Embark on great adventures and solve mysteries with the best point and click games!
Adventure games that featured hidden objects that had to be combined in a certain way were in their prime in the 1990s. However, as technology advanced, so did gameplay mechanics. Newer, more complex games slowly began replacing the old-fashioned point-and-click formula. Eventually, things got so bad that many believed the genre would completely go extinct. Fortunately, these predictions turned out to be wrong, and we’d like to celebrate that fact with this list.
This article was updated on October 4, 2024. Can you solve the riddle of which games have been added to the list this time?
What are the best point and click adventure games in 2024?
Many players still enjoy a slower pace of gameplay, which has led to the resurgence of titles featuring these “old-school” mechanics. We’ve gathered the best point-and-click games to prove it. The list contains both older and newer productions, so you’ll find something interesting even if you don’t feel nostalgic about the genre.
Distraint and Distraint 2
These two 2D adventure titles have a psychological horror aura to them. Our protagonist, a young man named Price, faces his first moral dilemma—one that forces him to commit a rather gruesome act. The first game explores Price’s moral decline, while the second offers a “redemption arc” as he tries to cleanse his name and conscience.
The gameplay isn’t overly complicated, mostly involving simple puzzles. However, it’s the complex, morally charged storylines that draw players in. Distraint and Distraint 2 are worth playing for the moral questions they raise.
A New Beginning
A New Beginning has earned its place among the most notable adventure titles thanks to its beautiful hand-drawn graphics and compelling storyline. Set in a dystopian future, the game challenges you to travel back in time and change the course of history to avert global disaster. It tackles thought-provoking themes that encourage reflection, leaving a lasting impression on players.
Norco
Norco is one of the most recent games on the list, set in a dystopian future. The game takes place in the suburbs of New Orleans, devastated by a long-term civil war. The protagonist is searching for his lost brother, only to discover that the disappearance is linked to a rebellious cyborg. The game impresses with its complexity, and your choices lead to one of several unique endings.
Sally Face
Now, let’s shift our focus to something truly creepy, unsettling, and gut-wrenching. If these adjectives describe your favorite point & click adventure games, Sally Face will definitely be a solid choice. It’s incredibly creative and delves deep into dark psychological horror.
The game follows the story of Sally (Sal Fisher), a boy wearing a prosthetic face mask who moves into a new place with his father, only to get entangled in a murder mystery that leads him into even darker conspiracies. Buckle up; it’s an experience unlike any other.
The Blackwell series
Fans of point-and-click games should definitely add the acclaimed Blackwell series to their collection if they haven’t already. It consists of five installments, each focusing on a duo of protagonists: a young freelance writer, Rosa, and her spirit guide, Joey. Together, their goal is to help ghosts cross over to the afterlife.
While the theme may not be groundbreaking, the franchise stands out with its charismatic cast of characters and engaging narratives. Without a doubt, you’ll be hooked for hours, unraveling the mysteries within Blackwell.
Sam & Max series
This hilarious adventure game series was originally developed by Lucas Arts and is a licensed adaptation of a comic about Sam and Max. However, the latest three installments were developed by Skunkape Games. These games follow a detective duo—a dog named Sam and a rabbit called Max. Their cases take them through various locations, requiring players to solve puzzles by exploring and using the items they find along the way.
In the latest remaster, The Devil’s Playhouse, our dynamic duo confronts an intergalactic threat while trying to keep Max’s erupting psychic abilities in check. Many fans consider it their best adventure yet—and that’s pretty high praise.
Technobabylon
Technobabylon takes place in a dystopian city ruled by an all-powerful AI. The story follows three distinct characters, each dealing with personal struggles, who find themselves entangled in a far-reaching conspiracy that threatens not only their lives but the fate of the world.
Its pixel art, inspired by 90s classics like Beneath a Steel Sky, enhances the experience. The gameplay, a classic point-and-click formula involving exploration and puzzle-solving, makes it a must-try for fans of cyberpunk settings.
Syberia: The World Before
Syberia 3 had a rocky launch, plagued by numerous bugs—some so severe that they made the game unfinishable. As a result, this once-legendary franchise lost some of its prestige, making the announcement of a new installment somewhat surprising. This time, the developers ensured a polished experience, free from the issues that haunted its predecessor.
Although The World Before is a direct sequel, familiarity with the previous installments is not required to understand the story. The game is split into two timelines: one following Kate Walker, the protagonist from earlier entries, and the other set in 1937, introducing a new character, a pianist named Dana Roze.
The Procession to Calvary
Despite its serious-sounding title, The Procession to Calvary is packed with humor. However, with its distinctly British wit and frequent religious references, the game may not be for everyone. Fans of absurd comedy, though, will love it.
The gameplay involves exploration and puzzle-solving, and some puzzles can even be skipped—if you’re willing to use the sword you carry. Just remember, violence isn’t always the best solution! The game also features unique visuals inspired by the works of famous Renaissance artists.
Unavowed
Unavowed, developed by indie studio Wadjet Eye Games, takes players to New York, where the titular Unavowed fight supernatural threats while keeping them hidden from society. Unlike typical point-and-click adventures, this game blends genres, offering a unique experience.
The non-linear plot allows for decisions that directly affect how the story unfolds. Despite its genre-blending, it remains a quintessential adventure game, drawing inspiration from the best in the field. The game not only features impressive visuals but also an excellent jazz soundtrack and top-notch voice acting.
The Deponia series
No list of the best point-and-click games would be complete without mentioning the Deponia series. It is arguably one of the most successful modern interpretations of the genre. The franchise consists of a trilogy (Deponia, Chaos on Deponia, Goodbye Deponia) along with Deponia Doomsday, which serves as more of a reboot than a sequel by presenting an alternative version of the story.
Throughout the games, you’ll follow the fate of Rufus, a selfish boy who lives on trash-covered Deponia. He wishes to escape this hole, but on the planet, a beautiful girl named Goal needs to be rescued after plummeting from Elysium, a hovering idyllic city. Only our protagonist can save her and Deponia.
The Dreamfall series
In The Longest Journey, players follow April, a young woman with the ability to shift between two parallel worlds: magical Arcadia and industrial Stark. When both worlds come under threat, she must embark on a journey to save them.
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey is a sequel that follows three characters: April, Zoe, and Kian. Interestingly, the game allows players to solve problems in various ways, which can naturally lead to different results.
The latest entry, Chapters, continues the story of Zoe and Kian while introducing a new protagonist, Saga. With its stunning graphics, it definitely sets itself apart from its predecessors. The game still manages to capture the same atmosphere that drew in fans of the franchise back in 2000.
The Monkey Island series
The iconic Monkey Island series dates back to the 1990s, and it’s undoubtedly among the most beloved representatives of the genre. It’s no surprise that games from this particular franchise were remastered, while the vast majority stay in the past. After all, it allows a new generation to experience the story of wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood.
Despite the long history, Return to Monkey Island is one of the more recent and new point-and-click games on our list. Though the unusual visuals received some criticism, the game remains enjoyable, thanks to its classic-style gameplay and trademark fourth-wall-breaking humor. If you love solving puzzles and immersing yourself in an exciting world full of colorful characters, the Monkey Island series is a must-play.
If you’re looking for more PC classics, check out our lineup of the best retro games, where we also mentioned one of the Monkey Island installments. However, all of them are equally noteworthy.
Myst & Riven (remakes)
The team at Cyan Worlds has consistently demonstrated that classics endure for a good reason. Their recent remakes of Myst (2021) and Riven (2024) should definitely be on the wishlist of anyone looking for the best point-and-click adventure games.
The developers have successfully transplanted the distinctive style of both titles into modern visuals powered by Unreal Engine, all while preserving the atmosphere cherished by the old-school fans. You can expect a rich, mysterious narrative, intricate puzzles, and slight gameplay changes, including puzzle randomization.
Thimbleweed Park
Similarly to Kathy Rain, Thimbleweed Park is also designed to look like a blast from the past. The game transports you to a town that has seen better days. Once a thriving haven for businessmen, it now screams with abandoned buildings.
The title features five playable characters you can switch between at any moment. Moreover, it offers multiple endings, many locations to visit, and two modes, one for beginners and the other for real adventure enthusiasts. Without a doubt, you’ll be engrossed for hours with Thimbleweed Park.
Broken Age (Included with PC Game Pass)
Broken Age is undeniably one of our list’s most visually stunning picks. It tells the stories of two teenagers who seemingly have nothing in common other than wanting to escape their surroundings. The first one, Vella, is destined to be sacrificed to protect her village from the horrendous monster. The other, Shay, lives alone on an AI-driven ship that holds some secrets.
Furthermore, aside from stunning graphics and hand-drawn animation, the game is notable for its voice-over cast, which includes such names as Elijah Wood, Masasa Moyo, Jack Black, and Jennifer Hale.
Full Throttle Remastered (Included with PC Game Pass)
Full Throttle Remastered is a refreshed version of the LucasArts production from 1995. In addition to enhanced graphics and remastered audio, this edition features a concept art gallery and a commentary track with the game’s original creators.
It’s set in a bleak future where classic vehicles give way to machines using antigravity drives. The plot revolves around Ben, a motorcycle gang leader who’s been wrongly accused of murder. Your task is to clear his name and ensure justice gets to the real culprit.
The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow
In The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow, you’ll follow Thomasina Bateman, who is writing a book on English barrows. Wanting to gather the necessary materials, she accepts an invitation to visit the village of Bewlay. However, after her arrival, it turned out that the man who summoned her had disappeared, and what’s worse, the landowner refused to allow her to dig up the barrow. It seems as though nothing’s going well for the protagonist, but strange events are just keep piling.
The mysterious atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, and gripping plot make this game a real treat for anyone who’s up for darker adventures. Besides, what setting is better for folk horror than Victorian England?
Grim Fandango Remastered (Included with PC Game Pass)
The next title in our lineup is Grim Fandango Remastered, an enhanced version of another legendary LucasArts game. Certainly, one of its most distinctive features is its setting, a blend of noir movie and Mexican folklore.
The game puts you in the shoes of Manny Calavera, a travel agent at the Department of Death, meaning that his job is to escort the souls to their eternal rest. People who do good deeds are rewarded with a ticket to a luxury train that takes them to the gates of heaven in a matter of minutes. The worst sinners are forced to embark on a four-year journey. However, the protagonist comes across a rather odd case and soon realizes that he’s at the heart of an underlying conspiracy.
Gemini Rue
Last but not least is Gemini Rue, which transports you to a gritty sci-fi world similar to one from Blade Runner or Snatcher. The plot follows two characters, Azriel Odin, an ex-assassin, and a man named Delta-Six, whose memories have been wiped by the mysterious organization.
At first, their stories appear unconnected, but their fates start to intertwine as you progress. Overall, we recommend this title to those who enjoy mature themes and retro visuals.
And you’ve scrolled to the end! What do you think of our compilation? Do you prefer to take it easy, slowly finding items and solving puzzles, or would you rather google the solutions as soon as you hit a dead end? Tell us about your point and click experience in the comment section below.
On a final note, we’d like to suggest you browse our list of the top games that run on low-end PCs if you want to discover more titles that, similarly to point-and-click games, don’t require a super-powerful computer.
