Top 30 Adventure Games

Adventure games, broadly defined, encompass any title where puzzle-solving and exploration drive the narrative. This means many RPGs, action games, platformers, and others fall under this umbrella. This list highlights games where adventure is the core focus, prioritizing world exploration and compelling storytelling.

Explore our other genre selections:

**Survival | Horror | Simulators | Shooters | Platformers**

Table of Content ---

Kenshi

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

Kenshi's harsh, unforgiving world challenges survival instincts. Beginning as a lone traveler, you'll face starvation, brutal slave traders, and the constant threat of danger. Forge alliances or remain solitary; the choice shapes your hundreds of hours of gameplay, offering vast exploration and challenging survival scenarios.

Syberia

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

Lawyer Kate Walker's European and Siberian journey to settle an automaton factory case is visually stunning. Benoît Sokal's meticulously crafted environments, from European cities to the vast Siberian landscape, create an unforgettable atmosphere, a hallmark of his work.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

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

This World War I adventure intertwines the fates of several characters amidst the war's horrors. Puzzle-solving and exploration are central, immersing players in the tragic events and offering a poignant understanding of the era.

Stray

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

Experience a technologically advanced world from a unique perspective—as a stray cat. Explore alleys and city streets, utilizing feline grace and cunning to solve puzzles and interact with robotic inhabitants.

A Plague Tale: Innocence

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

Medieval France provides the backdrop for Amicia and Hugo's desperate flight from the Inquisition and hordes of plague-ridden rats. The game's atmosphere, historical detail, and emotional depth create a powerful sense of struggle for survival.

Pentiment

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

Immerse yourself in the Renaissance era, navigating intrigue, political conflict, and personal tragedies. Your decisions shape history as you interact with memorable characters and unravel mysteries hidden within the richly detailed world. The game's unique art style, reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts, sets it apart.

Tomb Raider

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

This reboot of the classic series reimagines Lara Croft, delivering a cinematic experience. Explore ancient ruins, solve puzzles, and engage in action-packed sequences, all while confronting Lara's inner struggles.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

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

Experience thrilling expeditions, perilous traps, and ancient mysteries in this Indiana Jones adventure. Solve complex puzzles, utilize environmental objects as weapons, and navigate encounters with stealth or cunning.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

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

Embark on a humorous, action-packed space journey with Star-Lord and the Guardians. Command your team in combat, develop relationships, and enjoy a captivating narrative spanning 25 hours of gameplay.

The Wolf Among Us

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

Based on the Fables comic, this interactive adventure places you in the role of Bigby Wolf, a detective investigating crimes in a world where fairy tale characters live among humans. The compelling narrative and characters made this a fan favorite.

BioShock Infinite

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

Explore the flying city of Columbia in this first-person shooter, where utopian ideals clash with dystopian realities. Unravel mysteries, confront moral dilemmas, and experience a compelling narrative within a visually striking and unforgettable setting.

The Walking Dead

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

Experience a gripping zombie apocalypse story focused on a group of survivors. Make difficult choices that impact character lives and relationships, navigating a world of danger and moral ambiguity.

Life is Strange

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

Max Caulfield's ability to rewind time is central to this narrative, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery. The stylized graphics, soundtrack, and strong storyline create a lasting impact.

Firewatch

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

As a forest ranger, Henry's solitary existence is disrupted by mysterious events. The game's beautiful landscapes, unique interface, and measured pace create a sense of immersion in nature and introspection, punctuated by radio conversations with Delilah.

Control

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

Jesse Faden's search for her brother leads her to a supernatural facility where reality bends. Her telekinetic abilities provide unique combat options, resulting in satisfying and unusual destruction.

Death Stranding: Director's Cut

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

Hideo Kojima's post-apocalyptic vision focuses on reconnecting humanity. Delivering cargo across a detailed landscape, connecting settlements to the chiral network, forms the core gameplay, with a strong emphasis on movement mechanics and emotional storytelling.

Detroit: Become Human

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

This interactive drama explores the nature of humanity and artificial intelligence through the intertwined fates of three androids. Your choices shape the conflict between androids and humans, raising questions about free will and moral responsibility.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

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

Swing through a vibrant open-world recreation of New York City as Spider-Man. Engage in thrilling combat, utilize web-slinging mechanics, and experience a compelling narrative enhanced by excellent voice acting and graphics.

Yakuza 0

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

Explore the violent world of the Japanese mafia in the late 1980s. Follow the story of a legendary character, balancing intense action with humorous moments and a variety of side activities.

To the Moon

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

Two doctors journey through a dying man's memories to fulfill his final wish. This emotional adventure balances humor and drama, creating a poignant and memorable experience.

It Takes Two

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

This cooperative adventure features a captivating story, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals. Work together to overcome challenges as a magically shrunken couple, testing and strengthening your relationship.

Black Myth: Wukong

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

Inspired by Chinese mythology and "Journey to the West," this action game features the Monkey King on an epic quest. Face numerous challenging yet varied boss encounters.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

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

This challenging action game set in feudal Japan emphasizes aggressive combat and rhythmic parrying. Utilize prosthetics to overcome obstacles and enemies, and utilize the resurrection mechanic to learn from mistakes.

Journey

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

A meditative adventure through stunning landscapes, told through visuals, music, and environmental interaction. The lack of dialogue allows for personal reflection and interpretation.

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons

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

Control two brothers simultaneously as they embark on a perilous quest to save their ailing father. The unique control scheme adds a layer of challenge and emotional depth to the narrative.

The Stanley Parable

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

This meta-commentary on video games and narrative structures challenges expectations. Explore an office environment filled with absurd situations and unexpected twists, prompting reflection on choice and control.

Outer Wilds

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

Explore a solar system shrouded in mystery within a time loop. Discover secrets across diverse planets, contemplating the implications of your actions within the cyclical nature of time.

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

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

Nathan Drake's final adventure emphasizes exploration across diverse environments. Solve puzzles and engage in action sequences, experiencing a cinematic narrative enhanced by stunning visuals and animation.

God of War

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

Kratos' journey through Norse mythology explores themes of family and redemption. Experience a benchmark action game with a compelling narrative and engaging combat alongside Atreus.

The Last of Us

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

Navigate a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection. Experience a gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists, utilizing stealth and resource management to survive.

Video games offer unparalleled immersion, allowing players to actively explore fictional worlds, shape narratives, and experience stories firsthand. The games above exemplify this immersive quality exceptionally well.