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
Merchant of the Skies
Become the captain of a flying ship! Sell items, gather resources and build your own trade company in the clouds!
Fallout 76
Bethesda Game Studios welcome you to Fallout 76. Twenty-five years after the bombs fall, you and your fellow Vault Dwellers emerge into post-nuclear America. Explore a vast wasteland in this open-world multiplayer addition to the Fallout story.
In Other Waters
Play as an Artificial Intelligence guiding a stranded xenobiologist through a beautiful and mysterious alien ocean. A non-violent sci-fi story, enter a world of wonder, fear and vulnerability, unraveling the history and ecology of an impossible planet. What will you discover together?
Operencia: The Stolen Sun
Operencia: The Stolen Sun embraces everything you love about classic first-person dungeon-crawlers, enhancing the old-school turn-based RPG experience with modern sensibilities. Guide a team of memorable characters through a world inspired by Central European mythology.
Heroines of Swords & Spells
Join a team of wayward heroines in Heroines of Swords & Spells, an epic and humorous turn-based combat JRPG with over 150,000 lines of dialogue, 20 hours of gameplay, and challenging battles. Navigate tough dungeons and uncover the rich lore of the world.
AI＊Shoujo/AI＊少女
Ever wanted to get away from it all? Well here's your chance! In AI Shoujo, a tropical island paradise filled with beautiful girls is waiting for you! Customize NPCs with a rich suite of character creation tools, then watch as they think, learn, and love. Kick back, relax, and enjoy life in the sun!
Last Floor
Оne day your life changes dramatically and you become a hostage of your own home. Your task is to survive but to do this you need to get outside.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Avorion
A procedural co-op space sandbox where players can build their own space ships out of dynamically scalable blocks. Fight epic space battles, explore, mine, trade, wage wars and build your own empire to save your galaxy from being torn apart by an unknown enemy.
Horizon's Gate
Voyage into the wide world of Eral as an explorer, trader, or privateer. Defeat your enemies on land or at sea in deep but straightforward tactical combat. Unravel the secrets behind Dominio's betrayal – or sail off in search of your own adventure.
THE LONGING
An unusual mix of adventure and idle game. In utter loneliness deep below the surface, it's your task to wait for the awakening of your king... for 400 days.
Mainframe Defenders
MAINFRAME DEFENDERS - Turn-based tactics centered around gear and unit customization. It offers simple combat, high replayability, and tons of loot. Items don't just provide stats boost, but also offer distinct mechanics that can be combined into powerful builds.
Rhome
Rhome is a first-person dark atmospheric exploration game made by students at SMU Guildhall. Players navigate an increasingly chaotic and psychologically unnerving environment to reveal the fate of Hailey Rhome. Proceeds from your purchase on Steam go to support student development.
DreadOut 2
A third-person horror adventure that draws inspiration from Indonesian urban legend. Play as Linda, a high school student with the ability to sense and see ghosts. This spine-chilling sequel expands on the cult hit original, making DreadOut 2 another terrifying addition to the horror genre.
Tank Mechanic Simulator
Renovate & build II World War tanks. Experience highly detailed & realistic simulation game. Take tanks fully apart by using different tools. Transform them from rusty and ruined to fully working. Check them on the training ground, sell or put into your own museum.
The Suicide of Rachel Foster
Coming back to the family hotel after years, a young woman finds herself trapped with the ghosts from her past and an old cellular telephone as the only way to unveil a terrible truth.
Giraffe and Annika
Lovable, cat-eared Annika sets off on a grand quest on the Island of Spica! 3D adventure & rhythm action genres mesh in the lush, pastoral and beautiful manga-inspired world of Giraffe and Annika!![[Chilla's Art] The Convenience Store | 夜勤事件](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/1228520/header.jpg)
[Chilla's Art] The Convenience Store | 夜勤事件
The Convenience Store | 夜勤事件 is a J-horror game about a college girl on a night shift.
Metro Exodus
Flee the shattered ruins of the Moscow Metro and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness. Explore vast, non-linear levels, lose yourself in an immersive, sandbox survival experience, and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year in the greatest Metro adventure yet.
Offroad Mania
Offroad Mania — off-road 4x4 driving simulator based on realistic car physics. Modes: Classic (240 levels), Free Roam, Racing, Endless, Winter (rocks, mud, snow, water, logs, trees, bridges, ramps). Vehicles: 10+ amazing 4×4 cars for your driving fun. Free updates!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 20th 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 17,002 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
323,883
66,031
17,002
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 16,171 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
16,171
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 9,655 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
9,655
players
4. 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 8,145 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
6.4
23,119
12,566
8,145
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 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 7,586 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.7
76,646
22,465
7,586
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 6,029 reviews of which 5,036 were positive and 993 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 3,872 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.1
5,036
993
3,872
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 2,875 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
2,875
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 18,243 reviews of which 18,026 were positive and 217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,098 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.6
18,026
217
2,098
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 1,927 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
1,927
players
10. 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 110,114 reviews of which 99,880 were positive and 10,234 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,717 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
99,880
10,234
1,717
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 20th 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. Omno
A single-player journey of discovery through an ancient world of wonders, created by solo developer Jonas Manke. Omno is a adventure, wholesome and exploration game developed by Studio Inkyfox and published by Future Friends Games and StudioInkyfox. Released on July 28th 2021 has received 2,423 reviews of which 2,243 were positive and 180 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.9
2,243
180
-94%
17.17€
1.03€
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. Eternal Edge +
Eternal Edge + is a casual Action-Adventure role-playing game following Cross, an Age-old warrior who is trying to wake his lost Wife from an Eternal slumber. Only together can they defeat the Skeleton King. Eternal Edge + is a action rpg, exploration and character customization game developed by Righteous Weasel Games and Ignatios Prouctions LLC and published by Sedoc LLC and GrabTheGames. Released on May 07th 2022 has received 681 reviews of which 484 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for exploration games.
6.8
484
197
-93%
12.49€
0.87€
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 20th 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 18,243 reviews of which 18,026 were positive and 217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,098 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
18,026
217
2,098
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 786, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
688
18
786
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 9,244 reviews of which 7,555 were positive and 1,689 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 258, this exploration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
8.0
7,555
1,689
258
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 217 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
217
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 172 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
172
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 121 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
121
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. Attracting a solid base of 110 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
6.2
5,021
2,950
110
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
38
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
27
players
10. BABBDI
Find your way out of BABBDI. A short, first person exploration experience. BABBDI is a exploration, atmospheric and walking simulator game developed by Sirius Lemaitre and Leonard Lemaitre and published by Lemaitre Bros. Released on December 22nd 2022 has received 6,212 reviews of which 6,073 were positive and 139 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.4
6,073
139
17
players