Adventure games, broadly defined, encompass any title where puzzle-solving and exploration drive the narrative. This means many RPGs, action games, platformers, and others fall under this umbrella. This list highlights top-tier adventure games prioritizing world exploration and compelling storytelling.
For games in other genres, check out our selections for: Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters, Platformers
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Kenshi
Metascore: 75 Download: Steam Release Date: December 6, 2018 Developer: Lo-Fi Games
Kenshi's harsh desert landscape and constant dangers redefine "hell." You begin as a lone traveler, vulnerable to slave traders. Survival depends on your choices: obedience, escape, forming alliances, or solitary existence. Hundreds of hours of gameplay await, offering vast exploration and challenging survival.
Syberia
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: September 1, 2002 Developer: Microids
Follow Kate Walker, a lawyer, on a European and Siberian journey to settle a case involving an automaton factory. Syberia's stunning visuals, showcasing European cities and Siberian landscapes, create an unforgettable atmosphere, a hallmark of Benoît Sokal's work.
Valiant Hearts: The Great War
Metascore: 77 Download: Steam Release Date: June 25, 2014 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Experience World War I through interwoven narratives. Solve puzzles and explore locations, immersing yourself in the tragic events of the war. Valiant Hearts offers a powerful understanding of WWI's realities.
Stray
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: July 19, 2022 Developer: BlueTwelve Studio
Play as a stray cat navigating a technologically advanced world. Explore alleys and city streets, utilizing feline grace and resourcefulness to solve puzzles and interact with robotic inhabitants.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
Metascore: 81 Download: Steam Release Date: May 14, 2019 Developer: Asobo Studio
Medieval France serves as the backdrop for Amicia and Hugo's desperate flight from the Inquisition and hordes of plague rats. The game's atmosphere, blending gloomy landscapes, realistic infected models, and historical detail, creates a powerful sense of struggle and survival.
Pentiment
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: November 15, 2022 Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Journey to the Renaissance era, entangled in political intrigue, personal tragedies, and historical events. Your decisions shape history as you interact with diverse characters and unravel mysteries. Pentiment's unique illuminated manuscript-style graphics are instantly recognizable.
Tomb Raider
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: March 5, 2013 Developer: Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, Feral Interactive (Mac), Nixxes
This reboot of the classic series reimagines Lara Croft. Cinematic quality, art design, and direction immerse you in Lara's struggle against external threats and internal doubts. Explore ancient ruins, solve puzzles, and engage in action and stealth sequences.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Metascore: 87 Download: Steam Release Date: December 9, 2024 Developer: MachineGames
A thrilling adventure for fans of Indiana Jones, offering complex optional puzzles and inventive combat using environmental objects. Stealth options often allow for avoiding direct confrontation.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Metascore: 78 Download: Steam Release Date: October 26, 2021 Developer: Eidos-Montreal
Embark on a humorous space adventure with Star-Lord and the Guardians. Command your team during combat, fostering friendships throughout the 25-hour campaign.
The Wolf Among Us
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: October 11, 2013 Developer: Telltale
Based on the Fables comic, this interactive adventure features fairy tale characters living among humans. Play as Bigby Wolf, investigating crimes and uncovering secrets in a city rife with betrayal.
BioShock Infinite
Metascore: 94 Download: Steam Release Date: March 26, 2013 Developer: Irrational Games, Virtual Programming (Linux)
This first-person shooter delves into philosophical themes within the flying city of Columbia. Unravel mysteries, confront moral dilemmas, and experience a unique visual style and unforgettable setting.
The Walking Dead
Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: April 24, 2012 Developer: Telltale Games
A gripping zombie apocalypse story following a group of survivors. Make difficult choices that impact character lives and relationships, experiencing a range of emotions through cinematic presentation and strong voice acting.
Life is Strange
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: January 30, 2015 Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment, Feral Interactive (Mac, Linux)
Max Caulfield, a student with time-rewinding abilities, navigates moral dilemmas and unexpected events. Explore themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery, enhanced by stylized graphics, a memorable soundtrack, and a powerful story.
Firewatch
Metascore: 81 Download: Steam Release Date: February 9, 2016 Developer: Campo Santo
As a forest ranger, Henry's solitude is disrupted by mysterious events. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty, punctuated by radio conversations with Delilah, and contemplate Henry's purpose and place.
Control
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: September 27, 2019 Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Jesse Faden searches for her brother and unravels the mysteries of a supernatural facility. Use telekinetic abilities in unique combat, offering satisfying destruction and shifting realities.
Death Stranding: Director's Cut
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: September 24, 2021 Developer: Kojima Productions
Hideo Kojima's post-apocalyptic tale focuses on reconnecting humanity. Deliver cargo, connect settlements to the chiral network, and experience detailed movement mechanics and stunning level design.
Detroit: Become Human
Metascore: 80 Download: Steam Release Date: May 25, 2018 Developer: Quantic Dream
Explore the ethics of artificial intelligence through the intertwined fates of three androids. Your choices determine the outcome of the conflict between androids and humans, raising questions about free will and responsibility.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Metascore: 87 Download: Steam Release Date: September 7, 2018 Developer: Insomniac Games, Nixxes Software
Swing through a vibrant open-world New York City as Spider-Man. Engage in thrilling combat, explore the city, and experience a compelling narrative with exceptional voice acting.
Yakuza 0
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: August 1, 2018 Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Experience the brutal world of the Japanese mafia in the late 1980s. Follow a legendary character's violent confrontations, dramatic twists, and humorous moments, alongside numerous side activities and exploration.
To the Moon
Metascore: 81 Download: Steam Release Date: November 1, 2011 Developer: Freebird Games
Help a dying grandfather fulfill his dream by journeying through his memories. This poignant adventure balances drama and comedy, evoking both laughter and tears.
It Takes Two
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: March 26, 2021 Developer: Hazelight Studios
A cooperative adventure with a captivating story, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals. Work together to overcome challenges as a couple shrunk to toy size.
Black Myth: Wukong
Metascore: 81 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2024 Developer: Game Science
Inspired by Chinese mythology and "Journey to the West," this action game features the Monkey King on an epic journey. Face numerous challenging but varied bosses.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: March 21, 2019 Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
A challenging action game set in feudal Japan. Master rhythmic parrying and utilize prosthetics to overcome deadly foes. The ability to resurrect after death adds a unique layer to the gameplay.
Journey
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: June 11, 2020 Developer: thatgamecompany
A meditative adventure through stunning landscapes. Experience a story told through visuals, music, and environmental interaction, offering a unique sense of wonder and inspiration.
Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons
Metascore: 90 Download: Steam Release Date: September 3, 2013 Developer: Starbreeze Studios AB
Control two brothers simultaneously on a quest to save their father. Unique control mechanics and emotional storytelling create a memorable experience.
The Stanley Parable
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: October 17, 2013 Developer: Galactic Cafe
A meta-commentary on video games and narrative, challenging conventions and prompting reflection on freedom and choice.
Outer Wilds
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: June 18, 2020 Developer: Mobius Digital
Explore a solar system within a time loop, uncovering mysteries and contemplating fate and consequence.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Metascore: 93 Download: PS Store Release Date: May 10, 2016 Developer: Naughty Dog
Nathan Drake's final adventure features diverse locations and simple puzzles interspersed with action sequences. Cinematic presentation and smooth animations enhance the experience.
God of War
Metascore: 93 Download: Steam Release Date: January 14, 2022 Developer: Santa Monica Studio, Jetpack Interactive
Kratos' journey through Norse mythology explores themes of family and redemption. The gameplay is a benchmark for action games, featuring Atreus as a combat companion.
The Last of Us
Metascore: 95 Download: Steam Release Date: June 14, 2013 Developer: Naughty Dog LLC, Iron Galaxy Studios
A post-apocalyptic masterpiece focusing on survival and human connection. Stealth combat and resource management create a tense and unforgettable experience.
Video games offer unique immersion, allowing exploration and decision-making that impact narratives. The above titles exemplify this immersive quality.
