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
Waltz of the Wizard
Unleash epic magical powers in a wizard simulator inspired by the atmosphere of classic fantasy fiction! Brew potions in a bubbling cauldron with the help of the hyper-interactive Skully: your sassy, tormentable skull sidekick who reacts to everything you do. Playable on PC, Steam Deck, or VR!
Dungeon Of Dragon Knight
Dungeon of Dragon Knight is a retro dungeon crawler RPG in modern visual design. Pointed by a mysterious witch, your party will descend into a dungeon with traps and monsters in search of the evil Dragon Knight and his treasure weapon. Or, are you fooled by the witch?
Survive on Raft
Survive on Raft is a Survival Sandbox Simulator on the Raft in the middle of the ocean! Fight with shark, build base, craft, loot islands, farm and survive. Play solo or with friends.
The World is Your Weapon
Wells, pitfalls, houses, villagers, monsters (!?), anything around you can be a weapon! An action RPG that you've never seen before, you can fight with all the objects you see in the game. There are more than 300 kinds of weapons.Aim to complete the weapon gallery!
Bone Voyage
Bone Voyage is a third person adventure game set on a Vessel to the Afterlife. Use your skeletal body to your advantage and explore the ship in unique ways to uncover the mystery of the ship and its inhabitants!
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse that slowly crystallizes her body. Battle through a demon-infested castle and defeat its master to save yourself, and all of humanity!
ZUSI 3 - Aerosoft Edition
Zusi 3 Aerosoft Edition is a train simulation for PCs, the professional version of which is also being used in railway companies for engine driver training purposes.
Shattered Lights
Shattered Lights is a VR psychological horror room-scale experience, which focuses on drawing the player into the game with unparalleled immersion.
Super Cane Magic ZERO - Legend of the Cane Cane
Crash-land in the psychedelic world of Super Cane Magic ZERO, a local co-op Action RPG for 1 to 4 players! Immerse yourself in the mind-bending Story Mode or pummel your friends in 8 local Battle Arenas. Smash! Loot! Eat Rocks! Fight a really big fridge!
FREEDIVER: Triton Down
Plunge into VR on a capsizing research ship, the Triton, where survival means outmaneuvering the water's lethal surge. Freedive through a sinking ship, overcome underwater chaos, and unlock your path to the surface, all while protecting your most precious resource: the breath in your lungs.
Gato Roboto
Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.
Draugen
Draugen is a single-player, first-person Fjord Noir mystery set in 1920s Norway. Explore a forgotten coastal village in your search for your missing sister, accompanied by your independent and enigmatic young ward. Norwegian Game of the Year 2019.
Conan Unconquered
From the Command & Conquer veterans at Petroglyph comes the first ever survival RTS set in the savage world of Conan the Barbarian. Play solo or team up in multiplayer in Conan Unconquered’s action-packed co-op Mode where you build a shared stronghold and fend off the hordes together.
Layers of Fear 2 (2019)
Layers of Fear 2 is a first-person psychological horror game with an emphasis on exploration and story. Players control a Hollywood actor who heeds the call of an enigmatic director to take on the lead role in a film shot aboard an ocean liner. Beware, for all may not truly be what it seems.
Vambrace: Cold Soul
Vambrace: Cold Soul is a story-driven roguelite set amidst a frozen landscape. Plan expeditions, then journey to the cursed city surface with your party. Wield unique powers, avoid traps, brave strange encounters, and survive deadly combat in this gothic fantasy adventure!
Project Winter
In Project Winter, survival is just the beginning. Work with your friends to escape the icy wilderness, but don’t get too comfortable. Traitors lurk among you, ready to lie, sabotage, and turn even the closest of friends against each other. Who will you trust?
Atelier Lulua ~The Scion of Arland~
The long awaited 4th installment of the popular "Arland" series that had begun with the "Atelier Rorona"! In this new story, players will revisit the nostalgic world of Arland and embark on exciting journey of alchemy together with Rorona's daughter, Lulua.
Eden Rising
Brace yourself for a brand new action-packed Open World. Explore a huge world to gather materials for gear and defenses. Use everything at your disposal to defend your bases and defeat hordes of hostile monsters. Play solo or up to 8-player online!
铁道物语：陆王（Railway Saga:Land King）
Become a respected conductor, assemble and match your train lineup at will. In addition to transporting passengers from all walks of life, you can also set up your own factories at various city stations. Mining, planting and breeding all kinds of resources, using the craftsmen's crafts to produce a variety of famous things.
Hedon Bloodrite
Zan and her orc sisters must fight to save their homeland from a demonic invasion! Immerse yourself in a sprawling underground world where the rich lore, exploration and puzzles of classic adventure games blend with the visceral combat of a 90s' shooter.
Undead Horde
Become a necromancer and raise the dead - Undead Horde is a necromantic action game with elements from RPG, strategy and hack'n'slash. Maraud through the lands of the living, raze their villages and steal their treasures. Ultimately you'll take over the whole kingdom of the living!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 2,435 reviews of which 2,255 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
2,255
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