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
The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges.
Noun Town Language Learning
Gain new vocab while playing a game! Learn 1,000+ words & phrases in a world that regains color as you learn. Test your skills with mini-games and talk to the local villagers. Learn Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, & more…
This Bed We Made
This Bed We Made is a third-person mystery game in which you play as a maid in a 1950s hotel and snoop around strangers' rooms to uncover their deadly secrets. Discover what links guests together in this tale of love, heartbreak and murder!
Fantasy of Caocao 2
The most enjoyable Chinese-style Roguelike card game! Play as Cao Cao and conquer the Central, Japanese, and Western waifu with your allies, save the world!
Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story
Two best friends, one wild adventure. Join best friends Nunu and Willump on an adventure across the frozen wilds of the Freljord. Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story is a single-player story adventure developed by Tequila Works.
You Will Die Here Tonight
Immerse yourself in retro top-down visuals as you face the horrors of Breckenridge Hall through intense first-person combat. Scavenge, solve puzzles, and upgrade your gear. Do whatever it takes to survive—but remember: You Will Die Here Tonight.
Jusant
Enjoy meditative vibes in Jusant, an action-puzzle climbing game. Scale an immeasurably tall tower and ascend to new heights alongside your watery companion. Master your climbing tools, find your way up through diverse biomes, and piece together the tower’s past.
Mining Mechs
Unleash your inner miner as you commandeer a high-tech Mining Mech! Mine for valuable resources and upgrade your mech for even bigger hauls as you explore the underground. Fun to play alone or with up to 7 friends in online co-op multiplayer!
Sands of Aura
Sands of Aura is an open-world action adventure with a fantasy setting of a realm in its twilight--a world buried beneath a sea of sand. Sail across the sandseas to return life to a dying world in an unforgettable experience that is equal parts engaging story and unrelenting, souls-like combat.
Peaks of Yore
Travel around The Great Gales to climb challenging peaks in this physics-based climbing adventure set in 1887. Meet like-minded mountaineers, unlock helpful climbing gear, and become a pioneer of mountaineering.
The Devourer: Hunted Souls
Play as a paranormal investigator in our hybrid between first person survival and psychological horror story game. Investigate a haunted forest with up to 5 players CO-OP, try to lift the curse, experience a tragic story and take decisions together. Will you survive or will you lose your soul?
Midnight Heist
Go on heists through Midnight City alone or with up to three friends to fulfill tasks as a hacker for various organizations. Improve your reputation, earn money and uncover the secrets of shady companies in this co-op horror game.
Deepest Chamber: Resurrection
Delve into the depths of Deepest Chamber: Resurrection, where card boosting is your key to survival. Employ this unique mechanic to augment your abilities, strategize your next moves and endure a series of increasingly perilous descents in this gripping rogue-lite, card-battling adventure!
Dark Envoy
Lead a party of relic hunters in an epic cRPG adventure set in a war-torn Guns N’ Sorcery world. Experiment with a tactical slo-mo and a modern combat system!
METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is the origin story of Naked Snake and his mentor The Boss and the fifth title in the METAL GEAR series.
METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version
The first 3D title in the METAL GEAR series pioneering a new level of stealth action with live action footage, cinematic cut scenes, and innovative gameplay.
METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty - Master Collection Version
The fourth game in the METAL GEAR series: set over two incidents in 2007 and 2009, featuring Solid Snake and Raiden, introducing new stealth gameplay features.
METAL GEAR & METAL GEAR 2: Solid Snake
The first and second title in the METAL GEAR series that established the stealth action genre, as well as the basic mechanics of the series.
Scene Investigators
Scene Investigators is a hardcore deductive reasoning game for fans of the "true crime" genre. Step into re-created crime scenes, observe closely for pieces of evidence, analyze possible motives behind the crimes, and uncover what truly happened.
Lethal Company
A co-op horror about scavenging at abandoned moons to sell scrap to the Company.
Fears to Fathom - Ironbark Lookout
Jack Nelson, a 24-year-old fire lookout, transferred to a new outpost. As he settled into his new home, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, little did he know what was transpiring down in Ironbark State Park.
Galactic Civilizations IV
Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies.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 May 04th 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 36,375 reviews of which 33,927 were positive and 2,448 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played exploration game, thanks to its 89,829 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
33,927
2,448
89,829
players
2. 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 390,364 reviews of which 324,290 were positive and 66,074 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 15,087 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among exploration games based on player count.
8.2
324,290
66,074
15,087
players
3. 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 5,480 reviews of which 4,703 were positive and 777 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 11,036 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among exploration games based on player count.
8.3
4,703
777
11,036
players
4. 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 350,705 reviews of which 291,246 were positive and 59,459 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 7,619 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.2
291,246
59,459
7,619
players
5. 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 99,333 reviews of which 76,805 were positive and 22,528 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 6,657 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.7
76,805
22,528
6,657
players
6. 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 38,626 reviews of which 25,336 were positive and 13,290 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. With 5,687 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played exploration games.
6.5
25,336
13,290
5,687
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 20,524 reviews of which 18,859 were positive and 1,665 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 4,765 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
18,859
1,665
4,765
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 110,202 reviews of which 99,943 were positive and 10,259 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 4,732 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
99,943
10,259
4,732
players
9. 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 41,211 reviews of which 38,774 were positive and 2,437 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,583 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.2
38,774
2,437
1,583
players
10. DREDGE
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten. DREDGE is a exploration, fishing and lovecraftian game developed by Black Salt Games and published by Team17. Released on March 30th 2023 has received 42,787 reviews of which 40,999 were positive and 1,788 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,418 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.4
40,999
1,788
1,418
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 May 04th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted exploration games.
1. 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 1,134 reviews of which 1,065 were positive and 69 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for exploration category.
8.9
1,065
69
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
2. 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 1,147 reviews of which 1,043 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in exploration games.
8.6
1,043
104
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. The Red Lantern
The Red Lantern is a narrative, dog sledding game about survival. You play as the Musher who, along with her team of 5 sled dogs, must find her way home. Care for your dogs, discover their stories, and learn how to navigate the unknowns of the Alaskan wilderness and prepare for your new life. The Red Lantern is a exploration, dog and choose your own adventure game developed by Timberline Studio and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on December 08th 2021 has received 967 reviews of which 800 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in exploration games.
7.9
800
167
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. 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 11,325 reviews of which 10,881 were positive and 444 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.3
10,881
444
-94%
23.00€
1.38€
5. Omno
A single-player journey of discovery through an ancient world of wonders, created by solo developer Jonas Manke. Omno is a adventure, wholesome and exploration game developed by Studio Inkyfox and published by Future Friends Games and StudioInkyfox. Released on July 28th 2021 has received 2,442 reviews of which 2,260 were positive and 182 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.9
2,260
182
-94%
17.17€
1.03€
6. Coromon
Coromon is a modern take on the classic monster-taming genre. Tame Coromon and explore a vast world filled with thrilling turn-based battles, brain-twisting puzzles, and a mysterious threat to the world awaiting defeat. Nobody said being a Battle Researcher was easy! Coromon is a creature collector, exploration and jrpg game developed by TRAGsoft and published by indie.io. Released on March 31st 2022 has received 6,506 reviews of which 5,562 were positive and 944 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.3
5,562
944
-94%
19.67€
1.18€
7. Escape From Mystwood Mansion
In this first-person puzzle escape room game, you are trapped in the mysterious Mystwood mansion. Explore the mansion and find hidden compartments while solving puzzles and deciphering codes to find a way out. Will you escape or linger to uncover the mansion's final secret? Escape From Mystwood Mansion is a escape room, puzzle and cozy game developed and published by Lost Sock Studio. Released on September 27th 2023 has received 890 reviews of which 837 were positive and 53 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.8
837
53
-93%
16.29€
1.14€
8. My Little Universe
Stranded on a barren moon with nothing but your tools, fuelless ship, and celestial powers of creation, you are destined to recreate what was once lost and be the hero of your own Little Universe! Don't forget to call in up to three of your friends to join your journey in the Splitscreen Co-op Mode! My Little Universe is a mining, exploration and dungeon crawler game developed by Estoty and published by SayGames. Released on October 05th 2023 has received 1,536 reviews of which 1,328 were positive and 208 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.3
1,328
208
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. Genesis Noir
A noir adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you'll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god—otherwise known as The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love. Genesis Noir is a noir, point & click and story rich game developed by Feral Cat Den and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on March 26th 2021 has received 1,966 reviews of which 1,544 were positive and 422 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for exploration games.
7.6
1,544
422
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
10. Mail Time
It's Mail Time! As a newly trained Mail Scout, put on your pack, grab those letters, and deliver them across Grumblewood Grove! The forest animals eagerly await the sight of your mushroom hat in this cozy, cottagecore light-platformer adventure! Mail Time is a exploration, cute and platformer game developed by Kela van der Deijl and published by indie.io. Released on April 27th 2023 has received 1,363 reviews of which 1,153 were positive and 210 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.1
1,153
210
-92%
19.25€
1.54€
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 May 04th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play exploration games.
1. 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 21,263 reviews of which 21,005 were positive and 258 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,152 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
21,005
258
1,152
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 759 reviews of which 737 were positive and 22 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 685, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
737
22
685
players
3. 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 479 reviews of which 313 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 238, this exploration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
6.3
313
166
238
players
4. 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 9,251 reviews of which 7,559 were positive and 1,692 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 221 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
8.0
7,559
1,692
221
players
5. 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 659 reviews of which 489 were positive and 170 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 146 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.1
489
170
146
players
6. 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 exploration, flight and racing game developed and published by ORQA. Released on May 31st 2021 has received 2,106 reviews of which 1,731 were positive and 375 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 101 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.9
1,731
375
101
players
7. 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 multiplayer, adventure and free to play game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 7,997 reviews of which 5,044 were positive and 2,953 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
6.2
5,044
2,953
94
players
8. Pineapple on pizza
Can a video game convey a flavor? Pineapple on pizza is a free to play, short and dark comedy game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2023 has received 24,066 reviews of which 23,548 were positive and 518 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
23,548
518
55
players
9. 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 8,963 reviews of which 7,088 were positive and 1,875 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.7
7,088
1,875
25
players
10. Illusion Carnival
A lost soul wanders through a whimsical, eerie pop-up book like amusement park. Dive into fun-filled stages, encounter unique characters, fend off spirit erosion, and uncover the park's hidden secrets. The enchanting yet dark Illusion Carnival begins now. Illusion Carnival is a psychological horror, 2.5d and cute game developed and published by KiZ. Released on July 11th 2024 has received 4,330 reviews of which 4,247 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.4
4,247
83
23
players