Adventure games, broadly defined, encompass titles that prioritize puzzle-solving and exploration to drive narrative progression. This means many RPGs, action games, platformers, and others can fall under this umbrella. We've curated a selection of top-tier adventure games emphasizing world exploration and compelling storytelling.
For games in other genres, check out our dedicated lists for: Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters, and Platformers.
Table of Contents
Kenshi
Syberia
Valiant Hearts: The Great War
Stray
A Plague Tale: Innocence
Pentiment
Tomb Raider
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
The Wolf Among Us
BioShock Infinite
The Walking Dead
Life is Strange
Firewatch
Control
Death Stranding: Director's Cut
Detroit: Become Human
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Yakuza 0
To the Moon
It Takes Two
Black Myth: Wukong
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Journey
Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons
The Stanley Parable
Outer Wilds
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
God of War
The Last of Us
Kenshi
Metascore: 75
Download: Steam
Release Date: December 6, 2018
Developer: Lo-Fi Games
Forget the fiery hellscapes of popular imagination; Kenshi's hell is a harsh, unforgiving reality. You'll find yourself in desolate deserts and rocky wastelands, facing constant peril. As a lone traveler, the struggle for survival is paramount. Will you succumb to slavery or fight for freedom? Will you find allies or remain utterly alone? The choice is yours in this sprawling, hundreds-of-hours-long adventure filled with exploration and hardship.
Syberia
Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 1, 2002
Developer: Microids
Follow Kate Walker, a lawyer embarking on a European and Siberian journey to resolve a case involving an old automaton factory. (Note: these are automatons, not robots—a crucial distinction.) Syberia's breathtaking visuals are a highlight, showcasing meticulously crafted European cities and the stark beauty of the Siberian wilderness. Benoît Sokal's distinctive artistic style creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Valiant Hearts: The Great War
Metascore: 77
Download: Steam
Release Date: June 25, 2014
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Experience the horrors and interwoven fates of several characters during World War I in this unique adventure. Solve puzzles, explore locations, and immerse yourself in the tragic realities of the war. The puzzles, while not overly challenging, effectively enhance the narrative's emotional impact.
Stray
Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release Date: July 19, 2022
Developer: BlueTwelve Studio
Experience the world from a unique perspective—that of a stray cat navigating a mysterious, technologically advanced city. Explore alleys, dark streets, and interact with robotic inhabitants while solving puzzles. Leverage your feline instincts and abilities to overcome challenges in this unusual and captivating adventure.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
Metascore: 81
Download: Steam
Release Date: May 14, 2019
Developer: Asobo Studio
Set in medieval France, Amicia and Hugo, siblings on the run from the Inquisition and hordes of plague-ridden rats, struggle for survival in a grim and violent world. The game's atmosphere is masterfully crafted, combining gloomy landscapes, realistic depictions of infection, historical accuracy, and emotional depth to create a powerful sense of despair and resilience.
Pentiment
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 15, 2022
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Step into the Renaissance era and become entangled in a web of intrigue, political conflict, and personal tragedy. 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 and woodcuts, 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 legendary series reimagines Lara Croft, delivering a cinematic experience. Explore ancient ruins, solve puzzles, overcome deadly traps, and engage in thrilling action sequences. The game masterfully blends action, puzzle-solving, and stealth, all while delving into Lara's internal struggles.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Metascore: 87
Download: Steam
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Developer: MachineGames
A thrilling adventure for fans of Indiana Jones, offering a unique twist on the typical adventure game formula. Solve complex puzzles, utilize environmental objects as weapons, and choose between stealth and combat encounters. The game faithfully captures the spirit of the iconic films.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Metascore: 78
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 26, 2021
Developer: Eidos-Montreal
Embark on a 25-hour space adventure with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Enjoy humorous dialogue, compelling character interactions, and exciting combat where you direct your team's abilities. The focus on team dynamics and friendship adds a unique layer to the gameplay.
The Wolf Among Us
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 11, 2013
Developer: Telltale
Based on the Fables comic book series, this interactive adventure plunges you into a world where fairy tale characters live among humans, concealing their true identities. Play as Bigby Wolf, a detective investigating crimes and uncovering secrets in a city rife with betrayal.
BioShock Infinite
Metascore: 94
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Developer: Irrational Games, Virtual Programming (Linux)
This first-person shooter combines intense action with a deep, thought-provoking narrative. Explore the flying city of Columbia, where a utopian ideal descends into dystopia. Unravel mysteries, confront moral dilemmas, and experience a unique visual style that sets the game apart.
The Walking Dead
Metascore: 89
Download: Steam
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Developer: Telltale Games
Experience a gripping zombie apocalypse story focusing on a group of survivors. Make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences, shaping relationships and determining the fate of your companions. The game's cinematic presentation, voice acting, and characters create an emotionally resonant experience.
Life is Strange
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 30, 2015
Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment, Feral Interactive (Mac, Linux)
As Max Caulfield, a student with the power to rewind time, navigate moral dilemmas and unexpected twists of fate. Explore themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery in this emotionally charged adventure with a timeless art style and captivating soundtrack.
Firewatch
Metascore: 81
Download: Steam
Release Date: February 9, 2016
Developer: Campo Santo
Experience the solitude and mystery of a forest ranger's life as Henry. Explore stunning landscapes, interact with a unique diegetic interface, and engage in radio conversations with Delilah, your supervisor. Contemplate the meaning of Henry's presence and the events unfolding around him.
Control
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Jesse Faden searches for her brother and unravels the secrets of a supernatural facility where the laws of physics are distorted. Use Jesse's telekinetic abilities in unique combat encounters, and enjoy the satisfying destruction of the game's environments.
Death Stranding: Director's Cut
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 24, 2021
Developer: Kojima Productions
Hideo Kojima's post-apocalyptic adventure focuses on reconnecting humanity after a global catastrophe. Deliver cargo, connect settlements to the chiral network, and experience a deeply emotional narrative with highly detailed movement mechanics and level design.
Detroit: Become Human
Metascore: 80
Download: Steam
Release Date: May 25, 2018
Developer: Quantic Dream
Explore the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in this interactive drama. Follow the intertwined fates of three androids in a world grappling with the conflict between technology and emotion. Your choices determine the outcome of the human-android conflict.
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 with top-notch graphics and voice acting.
Yakuza 0
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 1, 2018
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Explore the violent and dramatic world of the Japanese mafia in the late 1980s. Follow the story of a legendary character, navigating violent confrontations, plot twists, and humorous moments. Enjoy a rich narrative complemented by a variety of side activities.
To the Moon
Metascore: 81
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Developer: Freebird Games
Journey through the memories of a dying grandfather to fulfill his final wish. Experience a poignant blend of drama and comedy, with emotional highs and lows that will leave a lasting impression.
It Takes Two
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Developer: Hazelight Studios
A cooperative adventure game with a captivating story, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals. Play as a couple shrunk to toy size, working together to overcome challenges and puzzles.
Black Myth: Wukong
Metascore: 81
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 20, 2024
Developer: Game Science
Inspired by Chinese mythology and the novel "Journey to the West," this action game follows the Monkey King on an epic adventure filled with mythical creatures and challenging bosses.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 21, 2019
Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
A challenging action game set in feudal Japan, featuring a unique rhythmic parrying system and the ability to resurrect after death. Utilize prosthetics to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies in intense combat encounters.
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. Experience a journey of self-discovery and find inspiration in this breathtaking and emotionally resonant experience.
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 quest to save their ailing father. The unique control scheme adds a layer of challenge and emotional connection to this heartwarming and melancholic adventure.
The Stanley Parable
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 17, 2013
Developer: Galactic Cafe
A meta-commentary on video games and narrative structures, this ironic adventure challenges expectations and breaks the fourth wall. Explore an office space filled with absurd situations and unexpected twists.
Outer Wilds
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: June 18, 2020
Developer: Mobius Digital
Explore a solar system filled with mysteries within a time loop. Discover secrets, unravel the narrative, and contemplate the inevitability of fate in this unique and thought-provoking adventure.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Metascore: 93
Download: PS Store
Release Date: May 10, 2016
Developer: Naughty Dog
Nathan Drake's final adventure features diverse locations, from snow-capped mountains to lush jungles. Solve puzzles, engage in action sequences, and experience a cinematic narrative with stunning visuals and smooth animations.
God of War
Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Developer: Santa Monica Studio, Jetpack Interactive
Kratos, now a father, confronts his past and guides his son, Atreus, through Norse mythology. Experience a compelling narrative exploring themes of family, redemption, and overcoming personal struggles, alongside benchmark action gameplay.
The Last of Us
Metascore: 95
Download: Steam
Release Date: June 14, 2013
Developer: Naughty Dog LLC, Iron Galaxy Studios
A post-apocalyptic masterpiece where a smuggler must deliver a crucial cargo—a young girl—in a world threatened by fungal zombies. Experience tense stealth combat and limited resources in this gripping narrative.
While various media immerse us in fictional worlds, video games uniquely allow for personal exploration, interaction, and decision-making that shapes the narrative. The games listed above exemplify this immersive experience.
