Top 30 Adventure Games: Thrilling Picks

In general, almost any game that involves puzzle-solving and exploration to progress through its narrative can be classified as an adventure. This broad definition means that many RPGs, slashers, platformers, and other genres can also fit into the adventure category.

We've put together a curated list of top games where adventure is at the heart of the experience—titles that emphasize world exploration or storytelling. We also suggest exploring our other genre collections:

Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters, Platformers

Table of Content --- 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 0 0 Comment on this Kenshi

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

People often envision hell as a fiery underworld teeming with demons and lava. Yet, in Kenshi, hell is the world you navigate as you strive to survive. Picture endless deserts, rugged landscapes, and a pervasive sense of doom where danger lurks at every turn. As a lone traveler, you seek food and shelter, only to encounter slave traders who capture and enslave you. Will you submit to their demands or plot your escape? Will you forge alliances or trust no one? Kenshi offers hundreds of hours of exploration and diverse narratives, allowing you to carve your path through adversity.

Syberia

Image: pl.riotpixels.com

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

Embark on a journey with Kate Walker, a talented lawyer, as she travels through Europe and Siberia to close a deal involving an old automaton factory. Note the distinction—automatons, not robots, are central to the story. Syberia stands out for its stunning visual design, featuring meticulously crafted European cityscapes and the vast, snowy expanses of Siberia. The world, designed by Benoît Sokal, creates an unforgettable atmosphere, a hallmark of his games.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

Set during World War I, Valiant Hearts: The Great War weaves a poignant narrative around several characters whose lives intertwine amidst the war's horrors. The gameplay centers on solving puzzles and exploring locations, immersing players in the tragic events of the era. Though the puzzles are not overly complex, they effectively draw you into the realities of World War I, providing a profound understanding of the conflict.

Stray

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

In Stray, you take control of a stray cat navigating a mysterious, technologically advanced world. It's a unique perspective, controlling an animal and experiencing its grace, curiosity, and resourcefulness as it explores alleys and dark city streets. Interact with robotic inhabitants and solve puzzles, leveraging the cat's natural instincts to overcome challenges.

A Plague Tale: Innocence

Image: store.focus-entmt.com

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

Set in medieval France, A Plague Tale: Innocence follows siblings Amicia and Hugo as they evade the Inquisition and swarms of rats. The game's atmosphere is gripping, with its gloomy landscapes, realistic depictions of the infected, and meticulous historical details, all woven into an emotionally charged narrative of survival and hope.

Pentiment

Image: news.xbox.com

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

Immerse yourself in the Renaissance with Pentiment, where you navigate a web of intrigue, political conflict, and personal tragedy against a backdrop of historical turmoil. Your decisions shape the course of history as you interact with a cast of vibrant characters and unravel mysteries hidden within the game's richly detailed world. The game's unique graphics, inspired by illuminated manuscripts and woodcut prints, set it apart from other titles.

Tomb Raider

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

The reboot of the legendary Tomb Raider series reimagines Lara Croft, delivering a cinematic experience that draws you deep into her journey. Explore ancient ruins filled with puzzles and deadly traps, blending action, puzzle-solving, and stealth as Lara battles external threats and her inner demons.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Image: dexerto.com

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

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle offers a fresh take on adventure games, inspired by the iconic archaeologist. It's a treasure trove for fans of thrilling expeditions, dangerous traps, and ancient mysteries. With complex puzzles and combat that allows you to use environmental objects as weapons, you can often avoid fights by blending into the crowd or staying out of sight.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Image: news.xbox.com

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

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy feels like a 25-hour cinematic adventure, filled with humor, sharp dialogue, and the camaraderie of the Guardians. As Star-Lord, you lead the team, issuing commands to leverage their unique abilities during combat. It's a space journey that celebrates friendship and teamwork.

The Wolf Among Us

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Based on the Fables comics, The Wolf Among Us lets you step into the shoes of Bigby Wolf, a reformed wolf turned detective, navigating a city where fairy tale characters live incognito among humans. Solve crimes and seek justice in a world brimming with secrets and betrayals. The game's popularity led to the development of a sequel despite Telltale's challenges.

BioShock Infinite

Image: habr.com

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

BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter with a profound narrative and philosophical undertones. Set in the floating city of Columbia, it explores themes of freedom, progress, and tyranny. As Booker DeWitt, you unravel the mysteries of the past and confront an inevitable fate, navigating a world filled with moral dilemmas and unexpected twists.

The Walking Dead

Image: microsoft.com

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

The Walking Dead delivers one of the most compelling narratives in a zombie apocalypse setting. As you guide a group of survivors through constant peril, your choices shape the lives of the characters and their relationships with you. The game's cinematic style, excellent voice acting, and vivid characters evoke a wide range of emotions, from hope to despair.

Life is Strange

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

Life is Strange follows Max Caulfield, a student with the power to rewind time, as she navigates moral dilemmas and unexpected twists. The game explores themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery, enhanced by its stylized graphics and an emotive soundtrack that leaves a lasting impact.

Firewatch

Image: firewatchgame.com

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

In Firewatch, you play as Henry, a forest ranger whose solitary life is disrupted by mysterious events. The game's colorful landscapes, diegetic interface, and measured pace immerse you in nature and introspection, with radio dialogues with Delilah as your only connection to the outside world. It prompts reflection on Henry's purpose and place.

Control

Image: wylsa.com

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

In Control, Jesse Faden searches for her brother and unravels the mysteries of a supernatural facility where reality is in flux. Use Jesse's telekinetic abilities for a unique combat experience, whether shooting or creatively using the environment to defeat enemies. The satisfaction of destroying office spaces is unparalleled, and the game's narrative keeps you engaged.

Death Stranding: Director's Cut

Image: cmp24.by

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

Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding: Director's Cut focuses on rebuilding civilization post-catastrophe by reconnecting humanity. The game's emotional depth and cinematic storytelling create a memorable atmosphere. Deliver cargo between settlements and connect people to the chiral network, enhanced by detailed movement mechanics and exceptional level design.

Detroit: Become Human

Image: imdb.com

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

Detroit: Become Human is an interactive drama that explores the nature of humanity and AI ethics. Follow the intertwined lives of three androids in a world where technology and emotion collide. Your choices shape the outcome of the android-human conflict, prompting reflection on free will, responsibility, and moral decisions.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

Image: habr.com

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

Marvel’s Spider-Man offers an exhilarating adventure in an open-world New York City, brimming with life. Swing through the city, engage in dynamic combat, and immerse yourself in a captivating narrative. The game's top-notch action, stunning graphics, and excellent voice acting make it a standout experience for Spider-Man fans.

Yakuza 0

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

Yakuza 0 delves into the brutal world of the Japanese mafia in the late 1980s, exploring the origins of a legendary character. The game blends a deep narrative with a variety of side activities, including arcade games, combat challenges, and exploring Tokyo and Osaka's vibrant streets.

To the Moon

Image: youtube.com

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

In To the Moon, two doctors help a dying grandfather fulfill his dream within his memories. Traverse his life to reach pivotal moments, experiencing a narrative that balances drama and comedy. This short yet rich adventure focuses on storytelling, offering minimal gameplay as a break between narrative segments.

It Takes Two

Image: wylsa.com

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

It Takes Two is a cooperative adventure that tests and strengthens relationships through engaging storytelling, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals. As a couple transformed into toys, you must collaborate to overcome puzzles and challenges, making for a fun and rewarding experience.

Black Myth: Wukong

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Inspired by Chinese mythology and the Monkey King, Black Myth: Wukong offers an action-packed adventure. Embark on an epic journey filled with mythical creatures and challenging bosses, drawing from the novel "Journey to the West". The game strikes a balance between challenge and variety.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Image: sulpak.kz

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

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a challenging action game set in feudal Japan, where you play as a shinobi using a rhythmic parrying system to overcome enemies. Unlike other FromSoftware titles, Sekiro emphasizes aggressive combat, with resurrection mechanics allowing you to continue without losing progress. Utilize situational prosthetics to ease battles.

Journey

Image: wallpapercrafter.com

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

Journey is a meditative adventure through stunning landscapes, telling its story through visuals, music, and environmental interaction rather than dialogue. It's a journey through deserts, mountains, and ruins that inspires reflection and wonder, often helping players navigate difficult life stages.

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons

Image: nintendo.com

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

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons follows the journey of two brothers seeking a cure for their father. The game's unique control mechanics require you to manage both characters simultaneously, enhancing the puzzle-solving experience. The narrative is infused with melancholy and warmth, compelling you to support the brothers on their quest.

The Stanley Parable

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

The Stanley Parable is an ironic game that offers meta-commentary on video game narratives and player freedom. As Stanley, an ordinary office worker, you navigate an office space filled with absurd plot twists, encouraging reflection on control and predestination. Its humor and fourth-wall-breaking elements make it a memorable experience.

Outer Wilds

Image: news.xbox.com

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

Outer Wilds is best experienced with minimal prior knowledge. Explore a solar system filled with mysteries, traveling freely between planets, each with its own story and secrets. The game's time-loop mechanic prompts contemplation of fate and the impact of your actions.

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End marks Nathan Drake's final adventure, with a greater emphasis on exploration across diverse locations, from snowy mountains to exotic islands. The game's realistic graphics and smooth animations enhance its cinematic quality, providing a satisfying mix of puzzles and action.

God of War

Image: redbull.com

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

In the revamped God of War, Kratos navigates Norse mythology as a father seeking redemption and teaching his son, Atreus, to face challenges. The game delves into themes of family and overcoming inner pain, setting a new standard for action games. Atreus is not just a narrative element but a combat companion, enhancing the gameplay experience.

The Last of Us

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, The Last of Us follows a smuggler tasked with delivering a key to stopping a fungal zombie epidemic. The game's narrative is filled with surprises and explores human behavior in dire situations. Its stealth combat and limited resources create a tense gameplay experience, reminiscent of survival horror without being overtly scary.

Video games offer a unique form of immersion, allowing you to explore fictional worlds, make impactful decisions, and truly become the character. The games listed above exemplify this experience, offering rich narratives and expansive worlds to discover.