No other video game genre allows you to experience a romantic fantasy like a dating sim. And as far as we know, Japanese anime titles do it best!
Gone are the days of dating games designed only for guys. Today, the genre is highly inclusive, catering to people of all orientations and passionate about the wildest (and often non-serious) fantasies set in diverse environments.
Players can choose from various genders and sexualities to create the ideal hero and proceed directly to the pleasure of dating. There’s even a game where you can date pigeons! These titles are hilarious and adorable, so no wonder each has a massive fanbase. Planning to spice up this Valentine’s Day with the best japanese dating sims? Look no further!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | YT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | The Fruit of Grisaia | 2015-05-29 | Adventure | Frontwing | |
 | Hustle Cat | 2016-03-16 | Indie | Date Nighto | |
 | Hatoful Boyfriend | 2014-09-04 | Indie | Hato Moa | |
 | Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! | 2021-06-30 | Visual novel, horror | Team Salvato | |
 | Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator | 2017-07-20 | Indie | Game Grumps |
The Fruit of Grisaia
| Release date: | 2015-05-29 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Frontwing |
Yuji Kazami is a transfer student starting his education at the prison-like Mihama Academy. Will the decision to abandon his secret profession and join a group of new female friends change his life for the better?
At Mihama Academy, everyone has secrets, and it’s your job to discover them all! By chatting to your friends, decide which one you want to help to witness one of several endings. The game offers up to 50 hours of immersive adventure, set in a bittersweet story enriched with many crude jokes. It’s an ideal recommendation for decision-making enthusiasts!
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Hustle Cat
| Release date: | 2016-03-16 |
| Genre: | Indie |
| Developer: | Date Nighto |
Start your dream job at the local cat cafe! There are six romance options, adorable kittens, and a mystery for over 20 hours of incredibly romantic experience!
Play as Avery Gray – a customizable protagonist discovering the baffling mystery of Cat’s Paw. Flirt with cute co-workers of different genders, discover their secrets, make decisions, and learn who the main antagonist is. It’s a wholesome and charming adventure, perfect for relaxing gaming evenings!
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Hatoful Boyfriend
| Release date: | 2014-09-04 |
| Genre: | Indie |
| Developer: | Hato Moa |
This one may look like a meme, but the game positively surprised many players on Steam. Ready to start your adventure at a fancy pigeon school?
Hatoful Boyfriend lets you chat with various birds (students!) of St. PigeoNation’s Institute. It isn’t exactly a dating adventure but an opportunity to learn strange and engaging stories about birds’ lives. Make choices to see all 15 endings! And definitely prepare for more than one surprise.
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Doki Doki Literature Club!
| Release date: | 2021-06-30 |
| Genre: | Visual novel, horror |
| Developer: | Team Salvato |
Officially, Doki Doki is a romantic relationship game, but as they say – the farther you go, the less you know!
Join the school literature club to meet four charismatic girls! Prepare for lots of fun, cute scenes, exciting discussions, and complex choices until all that takes an entirely different, slightly disturbing turn of events. We do not recommend this game to the faint-hearted or players under 15!
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I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator
| Release date: | 2019-09-24 |
| Genre: | Dating Sim |
| Developer: | Psyop |
Some may not perceive Colonel Sanders as one of the hottest guys on Earth, but this game can change that opinion!
Start the most epic education at culinary school to flirt with the one and only Colonel Sanders! Participate in epic cooking battles, learn recipes, discover secret content, and enjoy the company of eight memorable characters. It’s the game no one asked for, but everyone needed!
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Dream Daddy
| Release date: | 2017-07-20 |
| Genre: | Indie |
| Developer: | Game Grumps |
Developed by Game Grumps, Dream Daddy lets you play as a single dad moving to a new town with his only daughter. Soon, the two discover the place is filled with single, perfectly dateable dads!
Create your playable dad and start an adventure as a single daddy, meeting all kinds of different fathers in Maple Bay. Play mini-games, prepare for never-ending dad jokes, make choices, and have fun to find that one true love! Dream Daddy is a must-play if you love cute and wholesome dating games with hot surprises at every turn!
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Mystic Messenger
| Release date: | 2016-07-08 |
| Genre: | Visual novel |
| Developer: | Cheritz |
Play as a female character joining the mysterious organization to throw a party and date a wide array of handsome guys!
Mystic Messenger is a unique mobile game revolving around 11 days of chatting in group messenger. The first day lets you discover the game’s prologue, while all remaining ones focus on finding that one true love. The best part is that whoever you pick, the story feels unique with each playthrough!
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Conclusion
Excited? We certainly are! It’s just a tiny part of everything the genre has to offer – but each of these games leaves a lasting impression and proves that love transcends all barriers. Pick your favorite title and enjoy the most hilarious and memorable Valentine’s Day ever!