Best Exploration Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated exploration games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free exploration games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Cubic Odyssey
Embark on a galactic journey in Cubic Odyssey, an open-world adventure where you explore vibrant planets, craft tools, build vehicles, and fight the Red Darkness. Uncover ancient mysteries, and shape a universe full of life, danger, and limitless possibilities!
Omega Crafter
Adventure in a vast open-world survival craft game with your programmable sidekick Grammi! Program the Grammi to collect materials, build your town, craft weapons and armor to challenge strong enemies! Play alone or with friends online!
House of Legacy
Step into the shoes of a fallen clan leader, starting with nothing but a crumbling estate and a handful of hopes, rising through careful planning, trade, and diplomacy to become one of the most powerful families in the land. Now it’s time to forge a legendary dynasty that leaves its mark on history.
Labyrinth Of The Demon King
Venture through the Labyrinth Of The Demon King, solving puzzles and fighting fearsome monsters in an epic quest to track down the demon who betrayed your lord and end its life.
Equinox: Homecoming
Saddle up with friends and investigate a dark mystery, where each trail leads to wonder and intrigue. A string of events has set the idyllic island on edge. Discover the truth behind your mother’s disappearance and a local's sudden death. For fans of horses, murder mysteries, and cozy exploration!
The Midnight Walk
Follow The Midnight Walk in a dark adventure from the minds behind Lost in Random. Befriend a lost lantern creature and light your way through a world of wonder and terror. Outsmart monsters and marvel at details in a landscape handcrafted with real clay and animated in a stop motion style.
Revenge of the Savage Planet
Revenge of the Savage Planet is an upbeat, satirical action adventure Sci-Fi. Jump, shoot and collect your way across vibrant alien worlds, uncovering new gear and upgrades, while discovering various hidden secrets.
Spirit of the North 2
Unveil the mysteries of a beautiful ancient world in this breathtaking 3rd-Person Adventure, a sequel to the acclaimed ‘Spirit of the North.’ Take on the role of an isolated fox with a raven companion on a quest to restore the lost guardians and return home.
Ascension
In this cultivation 4X strategy game, your sect has been in peril, and so they open a portal—sending you, a young disciple and their last hope, inside. Stand tall as the new sect leader and guide disciples to rebuild what was lost. Sharpen your focus, master alchemy, and ascend to immortality.
Survival Machine
Build your base on a moving Machine, travel through biomes with different resources, and prepare for the night when a zombie threat is much higher than during the day. Would you go solo or explore this new world with your best friends?
Doloc Town
Doloc Town is a cozy pixel-art farming simulation set in a post-apocalyptic world. Build your dream farm from scratch and explore this mysterious wasteland. Harvest, plant, build, and uncover the untold stories of this forgotten land!
To Pixelia
Meet the Pixelians and discover the ultimate life simulator in To Pixelia. As you climb your career ladder of choice, step into the world of politics, art, sports, music, and even crime. Live your dream life in pixels!
MEMORIAPOLIS
In Memoriapolis, you're not just building a city, you're shaping a living, evolving civilization. Travel through five major eras, from Antiquity to the Industrial Revolution. Leave your mark on history by navigating the power struggles between rival factions.
Ratopia
Ratopia is a new game that has combined elements of both strategic survival and city building. With plenty of content available, and more planned, enjoy a vast world to adventure and populate with citizens! Build your own economical system to sustain your ideal city of Ratopia.
Skin Deep
Skin Deep is an immersive first-person shooter. We got sneezing. We got things getting stuck in your feet. Stalk through a vast non-linear starship and sneak, subvert, and sabotage to survive in this stellar sandbox. You're outnumbered, outgunned, and have no shoes. Welcome to Skin Deep!
Wizordum
Wizordum is a retro FPS that puts you in the role of a Mage on a quest to track down the source of Chaos. With a wide arsenal of spells and magic items, battle your way through the world of Terrabruma in this unique blend of classic 90s shooters and modern gaming elements.
Path of Kung Fu
Path of Kung Fu is a Wuxia RPG that blends classic martial arts storytelling with open-world freedom. Master kung fu, navigate the Jianghu's bloody conflicts, and rise from a novice to a legendary hero. Subscribe to top-rated Workshop MODs to elevate your experience to the next level!
Approaching Infinity
Approaching Infinity is a turn-based space RPG in the spirit of the sci-fi classics, with endless progression and exploration. Fight tactical battles or use diplomacy. Seek powerful artifacts. Quest, mine, trade, and craft. Level up forever or attempt 10 victories in hardcore or adventure mode.
Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a story-rich open-world action RPG with a high degree of freedom. You wake from your slumber as Rover, joined by a vibrant cast of Resonators on a journey to reclaim your lost memories and change the world.
Badlands Crew
Create, customize and command your battle wagon to conquer crazed enemy factions and save innocent survivors scattered throughout the lawless Badlands in the aftermath of a devastating apocalypse. Do you have what it takes to Build, Evolve and Fight to survive?
Age of Reforging:The Freelands
Welcome to medieval high-freedom sandbox adventure CRPG!You'll be a reforger in freelands chosen by the Goddess to embark on medieval adventure tour at your own pace, gathering teammates, seeking survival, and craft your unique legend!
Vietnam War
Open world single-player FPS. Command your squad in battle across jungles, hills and villages of Vietnam. Fight as U.S or Vietcong. Vast arsenal of weapons and 50+ vehicles
Fuel Harvest Together
Play solo or co-op with up to 5 players to find oil, store crude, refine fuels, and sell them at gas stations and shop. Dig for gems and fossils, upgrade your gear, lease new land, and dominate the city as the biggest oil supplier!
Necrophosis
Necrophosis is a first-person horror adventure, plunging you into a nightmarish realm teeming with grotesque forms and ominous visuals. Delve into eerie landscapes and uncover secrets in this atmospheric journey through the macabre.
Most played exploration games on Steam
Take a look at the top exploration games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 14th 2025.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Lead the members of Expedition 33 on their quest to destroy the Paintress so that she can never paint death again. Explore a world of wonders inspired by Belle Époque France and battle unique enemies in this turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based combat, story rich and fantasy game developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on April 24th 2025 has received 111,032 reviews of which 106,216 were positive and 4,816 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played exploration game, thanks to its 25,710 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
106,216
4,816
25,710
players
2. No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe. No Man's Sky is a open world, open world survival craft and space game developed and published by Hello Games. Released on August 12th 2016 has received 352,858 reviews of which 293,332 were positive and 59,526 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 12,153 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among exploration games based on player count.
8.2
293,332
59,526
12,153
players
3. Fallout 4
Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, welcome you to the world of Fallout 4 – their most ambitious game ever, and the next generation of open-world gaming. Fallout 4 is a open world, post-apocalyptic and singleplayer game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on November 09th 2015 has received 392,287 reviews of which 326,054 were positive and 66,233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 12,101 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among exploration games based on player count.
8.2
326,054
66,233
12,101
players
4. Elite Dangerous
Take control of your own starship in a cutthroat galaxy. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic. Elite Dangerous is a space sim, space and open world game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 100,024 reviews of which 77,388 were positive and 22,636 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 4,502 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.7
77,388
22,636
4,502
players
5. Blue Prince
Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46? Blue Prince is a puzzle, exploration and mystery game developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 8,402 reviews of which 7,306 were positive and 1,096 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 3,672 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.5
7,306
1,096
3,672
players
6. Game of Thrones: Kingsroad
A story-driven action-adventure RPG, bringing the world of Westeros to life with remarkable detail and never-before seen scale. Game of Thrones: Kingsroad is a online co-op, multiplayer and choose your own adventure game developed by Netmarble Neo and published by Netmarble. Released on May 21st 2025 has received 3,607 reviews of which 2,230 were positive and 1,377 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. With 3,547 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played exploration games.
6.1
2,230
1,377
3,547
players
7. Disney Dreamlight Valley
Explore a world filled with the magic of Disney as you discover rich stories and build the perfect neighborhood alongside Disney and Pixar heroes and villains in this new life-sim adventure game. Welcome to Disney Dreamlight Valley. Disney Dreamlight Valley is a relaxing, life sim and character customization game developed and published by Gameloft. Released on December 05th 2023 has received 20,793 reviews of which 19,111 were positive and 1,682 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,668 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
19,111
1,682
2,668
players
8. The Long Dark
THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster. The Long Dark is a survival, open world survival craft and open world game developed and published by Hinterland Studio Inc.. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 112,575 reviews of which 101,846 were positive and 10,729 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,220 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.9
101,846
10,729
2,220
players
9. Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition
Experience the epic Horizon Forbidden West™ in its entirety with bonus content and the Burning Shores expansion included. The Burning Shores add-on contains additional content for Aloy’s adventure, including new storylines, characters, and experiences in a stunning yet hazardous new area. Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition is a open world, singleplayer and female protagonist game developed by Guerrilla and Nixxes Software and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on March 21st 2024 has received 22,735 reviews of which 20,325 were positive and 2,410 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 1,122 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.8
20,325
2,410
1,122
players
10. Rain World
You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious. Rain World is a difficult, atmospheric and survival game developed by Videocult and published by Akupara Games. Released on March 28th 2017 has received 42,277 reviews of which 39,787 were positive and 2,490 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,016 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.2
39,787
2,490
1,016
players
Best deals on exploration games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of exploration games available on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted exploration games.
1. Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom! Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a fantasy, metroidvania and exploration game developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment. Released on June 03rd 2021 has received 1,211 reviews of which 1,096 were positive and 115 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for exploration category.
8.6
1,096
115
-99%
19.50€
0.36€
2. Submerged: Hidden Depths
Boat, climb, interact and explore in the beautiful ruins of a sunken world. Submerged: Hidden Depths is a exploration, relaxing and female protagonist game developed and published by Uppercut Games Pty Ltd. Released on March 09th 2022 has received 739 reviews of which 666 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in exploration games.
8.5
666
73
-99%
28.99€
0.46€
3. Last Room
Dive into a world of puzzles, medieval mysteries, and strategic challenges. Navigate, solve, and leap your way through a thrilling adventure. Last Room is a exploration, hidden object and strategy game developed and published by Quantum Forge Studios. Released on June 14th 2021 has received 378 reviews of which 264 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in exploration games.
6.7
264
114
-99%
29.99€
0.46€
4. Lords of the Fallen
A vast world awaits in the medieval, dark fantasy action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen. As a fabled Dark Crusader, embark on an epic quest to overthrow Adyr, the demon God. The definitive Version 2.0 out now: features Shared Progression Co-op & Free Friend’s Pass. Lords of the Fallen is a souls-like, exploration and combat game developed and published by CI Games. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 42,133 reviews of which 27,969 were positive and 14,164 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for exploration games.
6.6
27,969
14,164
-99%
59.99€
0.84€
5. Two Worlds II HD
Check out the new Velvet Edition bundle including both Two Worlds II and Pirates of the Flying Fortress DLC. Two Worlds II HD is a rpg, open world and fantasy game developed by Reality Pump Studios and published by Topware Interactive and ACE. Released on February 03rd 2011 has received 6,700 reviews of which 4,224 were positive and 2,476 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for exploration games.
6.2
4,224
2,476
-99%
24.50€
0.28€
6. The Forgotten City
The Forgotten City is a narrative-driven time loop adventure in ancient Rome. Discover the ruins of an ancient underground city, travel 2000 years into the past, and unravel the mystery of who destroyed it by cleverly exploiting the power to wind back time. The fate of the city is in your hands. The Forgotten City is a adventure, time travel and mystery game developed by Modern Storyteller and published by Dear Villagers. Released on July 28th 2021 has received 11,459 reviews of which 11,008 were positive and 451 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.3
11,008
451
-98%
24.99€
0.72€
7. Cat Quest II
Open-world action-RPG in a fantasy realm of cats and dogs. Sequel to the award-winning original, CAT QUEST II lets you play solo or with a friend, as both a cat and dog! Quest in a world filled with magic, defeat monsters and collect loot in a catventure like never before! Cat Quest II is a adventure, exploration and action rpg game developed by The Gentlebros and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on September 24th 2019 has received 6,365 reviews of which 6,092 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.2
6,092
273
-98%
14.99€
0.43€
8. Dungeons of Hinterberg
Discover the magic and lore of the Alps in this acclaimed Action Adventure. Forge relationships with locals to help you solve puzzles, battle monsters and uncover secrets of the legendary Dungeons of Hinterberg! Dungeons of Hinterberg is a relaxing, puzzle and exploration game developed by Microbird Games and published by Curve Games. Released on July 18th 2024 has received 1,997 reviews of which 1,892 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.0
1,892
105
-98%
22.99€
0.54€
9. Figment 2: Creed Valley
Figment 2: Creed Valley is an action-adventure game set in the human mind. Face bosses in musical showdowns, make your way through puzzles, and explore unique environments. Figment 2: Creed Valley is a soundtrack, exploration and puzzle game developed by Bedtime Digital Games and published by Bedtime Digital Games and 4Divinity. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,173 reviews of which 1,100 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.9
1,100
73
-98%
24.50€
0.52€
10. RiME
A land of discovery stretches out before you. Explore the beautiful, rugged world of RiME. Armed with your wits and a will to overcome—and the guidance of a helpful fox—you must explore the enigmatic island, reach the tower's peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets. RiME is a adventure, puzzle and exploration game developed by Tequila Works and QLOC and published by Grey Box and Six Foot. Released on May 26th 2017 has received 5,079 reviews of which 4,585 were positive and 494 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.7
4,585
494
-98%
34.99€
0.90€
Free exploration games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play exploration games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play exploration games.
1. Game of Thrones: Kingsroad
A story-driven action-adventure RPG, bringing the world of Westeros to life with remarkable detail and never-before seen scale. Game of Thrones: Kingsroad is a online co-op, multiplayer and choose your own adventure game developed by Netmarble Neo and published by Netmarble. Released on May 21st 2025 has received 3,607 reviews of which 2,230 were positive and 1,377 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. With 3,547 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free exploration games on Steam.
6.1
2,230
1,377
3,547
players
2. Satisfactory Modeler
Model your Satisfactory builds. Set up your machines however you like, adding optional limits to the number of any of those machines and the tool will calculate how the parts will flow and how many of each machine type are getting used. Satisfactory Modeler is a free to play, indie and simulation game developed and published by David Price. Released on September 17th 2024 has received 849 reviews of which 825 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 596, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
825
24
596
players
3. ENA: Dream BBQ
Experience surreal environments and inexplicable characters as ENA in a new wild world. ENA: Dream BBQ is a surreal, adventure and singleplayer game developed by ENA Team and published by Joel G. Released on March 26th 2025 has received 24,413 reviews of which 24,088 were positive and 325 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 280, this exploration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
24,088
325
280
players
4. King Arthur: Legends Rise
Embark on a dark squad RPG journey inspired by King Arthur's perilous adventures. Gather loyal heroes, explore a vast world, and battle against mythical bosses and monsters to restore the kingdom's former glory. King Arthur: Legends Rise is a exploration, strategy and crpg game developed by Kabam Games and Inc. and published by Netmarble. Released on January 21st 2025 has received 543 reviews of which 353 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 193 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
6.3
353
190
193
players
5. AdventureQuest 3D
The Void King is raising an army in secret. Death has chosen you as his champion to bring him down. Adventure & quest alongside your friends in this bizarre cross-platform MMORPG from the creators of the original, and comically-redundantly named... AdventureQuest! Weekly releases! AdventureQuest 3D is a mmorpg, exploration and hack and slash game developed and published by Artix Entertainment and LLC. Released on October 28th 2022 has received 9,286 reviews of which 7,584 were positive and 1,702 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 171 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
8.0
7,584
1,702
171
players
6. Argentum Online
Argentum Online, a 2D MMORPG, offers epic quests, dungeon delves, and battles in a fantasy world. Emphasizing community, it features alliances, PvP, and a player-driven economy, all within a vibrant open-world setting. Argentum Online is a mmorpg, rpg and pixel graphics game developed and published by Noland Studios. Released on April 29th 2022 has received 680 reviews of which 510 were positive and 170 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 146 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.2
510
170
146
players
7. FPV SkyDive : FPV Drone Simulator
FPV SkyDive is a free-to-play realistic drone racing and freestyle simulator. Feel the adrenaline of high speed first-person view drone racing in single-player or multi-player scenarios. The future is now, become an FPV pilot today! FPV SkyDive : FPV Drone Simulator is a flight, exploration and racing game developed and published by ORQA. Released on May 31st 2021 has received 2,180 reviews of which 1,796 were positive and 384 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.9
1,796
384
79
players
8. Ylands
Adventure awaits you and your friends in the world of Ylands! Gather resources, craft tools, construct anything and everything, and explore the lands! Build a ship and set sail, encountering mythical animals, a wide variety of sea-life, enemies of all kinds and much more! Ylands is a adventure, multiplayer and free to play game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 8,040 reviews of which 5,072 were positive and 2,968 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
6.2
5,072
2,968
79
players
9. Poco
Poco is the story of the world's smallest clown, who is banished from the circus and finds themself in a mysterious undergrowth full of lost and broken things. Explore, meet strange creatures, solve puzzles, and help Poco return to the circus in this charming 2D/3D hybrid point-and-click adventure. Poco is a point & click, story rich and exploration game developed by Whalefall and published by Micah Boursier. Released on May 20th 2025 has received 1,304 reviews of which 1,293 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.4
1,293
11
38
players
10. King of Crabs
Battle Royale with crabs! Intense multiplayer action, with up to 100 players! Scrap, scavenge and slaughter your way to becoming the King of Crabs! King of Crabs is a exploration, pve and hack and slash game developed by Robot Squid and Spilt Milk Studios Ltd and published by Robot Squid. Released on September 25th 2023 has received 8,978 reviews of which 7,102 were positive and 1,876 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.7
7,102
1,876
23
players