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
Ultrawings
Ultrawings is an aerial-themed, open-world flight game where you use your virtual hands to fly multiple aircraft to complete a variety of missions across a beautiful, island-themed world!
Lawnmower Game
Drive and cut grass first time in simulator game, with amazing lanwmower in big open world
Aporia: Beyond The Valley
CRYNEGINE Indie Game of 2017. Featuring an incredibly detailed ancient world and a breathtaking soundtrack, Aporia: Beyond the Valley takes open world storytelling to new heights of adventure.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Unwind and enjoy the slow life in Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, a relaxing open-world adventure game. Yonder is set in the world of Gemea. A natural island paradise with eight distinct environments ranging from tropical beaches to snow-capped summits.
Brigand: Oaxaca
Brigand: Oaxaca is a highly difficult post-apocalyptic RPG/FPS set in Mexico. Emphasis is on challenge, a branching story with multiple endings, and total freedom of action (kill friendly characters, rob stores, jump across roofs, etc.).
GET EVEN
Take a deep breath... Try to remember: a girl, a chair, a bomb. Just keep... calm. Follow the voice into the depths of you memory. Relax... and search for the darkest memories in the deepest recesses of your mind. Can you find her? The clock is ticking... And this is just a part of the treatment.
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure!
Perception
An award-winning narrative thriller about a blind woman’s journey to uncover the truth about the mansion from her nightmares, or else become one of its victims.
IKEA VR Pancake Kitchen
Welcome to the IKEA Virtual Reality kitchen experience, where you can make some virtual pancakes. Our IKEA kitchen specialist will guide you through some of the key aspects of a well-planned kitchen. And look out for the instructions that will help you to prepare those perfect pancakes.
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.
EVERSPACE™
EVERSPACE™ combines fast-paced combat with roguelike elements, great visuals and a captivating story. It takes you on a challenging journey through an ever-changing, beautifully crafted universe full of surprises. Shoot, craft and loot your way to victory while the odds are stacked against you.
The Fidelio Incident
The Fidelio Incident is a single-player, first-person thriller set off the coast of Iceland. Inspired by Beethoven's only opera Fidelio. After a violent plane crash, Stanley must search a desolate frozen island in search of his wife Leonore while covering up any traces of their bloody Irish past.
The Elder Scrolls® Online
Every legend starts somewhere and in The Elder Scrolls Online, it starts with you. Join millions of players in an online, fantasy RPG set in a vast living Elder Scrolls world.
Portal Knights
The world of Elysia needs YOU! Join this cooperative, 3D sandbox action RPG to level up your character, craft epic weapons, conquer enemies in real-time, and build almost anything! Craft your adventure. Forge your hero. Become the ultimate Portal Knight!
Old Man's Journey
Old Man’s Journey, a soul-searching puzzle adventure, tells a story of life, loss, and hope. Interacting with the world around you, you'll shape the landscape to create the old man's path forward. Experience heartache and hope as you embark on a heartfelt journey through a sunkissed world.
Creativerse
A sandbox adventure game as big as your imagination.
World to the West
World to the West is a standalone followup of Teslagrad, the indie hit that sold more than 1.6 million copies worldwide. A vast world of blue skies and dark caves awaits you in this 3D action adventure, as you try to unveil the mysteries of an ancient prophecy.
Prey
In Prey, you awaken aboard Talos I, a space station orbiting the moon in the year 2032. You are the key subject of an experiment meant to alter humanity forever – but things have gone terribly wrong. The space station has been overrun by hostile aliens and you are now being hunted.
Just Ignore Them
One night can feel like a lifetime of pain, suffering and horror to a child...do you have what it takes to survive the night? Play as an 8 year old child who is tormented by monsters in his house. Your choices make his future which lives can be saved or ended.
One Dog Story
One Dog Story is an engaging pixel adventure game with RPG elements, gameplay that’ll get you hooked for hours, and well-developed characters. You wake up in an underground laboratory, free again after a horrific accident. Prepare to explore this expansive game world and its many secrets and mysteries.
Scanner Sombre
Scanner Sombre is a 3d horror cave exploration game where darkness is your greatest foe. Illuminate the unseen with your LIDAR scanner, revealing the eerie beauty and peril of the abyss. From the creators of Prison Architect, this immersive adventure uses light and shadow for a haunting experience.
What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington state. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she's the last one in her family left alive.
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 17th 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 21,708 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
106,216
4,816
21,708
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 12,167 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
12,167
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 10,610 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
10,610
players
4. 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 3,704 reviews of which 3,033 were positive and 671 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 5,188 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.9
3,033
671
5,188
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 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 3,985 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.7
77,388
22,636
3,985
players
6. 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 3,465 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.5
7,306
1,096
3,465
players
7. 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 3,131 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played exploration games.
6.1
2,230
1,377
3,131
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 20,793 reviews of which 19,111 were positive and 1,682 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,752 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
19,111
1,682
2,752
players
9. 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 2,058 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.9
101,846
10,729
2,058
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 1,523 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
1,523
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 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted exploration games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for exploration category.
8.5
666
73
-99%
28.99€
0.46€
2. 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 #2 best deal in exploration games.
6.7
264
114
-99%
29.99€
0.46€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in exploration games.
6.6
27,969
14,164
-99%
59.99€
0.97€
4. 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 #4 position in the best deals for exploration games.
6.2
4,224
2,476
-99%
24.50€
0.28€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.3
11,008
451
-98%
24.99€
0.56€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.2
6,092
273
-98%
14.99€
0.43€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.0
1,892
105
-98%
22.99€
0.53€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.9
1,100
73
-98%
24.50€
0.53€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.7
4,585
494
-98%
34.99€
0.90€
10. Haiku, the Robot
Delve into the depths of a mechanical world in this cute, adventure-exploration game. Explore and fight in a land full of corrupt robots and machinery. All while seeking answers to the mysteries around you. Haiku, the Robot is a metroidvania, adventure and exploration game developed and published by Mister Morris Games. Released on April 28th 2022 has received 2,906 reviews of which 2,607 were positive and 299 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.6
2,607
299
-98%
18.99€
0.43€
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 17th 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 3,131 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
3,131
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 593, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
825
24
593
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 233, this exploration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
24,498
340
233
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 9,286 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 188 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
8.0
7,584
1,702
188
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 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 177 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.2
510
170
177
players
6. 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 156 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
6.3
360
197
156
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
83
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
81
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 1,367 reviews of which 1,354 were positive and 13 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
1,354
13
54
players
10. BABBDI
Find your way out of BABBDI. A short, first person exploration experience. BABBDI is a exploration, atmospheric and walking simulator game developed by Sirius Lemaitre and Leonard Lemaitre and published by Lemaitre Bros. Released on December 22nd 2022 has received 6,514 reviews of which 6,369 were positive and 145 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
6,369
145
10
players