Riven (1997)

Released: Aug 4, 2010
Platforms: WindowsmacOS
Last updated: 04 Sep 2026, 01:36 GMT

Updates & announcements

20 posts

10 May 2026PC Gamer
Riven co-creator defends his use of AI art: 'Any artist can take a brush and, without thinking, an artist can create slop'
Fangamer's videogame tie-ins have drawn our attention multiple times in the past, from the Stardew Valley boxed edition complete with farm-ownership deed , to the angry psychic squid from Into the Breach in huggable plushie form . They recently released a fancy vinyl edition of t
26 Jun 2025Developer post
Patch 2.0.5 release notes
Global Updated the source code archive. Steam Steam SDK initialization is now optional. This resolves issues for folks on Windows 7 who are having trouble playing with the latest updates to the game.
Global

Updated the source code archive.
Steam

Steam SDK initialization is now optional. This resolves issues for folks on Windows 7 who are having trouble playing with the latest updates to the game.
Original post
27 May 2025Developer post
Patch 2.0.3 release notes
Global Save games are now placed in subfolders with the game names on both macOS and Windows, instead of in a global ScummVM save folder. Save games that already exist will be copied over from the original possible save game locations to the new location (only once) to accommodat
Global

Save games are now placed in subfolders with the game names on both macOS and Windows, instead of in a global ScummVM save folder. Save games that already exist will be copied over from the original possible save game locations to the new location (only once) to accommodate this change.
Launching the game directly, when launching the game for the very first time, will auto-select the in-game language to be the language you have set on your operating system (if there is a match).
Original post
26 May 2025GamingOnLinux
Myst: Masterpiece Edition, Riven (1997) and Myst III: Exile get upgraded and now Steam Deck Verified
Cyan Worlds went back to their classics Myst: Masterpiece Edition, Riven (1997) and Myst III: Exile to get them upgraded and also Steam Deck Verified at the same time. Read the full article here:
22 May 2025Developer post
Legacy Titles 2.0 Update
Hi all, We’re thrilled to announce that our “2.0” patches for Myst: Masterpiece Edition , Riven: The Sequel to Myst (1997), and Myst III: Exile are now out on Steam! The 2.0 patches for all three games contain major quality-of-life improvements, including (but not limited to): mo
Hi all,
We’re thrilled to announce that our “2.0” patches for Myst: Masterpiece Edition, Riven: The Sequel to Myst (1997), and Myst III: Exile are now out on Steam!
The 2.0 patches for all three games contain major quality-of-life improvements, including (but not limited to): more robust controller support, better save game support, and better platform support for both Windows and Mac. This also includes an official Steam Deck verified status for all three titles on Steam.
Here is the full list of changes between all three games:
Global

Updated ScummVM to version 2.9.0
Updated the SDL2 library used by ScummVM to version 2.32.6
Multiple stability, performance, and compatibility improvements
Controller support added to emulate mouse interactions
User settings now persist between game launches
Windows Only

Windows executable is now 64-bit
Updated the taskbar icon
Save games are now stored in AppData/Roaming/ScummVM. Existing saves are automatically copied over to the new location
Windows 7 64 bit and above is now required to run the game
Mac Only

Added native Apple silicon executable
Workarounds for opening the Mac binary on various modern macOS versions and chipsets are now no longer necessary
Fixed the issue with the system mouse cursor visibility on MacBook models with a notch
Fixed the issue with the game asking to receive keystrokes from other applications
Save games are now stored in Library/Application Support/ScummVM. Existing saves are automatically copied over to the new location
Decreased min-spec to macOS 10.9.5 from 10.13 (yes, that means folks on older Macs can play these games now!)
Steam Only

Steam Deck verified status added
Steamworks SDK 1.62 added
Custom gamepad and Steam Deck mappings have been added to make playing with a controller on Steam even easier
A keyboard will appear on the screen when prompting users to enter a save game name when in big picture mode
Game-specific changes

Myst III: Exile is now using ScummVM instead of ResidualVM to run
Fixed the freeze on startup in Myst III: Exile on some systems
64-bit requirement note: Please note that this update removes 32-bit support for all three titles. This change really only applies to folks who have been playing these games on extremely old operating systems. If you are one of those users and wish to keep access to those builds, you can find them in the “last_32bit_release” beta branch on Steam or GOG for each game, which should be available without needing to enter a beta code.
If you encounter issues with this latest patch, please contact [email protected].
–
We’ve been hard at work for the last few months coding, testing, and preparing to ship these changes to you all. Although these changes aren’t necessarily new content updates to the games, Cyan remains committed to continuing to support our legacy games on modern platforms when we’re able to. Riven: The Sequel to Myst was originally released 28 years ago, Myst: Masterpiece Edition was released around 25 years ago (if you ignore the very original release of Myst released 32 years ago), and Myst III: Exile was released 24 years ago.
Every purchase you make of our games goes toward our ability to support our titles years into the future. We consider ourselves outliers in the industry based on our ability and commitment to keep supporting our games for decades, but it is only possible with your support. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has purchased all three of these games and beyond!
There is no better time to experience Myst: Masterpiece Edition, Riven: The Sequel to Myst (1997), and Myst III: Exile. Thank you for your support, and enjoy!
Original post
03 Apr 2025Developer post
The Age of Rime has been added to the latest remake of Myst!
The fan-favorite Age of Rime has been added as a free update to our latest remake of Myst . Just like the latest remake of Riven (2024), this version of Rime includes all-new narrative beats, new lore, and new sights to behold. Myst (2021) is now the definitive and complete way t
The fan-favorite Age of Rime has been added as a free update to our latest remake of Myst. Just like the latest remake of Riven (2024), this version of Rime includes all-new narrative beats, new lore, and new sights to behold. Myst (2021) is now the definitive and complete way to experience the story and worlds of Myst.
Following the completion of the main story in Myst, or upon loading a completed game, a new journey awaits you somewhere on Myst Island.
The Age of Rime introduces players to the snowy, mountainous seascape that Atrus and his family would visit in years past, before the events of Myst and Riven upended their lives. Sweeping vistas, beautiful ice structures, and fantastical natural phenomena await new visitors. This breathtaking new Age also houses a detailed laboratory space where bold experiments were made, delving into the mysterious nature of Linking Books themselves.
You can find Myst here. Myst is also a part of multiple bundles that will provide a discount based on the purchase of other games in them:

Myst & Riven: The Definitive Collection - a bundle with the latest remakes of both Myst (2021) and Riven (2024).
Myst 30th Anniversary Collection - a bundle of all currently available Myst games released on or before 2023, the 30th anniversary of Myst.
Myst: Through the Ages - a bundle that contains Myst: Masterpiece Edition, realMyst: Masterpiece Edition, and the latest remake of Myst.
Thank you for your support of our games!
Original post
05 Jul 2024Developer post
Riven's remake is out & playable NOW!
Hi all, As many of you may already know, we've been working on a remake to Riven . We've remade Myst (the game of which Riven is the sequel to) a few times over the years, with the definitive version released for PC in 2021. Riven , however, never had the opportunity to be remade
24 Jun 2024PC Gamer
Riven review
trus. Linking books. Ages. A big cardboard box illustrated with an imposing sphere-like structure, filled with CDs to install. Weird, weird, puzzles. Riven, like its equally famous prequel Myst, is one of those games that made such a splash back in the '90s that it feels a little
03 Jun 2024PC Gamer
The remake of Riven, the sequel to the remake of Myst, is coming out later this month
Cyan Worlds announced today that the remake of Riven, the sequel to the remake of Myst, is set to launch on PC, Mac, and VR platforms on June 25. The updated version of the famed puzzle-adventure promises not just a technological do-over of the original game, but a "from the grou
03 Jun 2024Developer post
The Riven remake has a release date!
Find the Riven remake store page here: Embark on a thrilling adventure that delves deeper into the enigmatic universe that Cyan’s first game Myst only hinted at. Riven seamlessly weaves its puzzles into a sprawling and decaying world, immersing players in a conflict between the w
Find the Riven remake store page here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1712350/Riven/
Embark on a thrilling adventure that delves deeper into the enigmatic universe that Cyan’s first game Myst only hinted at. Riven seamlessly weaves its puzzles into a sprawling and decaying world, immersing players in a conflict between the world’s villainous ruler and those rebelling against him.
In this from-the-ground-up and expanded remake of the 1997 best-seller, players will be able to explore this lush, mysterious age with complete freedom of movement and a world brought to life through updated visuals, gameplay, and freedom of movement. While Riven has been a video game touchstone for decades, this modern update allowed Cyan Worlds to add depth and scope to both the story and world..
The key team of creatives that made 1997’s Riven such a landmark game contributed to bring the game to a modern audience. Puzzles have been refreshed, new characters will be introduced, and new challenges are waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to Riven, the expanded storylines and breathtaking visuals will take players on an exhilarating journey like no other.
Riven is a modern remake of 1997’s monster hit Riven: The Sequel to Myst and is a love letter to classic narrative-driven puzzle games of the ’90s. When exploring Riven’s decaying age, the player will feel like an archeologist, slowly unraveling the mysteries revealed by carefully exploring Riven’s five enigmatic islands. Players will lose themselves in the world as they uncover clues, decipher foreign languages, and immerse themselves in the game’s intricate lore.
Key Features:

Intricate Storytelling and Mind-Bending Puzzles: Challenge your intellect with Riven’s cunning puzzles woven throughout its narrative.
Immersive Environments and Stunning Graphics: Explore surreal islands, each meticulously crafted with unparalleled attention to detail, from dense, lush jungles to awe-inspiring caverns.
An Expanded World To Explore: Encounter an immersive and visually stunning world that will captivate newcomers and reveal new mysteries for long-time fans.
Fully Re-imagined Gaming Experience: Experience Riven like never before, with free movement through a real-time 3D environment. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer returning to Riven or a newcomer eager to explore Riven’s mysteries for the first time, this immersive and visually stunning world will captivate you.
A Truly Immersive Experience Developed in Parallel for Flatscreen and VR: Cyan Worlds is simultaneously developing the flatscreen and VR versions of the game to ensure a high-quality experience regardless of players’ platform of choice.
Original post
24 Apr 2024PCGamesN
Legendary PC adventure game gets new details ahead of remake launch
If there was one game that everyone with a desktop PC seemed to own in the '90s it was Myst. Cyan's puzzler took cues from point and click adventure games like LucasArts' Maniac Mansion and Sierra Entertainment's King's Quest but presented its world through a first person perspec
19 Mar 2024PC Gamer
The Riven remake, with new content and VR support in Unreal Engine 5, promises 'an homage to its roots and a leap into the future'
The remake of Riven , the sequel to Myst—which was actually called Riven: The Sequel to Myst when it first arrived in 1997 but is apparently now just called Riven—is set to arrive later this year with a "meticulous, from-the-ground-up" do-over that promises new puzzles, an expand
19 Mar 2024PCGamesN
27-year-old sequel to iconic PC classic getting a remaster this year
We wouldn't have modern puzzle games as we know them, like What Remains of Edith Finch, The Witness, and The Talos Principle if it wasn't for Myst and Riven . Going back to them these days does show their age, but both still offer a strong lineage for the games we play today. So,
22 Dec 2023Developer post
The Riven remake is now available to wishlist on Steam!
“Thank God you’ve returned… I need your help.” Created by legendary indie developer Cyan Worlds, and based on the award-winning original release from 1997, Riven: New Discoveries From the Lost D’ni Empire expands its epic narrative beyond both Myst AND the original edition of Riv
01 Jul 2023PC Gamer
Riven's remake gets its first gameplay reveal, and the original Myst sequel's co-director is heading up the project
t this year's MysteriumCon , Myst creator Cyan Worlds provided a first look at alpha gameplay of its upcoming remake of Riven: The Sequel to Myst . The short demo came at the end of a presentation where it was also revealed that Riven's original co-director, Richard Vander Wende,
22 Dec 2022Developer post
The Myst Franchise is on sale!
Riven is 30% off, with an additional 20% off if you complete the set with the Myst: 25th Anniversary Collection , only during the Winter sale on Steam. Pick it up today!
31 Oct 2022PC Gamer
Riven, the sequel to Myst, is getting a remake
On the 25th anniversary of the release of Riven, the sequel to the mega-hit adventure game Myst, developer Cyan has announced that it is being redone in a "ground-up modern remake.".. Read more.
16 Sep 2020Developer post
Cyan Reveals Development of Myst for VR
We are so excited to share this news about a new Myst game with you! This has been kept close to our chest for a while now, but now that the cat is officially out of the bag, we can finally talk about it… it’s a brand new version of Myst, built for the first time with VR in mind.
24 Apr 2020Developer post
Quick update for language issues on MacOS
Hey all! We just pushed out a small and quick update for Riven on MacOS. All of the supported languages should now work again on the current OS release. Thanks to everyone for the reports and everyone's patience while we got this fixed up!
11 Sep 2018Developer post
Myst 25th Anniversary Update
Thank you for your patience while we were getting this update for Riven ready for Steam! Thanks too for your support of our games. We have been working to ready all of the games in the Myst series for the 25th Anniversary of Myst, which happens later this month. Most of the games