Top 30 Adventure Games Revealed

In general, games that require solving puzzles and exploring locations to progress through the storyline are considered adventures. This genre encompasses a wide range of games, including many RPGs, slashers, platformers, and others that focus on exploration and storytelling.

We've curated a list of top games where adventure is the core element, emphasizing world exploration and narrative depth. For those interested in other genres, we also suggest exploring our selections of:

Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters, Platformers

Table of Contents

• Kenshi
• Syberia
• Valiant Hearts: The Great War
• Stray
• A Plague Tale: Innocence
• Pentiment
• Tomb Raider
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
• Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
• The Wolf Among Us
• BioShock Infinite
• The Walking Dead
• Life is Strange
• Firewatch
• Control
• Death Stranding: Director's Cut
• Detroit: Become Human
• Marvel’s Spider-Man
• Yakuza 0
• To the Moon
• It Takes Two
• Black Myth: Wukong
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
• Journey
• Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons
• The Stanley Parable
• Outer Wilds
• Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
• God of War
• The Last of Us

Kenshi

Image: steamcommunity.com

Metascore: 75
Download: Steam
Release Date: December 6, 2018
Developer: Lo-Fi Games

Imagine a world where hell isn't an underground realm of lava and demons but the harsh landscapes of Kenshi. Here, you can send your hero to navigate endless deserts and rocky terrains, facing constant dangers. As a lone traveler seeking food and shelter, you might encounter slave traders who could capture and enslave you. The choice is yours: submit to their will or attempt a daring escape. Kenshi offers hundreds of hours of exploration and diverse stories, challenging you to overcome adversity and make impactful decisions.

Syberia

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Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 1, 2002
Developer: Microids

Join Kate Walker, a talented lawyer, on her journey across Europe and Siberia to finalize a case involving an old automaton factory. It's crucial to note these are automatons, not robots—a distinction that adds depth to the narrative. Syberia stands out with its visually stunning locations, from European cities to the vast, snowy expanses of Siberia. Benoît Sokal's meticulous world design creates an immersive experience that is a hallmark of his work.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Image: steamcommunity.com

Metascore: 77
Download: Steam
Release Date: June 25, 2014
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier

Valiant Hearts: The Great War offers a unique perspective on World War I, intertwining the lives of several characters amidst the war's horrors. The game's core involves solving puzzles and exploring locations, with puzzles that are accessible yet deeply engaging. Playing Valiant Hearts provides a profound understanding of the war's realities, making it a poignant adventure.

Stray

Image: steamcommunity.com

Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release Date: July 19, 2022
Developer: BlueTwelve Studio

In Stray, you take control of a stray cat navigating a mysterious, technologically advanced world. Playing as an animal offers a refreshing change, allowing you to experience the grace, curiosity, and resourcefulness of a cat as it explores dark alleys and city streets. Interact with robotic inhabitants and solve puzzles by tapping into your cat's natural instincts.

A Plague Tale: Innocence

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Metascore: 81
Download: Steam
Release Date: May 14, 2019
Developer: Asobo Studio

Set in medieval France, A Plague Tale: Innocence follows the harrowing journey of siblings Amicia and Hugo as they evade the Inquisition and swarms of rats. The game's atmosphere is striking, with gloomy landscapes, realistic depictions of the infected, and meticulous historical details. The emotional depth of the story creates a sense of hopelessness and the struggle for survival.

Pentiment

Image: news.xbox.com

Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 15, 2022
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

Pentiment transports you to the Renaissance era, where you're embroiled in a web of intrigue, political conflict, and personal tragedy. Your decisions shape the course of history as you interact with vibrant characters and unravel mysteries. The game's graphics, resembling illuminated manuscripts and woodcut prints, set it apart visually.

Tomb Raider

Image: steamcommunity.com

Metascore: 86
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Developer: Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, Feral Interactive (Mac), Nixxes

The reboot of the iconic Tomb Raider series introduces a new take on Lara Croft, emphasizing her battle against external threats and internal fears. The game's cinematic quality and immersive art direction draw you into ancient ruins filled with puzzles and deadly traps. Action, puzzle-solving, and stealth are central to the gameplay.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

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Metascore: 87
Download: Steam
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Developer: MachineGames

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle brings the thrill of expeditions, dangerous traps, and ancient mysteries to life. The game features complex puzzles and combat where you can use environmental objects as weapons. Stealth and evasion tactics allow you to blend into the crowd and avoid confrontation.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Image: news.xbox.com

Metascore: 78
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 26, 2021
Developer: Eidos-Montreal

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is like a 25-hour movie, filled with humor, engaging dialogue, and the camaraderie of the team led by Star-Lord. During combat, issue commands to your teammates to utilize their unique abilities. It's an exciting space journey that emphasizes the development of friendships.

The Wolf Among Us

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Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 11, 2013
Developer: Telltale

The Wolf Among Us is an interactive adventure based on the Fables comic series, where fairy tale characters live incognito among humans. As Bigby Wolf, a former wolf turned detective, you investigate crimes and seek justice in a city rife with secrets and betrayals. The game's popularity has led to the development of a sequel despite challenges.

BioShock Infinite

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Metascore: 94
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Developer: Irrational Games, Virtual Programming (Linux)

BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter with a deep narrative and philosophical undertones. Set in the flying city of Columbia, the game explores the shift from utopia to dystopia, with Booker DeWitt unraveling past mysteries and facing moral dilemmas. The unique visual style and setting make it unforgettable.

The Walking Dead

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Metascore: 89
Download: Steam
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Developer: Telltale Games

The Walking Dead offers one of the best narratives in a zombie apocalypse setting. Your choices determine the fates of characters and your relationships with them. The game's cinematic presentation, voice acting, and character development evoke a wide range of emotions, from hope to despair.

Life is Strange

Image: steamcommunity.com

Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 30, 2015
Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment, Feral Interactive (Mac, Linux)

Life is Strange follows Max Caulfield, a student with the ability to rewind time. The game explores themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery through moral dilemmas and unexpected twists. The stylized graphics and soulful soundtrack create an emotional journey that lingers.

Firewatch

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Metascore: 81
Download: Steam
Release Date: February 9, 2016
Developer: Campo Santo

In Firewatch, you play as Henry, a forest ranger whose solitude is disrupted by mysterious events. The game's colorful landscapes and diegetic interface create a unique sense of immersion in nature. Radio dialogues with Delilah add depth to Henry's solitude, prompting reflection on his purpose.

Control

Image: wylsa.com

Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Developer: Remedy Entertainment

Control follows Jesse Faden as she searches for her brother in a supernatural facility where reality shifts. Jesse's telekinetic abilities add a unique twist to combat, allowing you to throw enemies and objects. The game's satisfying destruction mechanics and narrative depth make it a compelling adventure.

Death Stranding: Director's Cut

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Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 24, 2021
Developer: Kojima Productions

Death Stranding: Director's Cut is Hideo Kojima's vision of a world post-catastrophe, where you restore human connections. The gameplay focuses on carrying cargo to reconnect settlements, with intricate movement mechanics and level design. The emotional storytelling and cinematic scenes create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Detroit: Become Human

Image: imdb.com

Metascore: 80
Download: Steam
Release Date: May 25, 2018
Developer: Quantic Dream

Detroit: Become Human is an interactive drama that explores humanity and artificial intelligence ethics. Follow three androids whose stories intertwine in a world where technology and emotions collide. Your choices shape the narrative, raising questions about free will and moral responsibility in the digital age.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

Image: habr.com

Metascore: 87
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 7, 2018
Developer: Insomniac Games, Nixxes Software

Marvel’s Spider-Man lets you swing through an open-world New York City, experiencing life as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. The game combines action, stunning graphics, and a compelling narrative, with standout voice acting that brings the character to life.

Yakuza 0

Image: steamcommunity.com

Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 1, 2018
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Yakuza 0 delves into the brutal world of the Japanese mafia in the late 1980s, telling the backstory of a legendary character. The game balances a deep narrative with various side activities, from arcade mini-games to exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo and Osaka.

To the Moon

Image: youtube.com

Metascore: 81
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Developer: Freebird Games

To the Moon follows two doctors helping a dying grandfather fulfill his dream within his memories. The game balances drama and comedy, evoking a range of emotions through its narrative. Despite minimal gameplay, it's a rich and emotionally engaging adventure.

It Takes Two

Image: wylsa.com

Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Developer: Hazelight Studios

It Takes Two is a cooperative adventure that tests and strengthens relationships through engaging puzzles and challenges. As a couple transformed into toys, you'll work together to overcome obstacles, making for a fun and rewarding experience.

Black Myth: Wukong

Image: store.epicgames.com

Metascore: 81
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 20, 2024
Developer: Game Science

Black Myth: Wukong draws inspiration from Chinese mythology and the Monkey King, offering an action-packed journey filled with mythical creatures. The game features numerous bosses and a moderate challenge level, focusing on variety and exploration.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

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Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 21, 2019
Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a challenging action game set in feudal Japan, where you play as a shinobi using a rhythmic parrying system. The game's aggressive combat style and resurrection mechanic add depth, with situational prosthetics aiding in battles.

Journey

Image: wallpapercrafter.com

Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: June 11, 2020
Developer: thatgamecompany

Journey is a meditative adventure through stunning landscapes, where the protagonist embarks on a journey filled with wonder. The game tells its story through visuals and music, offering a relaxing and inspiring experience that helps players overcome life's challenges.

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons

Image: nintendo.com

Metascore: 90
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Developer: Starbreeze Studios AB

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons follows two brothers on a quest to save their father. The game's unique control mechanic requires simultaneous control of both characters, adding a layer of complexity to puzzle-solving. The narrative is infused with melancholy and warmth, making you root for the brothers.

The Stanley Parable

Image: steamcommunity.com

Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 17, 2013
Developer: Galactic Cafe

The Stanley Parable is a meta-commentary on video games and narrative systems, with you playing as an office worker named Stanley. The game's ironic humor and fourth-wall-breaking moments encourage reflection on freedom, control, and predestination in gaming.

Outer Wilds

Image: news.xbox.com

Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: June 18, 2020
Developer: Mobius Digital

Outer Wilds is best experienced with minimal prior knowledge. The game focuses on exploring a solar system filled with mysteries, with a time-loop mechanic that prompts contemplation of fate and the impact of actions.

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Image: steamcommunity.com

Metascore: 93
Download: PS Store
Release Date: May 10, 2016
Developer: Naughty Dog

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is Nathan Drake's final adventure, emphasizing exploration across diverse locations. The game's realistic graphics and smooth animations enhance the cinematic experience, with puzzles providing a break between action sequences.

God of War

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Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Developer: Santa Monica Studio, Jetpack Interactive

God of War reimagines Kratos in Norse mythology, exploring themes of family and redemption. The game sets a benchmark for action games, with Kratos's son, Atreus, serving as a combat companion who enhances the gameplay experience.

The Last of Us

Image: store.steampowered.com

Metascore: 95
Download: Steam
Release Date: June 14, 2013
Developer: Naughty Dog LLC, Iron Galaxy Studios

The Last of Us is set in a post-apocalyptic world where you, as a smuggler, must protect a valuable cargo—a person key to stopping an epidemic. The game's stealth mechanics and limited resources create tension, delivering a narrative filled with surprises and human drama.

Video games offer a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in fictional worlds, explore them independently, and make decisions that impact the story. The games listed above exemplify this experience, providing rich narratives and engaging gameplay that resonate with players.