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
Spirit of the North
Spirit of the North is a single-player 3rd-person adventure game inspired by the breathtaking and mysterious landscapes of Iceland. Play as an ordinary red fox whose story becomes entwined with the guardian of the Northern Lights, a female spirit fox.
PLAYNE : The Meditation Game
Grow a beautiful island as you build a daily habit of mindfulness and meditation. Experience relaxation and learn ways to care for your mental wellbeing.
Kill It With Fire: Ignition
Kill It With Fire: IGNITION is a free sampler of a first-person action game about hunting spiders and causing collateral damage. The full game is OUT NOW!
Wild West and Wizards
Wild West and Wizards is an open world exploration RPG set in a re-imagined new frontier. Pick a class and level up unlocking abilities and exploring a world filled with quests, loot, outlaws, bosses, spells, caves, towns, and other mysterious places.
Barn Finders: The Pilot
Search for valuables stashed in abandoned barns. Take part in storage auctions, bid high and buy yourself a chance to find exclusive items hidden in the past.
HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed
Hypercharge is a first and third-person shooter action figure game you've always dreamed of! Grab your friends, complete objectives, defend the Hypercore against waves of weaponized toys, and defeat Major Evil together in the story campaign!
Help Will Come Tomorrow
In an uninhabitable Siberian wilderness, in a wake of October Revolution, a group of passengers survives the mysterious catastrophe of Trans-Siberian railway train. They must endure in a harsh ice-clad climate until rescue arrives. Facing many dangers, their own weaknesses and, their own prejudice.
No one lives under the lighthouse Director's cut
A slow burn retro horror game, in which you arrive at the old lighthouse on a small island near the coast of the United States. After the previous keeper has gone missing, you need to take over his duties and watch after the light.
Merchant of the Skies
Become the captain of a flying ship! Sell items, gather resources and build your own trade company in the clouds!
Fallout 76
Bethesda Game Studios welcome you to Fallout 76. Twenty-five years after the bombs fall, you and your fellow Vault Dwellers emerge into post-nuclear America. Explore a vast wasteland in this open-world multiplayer addition to the Fallout story.
In Other Waters
Play as an Artificial Intelligence guiding a stranded xenobiologist through a beautiful and mysterious alien ocean. A non-violent sci-fi story, enter a world of wonder, fear and vulnerability, unraveling the history and ecology of an impossible planet. What will you discover together?
Operencia: The Stolen Sun
Operencia: The Stolen Sun embraces everything you love about classic first-person dungeon-crawlers, enhancing the old-school turn-based RPG experience with modern sensibilities. Guide a team of memorable characters through a world inspired by Central European mythology.
Heroines of Swords & Spells
Join a team of wayward heroines in Heroines of Swords & Spells, an epic and humorous turn-based combat JRPG with over 150,000 lines of dialogue, 20 hours of gameplay, and challenging battles. Navigate tough dungeons and uncover the rich lore of the world.
AI＊Shoujo/AI＊少女
Ever wanted to get away from it all? Well here's your chance! In AI Shoujo, a tropical island paradise filled with beautiful girls is waiting for you! Customize NPCs with a rich suite of character creation tools, then watch as they think, learn, and love. Kick back, relax, and enjoy life in the sun!
Last Floor
Оne day your life changes dramatically and you become a hostage of your own home. Your task is to survive but to do this you need to get outside.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
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 20th 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 20,942 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
106,216
4,816
20,942
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 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 12,136 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among exploration games based on player count.
8.2
326,054
66,233
12,136
players
3. 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 9,855 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among exploration games based on player count.
8.2
293,332
59,526
9,855
players
4. 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 5,839 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
19,111
1,682
5,839
players
5. The Alters
Explore an emotional sci-fi game with a unique blend of survival, adventure, and base-building elements. Help Jan Dolski, the sole survivor of an ill-fated space expedition, create alternative versions of himself to escape a hostile planet and tackle personal turmoils with this unconventional crew. The Alters is a survival, base building and management game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on June 13th 2025 has received 4,119 reviews of which 3,674 were positive and 445 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 5,312 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.6
3,674
445
5,312
players
6. 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 4,204 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.7
77,388
22,636
4,204
players
7. 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 3,437 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.5
7,306
1,096
3,437
players
8. Five Nights at Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic
Enter the abandoned workshop of Murray’s Costume Manor and unravel the mystery left behind by the reclusive inventor. In Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic, you’ll step into a world where every dark corner holds a secret and every flicker of light hints at an ever-present threat. Five Nights at Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic is a horror, adventure and first-person game developed by Steel Wool Studios and published by ScottGames. Released on June 13th 2025 has received 4,415 reviews of which 3,647 were positive and 768 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. With 3,208 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played exploration games.
8
3,647
768
3,208
players
9. 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 2,882 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played exploration games.
6.1
2,230
1,377
2,882
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 43,966 reviews of which 42,127 were positive and 1,839 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,956 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.4
42,127
1,839
1,956
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 20th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted exploration games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for exploration category.
9.0
1,892
105
-99%
22.99€
0.42€
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€
0.97€
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€
0.42€
8. Manifold Garden
Rediscover gravity and explore an Escher-esque world of impossible architecture. Witness infinity in first-person and master its rules to solve physics-defying puzzles. Cultivate a garden to open new paths forward, where an eternal expanse awaits. Manifold Garden is a puzzle, surreal and abstract game developed and published by William Chyr Studio. Released on October 20th 2020 has received 7,229 reviews of which 6,901 were positive and 328 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 #8 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.2
6,901
328
-98%
19.50€
0.58€
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 20th 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 2,882 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
2,882
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 740, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
825
24
740
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 24,838 reviews of which 24,498 were positive and 340 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 217, this exploration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
24,498
340
217
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 557 reviews of which 360 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 189 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
6.3
360
197
189
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 181 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
181
players
6. 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 1,459 reviews of which 1,446 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 152 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
9.4
1,446
13
152
players
7. 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 148 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.2
510
170
148
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
91
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.9
1,796
384
87
players
10. The Looker
You wake up, alone, on a strangely familiar island full of puzzles that will frustrate and annoy you. The Looker is a puzzle, parody and comedy game developed and published by Subcreation Studio. Released on June 17th 2022 has received 14,592 reviews of which 14,182 were positive and 410 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.5
14,182
410
18
players