with evidence, and find out the truth!

Why similar: Detective 31.4%, Investigation 27.6%, Interactive Fiction 11.7%, Comedy 10.3%, Stylized 5.4%

A missing person case straight out of 1995. Search the early internet, dig through emails and dusty floppy discs, and uncover the secrets behind the disappearance of Victoria Mason.

Why similar: Detective 34.3%, Mystery 15.5%, Interactive Fiction 11.6%, Comedy 9%, Funny 8.6%

A narrative courtroom adventure all about VTubers! Players will take the role of prosecutor Justin Truth and investigate a murder at a VTuber agency, doing their best to uncover the identity of both the killer and VTuber's real face.

Why similar: Detective 42%, Mystery 16.4%, Comedy 11.8%, Funny 11%, Story Rich 6.3%

A comedy-mystery visual novel about Captain Fox, Detective Raccoon and the danger of pineapple pizza.

Why similar: Detective 31.8%, Investigation 17.4%, Mystery 11.4%, Comedy 10.5%, Funny 9.7%

Staffer Case is a new sort of mystery game, asking players to find clues, arrange them into documents, and point out the contradictions between them to solve a series of murders. Each mystery unraveled leads you closer to the truth lying at the heart of each case!

Why similar: Detective 36.7%, Episodic 29.2% ★, Mystery 12.8%, Exploration 7.2%, Funny 6.2%

New adventures of famous detective Holmes are waiting for you! Investigate with Holmes in England and India to reveal the mysterious crime. Attractive locations, intriguing mini-games and hidden object puzzles will not let you be bored.

Why similar: Detective 56.3%, Hidden Object 16.1%, Casual 14.3%, Adventure 13.2%

🔍 Solve the mystery behind a shocking murder at Hotel Noir! 🕵️‍♂️ Search for hidden objects, uncover clues, and piece together the truth. But remember... trust no one!

Why similar: Detective 32.5%, Investigation 29.2%, Exploration 11.3%, Hidden Object 11.1%, Mystery 7.5%

A short non-linear detective adventure where every clue is hidden in plain sight. Carefully read and cross-reference documents to unravel a CEO’s disappearance and expose a case of fraud.

Why similar: Detective 38.7%, Investigation 25.2%, Nonlinear 16%, Mystery 14.8%, Adventure 2.9%

LumineNight is a story-driven detective adventure. Play as Detective Foster and his daughter to solve a series of murders spanning a decade. Interrogate suspects, infiltrate locations, solve puzzles, and gather evidence from crime scenes. Uncover the dark truth behind these killings.

Why similar: Detective 42.9%, Mystery 17.8%, Investigation 16.6%, Exploration 10.4%, Story Rich 6.6%

A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation.

Why similar: Detective 43.5%, Investigation 21.6%, Mystery 18.3%, Interactive Fiction 6.7%, Story Rich 4.3%

Connected Clue is a quarter-view detective adventure game inspired by the atmosphere of 19th-century mystery novels. Gather clues, see through lies, and uncover the identity of the culprit shrouded in secrecy!

Why similar: Detective 42.8%, Investigation 26.3%, Mystery 15.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Adventure 5.7%

Adapted from the bestselling children’s book series Pierre The Maze Detective, play as Pierre in this adventure/puzzle game and recover the stolen Maze Stone. Journey through breathtakingly hand-drawn illustrations, meet eccentric characters, and solve puzzles to save Opera City!

Why similar: Hidden Object 26.5%, Exploration 21.4%, Cute 15.5%, Adventure 13.7%, Casual 12.1%

Mystery detective with eye-catching pixel art graphics. Gather clues, solve riddles, and collect unexpected and interesting game endings!

Why similar: Investigation 22.9%, Detective 21%, Mystery 14.7%, Comedy 11.6%, Hidden Object 7%

A letter from 10 years ago, an intricate web of lies to unravel and a mystery to solve. Explore an unconventional town of pirates, dive into the past, collect items and look for clues to help Willy find out what happened to his father...

Why similar: Investigation 23.1%, Nonlinear 19.3%, Mystery 14.6%, Funny 12.5%, Comedy 10.3%

As a private detective, you’ll crack word clues left by a mysterious informant, gather evidence, and uncover the truth hidden in the shadows.

Why similar: Detective 73.5%, Casual 26.5%

Boodunnit?! is an adventure-sandbox game where you play as a ghost that has to solve the mystery of her own murder!

Why similar: Detective 29.4%, Mystery 12.5%, Comedy 11.9%, Investigation 10.3%, Exploration 9.8%

Detective Penguin is the first and only physics-and-penguin-based detective game on the market. Solve cases in your own way. Interrogate suspects, find clues, or use your flippers to punch your way to the answers.

Why similar: Detective 29%, Investigation 19.8%, Interactive Fiction 10.9%, Funny 10.2%, Comedy 8.1%

Sonic the Hedgehog...was murdered!? Get to the bottom of the mystery in this brand-new adventure!

Why similar: Detective 43.4%, Mystery 21.1%, Comedy 11.1%, Funny 10.4%, Cute 6.9%

A hand-drawn hidden object game inspired by the joy of people watching and telling small stories. Shake trees, peek through windows and spin curious objects to uncover secrets and follow the lives of its charming inhabitants.

Why similar: Wholesome 37.9% ★, Cozy 29.6%, Funny 8.4%, Hidden Object 7.8%, Cute 7.1%

🐾 Join the cutest adventure in themed locations full of cats! 😻 Explore the charming hand-drawn artwork of special places and try to find 100 adorable cats hidden throughout the game. 🐈🕵️‍♂️ Can you find them all? 🕵️‍♂️🐈

Why similar: Wholesome 32.4% ★, Cozy 30.9%, Detective 18.1%, Hidden Object 6.9%, Cute 5.6%

Set off on a delightful expedition and use your photographic eye to uncover the mysteries of the magical TOEM in this hand-drawn adventure game. Chat with quirky characters, solve their problems by snapping neat photos, and make your way through a relaxing landscape!

Why similar: Wholesome 35.8% ★, Cozy 29.3%, Funny 7.1%, Exploration 6.8%, Cute 6.4%