Discounted 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
SPORE™ Galactic Adventures
Take Your Creature From Zero To Galactic HeroGet out of your starship and turn your Spore creatures into legendary Space Captains. For the first time, beam down with your allies to take on action-packed, planetside adventures. Complete quests, collect rewards, and even create your own missions.
King's Bounty: The Legend
King's Bounty: The Legend is an adventure game with tactical turn-based battles and role-playing elements.
Mirror's Edge™
In a city where information is heavily monitored, couriers called Runners transport sensitive data. In this seemingly utopian paradise, a crime has been committed, & you are being hunted. You are a Runner called Faith and this innovative first-person action-adventure is your story.
SPORE™ Creepy & Cute Parts Pack
Add horror and humor to your universe. Make grotesque beasts or cuddly critters, then watch them do the robot, zombie walk, break dance and more! Includes over 100 new items. 60 New parts 48 New paint options 24 New animations
Tomb Raider: Underworld
Tomb Raider: Underworld represents a new advancement in exploration-based gameplay. As fearless adventurer Lara Croft explore exotic locations around the world, each designed with an incredible attention to detail resulting in breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable world and delivers a new level of...
Fallout 3
Vault-Tec engineers have worked around the clock on an interactive reproduction of Wasteland life for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own vault. Included is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters.
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Bully tells the story of mischievous 15-year-old Jimmy Hopkins as he goes through the hilarity and awkwardness of adolescence. Beat the jocks at dodge ball, play pranks on the preppies, save the nerds, kiss the girl and navigate the social hierarchy in the worst school around.
Assassin's Creed™: Director's Cut Edition
Assassin's Creed™ is the next-gen game developed by Ubisoft Montreal that redefines the action genre. While other games claim to be next-gen with impressive graphics and physics, Assassin's Creed merges technology, game design, theme and emotions into a world where you instigate chaos and become a vulnerable, yet powerful, agent of...
Tomb Raider: Anniversary
Tomb Raider: Anniversary retraces Lara Croft's original genre-defining adventure globe-trotting 3rd person action-adventure in pursuit of the legendary Scion artifact. Using an enhanced 'Tomb Raider: Legend' game engine, the graphics, technology and physics bring Lara's adventure and pursuit of a mystical artifact known only as the...
Arx Fatalis
This critically acclaimed first-person RPG from Arkane Studios takes the player on an amazing journey into the fantasy world of Arx. Arx is wrought with turmoil, brought to the brink of destruction by a violent war.
Tomb Raider: Legend
Follow Lara Croft down a path of discovery as she travels the globe to remote, exotic locales in search of one of history's greatest artifacts, that unleashes unwelcome figures from Lara's mysterious past.
X3: Reunion
X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.
Sid Meier's Pirates!
Sail the Caribbean, marauding all on the high seas or ally your ship and crew as a privateer in search of riches - the life you choose is up to you. Face dogged enemies, raid unsuspecting villages, woo fair maidens, avoid capture or dig for buried treasure. Discover what it takes to become one of the most famous pirates in history!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 02nd 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 28,258 reviews of which 26,222 were positive and 2,036 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 72,869 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.1
26,222
2,036
72,869
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 12,632 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
12,632
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 5,178 reviews of which 4,430 were positive and 748 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 9,158 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among exploration games based on player count.
8.3
4,430
748
9,158
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 350,242 reviews of which 290,801 were positive and 59,441 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 6,126 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.2
290,801
59,441
6,126
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 5,780 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
5,780
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 5,244 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
5,244
players
7. 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 4,865 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
99,943
10,259
4,865
players
8. 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 4,535 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
18,859
1,665
4,535
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 1,342 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
1,342
players
10. 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 19,448 reviews of which 19,216 were positive and 232 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,184 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.6
19,216
232
1,184
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 02nd 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 880 reviews of which 827 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
827
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 1,510 reviews of which 1,308 were positive and 202 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
1,308
202
-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. Eternal Edge +
Eternal Edge + is a casual Action-Adventure role-playing game following Cross, an Age-old warrior who is trying to wake his lost Wife from an Eternal slumber. Only together can they defeat the Skeleton King. Eternal Edge + is a action rpg, exploration and character customization game developed by Righteous Weasel Games and Ignatios Prouctions LLC and published by Sedoc LLC and GrabTheGames. Released on May 07th 2022 has received 683 reviews of which 485 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for exploration games.
6.8
485
198
-93%
12.49€
0.87€
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 02nd 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 19,448 reviews of which 19,216 were positive and 232 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,184 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
19,216
232
1,184
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 568, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
737
22
568
players
3. 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. 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.
8.0
7,559
1,692
238
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 479 reviews of which 313 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 226 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
6.3
313
166
226
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 175 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
175
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. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.9
1,731
375
91
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
89
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 23,946 reviews of which 23,431 were positive and 515 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
23,431
515
40
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.4
4,247
83
30
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 8,963 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 #10 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.7
7,088
1,875
24
players