Doki Doki Literature Club!: A Cute Dating Sim with a Dark Twist

9/13/2026, 4:06:39 AM

Release date: 10/6/2017

Tags: #psychological-horror #visual-novel #anime #free-to-play #dating-sim #horror #cute #dark

User Reviews

Score: 96%Overwhelmingly Positive
Review Count: 227,775 reviews
Fetched At: 9/13/2026, 4:06:40 AM

Reference prices

Japan

Free to Play (JPY)

Steam JP

Free to Play (USD)

Steam

Live Store Snapshot

Body text may reflect the state at publication time. For the latest sale, price, and review changes, prioritize the live price panel, review panel, and the Steam store listing.

Japan Price: Free to Play
Global Price: Free to Play
Sale Status: Regular pricing
Price Checked At: 9/13/2026, 4:00:56 AM

Key highlight

Doki Doki Literature Club! is a free-to-play visual novel by Team Salvato, released in 2017. It initially presents as a cute dating sim with anime characters but delves into psychological horror.

Who this is for

If you're looking for a game that subverts expectations with its cute facade and surprising narrative turns, this is a must-play.

Details

Overview

Doki Doki Literature Club! invites players into a seemingly innocent high school setting, where the player joins a club dedicated to literature. Led by Monika, the club boasts a cast of charming and unique characters: Sayori, the cheerful ray of sunshine; Natsuki, a deceptively cute girl with a strong personality; and Yuri, the shy bibliophile. As a new member, you're encouraged to make friends and participate in club activities, all presented in a vibrant anime aesthetic.

Highlights

Developed and published by Team Salvato, this title offers a unique blend of genres, including Visual Novel, Psychological Horror, and Dating Sim elements.
Released on October 6, 2017, Doki Doki Literature Club! is available as a free-to-play experience on Steam.
The game features a cute anime art style and focuses on character interaction and relationship building within a literature club setting.

Who It's For

This game is for players who enjoy visual novels and dating simulations but are also open to experiencing a narrative that delves into darker, psychological themes. Those who appreciate anime aesthetics and character-driven stories will find themselves drawn into the club's world. It's also a great choice for players looking for a free game with a compelling and unexpected story.

Game Info

Doki Doki Literature Club! is a free-to-play visual novel developed by Team Salvato. It was released on October 6, 2017, and is known for its surprising narrative turns that explore psychological horror elements beneath its cute, dating sim facade. The game is presented in English and supports various Steam features like Remote Play.