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Ren’Py is an open-source visual novel-making software that is designed to be easy to access and use. Despite the limited coding knowledge needed, this simple program has made some of the best indie visual novels the industry has to offer. From infamous choices like Doki Doki Literature Club to lesser-known choices, there is no end to the choices available from Ren’Py.
Updated on November 26th, 2021, by Scott Vengel: As time goes on, visual novels continue to be an impressive source of fresh air for anime and video game fans alike. While traditional large company productions, like Clannad from Key, still remain the primary sources for this genre, Ren’Py has been gaining even more steam as time goes on. Despite more and more productions from indie producers coming out over time, like Heart of the Woods coming to the PS4, Ren’Py visual novels still don’t receive a fraction of the attention that larger studios receive. As such, this article will be updated to include a few more popular Ren’Py visual novels.
15 Doki Doki Literature Club
To anybody who has played their share of visual novels, Doki Doki Literature Club should not be a new name. To many, it’s one of the best novels this decade. The lone game from Team Salvato, DDLC has topped the charts of its genre all while remaining a free-to-play visual novel.
Centering around a group of high-school students in a literature club (much like the title implies), the story focuses on the MC who is looking to get close to various members of the club. Starting as a normal, run-off-the-mill visual novel, the player won’t suspect when something seems off. With striking visuals and an excellent soundtrack to boot, Doki Doki Literature Club is a good starting point for Ren’Py games.
Doki Doki Literature Club can be downloaded from here.
14 Butterfly Soup
One of the golden points of independent visual novels is its increased selection of LGBT+ novels. While there’s a huge selection of these types of visual novels, one of the most popular is Brianna Lei’s Butterfly Soup.
Focused on a group of queer Asian-American girls attending a high school baseball club, Butterfly Soup offers a fresh view of important issues in society. Of course, this isn’t mentioning the unique art style and deep characters. Overall, Butterfly Soup is a great visual novel for people looking for a fresh perspective.
Butterfly Soup can be downloaded from here.
13 Sepia Tears
Sepia Tears feels and plays like a traditional, early 2000s visual novel. The player will guide Mark, the main character, through his days as he tries to uncover a repressed memory of his. Throughout the story, players will discover more about the mysterious world around them, as they learn about a girl named Myra.
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Granted, Sepia Tears does start off really slowly. However, players that have the resolve to play through will be rewarded with a story riddled with twists. Not only that, but the visual novel also has fairly cute artwork and a decent soundtrack. All available for free on Steam, so there’s no reason not to give it a try.
Sepia Tears can be downloaded from here.
11 Don’t Open Your Eyes
Horror has had a spot in the visual novel genre for a long time, with titles like Higurashi and Saya no Uta. However, indie Ren’py visual novels also have their charm, and Don’t Open Your Eyes is one of these gems. During the game, the player will play as an insomniac person just trying to fall asleep.
However, the game’s usage of simplistic, yet creepy line artwork and clashing colors makes for an anxiety-inducing experience despite the simple premise. The actual meaning of the game is left up for individual interpretation, making for an experience that is ultimately personal and one-of-a-kind.
Don’t Open Your Eyes can be downloaded from here.
10 Katawa Shoujo
Katawa Shoujo is perhaps the most famous Ren’Py game to date, considered by many as one of the best. For many, this was their first visual novel in general, not just of Ren’py games. Focused on the story of a young man, the visual novel explores the struggles of five women with disabilities.
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In one word, this visual novel is professional. The artwork is clean, music of top-quality, even having an animated opening. Every part of this game expresses peak effort on the side of the production staff. And this is to a very successful end, as the story draws in audiences with its compelling visuals.
Katawa Shoujo can be downloaded from here.
9 Over The Hills And Far Away
While historical visual novels aren’t always the most common type, Ren’Py does produce some gems for the genre from time to time. Produced by WarGirl Games, Over The Hills And Far Away focuses on the War of 1812.
A rogue redcoat, William Aubrey has fled to the frontiers of the Northwest, where he meets a Shawnee girl named Mai. The story offers a heartwarming and tragic view of warfare and the life of outcasts, perfect for history buffs and drama-lovers alike.
Over The Hills And Far Away can be downloaded from here.
8 Everlasting Summer
Though released in 2013, Everlasting Summer offers a semi-nostalgic feeling while also providing excellent visual content. A visual novel developed by Soviet Games, the story takes place in the Soviet Union during a summer-time pioneer camp. The protagonist, Seymon, has been transported here from the modern world, now looking to figure out why and how he has been transported to the camp.
However, there is a lot more to the story than what might initially be apparent. This is ultimately what makes Everlasting Summer so enjoyable, as players will learn more about the characters and plot as they complete more endings. For those who wish to avoid mature content, there is a completely clean version available both in mobile app stores and on Steam.
Everlasting Summer can be downloaded from here.
7 Analogue: A Hate Story And Hate Plus
Unlike other mentions on this list, Analogue: A Hate Story and its sequel Hate Plus are miracles of the sci-fi genre. Set thousands of years in the future, the story takes place on the Mugunghwa, a spaceship that has suddenly shifted to Joseon Korean culture.
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The story is an interesting blend of old and new in one. Focused on the blending of futuristic and ancient principles, players are sure to find an interesting take on what a visual novel can be. Not only that, but the game features amazing artwork and a great user interface.
Analogue: A Hate Story can be downloaded from here.
6 Long Live The Queen
Frankly, it’s hard to call Long Live The Queen a ’true’ visual novel. Truly, it feels more like a simulation, in the best of ways. Like the title alludes, the game focuses on a young princess Elodie. With her mother the Queen recently deceased, she is to be coronated in 40 weeks; the job of the player is to ensure that she lives long enough to become the new ruler.
In general, this visual novel is addicting. Unlike other visual novel-style games, Long Live The Queen features a massive amount of endings. Leaving so much content and variation, players will have plenty of time to admire the complex logic and aesthetics of the game.
Long Live The Queen can be downloaded from here.
5 Cinderella Phenomenon
Similar in theme to Long Live The Queen, Dicesuki’s Cinderella Phenomenon is an otome visual novel focused the life of royalty. The main character, Lucette, has become the Crown Princess after the loss of her mother.
Now, she must get used to the life of a royal figure, the story offering dramatic turns and five pursuable bachelors. Cinderella Phenomenon is perfect for audiences that want the drama of royalty with a focus on romance rather than simulation.
Cinderella Phenomenon can be downloaded from here.
4 A Year Of Springs
Not every visual novel needs to have a dark atmosphere. At least, this isn’t the case in A Year Of Springs. Technically three visual novels in one, each one focuses on a different protagonist and their own internal struggles: a trans woman, an ex-delinquent, and a university student.
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However, despite the struggles that the visual novels confront, players will feel more relaxed than in other similar games. Simply put, A Year Of Springs is adorable: from the artwork to the holiday setting, one can only describe this visual novel as cute.
A Year Of Springs can be downloaded from here.
3 Stillwater
Admittedly, the detective storyline is one of the most uncommon among visual novels. However, Stillwater proves just how exciting a detective story can be without becoming too overly complicated.
Focused on the story of Private Investigator Hugo Laurent, Stillwater is a Ren’Py visual novel known for its suspense and expert sound usage. A perfect visual novel for audiences looking to experience the suspensefulness of an expertly crafted investigation.
Stillwater can be downloaded from here.
2 Sound Of Drop - Fall Into Poison
As their name would imply, visual novels use visuals to stimulate the senses. However, some visual novels are more notable for this than others, which is the case with Sound of Drop - fall into poison. Exploring a crimson aquarium, the player will guide the protagonist, Mayumi, to uncover the building’s mysteries.
In short, Sound of Drop is a striking member of the psychological horror genre. Its usage of visual cues and sound to stimulate anxiety is far more subtle than other similar novels. And with 30 different endings, the player will be forced to play over and over again.
Sound of Drop can be downloaded from here.
1 Fatal Twelve
With Sound of Drop, Fatal Twelve is a visual masterpiece of the Sekai Project. The visual novel’s premise highlights its excellence. The player is Shishimai Rinka, a high-schooler recently killed in a train explosion who is caught in a battle royale to undo her own death.
The visual novel dwells on the strong themes of ethics, resolve, and regret, the fundamental issue of saving one’s life at the expense of others. Visually stunning, Fatal Twelve features one-of-a-kind music and character design. A perfect choice for players looking for a riveting story with dramatic tones.
Fatal Twelve can be downloaded from here.
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