by Claire Mar 12,2025
Adventure games, broadly defined, encompass any title requiring puzzle-solving and exploration to advance the narrative. This broad definition includes many RPGs, slashers, platformers, and games from other genres. This list highlights top titles where adventure is the core element—games prioritizing world exploration and compelling storytelling.
Explore our curated selections of games from other genres: **Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters, Platformers**
Table of Content ---
Metascore: 75 Download: Steam Release Date: December 6, 2018 Developer: Lo-Fi Games
Forget the stereotypical fiery hellscape; Kenshi's hell is a harsh, unforgiving world of endless deserts and rocky landscapes. You are a lone traveler, constantly searching for food and shelter, only to be captured by slave traders. Will you obey, or fight for freedom? Will you find allies, or trust no one? The choice is yours in this sprawling, deeply immersive experience offering hundreds of hours of exploration and challenging survival.
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: September 1, 2002 Developer: Microids
Follow Kate Walker, a talented lawyer, on a journey across Europe and Siberia to settle a case involving an old automaton factory. (Note: these are automatons, not robots—a crucial distinction.) Syberia's stunning visuals are a highlight, with meticulously crafted European cityscapes and the breathtaking, snow-covered expanses of Siberia creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Metascore: 77 Download: Steam Release Date: June 25, 2014 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Experience World War I through the interwoven fates of several characters in this unique adventure. Solve puzzles, explore locations, and immerse yourself in the tragic realities of the war. The puzzles aren't overly difficult, but they effectively enhance the emotional impact of the narrative.
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. Embrace your feline instincts to overcome challenges in this unusual and charming adventure.
Metascore: 81 Download: Steam Release Date: May 14, 2019 Developer: Asobo Studio
Amicia and Hugo, siblings in medieval France, must evade both the Inquisition and hordes of plague-ridden rats. The game's atmosphere is masterfully crafted, with gloomy landscapes, realistic depictions of the infected, and historical accuracy creating a powerful sense of desperation and survival.
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: November 15, 2022 Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Step into the Renaissance era in Pentiment, a game where you navigate a complex web of intrigue, political conflicts, and personal tragedies. Your decisions shape the course of history as you interact with memorable characters and unravel mysteries hidden within the world. The unique art style, reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts and woodcuts, sets Pentiment apart.
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: March 5, 2013 Developer: Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, Feral Interactive (Mac), Nixxes
Experience a rebooted Lara Croft in this cinematic adventure. Explore ancient ruins filled with puzzles and deadly traps, engaging in action, puzzle-solving, and stealth. The game masterfully blends action with a compelling narrative, exploring Lara's internal struggles alongside external threats.
Metascore: 87 Download: Steam Release Date: December 9, 2024 Developer: MachineGames
Embark on thrilling expeditions, navigate dangerous traps, and unravel ancient mysteries in this Indiana Jones adventure. The game features challenging optional puzzles and allows for creative combat using environmental objects, offering players choices in how they approach each situation.
Metascore: 78 Download: Steam Release Date: October 26, 2021 Developer: Eidos-Montreal
Join Star-Lord and the Guardians on a humorous space adventure filled with memorable dialogue and character interactions. Command your team during combat, utilizing their unique abilities. This 25-hour cinematic experience prioritizes character development and camaraderie.
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: October 11, 2013 Developer: Telltale
Based on the Fables comic, this interactive adventure plunges you into a world where fairy tale characters live among humans. Play as Bigby Wolf, a detective investigating crimes and uncovering secrets in a city rife with betrayal. The game's popularity has ensured a highly anticipated sequel.
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 with a deeply philosophical narrative. Booker DeWitt unravels mysteries of the past, confronting moral dilemmas and unexpected twists in a visually stunning and unforgettable setting.
Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: April 24, 2012 Developer: Telltale Games
Experience a gripping zombie apocalypse story centered around a group of survivors. Your choices have significant consequences, impacting character relationships and survival. The cinematic presentation and strong voice acting amplify the emotional depth of the narrative.
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: January 30, 2015 Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment, Feral Interactive (Mac, Linux)
Max Caulfield, a student with the ability to rewind time, navigates moral dilemmas and unexpected events. Explore themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery in this visually striking game with a memorable soundtrack and compelling storyline.
Metascore: 81 Download: Steam Release Date: February 9, 2016 Developer: Campo Santo
As a forest ranger, Henry's solitary life is disrupted by mysterious occurrences. The game's measured pace, colorful landscapes, and diegetic interface create a strong sense of immersion in nature. Communication with Delilah, your partner via radio, provides a counterpoint to Henry's solitude.
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: September 27, 2019 Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Jesse Faden searches for her brother and investigates a supernatural facility where reality bends. Jesse's telekinetic abilities provide unique combat mechanics, offering a satisfying blend of shooting and object manipulation.
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 detailed movement mechanics and level design.
Metascore: 80 Download: Steam Release Date: May 25, 2018 Developer: Quantic Dream
Explore the ethics of artificial intelligence in this interactive drama following three androids. Your choices determine the outcome of the conflict between androids and humans, raising questions about free will and responsibility.
Metascore: 87 Download: Steam Release Date: September 7, 2018 Developer: Insomniac Games, Nixxes Software
Swing through a vibrant, open-world 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.
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 through violent confrontations, dramatic twists, and humorous moments. The game combines a deep narrative with a variety of side activities and exploration.
Metascore: 81 Download: Steam Release Date: November 1, 2011 Developer: Freebird Games
Two doctors help a dying grandfather fulfill his lifelong dream by journeying through his memories. This poignant adventure masterfully blends drama and comedy, evoking a wide range of emotions.
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: March 26, 2021 Developer: Hazelight Studios
This cooperative adventure features a captivating story, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals. A magical curse shrinks a couple to toy size, forcing them to work together to overcome challenges and puzzles.
Metascore: 81 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2024 Developer: Game Science
Inspired by Chinese mythology and "Journey to the West," this action game follows the Monkey King on an epic journey filled with mythical creatures. The game features numerous challenging but fair boss encounters.
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: March 21, 2019 Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
A challenging action game set in feudal Japan, requiring precise parrying and aggressive combat. The protagonist's ability to resurrect after death adds a unique layer to the gameplay.
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: June 11, 2020 Developer: thatgamecompany
Embark on a meditative journey through stunning landscapes, with the story told through visuals, music, and environmental interaction. This emotionally resonant experience offers a sense of wonder and inspiration.
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 enhances the emotional connection to the characters and their journey.
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: October 17, 2013 Developer: Galactic Cafe
A meta-commentary on video games and narrative, this ironic adventure follows Stanley, an office worker, through absurd and unexpected plot twists. The game challenges perceptions of freedom, control, and player agency.
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: June 18, 2020 Developer: Mobius Digital
Explore a solar system filled with mysteries within a time-loop cycle. The less you know beforehand, the more rewarding the experience will be.
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. Simple puzzles offer a counterpoint to the action-packed sequences.
Metascore: 93 Download: Steam Release Date: January 14, 2022 Developer: Santa Monica Studio, Jetpack Interactive
Kratos, now a father, navigates Norse mythology, grappling with his past and teaching his son. The game explores themes of family and redemption alongside action-packed gameplay.
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 living cargo crucial to stopping a fungal epidemic. The game blends stealth combat, resource management, and a compelling narrative.
While various media immerse us in fictional worlds, only video games offer the agency to explore them firsthand. The games listed above exemplify this immersive power, allowing players to truly inhabit the roles of their chosen characters and shape their destinies.
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