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
Leo’s Fortune - HD Edition
An award-winning platform adventure game where you hunt down the cunning thief who stole his gold. Beautifully hand-crafted levels bring the story of Leo to life, offering a journey full of challenges. Revisit this classic adventure as it celebrates its tenth anniversary.
Renowned Explorers: International Society
In this strategic rogue-like you become a famous expedition leader in the 19th century. You form your own crew with the skills and personality to discover legendary treasures, while exploring randomized locations and stories on every new adventure.
![Close Your Eyes [Old Version]](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/377330/c8d8c555e37e28190ecd34dae23ca4b0d73ce5bc/header.jpg)
Close Your Eyes [Old Version]
A redux version of a 2014 Ludum Dare RPG Maker Horror Game. A poor little marshmallow escapes death row into an underground subway system, where they're asked questions by a mysterious game show host. Updated in 2025 with new content.
Dead In Bermuda
DEAD IN BERMUDA is a survival management game with RPG and adventure elements. Lead a team of 8 survivors from a plane crash. Assign them to tasks, gain experience, develop your survival skills, research and craft new items, explore the island and solve its mysteries.
Universe Sandbox
Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe.
Planet of the Eyes
An atmospheric narrative-platformer about a service robot stranded on a mysterious planet, Planet of the Eyes features a stunning visual mix of puzzle and platforming challenges, an original musical score, and fully voiced audio logs left by another survivor. Explore the mystery of an unknown world.
Silver Creek Falls: Chapter 1
Two city detectives are sent to a small idyllic town in North Carolina called ‘Silver Creek Falls” to investigate a strange series of events that the local sheriff can’t seem to get his mind around. What initially seems like an open-and-shut case unfolds into a truly terrifying mystery that will leave the detectives wondering what is...
Airscape - The Fall of Gravity
Airscape is a fast-paced, ultra-challenging 60 level action platformer. You play a deep-sea octopus, kidnapped by a mechanical alien race. Jump, dodge, and swim through a skybound environment full of floating islands, water formations, and robotic terrors.
the static speaks my name
A dark/sad/weird/funny first person exploration game. You play a man on his last night alive as he obsesses over a mysterious painting. More of a story game in that it emphasizes mood and character over gameplay. Takes ten minutes to play and has "next-gen" features like a shrimp tank.
Fingerbones
Explore a mysterious abandoned bunker and find notes that paint a disturbing picture.
PixelJunk™ Nom Nom Galaxy
Welcome to SoupCo, Astroworker! In Nom Nom Galaxy, construct and automate gigantic soup factories on unexplored planets throughout the universe, harvest flora and fauna to turn them into artisanal soups, and rocket your product into the gullets of the galaxy!
Submerged
Submerged is a third-person combat-free game in which you explore a mysterious flooded city and discover the beauty of desolation in vast outdoor environments. You take on the role of Miku, a young girl who has brought her wounded brother to the city in their small fishing boat.
Way of the Samurai 4
Way of the Samurai 4 takes place in the humble port town of Amihama during the mid 19th Century, several years after the arrival of the “black ships” from the West ended Japan’s long history of cultural isolation.
Through Abandoned: The Underground City
It’s the first game of Through Abandoned series, classical point and click game. You try to find your twin-brother who disappeared in a huge and mysterious place called Abandoned.
Odallus: The Dark Call
The old gods have forgotten this land. No one could save our people when darkness started spreading and collecting human souls for its army. Odallus is a classic exploration/action game, inspired by Ghosts’n Goblins, Demon’s Crest and Castlevania.
Contradiction: Spot The Liar
Spot the lie and beat the liars in 'Contradiction' - the all-video murder mystery adventure!
The Magic Circle
In this darkly comedic story, you are the hero of an unfinished fantasy game, and your designers have failed you. Steal the power of a game god - trap their creations, swap behaviors and body parts, crafting your own unique solutions to free-form puzzles. Can you release a game ...from the inside?
Marble Mayhem: Fragile Ball
Devilishly difficult but insanely rewarding physics puzzler. Play through 85 levels of diverse and ingenious physics-based challenges.
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 16th 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 27,550 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
106,216
4,816
27,550
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 13,546 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
13,546
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 12,692 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
12,692
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 3,139 reviews of which 2,546 were positive and 593 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 6,429 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.8
2,546
593
6,429
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 4,593 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
4,593
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 4,253 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
4,253
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 3,582 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
3,582
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 2,885 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
2,885
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 2,353 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
2,353
players
10. Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition
Experience the epic Horizon Forbidden West™ in its entirety with bonus content and the Burning Shores expansion included. The Burning Shores add-on contains additional content for Aloy’s adventure, including new storylines, characters, and experiences in a stunning yet hazardous new area. Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition is a open world, singleplayer and female protagonist game developed by Guerrilla and Nixxes Software and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on March 21st 2024 has received 22,735 reviews of which 20,325 were positive and 2,410 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 1,346 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.8
20,325
2,410
1,346
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 16th 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€
0.84€
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€
0.72€
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€
0.54€
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 16th 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 3,582 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
3,582
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 676, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
825
24
676
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 267, this exploration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
24,498
340
267
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 185 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
185
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 181 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
181
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 543 reviews of which 353 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 155 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
6.3
353
190
155
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 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. Attracting a solid base of 104 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
6.2
5,072
2,968
104
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.9
1,796
384
76
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 1,350 reviews of which 1,337 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.3
1,337
13
24
players
10. King of Crabs
Battle Royale with crabs! Intense multiplayer action, with up to 100 players! Scrap, scavenge and slaughter your way to becoming the King of Crabs! King of Crabs is a exploration, pve and hack and slash game developed by Robot Squid and Spilt Milk Studios Ltd and published by Robot Squid. Released on September 25th 2023 has received 8,978 reviews of which 7,102 were positive and 1,876 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.7
7,102
1,876
22
players