- #1 I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,518 reviews2022
Dev: Northway GamesPub: Finji
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 16.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Spend your teenage years on an alien planet in this narrative RPG with card-based battles. Explore, grow up, and fall in love. The choices you make and skills you master over ten years will determine the course of your life and the survival of your colony.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 24.1%, Dating Sim 19.8%, Visual Novel 15.7%, Choices Matter 11.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: It masterfully blends life-simulation and visual novel elements, allowing you to grow up and make choices that define your character's personality and relationships.
- #2 A Date with Death
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 13,259 reviews2023
Dev: Two and a Half Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Fight against & romance the one hunting for your soul in A Date with Death, a romance chat simulator where you date(?) the Grim Reaper himself. Create your own character, decorate your apartment, and chat away with the charming yet dangerous Grim Reaper through text and video calls.
Why similar: Dating Sim 20.8%, LGBTQ+ 19%, Otome 14.9% ★, Romance 12.8%, Visual Novel 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: This title provides a highly intimate, character-focused experience that emphasizes deep dialogue and personal connection.
- #3 ERROR143
96% matchVery Positive92% of 4,810 reviews2022
Dev: Jenny Vi Pham
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 53%
A bickering and bantering rivals-to-lovers visual novel where you fall in love after first hack.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 20.1%, Dating Sim 17.2%, Otome 14.6% ★, Romance 13.9%, Visual Novel 13.3%
Why You'll Like It: It features a modern, chat-based romance with a strong focus on character chemistry and player-driven dialogue choices.
- #4 Arcade Spirits
95% matchVery Positive92% of 622 reviews2019
Dev: Fiction Factory GamesPub: PQube
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Arcade Spirits is a romantic visual novel that follows an alternative timeline where the 1983 video game crash never occurred. It's 20XX and you've just started a new job at the Funplex game arcade. Who will you meet along the way? Will you find the romance you're seeking?
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 18.3%, Dating Sim 14.1%, Romance 13.6%, Otome 12.2% ★, Visual Novel 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: This game shares a similar inclusive, cozy, and character-focused atmosphere where your choices significantly impact your social connections.
- #5 Growing Up
94% matchVery Positive88% of 3,558 reviews2021
Dev: Vile Monarch
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
This is the story of your life. Experience the entire journey from toddler to adulthood. Go to schools, learn new things, meet new friends, and have wild adventures! Every choice you make will influence your future career, and decide who your romantic partner will be. Who will you become?
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 24.9%, Dating Sim 17.5%, Visual Novel 15.7%, Choices Matter 14.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the progression from childhood to adulthood, emphasizing life choices and personal growth similar to the seed game's structure.
- #6 Our Life: Now & Forever
94% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: GB Patch Games
Windows · Linux
A paper airplane, two new neighbors, four autumns, and a one of a kind life. Create an experience that’s all your own in this near-fully customizable, choice-heavy story where you grow from childhood to adulthood.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 21.2%, Romance 16.2%, Character Customization 13.9%, Visual Novel 13.5%, Choices Matter 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: This is the spiritual successor to the seed game, offering a similar heartfelt, multi-stage life journey with extensive customization.
- #7 Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator
93% matchVery Positive92% of 6,231 reviews2017
Dev: Game Grumps
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is a game where you play as a Dad and your goal is to meet and romance other hot Dads. Are you ready? Hi ready, I'm Dad.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 33.2%, Dating Sim 23.2%, Romance 14.4%, Visual Novel 9.6%, Character Customization 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Known for its inclusive cast and focus on meaningful, grounded relationship building, it shares the warm, character-centric vibe of the seed game.
- #8 missed messages.
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 15,420 reviews2019
Dev: Angela He
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 36 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 18%
‘goth gf’s iPhone’ airdrops you - accept or decline? A love/horror story about life, death, & memes.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 34.4%, Visual Novel 25.8%, Romance 23.4%, Choices Matter 13.9%, Indie 1%
Why You'll Like It: A short but deeply emotional visual novel that explores themes of connection and choice with a similar focus on character intimacy.
- #9 Later Daters - Premium
91% matchVery Positive85% of 92 reviews2020
Dev: Bloom Digital Media
Windows · Mac
Welcome to Ye OLDE! Your new retirement paradise. Date as an octogenarian and find somebody to love, or just get your kicks in while the getting is good. Remember, if the chairs are rockin', don’t come a-knockin.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 31.9%, Dating Sim 23.4%, Romance 18.4%, Visual Novel 14.9%, Casual 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a similarly inclusive and heartwarming experience, focusing on building meaningful relationships in a charming, character-driven setting.
- #10 Cinderella Phenomenon - Otome/Visual Novel
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,111 reviews2017
Dev: Dicesuki
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 25.0 hrs≥1hr: 75%
The Fairytale Curse was only the beginning...
Why similar: Otome 35.1% ★, Romance 22.7%, Visual Novel 20.5%, Dating Sim 9.8%, Choices Matter 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: A classic, high-quality visual novel that excels in character development and branching romantic paths.
- #11 When The Night Comes
89% matchVery Positive93% of 327 reviews2021
Dev: Lunaris Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
When The Night Comes is a queer, narrative-driven, supernatural visual novel.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 25%, Romance 17.4%, Dating Sim 17%, Visual Novel 14.3%, Otome 9.6% ★
Why You'll Like It: This fantasy romance visual novel is highly inclusive and prioritizes the development of deep, personal bonds with its cast.
- #12 LongStory
90% matchMostly Positive73% of 104 reviews2017
Dev: Bloom Digital Media
Windows · Mac
In LongStory you can be and date who you choose. Play as the gender of your choice and date the cutie you like best! LongStory is is based on real stories - things that have happened, if not to us, to people we know and love. We hope it is funny, sad, perplexing and wonderful… Just like life.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 35.4%, Dating Sim 22%, Romance 19.9%, Visual Novel 17.7%, Funny 1.7%
Why You'll Like It: This game captures the experience of navigating school life and relationships with a focus on inclusivity and casual, character-driven storytelling.
- #13 Tailor Tales
89% matchVery Positive95% of 1,001 reviews2019
Dev: CeliannaPub: Pixanna
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Play as an aspiring fashion designer with your own boutique and experience a heart pounding romance.
Why similar: Otome 33.1% ★, Romance 21.5%, Visual Novel 19.3%, Character Customization 15.1%, Dating Sim 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A romance-focused visual novel that offers significant player agency and a focus on building long-term emotional connections.
- #14 Witchy Life Story
88% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,190 reviews2022
Dev: Sundew Studios
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 74%
You have two weeks to save the harvest festival! Tend your garden and collect plants for spells and rituals to help the villagers of Flora. After all, if magic isn't for solving everyday problems, what’s the point of a village witch anyway? A cozy story filled with chaos, friendship, and romance!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 22.4%, Visual Novel 21.1%, Character Customization 19.4%, Dating Sim 14.9%, Relaxing 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: This title combines cozy, relaxing gameplay with a strong focus on character interactions and personal narrative development.
- #15 a new life.
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 2,375 reviews2020
Dev: Angela He
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 1.2 hrs≥1hr: 37%
When your loved one hurts you, what do you do? A classic love story about letting go.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 40.6%, Romance 24.2%, Visual Novel 19.1%, Choices Matter 6.7%, Multiple Endings 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: A short, poignant visual novel that focuses on the emotional weight of relationships and the impact of small choices.
- #16 Love Thyself - A Horatio Story
87% matchVery Positive91% of 643 reviews2019
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 36 minMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 42%
In a society where everyone is a clone of the Emperor, can you survive long enough to find out who you truly are? Try out the brand new visual novel set in the Endless Universe!
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.6%, Dating Sim 41.2%, Funny 6.2%, Casual 3%, Indie 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: A charming and casual indie visual novel that prioritizes character personality and lighthearted, emotional storytelling.
- #17 Coffee Talk
85% matchVery Positive95% of 12,156 reviews2020
Dev: Toge Productions
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 30.7%, Visual Novel 24.4%, Interactive Fiction 12.1%, Choices Matter 11.9%, Relaxing 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: While it focuses on cafe management, the heart of the game is the intimate, character-driven conversations that mirror the cozy feel of the seed game.
- #18 Witches x Warlocks
86% matchVery Positive91% of 657 reviews2020
Dev: Nifty VisualsPub: Nifty Productions
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Witches x Warlocks is a cute and light-hearted Halloween Raising Sim; featuring a customizable protagonist and 4 love interests of different genders!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 24.1%, Otome 22% ★, Dating Sim 16.7%, Visual Novel 15.6%, Interactive Fiction 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: A cute and accessible visual novel that focuses on romance and character-driven interactions.
- #19 Emily is Away <3
83% matchVery Positive91% of 6,586 reviews2021
Dev: Kyle Seeley
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Emily <3 is a brand new story set on an old-new social media. Customize your facenook profile, send some friend requests and determine the outcome of your senior year.
Why similar: Dating Sim 25.2%, Visual Novel 15.7%, Choices Matter 15.5%, Romance 14.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: It uses a nostalgic chat interface to explore the complexities of teenage relationships and the weight of personal choices.
- #20 Changeling
84% matchVery Positive93% of 167 reviews2019
Dev: Steamberry Studio
Windows · Mac
A dark, fantastical romantic comedy that focuses not just on falling in love, but rediscovering your past and the dangers of a supernatural world - where what's at stake is not just your heart, but also your life.
Why similar: Otome 52% ★, Visual Novel 24.1%, Romance 19%, Casual 2.7%, Indie 2.2%
Why You'll Like It: An urban fantasy visual novel that places a heavy emphasis on character growth and complex, evolving relationships.
- #21 Life After Magic
82% matchVery Positive98% of 264 reviews2023
Dev: Team StarlightPub: Chirashi Games
Windows · Linux
Can you save magic before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve? Life After Magic is a queer, retro visual novel that follows jaded ex-magical girls as they reconnect, deal with young adulthood, and face off against one last threat before Y2K hits.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 28.2%, Dating Sim 19.1%, Romance 16.8%, Visual Novel 16.1%, Choices Matter 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich visual novel that emphasizes character growth and inclusive romantic paths within a fantasy setting.
- #22 A Pinch of Magic
84% matchVery Positive84% of 236 reviews2021
Dev: Crystal Game Works
Windows
Save your grandparent's failing café/magic shop from bankruptcy and possibly fall in love!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 19.7%, Otome 17.4% ★, Dating Sim 15.5%, Character Customization 12.2%, Visual Novel 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: It features character customization and a focus on dating-sim mechanics that align well with the seed game's core features.
- #23 Infinite Stars - The Visual Novel
82% matchVery Positive89% of 95 reviews2022
Dev: Wraiith303Pub: IF THEN ELSE Interactive Fiction
Windows
Infinite Stars is a visual novel filled with romance, mystery & roleplaying elements where you choose how the adventure unfolds. Establish your character & personality through the hundreds of choices presented in this interactive fiction inspired by stories like Dune, The Expanse & Mass Effect.
Why similar: Otome 17.6% ★, LGBTQ+ 15.3%, Dating Sim 12.8%, Romance 11.5%, Visual Novel 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: An interactive fiction experience that prioritizes character-driven storytelling and branching narrative paths.
- #24 Fling with a Tiefling
81% matchVery Positive92% of 83 reviews2024
Dev: Kristi Jimenez
Windows · Mac · Linux
Fling with a Tiefling is a short fantasy romance visual novel that follows you, an adventurer whose journey is about to come to an end. With tonight potentially being the last night with your treasured Tiefling companion Karrus, how will you spend it with him?
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 18.5%, Otome 17.3% ★, Romance 12.8%, Visual Novel 11.9%, Dating Sim 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted and cute fantasy romance that focuses on character chemistry and branching dialogue.
- #25 Date Everything!
78% matchVery Positive94% of 6,867 reviews2025
Dev: Sassy Chap GamesPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 11.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Date Everything! is a sandbox dating simulator set in the comfort of your own home, featuring 100 fully voice acted datable characters! Let the romance flow between your bed, smoke alarm and… Overwhelming Sense of Existential Dread? Are you ready to Date Everything?
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 30.2%, Dating Sim 21.8%, Romance 18%, Visual Novel 8.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 7.3%
- #26 Curtain Call
79% matchVery Positive88% of 156 reviews2024
Dev: 元气弹工作室(GD Studio)Pub: IndieArk
Windows
Curtain Call: the latest game from the Noobs Want to Live devs. A strategic roguelite combining auto-battling and deck-building mechanics—recruit performers, take to the stage, and prepare for battle! Win glory and the rapturous applause of the audience. Take that curtain call!
Why similar: Relaxing 55.5%, Funny 28.2%, Casual 6.6%, Singleplayer 6%, Indie 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: This interactive fiction title focuses on character-driven drama and intimate, choice-based relationship building.
- #27 Gilded Shadows
80% matchVery Positive95% of 192 reviews2022
Dev: Steamberry Studio
Windows
A GxB visual novel that explores a whimsical, yet dangerous world which blends the solarpunk and cyberpunk aesthetics into a unique adventure. As you follow the MC on her journey, pursue various love interests in a stand-alone story unique to that route.
Why similar: Otome 26.4% ★, Romance 20.3%, Visual Novel 16.1%, Character Customization 12.5%, Interactive Fiction 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A deep, story-rich visual novel that offers complex character arcs and meaningful romantic progression.
- #28 Boyfriend Dungeon
79% matchVery Positive92% of 2,624 reviews2021
Dev: Kitfox Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Date your weapons! Romance swords, daggers, and polearms to level them up in this “shack-and-slash” dungeon crawling adventure.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 30.4%, Dating Sim 22.3%, Romance 20.9%, Choices Matter 10.9%, Cute 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: While it includes action elements, the core of the game is its focus on building deep, personal relationships with a diverse cast of characters.
- #29 Heirs And Graces
81% matchVery Positive90% of 83 reviews2016
Dev: Winter Wolves
Windows · Mac · Linux
Play as Marcel and determine whether or not he has the skills to become Lord Sandor's heir and whether or not he forms a romantic attachment to one of four potential love interests: an ex-gladiator turned gardener, a perfectionist butler, the local doctor, or a mischievous elven Lord.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 25.8%, Romance 16.7%, Dating Sim 15.4%, Visual Novel 14.2%, Choices Matter 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: This indie visual novel provides a cozy, character-focused experience with a strong emphasis on LGBTQ+ themes.
- #30 Royal Alchemist
78% matchVery Positive94% of 320 reviews2020
Dev: Nifty VisualsPub: Nifty Productions
Windows · Mac · Linux
Intrigue, betrayal, deaths! An Otome / BxB survival Raising Simulation in a high-fantasy royal court setting with RPG elements.
Why similar: Otome 23.1% ★, LGBTQ+ 21.8%, Dating Sim 15.8%, Visual Novel 14.3%, Romance 14%
Why You'll Like It: A fantasy-themed visual novel that balances complex world-building with deep, character-focused romantic development.
- #31 Fields of Mistria
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 27,018 reviews2024
Dev: NPC Studio
Windows
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 23.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming / life sim RPG!
Why similar: Dating Sim 34.3%, Romance 30.5%, LGBTQ+ 19.8%, Relaxing 8%, Cute 7.4%
- #32 Plenty of Fish in the Sea
75% matchVery Positive95% of 75 reviews2025
Dev: Nullblade Studios
Windows
Plenty of Fish in the Sea is a cozy narrative-driven dating sim where you engage in heartfelt conversations with charming salmon and take them on delightful underwater dates.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 22.7%, Dating Sim 17.6%, Romance 15.3%, Visual Novel 10.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.4%
- #33 Coming Out on Top
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,392 reviews2017
Dev: Obscurasoft
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 13.1 hrs≥1hr: 82%
The acclaimed gay dating sim. Have a sweet, sexy, or bizarrely comedic adventure with the man of your choice!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 59.8%, Dating Sim 14.6%, Romance 7.8%, Visual Novel 7.3%, Choices Matter 5.6%
- #34 //TODO: today
76% matchVery Positive93% of 426 reviews2021
Dev: Boys Laugh +
Windows · Mac · Linux
A visual novel about figuring out life with the help of an AI. //TODO: today is a pastel colored slice-of-life story that let's you freely choose your pronouns and romantic preferences!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 40.7%, Visual Novel 23.5%, Dating Sim 19.1%, Multiple Endings 7.5%, Cute 5.7%
- #35 Dr. Frank's Build a Boyfriend
77% matchVery Positive88% of 293 reviews2018
Dev: HeidenPub: Visual Wordplay
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Dr. Frank's Build-A-Boyfriend is a comedy BL visual-novel mixed with point-and-click adventure elements.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 52.1%, Visual Novel 41.9%, Comedy 3.1%, Indie 2.8%
- #36 Emily is Away
76% matchVery Positive89% of 32,165 reviews2015
Dev: Kyle Seeley
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 19.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Emily is Away is an interactive story. Create a screenname and choose your path through the branching narrative.
Why similar: Choices Matter 19.3%, Romance 17.5%, Dating Sim 15.2%, Visual Novel 14.9%, Interactive Fiction 14.3%
- #37 Blush Blush
75% matchVery Positive86% of 7,453 reviews2020
Dev: Sad Panda Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 89.7 hrs≥1hr: 79%
You are responsible somehow for a curse that befalls 12 unfortunate hawt dudes. Now you have to find them and break the curse with your love!!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 44.5%, Dating Sim 23.3%, Romance 12.5%, Otome 11.6% ★, Visual Novel 5.2%
- #38 Life Makeover
74% matchVery Positive83% of 1,537 reviews2023
Dev: Archosaur Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 54.4 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Explore Life Makeover: Unleash your style, dye outfits, and design freely. Dive into unlimited dress-up, build your dream home - all for free.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.2%, Character Customization 28.3%, Cute 11.5%, Relaxing 7.9%, Drama 7.7%
- #39 Virtual Cottage
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,950 reviews2020
Dev: DU&I
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 61.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Virtual Cottage gives you a comfy place to rest and be productive without any distractions. Open the game, set yourself a goal and enjoy the atmosphere.
Why similar: Relaxing 48.8%, Cute 31.2%, Casual 9.4%, Singleplayer 6.2%, Indie 4.3%
- #40 Loser Named Hana
71% matchVery Positive95% of 136 reviews2025
Dev: Repurpose Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Loser Named Hana is a friendship-building visual novel. You respond to an ad advertising $100 a week to be the lonely college student, Hana, friend.
Why similar: Dating Sim 28.4%, LGBTQ+ 19.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14.5%, Interactive Fiction 13%, Choices Matter 4.8%
- #41 We Are OFK
73% matchVery Positive92% of 292 reviews2022
Dev: OFK
Windows · Mac
Start a virtual indie band in this behind-the-music comedy. Date, dance, skate, and run for your life across 5 episodes and interactive music videos, in a heartfelt story of what you risk to chase your dreams. All episodes out now!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 29.1%, Romance 22.4%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Interactive Fiction 9.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.7%
- #42 Curtain Call
74% matchVery Positive92% of 59 reviews2022
Dev: Dramatis Personae GamesPub: Juggernaut Entertainment
Windows · Mac
"Curtain Call" is a visual novel about (literally) breaking through social masks by forming meaningful connections with incredibly deep personalities. Whether you’re looking to make new friends or something more, there’s a whole cast of characters just dying to meet you!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 19.9%, Dating Sim 15.5%, Romance 14.6%, Visual Novel 12.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 7.6%
- #43 Snowkissed Romance
71% matchVery Positive99% of 69 reviews2025
Dev: LovelyInc LLC
Windows · Mac
It's 1994 in the mountains of Northern Japan - Are you ready to fall in love? Snowkissed Romance weaves addictive stat-building, day planning, and mini-games with captivating storytelling and plenty of ’90s shoujo charm.
Why similar: Otome 21.8% ★, Dating Sim 17.7%, Romance 16.8%, Character Customization 11.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.7%
- #44 NEKOPARA - Catboys Paradise
71% matchVery Positive89% of 5,420 reviews2021
Dev: NEKO WORKsPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 35.2 hrs≥1hr: 56%
When your grandfather passes away and you inherit his café, it's a tall task for anyone. But with the help of 4 talented catboys, Cafe Kin'uan is ready for business in NEKOPARA - Catboys Paradise!
Why similar: Otome 39.9% ★, Dating Sim 21.5%, Visual Novel 19.6%, Romance 11.4%, Cute 3.5%
- #45 Yearning: A Gay Story
72% matchMostly Positive74% of 86 reviews2021
Dev: bobcgamesPub: Project Ensō
Windows · Mac · Linux
Yearning: A Gay Story (YAGS) is a realistic coming-out-focused character-driven slice-of-life visual novel where you play as a gay man starting his freshman year of college at a generic university somewhere in the midwestern United States.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 24.6%, Romance 17.7%, Dating Sim 17.4%, Visual Novel 14.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 9.4%
- #46 Crown Delights Deli
70% matchMostly Positive78% of 83 reviews2022
Dev: baconeggandcheese
Windows · Mac
Crown Delights Deli is a visual novel with multiple dialect/language choices. As the cashier at a Brooklyn bodega, choose to talk in English, AAVE, or Spanish to a diverse cast of characters as you try to maintain a five-star rating for your boss.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 38.3%, Visual Novel 28.3%, Choices Matter 17.1%, Cute 7.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 4.3%
- #47 Hustle Cat
70% matchVery Positive93% of 1,312 reviews2016
Dev: Date Nighto
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 22.0 hrs≥1hr: 58%
You are Avery Grey, the newest employee at a popular cat cafe called A Cat's Paw. The coffee's good and the staff is friendly (and kinda cute!) but mysterious. One day, you find a strange book in the basement, with letters you can't quite read...
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 24.8%, Visual Novel 19.1%, Dating Sim 19.1%, Otome 17.3% ★, Romance 12.5%
- #48 Wanting Wings
67% matchVery Positive99% of 135 reviews2023
Dev: BaseSonPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Wanting Wings is a cute and romantic, yuri visual novel about three girls living together and falling in love over the course of their daily lives. Your choices determine which two will ultimately pair together.
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 23.9%, Romance 17.7%, Visual Novel 15.7%, Dating Sim 12.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 6.4%
- #49 Ballads at Midnight
67% matchVery Positive94% of 458 reviews2022
Dev: SynstoriaPub: Abiding Bridge
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 37%
When a sarcastic bard is arrested and exiled to an abandoned castle, she expected to be at the mercy of a hungry, blood-thirsty vampire. She soon discovers that the vampire, Lucius, is not starving: he is gravely bored. She may just survive on borrowed time, one ballad each midnight.
Why similar: Otome 30.4% ★, Romance 22.6%, Visual Novel 17.1%, Interactive Fiction 11.2%, LGBTQ+ 6.8%
- #50 UncleOffice:uncle Dating Simulator
68% matchMixed62% of 94 reviews2025
Dev: GameUncle
Windows · Mac
You can play as a newcomer, start a new life, and date 12 uncles
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 44%, Visual Novel 25.5%, Interactive Fiction 16.5%, Cute 6.4%, Drama 5.3%
- #51 The Average Everyday Adventures of Samantha Browne
69% matchVery Positive82% of 1,224 reviews2016
Dev: Lemonsucker Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 44.0 hrs≥1hr: 35%
An interactive story about a painfully introverted college student who must find a way to make some oatmeal in the communal kitchen of her dorm. One simple task, can you help her complete it?
Why similar: Visual Novel 55.9%, Choices Matter 17.5%, Cute 9.1%, Indie 5.7%, Casual 5.2%
- #52 Always Remember Me
72% matchMixed60% of 270 reviews2014
Dev: Winter Wolves
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Amy is desperate! Her boyfriend Aaron doesn't remember her anymore after a car accident! Will you be able to make him remember again? Or perhaps it's time to move on. Maybe Amy will fall in love with someone else? It's up to you to decide. Play this life simulation game with dating sim elements and shape Amy's destiny.
Why similar: Otome 21.7% ★, Visual Novel 16.8%, Dating Sim 16.6%, Romance 15.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 6%
- #53 Spread The Love
65% matchVery Positive86% of 74 reviews2025
Dev: jamms
Windows · Mac
A silly dating sim where your flavor decides your fate. Customize your profile, flirt with six lovably unique characters, and try to survive your first date!
Why similar: Dating Sim 28.7%, Character Customization 20.5%, Visual Novel 17.4%, Romance 15.5%, Multiple Endings 9%
- #54 Drinks With Abbey
69% matchMostly Positive79% of 400 reviews2019
Dev: Ramify Games
Windows · Mac
Drinks with Abbey is a short, slice-of-life visual novel about a first date.
Why similar: Dating Sim 22.8%, Romance 21.2%, Visual Novel 16.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.1%, Interactive Fiction 10.6%
- #55 Emberfate: Tempest of Elements
66% matchVery Positive98% of 140 reviews2023
Dev: Wind Chimes Games Limited
Windows · Mac · Linux
An immersive MMORPG-simulation chatroom based romance / otome visual novel. You are the leader of a raiding guild in the world's hottest MMORPG, Emberfate. Will you lead your guild to success in the newest raid — and perhaps find love along the way among your guildmates?
Why similar: Otome 19% ★, Dating Sim 14%, LGBTQ+ 11.9%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Romance 9%
- #56 Trouble Comes Twice
66% matchVery Positive87% of 143 reviews2023
Dev: Foxglove Games
Windows
Play as twins Hazel and Jace in this wholesome romcom visual novel. After a silly bet is made, the protagonists must find a boyfriend or girlfriend before their twin beats them to it!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 20.3%, Otome 16.6% ★, Romance 15.9%, Dating Sim 14.6%, Visual Novel 13.6%
- #57 Jake's Love Story
69% matchVery Positive81% of 146 reviews2017
Dev: Mikołaj Spychał
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Everyday life comedy, where your choices matter.
Why similar: Dating Sim 21.1%, Romance 20.4%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.9%, Choices Matter 8.2%
- #58 Kitty Powers' Matchmaker
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,923 reviews2015
Dev: Magic Notion Ltd
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker is a hilarious dating simulator with a difference. Manage your own matchmaking agency with the guidance of your fabulous boss, drag queen diva Kitty Powers!
Why similar: LGBTQ+ 29.2%, Dating Sim 22.6%, Romance 21.4%, Character Customization 9%, Choices Matter 5.4%
- #59 Twists of My Life
68% matchMostly Positive74% of 635 reviews2019
Dev: Novel
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Twists of My Life" - is a visual novel where every decision you make can completely change the storyline.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.1%, Dating Sim 25.7%, Romance 21.9%, Interactive Fiction 11.9%, Choices Matter 9.6%
