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.

We've curated a list of top-tier adventure games prioritizing world exploration and compelling storytelling. Explore our genre-specific game lists as well:

Survival | Horror | Simulators | Shooters | Platformers

Table of Contents

Kenshi

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

Kenshi redefines "hell" as a harsh, unforgiving world of endless deserts and perilous landscapes. You'll play a lone traveler, constantly searching for survival against the odds, possibly encountering slave traders and facing difficult choices: obedience or escape, trust or solitude. Hundreds of hours of gameplay await, filled with diverse narratives and opportunities for exploration and overcoming hardship.

Syberia

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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 (crucially, automatons, not robots). Syberia's stunning visuals—from European cityscapes to Siberian snowfields—create an unforgettable atmosphere, a hallmark of Benoît Sokal's distinctive style.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

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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 and explore locations, immersing yourself in the tragic events of the era. The puzzles, while not overly challenging, enhance the game's poignant portrayal of wartime realities.

Stray

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

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

A Plague Tale: Innocence

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

Amicia and Hugo, siblings in medieval France, struggle for survival against the Inquisition and hordes of rats during a time of plague and violence. The game's atmospheric setting, detailed models, and historical accuracy create a powerful sense of hopelessness and the fight for survival.

Pentiment

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

Step into the Renaissance era in Pentiment, navigating political intrigue, personal tragedies, and historical events. Your choices shape history as you interact with diverse characters and unravel mysteries hidden within the game's world. The unique art style, reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts, sets it apart.

Tomb Raider

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

This reboot of the legendary series reinvents Lara Croft, delivering a cinematic experience. Explore ancient ruins, solve puzzles, and engage in action sequences while battling both external threats and Lara's inner demons.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

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

A thrilling adventure for fans of Indiana Jones, featuring complex puzzles, inventive combat using environmental objects, and opportunities for stealth.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

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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, filled with humor, engaging dialogue, and memorable characters. As Star-Lord, command your team during combat, fostering friendships along the way.

The Wolf Among Us

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

Based on the Fables comic, this interactive adventure places you in 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.

BioShock Infinite

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

This first-person shooter explores a flying city, Columbia, where a utopian ideal descends into dystopia. Unravel mysteries, confront moral dilemmas, and navigate a world of unexpected plot twists. The unique visual style makes it unforgettable.

The Walking Dead

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

Experience a gripping zombie apocalypse narrative centered on a group of survivors facing constant threats. Make difficult choices that affect characters' lives and relationships, navigating hope and despair.

Life is Strange

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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 twists, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery. The stylized graphics and soundtrack enhance the emotional impact.

Firewatch

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

As a forest ranger, Henry's solitude is disrupted by mysterious events. Explore the wilderness, communicating with Delilah via radio, and contemplate the meaning of Henry's presence in this environment.

Control

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

Jesse Faden searches for her brother in a supernatural facility where physics are defied. Use telekinetic abilities in unique combat, destroying environments in satisfying ways.

Death Stranding: Director's Cut

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

Reconnect humanity after a global catastrophe in this Hideo Kojima creation. Deliver cargo, connect people to the chiral network, and experience detailed movement mechanics and level design.

Detroit: Become Human

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

Explore the ethics of artificial intelligence in this interactive drama focusing on three androids. Your choices determine the outcome of the conflict between androids and humans, raising questions about free will and responsibility.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

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

Swing through an open-world recreation of New York City as Spider-Man. Enjoy thrilling combat, stunning graphics, and a compelling narrative, all enhanced by exceptional voice acting.

Yakuza 0

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

Experience the violent world of the Japanese mafia in the late 1980s, following the story of a legendary character. Combine intense storytelling with side activities like mini-games and exploring the streets of Tokyo and Osaka.

To the Moon

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

Help a dying grandfather fulfill his final wish by journeying through his memories. This poignant adventure balances drama and comedy, evoking a wide range of emotions.

It Takes Two

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

A cooperative adventure with an engaging story, unique gameplay, and stunning visuals. Work together to overcome challenges as a couple magically shrunk to toy size.

Black Myth: Wukong

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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 journey. Face numerous bosses in a challenging yet varied combat experience.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

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

A challenging action game set in feudal Japan, emphasizing aggressive combat and rhythmic parrying. Utilize prosthetics to overcome obstacles and enemies.

Journey

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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 absence of verbal narration enhances the sense of wonder and introspection.

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons

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

Control two brothers simultaneously as they embark on a journey to save their ailing father. The unique control mechanics add a layer of challenge to the heartwarming story.

The Stanley Parable

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

A meta-commentary on video games and narrative, challenging expectations and breaking the fourth wall with witty humor.

Outer Wilds

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

Explore a solar system within a time loop, uncovering mysteries and contemplating fate. The less you know beforehand, the more rewarding the experience.

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

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

Nathan Drake's final adventure features diverse locations and simple puzzles interspersed with action sequences. The cinematic presentation is enhanced by realistic graphics and animations.

God of War

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

Kratos, now a father, confronts his past while navigating Norse mythology. The game blends compelling themes with benchmark action gameplay and a helpful combat companion in Atreus.

The Last of Us

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

A post-apocalyptic masterpiece where a smuggler's cargo becomes a key to stopping a fungal epidemic. The tense gameplay combines stealth and resource management.

While various media offer immersion in fictional worlds, video games uniquely allow personal exploration, interaction, and impactful choices. The titles above exemplify this immersive experience.