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
tERRORbane
tERRORbane is a comedic adventure where bugs are your FRIENDS! Enjoy exploring a crazy and outlandish world, full of unique, quirky characters and homages to the history of videogaming, challenge the Developer with your creativity and be the Bane of Errors!
Tree Simulator 2023
It's exactly what it sounds like! Have you ever wanted to be a tree? Do you like odd numbers? How about multiplayer, weather, seasons and more!? Well then this is the game for you! Come on down to a place where you will never want to leaf. Relax and be the best tree you can be. 1-250 players.
Coromon
Coromon is a modern take on the classic monster-taming genre. Tame Coromon and explore a vast world filled with thrilling turn-based battles, brain-twisting puzzles, and a mysterious threat to the world awaiting defeat. Nobody said being a Battle Researcher was easy!
FixFox
Arriving on a curious planet, Vix and her toolbox Tin explore space, fixing machines with unconventional tools and eating cozy meals with kind robot locals. On an epic adventure, the duo repairs an interstellar beacon, constructs giant mechs, and unravels a cosmic mystery that transcends existence.
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time?
FORWARD: Escape the Fold - Ultimate Edition
FORWARD: Escape the Fold - Ultimate Edition was created to be the perfect bitesized roguelike dungeon crawler. Choose your champion and face a relentless crawl through the card-based dungeons, collect items to power your abilities and defeat the gruesome monsters facing you. But keep going FORWARD!
The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king
Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time some else succeeds...
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Tokyo's population has vanished, and deadly supernatural forces prowl the streets. Use an arsenal of elemental abilities to unravel the truth behind the disappearance and save Tokyo.
Townsmen VR
Townsmen VR uses the exciting possibilities of virtual reality to further enhance the classic city building game with entirely new gameplay experiences and interactive mechanics. It combines elements of a God-game simulation and a classic building game with the interactive possibilities of VR.
The Upturned
A frantic adventure. Welcome to the Upturned Inn: a grand hotel for the dead! You just want to find your room.
Syberia: The World Before
Embark on a quest for identity through time, as you piece together the puzzle of two lives.![[Chilla's Art] The Closing Shift | 閉店事件](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/1843090/header.jpg)
[Chilla's Art] The Closing Shift | 閉店事件
The Closing Shift | 閉店事件 is a Japanese horror game about a girl on a closing shift.
Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness
Black Geyser is an isometric, party-based fantasy RPG inspired by genre classics. Recruit characters with unique personalities and explore a land ravaged by civil war and a mysterious curse of greed. Your choices, good or evil, will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Isilmerald.
No Place Like Home
Humanity Trashed the Earth and left for Mars. Only few remained. EXPLORE the world. Clean the environment, CRAFT with recycled resources. Domesticate animals. Rebuild your village. Restore environment and run your own post-apo FARM as there is No Place Like Home!
Cat Museum
Immerse yourself in the bizarre art style and the surreal world of Cat Museum, a 2D side-scrolling puzzle-adventure game. Solve the strange puzzles with your mischievous cat, and unveil the truth behind the mysterious museum.
ANNO: Mutationem
ANNO: Mutationem is an action-adventure game with RPG elements set in a cyberpunk world, featuring a unique mix of pixelated 2D & 3D graphic style with a rich, dark and bizarre plot.
Hyperbolica
Hyperbolica is a whimsical Non-Euclidean adventure with mind-bending worlds full of games, puzzles, mazes, and secrets! Immerse yourself in reality-warping geometries where lines can never be parallel, horizons are curved, and space grows exponentially.
Ero Manager
As a new guy, he is so nervous to report to his direct boss that he has never met before, but he didn't expect it to be a stern female boss like a queen. But this is what it looks like, but in reality, no one knows about her inner feelings. Challenge her bravely, and you may find out her secret.
Charlie in the Moistverse of Madness
Charlie in the Moistverse of madness is a small fangame made to celebrate the amazing Moistverse meme that took the world by storm. Feel the power of screaming "YEAA BABY" from the top of your lungs to put fear on your enemie's hearts. This game truly makes you feel.. like Critical.
A Taste of the Past
What do you do when you lose someone you love? A Taste of the Past is an emotional sidescroller about reconnecting with your Chinese culture while navigating a train to the afterlife. Featuring a wholesome story, cooking minigames, and hope.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 April 19th 2025.
1. 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 389,914 reviews of which 323,883 were positive and 66,031 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played exploration game, thanks to its 15,701 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
323,883
66,031
15,701
players
2. 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 2,515 reviews of which 2,080 were positive and 435 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 14,628 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among exploration games based on player count.
8.0
2,080
435
14,628
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 349,909 reviews of which 290,482 were positive and 59,427 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 9,228 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among exploration games based on player count.
8.2
290,482
59,427
9,228
players
4. 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 99,111 reviews of which 76,646 were positive and 22,465 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 7,265 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.7
76,646
22,465
7,265
players
5. 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 exploration, souls-like and combat game developed and published by CI Games. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 35,685 reviews of which 23,119 were positive and 12,566 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 5,880 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played exploration games.
6.4
23,119
12,566
5,880
players
6. Forever Skies
A first-person survival game set on a post-apocalyptic, ecologically ruined Earth. Play solo or with up to 3 friends as you build, upgrade, and fly a high-tech airship. Scavenge resources, craft tools, and face dangers on the surface as you hunt for a cure to save humanity. Forever Skies is a singleplayer, exploration and co-op game developed and published by Far From Home. Released on April 14th 2025 has received 5,873 reviews of which 4,929 were positive and 944 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 3,958 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.1
4,929
944
3,958
players
7. 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 20,336 reviews of which 18,683 were positive and 1,653 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,730 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
18,683
1,653
2,730
players
8. 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 17,840 reviews of which 17,627 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,235 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.6
17,627
213
2,235
players
9. Rain World
You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious. Rain World is a difficult, atmospheric and survival game developed by Videocult and published by Akupara Games. Released on March 28th 2017 has received 40,905 reviews of which 38,494 were positive and 2,411 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,834 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.2
38,494
2,411
1,834
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 41,979 reviews of which 40,235 were positive and 1,744 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,620 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.4
40,235
1,744
1,620
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 April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted exploration games.
1. 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 1,124 reviews of which 1,057 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for exploration category.
8.9
1,057
67
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
2. Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom! Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a fantasy, exploration and metroidvania game developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment. Released on June 03rd 2021 has received 1,132 reviews of which 1,031 were positive and 101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in exploration games.
8.6
1,031
101
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. The Red Lantern
The Red Lantern is a narrative, dog sledding game about survival. You play as the Musher who, along with her team of 5 sled dogs, must find her way home. Care for your dogs, discover their stories, and learn how to navigate the unknowns of the Alaskan wilderness and prepare for your new life. The Red Lantern is a exploration, dog and choose your own adventure game developed by Timberline Studio and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on December 08th 2021 has received 957 reviews of which 791 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in exploration games.
7.9
791
166
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for exploration games.
6.7
264
114
-95%
29.99€
1.49€
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 11,265 reviews of which 10,827 were positive and 438 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.3
10,827
438
-94%
23.00€
1.38€
6. Escape From Mystwood Mansion
In this first-person puzzle escape room game, you are trapped in the mysterious Mystwood mansion. Explore the mansion and find hidden compartments while solving puzzles and deciphering codes to find a way out. Will you escape or linger to uncover the mansion's final secret? Escape From Mystwood Mansion is a escape room, puzzle and cozy game developed and published by Lost Sock Studio. Released on September 27th 2023 has received 871 reviews of which 819 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.8
819
52
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
7. My Little Universe
Stranded on a barren moon with nothing but your tools, fuelless ship, and celestial powers of creation, you are destined to recreate what was once lost and be the hero of your own Little Universe! Don't forget to call in up to three of your friends to join your journey in the Splitscreen Co-op Mode! My Little Universe is a mining, exploration and dungeon crawler game developed by Estoty and published by SayGames. Released on October 05th 2023 has received 1,489 reviews of which 1,294 were positive and 195 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.3
1,294
195
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. Genesis Noir
A noir adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you'll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god—otherwise known as The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love. Genesis Noir is a noir, point & click and story rich game developed by Feral Cat Den and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on March 26th 2021 has received 1,960 reviews of which 1,541 were positive and 419 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for exploration games.
7.6
1,541
419
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. Mail Time
It's Mail Time! As a newly trained Mail Scout, put on your pack, grab those letters, and deliver them across Grumblewood Grove! The forest animals eagerly await the sight of your mushroom hat in this cozy, cottagecore light-platformer adventure! Mail Time is a exploration, cute and platformer game developed by Kela van der Deijl and published by indie.io. Released on April 27th 2023 has received 1,345 reviews of which 1,141 were positive and 204 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.1
1,141
204
-92%
19.25€
1.54€
10. Paradise Lost
It's winter, 1980. Szymon, a boy raised in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, finds an abandoned Nazi bunker. Will he find what he’s looking for? Play Paradise Lost and explore an underground world, where Slavic mythology mixes with retrofuturistic technology. Discover the last story on Earth. Paradise Lost is a underground, walking simulator and exploration game developed by PolyAmorous and published by Walkabout. Released on March 24th 2021 has received 2,363 reviews of which 1,518 were positive and 845 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for exploration games.
6.3
1,518
845
-92%
15.38€
1.23€
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 April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play exploration games.
1. 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 17,840 reviews of which 17,627 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,235 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
17,627
213
2,235
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 706 reviews of which 688 were positive and 18 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 725, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
688
18
725
players
3. 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 9,235 reviews of which 7,550 were positive and 1,685 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 253, this exploration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
8.0
7,550
1,685
253
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, free to play and strategy game developed by Kabam Games and Inc. and published by Netmarble. Released on January 21st 2025 has received 459 reviews of which 300 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 232 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
6.3
300
159
232
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 652 reviews of which 485 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 170 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.1
485
167
170
players
6. 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 exploration, flight and racing game developed and published by ORQA. Released on May 31st 2021 has received 2,088 reviews of which 1,715 were positive and 373 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 108 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.9
1,715
373
108
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 7,971 reviews of which 5,021 were positive and 2,950 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
6.2
5,021
2,950
96
players
8. Illusion Carnival
A lost soul wanders through a whimsical, eerie pop-up book like amusement park. Dive into fun-filled stages, encounter unique characters, fend off spirit erosion, and uncover the park's hidden secrets. The enchanting yet dark Illusion Carnival begins now. Illusion Carnival is a psychological horror, 2.5d and cute game developed and published by KiZ. Released on July 11th 2024 has received 4,206 reviews of which 4,128 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.4
4,128
78
34
players
9. 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 8,962 reviews of which 7,089 were positive and 1,873 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.7
7,089
1,873
28
players
10. Pineapple on pizza
Can a video game convey a flavor? Pineapple on pizza is a free to play, short and dark comedy game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2023 has received 23,856 reviews of which 23,343 were positive and 513 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
23,343
513
18
players