Top 30 Adventure Games Ranked

Adventure games are renowned for their focus on puzzle-solving and exploration, often weaving intricate storylines that captivate players. These elements can be found across various genres, including RPGs, slashers, platformers, and more, making many games classifiable as adventures. We've curated a selection of top-tier games where adventure is at the heart of the experience, emphasizing world exploration and storytelling. Additionally, we encourage you to explore our lists of games in other genres such as Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters, and Platformers for a broader gaming experience.

Table of Content ---

Kenshi

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

Kenshi presents a harsh world reminiscent of hell, with its endless deserts and perilous landscapes. As a lone traveler, you'll face the constant threat of slave traders and must decide whether to submit or fight for your freedom. With hundreds of hours of exploration and diverse narratives, Kenshi offers a profound adventure of survival and discovery.

Syberia

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

Embark on a journey with Kate Walker, a lawyer tasked with finalizing a case involving an old automaton factory. Syberia stands out with its stunning visuals, from the picturesque European cities to the vast, snowy expanses of Siberia. The game's meticulously crafted world by Benoît Sokal provides an immersive adventure through beautifully designed environments.

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 follows the intertwined lives of several characters amidst the war's horrors. The game's puzzles and exploration are integral to its storytelling, offering a deep dive into the tragic events of the era and providing a poignant understanding of the Great War's impact.

Stray

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

In Stray, you take control of a cat navigating a mysterious, technologically advanced world. The unique perspective of playing as a feline adds a fresh layer of exploration and puzzle-solving, utilizing the cat's natural curiosity and agility to uncover the secrets of this robotic society.

A Plague Tale: Innocence

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

Set in medieval France, A Plague Tale: Innocence follows the harrowing journey of siblings Amicia and Hugo as they evade the Inquisition and swarms of rats. The game's atmospheric storytelling, detailed historical setting, and emotional depth create a gripping adventure through a plague-ravaged world.

Pentiment

Image: news.xbox.com

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

Pentiment transports you to the Renaissance, where you're embroiled in a web of intrigue, political conflict, and personal tragedy. Your decisions shape the narrative as you interact with vibrant characters and unravel mysteries. The game's unique visual style, inspired by illuminated manuscripts, sets it apart as a distinctive adventure.

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 Tomb Raider series introduces a new, more vulnerable Lara Croft, whose journey is filled with cinematic storytelling and intense action. Exploring ancient ruins, solving puzzles, and overcoming deadly traps are central to the gameplay, offering a thrilling adventure with a focus on survival and self-discovery.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

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

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle brings the iconic archaeologist's adventures to life with thrilling expeditions and complex puzzles. The game captures the essence of the films with its fast-paced action and clever use of the environment, offering fans an authentic and engaging adventure.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Image: news.xbox.com

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

Join Star-Lord and the Guardians on a space-faring adventure filled with humor, camaraderie, and action. The game's engaging narrative and dynamic combat system, where you command your team's abilities, create an immersive experience that highlights the bonds within the team.

The Wolf Among Us

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

As Bigby Wolf, a detective in a world where fairy tale characters coexist with humans, you'll navigate a city full of secrets and betrayals. The Wolf Among Us offers a compelling narrative-driven adventure, with your choices shaping the story and eagerly awaited sequel in development.

BioShock Infinite

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

BioShock Infinite takes you to the floating city of Columbia, where utopia turns to dystopia. As Booker DeWitt, you'll uncover the city's dark secrets and face moral dilemmas in a narrative rich with philosophical themes. The game's unique setting and visual style make it a memorable adventure.

The Walking Dead

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

Set in a zombie apocalypse, The Walking Dead follows a group of survivors making tough decisions that affect their fate. With its cinematic storytelling, strong voice acting, and emotional depth, the game delivers a compelling narrative adventure that explores themes of 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)

Life is Strange follows Max Caulfield, a student with the power to rewind time. The game's narrative explores themes of friendship and personal growth through a series of moral choices and time-altering puzzles. Its stylized graphics and emotive soundtrack enhance the storytelling experience.

Firewatch

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

In Firewatch, you play as Henry, a forest ranger whose solitude is disrupted by mysterious events. The game's immersive environment, engaging narrative, and radio dialogues with Delilah create a unique adventure that delves into themes of isolation and introspection.

Control

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

As Jesse Faden, you explore a supernatural facility where reality bends and shifts. Control's innovative gameplay, featuring telekinetic abilities, offers a fresh take on action-adventure, allowing you to manipulate the environment and enemies in thrilling ways.

Death Stranding: Director's Cut

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

Death Stranding: Director's Cut follows a courier's journey to reconnect humanity after a global catastrophe. The game's focus on delivering cargo and building connections, combined with intricate movement mechanics and cinematic storytelling, creates a unique and emotional adventure.

Detroit: Become Human

Image: imdb.com

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

Detroit: Become Human explores the lives of three androids in a future where technology and emotions clash. The game's interactive narrative, driven by your choices, delves into themes of humanity, free will, and ethics, offering a thought-provoking adventure.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

Image: habr.com

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

Swing through a vibrant New York City as Spider-Man in this action-packed adventure. The game's engaging story, fluid web-slinging mechanics, and top-notch graphics create an immersive experience that captures the essence of the beloved superhero.

Yakuza 0

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

Yakuza 0 offers a deep dive into the Japanese mafia world in the late 1980s. With its rich narrative, diverse side activities, and engaging combat, the game provides a comprehensive adventure that blends drama, humor, and action.

To the Moon

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

In To the Moon, two doctors help a dying man fulfill his dream by exploring his memories. The game's poignant storytelling, balanced with moments of humor, creates a moving adventure that explores themes of regret and fulfillment.

It Takes Two

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

It Takes Two is a cooperative adventure that follows a couple turned into dolls, requiring teamwork to solve puzzles and overcome challenges. The game's engaging story and innovative gameplay make it a fun and rewarding experience that tests and strengthens relationships.

Black Myth: Wukong

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

Inspired by Chinese mythology, Black Myth: Wukong follows the Monkey King on an epic journey. The game's action-packed gameplay, varied bosses, and mythological setting create a challenging yet accessible adventure.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

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

Set in feudal Japan, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a demanding action game with a focus on stealth and rhythmic combat. The protagonist's unique resurrection ability and versatile prosthetics offer a thrilling and strategic adventure.

Journey

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

Journey is a meditative adventure through a stunning, mysterious world. Its wordless storytelling, evocative music, and serene landscapes offer a profound and inspiring experience that encourages reflection and personal growth.

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons

Image: nintendo.com

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

In Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons, you control two brothers on a quest to save their father. The game's unique dual-control mechanic and emotional narrative create a deeply moving adventure filled with warmth and melancholy.

The Stanley Parable

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

The Stanley Parable is an ironic meta-commentary on video game narratives, following an office worker named Stanley. With its witty humor and unexpected twists, the game offers a thought-provoking adventure that challenges perceptions of freedom and control.

Outer Wilds

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

Outer Wilds is a mystery-filled adventure set in a time-looping solar system. With its emphasis on exploration and discovery, the game invites players to uncover the secrets of each planet, offering a unique and engaging experience.

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 follows Nathan Drake on his final adventure, focusing on exploration and cinematic storytelling. The game's diverse locations, from snowy mountains to exotic islands, and engaging puzzles create an epic adventure.

God of War

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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. The game's focus on family, coupled with its action-packed gameplay and emotional storytelling, delivers a powerful and immersive adventure.

The Last of Us

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

The Last of Us is set in a post-apocalyptic world where you guide a smuggler and a young girl through a landscape overrun by fungal zombies. With its intense stealth mechanics, emotional narrative, and impactful choices, the game offers a gripping survival adventure.

Video games provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in fictional worlds, allowing players to explore, interact, and influence the narrative. The games listed above exemplify this experience, offering rich adventures that engage and inspire.