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
Cats Hidden in Christmas
Cats Hidden in Christmas is a FREE hidden object game in which you must find 100 cats hidden in a festive, hand-drawn scene. Can you find them all?
Enigma of Fear
Become Mia, a paranormal detective searching for her missing father inside the Perimeter - a place that doesn't exist. Investigate clues like a real detective and unravel the mysteries behind the Enigma of Fear, defeating the terrible monsters who'll try to stop you.
Arisen Force: Life Devotee
Enjoy a free-to-play, stylish action combat experience as you explore a chapter storylines from Journey to the West.
Star Wars Outlaws
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars™ game and explore distinct locations across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as scoundrel Kay Vess, seeking freedom and the means to start a new life.
Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms
Baldur's Gate and Dark Souls had a baby! A thrilling RPG game that blends real-time action with an isometric view, set in a world of magic and monsters. Players must navigate through dangerous dungeons, battle fierce bosses, and uncover ancient secrets to save Plamen from an impending doom!
Loco Motive
On the Reuss Express a passenger has been murdered, and you’re the prime suspects. Uncover a thrilling mystery and solve satisfying point and click puzzles to prove your innocence! A slapstick adventure, packed full of deadly surprises, shocking twists and larger than life characters!
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Discover the vast Chornobyl Exclusion Zone full of dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies and powerful artifacts. Unveil your own epic story as you make your way to the Heart of Chornobyl. Make your choices wisely, as they will determine your fate in the end.
SUPERVIVE
MOBA BR MEETS HERO SHOOTER. Jump, glide, shoot, punch, bounce, nuke, spike your enemies in this free-flowing, chaotic battleground in the sky. Face off in all-out, multi-squad teamfights, take down boss monsters for big loot, get that W and run it back.
Luma Island
Travel to Luma Island to go on an epic adventure by yourself or with your friends and family. Build your dream farm, master professions, collect magical Lumas, find treasures and unravel the mysteries of the island.
The Devil Within: Satgat
Join Kim Rip, a Royal Guard whose humanity is gradually slipping away, on a thrilling 2.5D action-adventure platforming journey in 'The Devil Within: Satgat'. Uncover the mysteries of a desolate realm as you engage in stylish battles against formidable foes.
Towers of Aghasba
Explore a stunning open-world filled with majestic creatures and quirky characters. Nurture the barren land into vibrant ecosystems and flex your creativity as you build a thriving civilization in balance with nature. Visit other player’s worlds in an evolving online CO-OP experience.
Seer's Gambit
A strategic, hero-drafting roguelite RPG that rewards smart positioning, player agency, and synergies-building within your party. Explore a perilous world brimming with upgrades to discover and unlock. Choose the right combination of heroes, equipment, skills, and buffs to craft your perfect team.
Once Alive
A story-driven, first-person adventure game offering a cinematic experience. Embark on a journey to HaustVille, an abandoned settlement in a post-apocalyptic world. Explore your surroundings and uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the last survivors.
Incantation
A mother, searching for her lost daughter, stumbles into a strange cult village. "Incantation" is a first-person horror game. It reveals the chilling story behind the "Chen Family Village". What are the consequences of crossing dark boundaries?
Maid Cafe on Electric Street
Maid Cafe on Electric Street is a leisurely maid cafe adventure set in the otaku haven of Nipponbashi, Osaka.
Finnish Cottage Simulator
Finnish Cottage Simulator is the ultimate cottage experience. Relax and enjoy the Finnish summer nature, go to the sauna, get drunk, grill food or play games with others!
Nightmare House: The Original Mod
Wake up, it’s time for the real nightmare to begin. Make your way through a terrorizing house, uncover the secrets of a haunted hospital, fight through hordes of the undead, and try to escape Nightmare House.
Little Big Adventure – Twinsen’s Quest
Step into Twinsun's fantastical world in this action-adventure remake! Little Big Adventure - Twinsen's Quest brings brand new visuals, new music by the original composer, and smoother gameplay to the iconic classic released back in 1994.
Catizens
Inspired by RimWorld and The Sims, Catizens is a colony management simulation game where you watch over unique cats with quirky personalities, as you help them build and grow their settlement while exploring new lands, facing off against wildlife and overcoming the challenges of each environment.
Space Trash Scavenger
Grab your jetpack and explore procedural asteroid fields, derelict spaceships and abandoned outposts. Build and automate your Space Rig to process scavenged trash. Craft, trade and fight your way home in this interstellar, open-world survival sandbox.
I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival
I Am Future is a relaxing single-player survival game about building a cozy rooftop camp amid a flooded post-apocalyptic city. Set up a farm, go fishing, tinker with gadgets, craft new tools, manage a team of cute robots to automate and expand your base, explore the mysterious world, and chill out!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 16th 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 389,458 reviews of which 323,460 were positive and 65,998 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 13,485 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
323,460
65,998
13,485
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 1,091 reviews of which 848 were positive and 243 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. While seeing 12,019 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among exploration games based on player count.
7.4
848
243
12,019
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 7,856 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
7,856
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 98,919 reviews of which 76,509 were positive and 22,410 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 5,805 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.7
76,509
22,410
5,805
players
5. 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 5,719 reviews of which 4,833 were positive and 886 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 3,539 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.2
4,833
886
3,539
players
6. 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 3,272 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
18,683
1,653
3,272
players
7. 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 40,460 reviews of which 38,104 were positive and 2,356 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,898 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.2
38,104
2,356
1,898
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 16,700 reviews of which 16,506 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,874 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.6
16,506
194
1,874
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 110,028 reviews of which 99,810 were positive and 10,218 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,414 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
99,810
10,218
1,414
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 1,166 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
1,166
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 16th 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 1,114 reviews of which 1,048 were positive and 66 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
1,048
66
-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 1,124 reviews of which 1,023 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
1,023
101
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. 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! Coromon is a creature collector, exploration and jrpg game developed by TRAGsoft and published by indie.io. Released on March 31st 2022 has received 6,415 reviews of which 5,487 were positive and 928 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in exploration games.
8.3
5,487
928
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. Foretales
Decide the fate of the world in this ingenious story-driven card game. Foretales offers a unique take on the adventure genre, with a multitude of playstyles and story paths through which you can save the world… or bring about its end. Foretales is a card game, narration and adventure game developed by Alkemi and published by Dear Villagers. Released on September 15th 2022 has received 995 reviews of which 846 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.1
846
149
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
5. 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 951 reviews of which 785 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for exploration games.
7.8
785
166
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
6. 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 11,233 reviews of which 10,796 were positive and 437 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 #6 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.3
10,796
437
-94%
23.00€
1.38€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.8
819
52
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.3
1,294
195
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for exploration games.
7.6
1,541
419
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.1
1,141
204
-92%
19.25€
1.54€
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 16th 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 16,700 reviews of which 16,506 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,874 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
16,506
194
1,874
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 659, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
688
18
659
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 221, this exploration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
8.0
7,550
1,685
221
players
4. 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 167 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.1
485
167
167
players
5. 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 2,065 reviews of which 1,697 were positive and 368 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.9
1,697
368
97
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, 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. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
6.3
300
159
93
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
74
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
27
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 8,961 reviews of which 7,089 were positive and 1,872 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
1,872
20
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