Review · Gaming & entertainment
Doki Doki Literature Club review
A psychological horror visual novel that is free to play on iPhone, with optional Plus content sold in the app.
By the DBotMaker research desk · Updated November 12, 2026
- Capabilities (40%)
- 7.2
- Ease of setup (30%)
- 8.8
- Value (30%)
- 8.8
Doki Doki Literature Club is the story-only pick: a visual novel that starts as a cheerful school club story and turns into psychological horror. On iPhone it is free to download, and the only purchase in the US App Store listing is a single $9.99 purchase for Plus content, which adds six new Side Stories, more than 100 images and 26 music tracks with a built-in player. Players rate it 4.9 out of 5 from 12,000 US ratings, the highest score on this list. The developer warns that it is not suitable for children or people who are easily disturbed, and the App Store rates it 18+, with frequent horror and fear themes. It ranks seventh because it is a reading game with choices rather than an adventure you explore, and it runs only on iPhone and Apple silicon Macs, not iPad. For adults who want a memorable story without loot boxes, it is a strong choice.
Who it is for
Adults who want a short, story-only game with a horror twist
Price
Free to play; Plus content is $9.99 on the US App Store.
Unlock Plus Content $9.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.
Key features
- Visual novel story set in a school literature club
- Psychological horror themes
- Optional Plus content with 6 new Side Stories
- Plus adds 100+ images and 26 music tracks with a built-in music player
- Text in English and 10 more languages
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 12K ratings on the US App Store
- Strength: Only one paid item, a single $9.99 Plus content purchase
- Strength: No combat or reflex skills needed
- Weakness: Rated 18+ on the US App Store and not suitable for children, per the developer
- Weakness: iPhone only, with no iPad version
- Weakness: Story is reading with choices, with no exploration
Key facts
- Developer: Team Salvato and Serenity Forge
- Price: Free, Plus content $9.99
- App Store rating: 4.9 out of 5, 12K ratings
- Download size: 1.4 GB
- Age rating: 18+
Where it ranks
Doki Doki Literature Club is No. 6 in our Best Free Adventure Games verdict.
Alternatives we scored
Visit ddlc.moe · Questions or corrections: editorial@dbotmaker.io