The Best Exploration Games

Update : Jusant added at rank #10.
1

Outer Wilds (2019)

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94
Review score
Logo of Outer Wilds Screenshot of Outer Wilds Screenshot of Outer Wilds Screenshot of Outer Wilds

Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch Android

Unravel the mysteries of the universe in Outer Wilds, an award-winning open world game. Explore an ever-evolving solar system, uncover alien secrets, and enjoy a thought-provoking narrative. With no enemies to fight, you're free to discover at your own pace. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in space!


What we like:
  • Unique and immersive gameplay experience
  • Beautiful and intricate world-building
  • Thought-provoking narrative
  • Encourages fearless discovery
  • Captures the mysteries of the universe
What could be improved:
  • May cause motion sickness
  • Game's physics can lead to unexpected deaths

  • exploration
  • mystery
  • discovery
  • puzzle
  • open-world
  • space
  • sci-fi
  • endless
  • adventure
  • story
  • first-person
  • day
  • narrative

2

STAR WARS Jedi: Survivora (2023)

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86
Review score
Logo of STAR WARS Jedi: Survivora Screenshot of STAR WARS Jedi: Survivora Screenshot of STAR WARS Jedi: Survivora Screenshot of STAR WARS Jedi: Survivora

PC Windows

The story of Cal Kestis continues in STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™, a galaxy-spanning, third-person, action-adventure game.

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  • combat
  • fight
  • action-adventure
  • exploration
  • platform
  • narrative
  • battle
  • skill
  • puzzle
  • open-world
  • boss-fight
  • adventure
  • boss
  • customization
  • action

3

A Short Hike (2019)

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99
Review score
Logo of A Short Hike Screenshot of A Short Hike Screenshot of A Short Hike Screenshot of A Short Hike

PC Windows Mac OS Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One Linux

Join Claire on her vacation and take a hike to the top of Hawk Peak in A Short Hike. Meet quirky characters, gather collectibles and uncover secrets across the charming island park. Enjoy the original soundtrack that perfectly captures the game's atmosphere. Don't let the game's title fool you, there's plenty of adventure waiting for you on this short hike.


What we like:
  • Immersive gameplay with a captivating story and charming characters
  • Beautiful pixel art and evocative soundtrack that complement the game's atmosphere perfectly
  • Rich and detailed world with lots of secrets to uncover
  • Short and concise game that provides an enjoyable and fulfilling experience
  • Great value for money
What could be improved:
  • Cumbersome inventory system
  • No map

  • park
  • relaxing
  • exploration
  • cute
  • adventure
  • flight
  • open-world
  • walking-simulator
  • inventory
  • parkour
  • funny
  • nature
  • platform
  • vertical
  • short

4

Unsighted (2021)

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86
Review score
Logo of Unsighted Screenshot of Unsighted Screenshot of Unsighted Screenshot of Unsighted

PC Windows Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 Android

UNSIGHTED invites you into a post-apocalyptic world where you have a ticking clock before your own expiration. With Metroidvania-like gameplay, fully interconnected world, and an interesting story that allows for tough choices, the game provides a balanced mix of exploration, combat, and character progression. With additional modes like co-op and rogue-lite, UNSIGHTED guarantees a high replay value. A game that creatively brings several game designs together to make a fun and polished game.


What we like:
  • Balanced mix of gameplay elements
  • Interesting story with tough choices
  • High replayability with additional modes
  • Polished sound and graphics
  • Responsive controls
What could be improved:
  • Writing could be better
  • Characters feel one-dimensional
  • Dialogue interrupts gameplay

  • pixel
  • exploration
  • boss
  • top-down
  • robots
  • metroidvania
  • dungeon
  • combat
  • puzzle
  • war
  • post-apocalyptic
  • souls
  • platform
  • rpg
  • crafting

5

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023)

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83
Review score
Logo of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Screenshot of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Screenshot of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Screenshot of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 4 Xbox Series X s Playstation 5

Unleash the force in STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor! Join Cal Kestis on an unforgettable, galaxy-spanning adventure packed with stunning visuals, satisfying gameplay, and a captivating storyline. Face thrilling boss battles and explore vast worlds. Are you ready to protect the Jedi Order?


What we like:
  • Gripping narrative
  • Visually stunning
  • Satisfying gameplay
  • Improved character development
  • Exciting boss fights
What could be improved:
  • Technical performance issues
  • Lackluster exploration
  • Some animations lack polish

  • fight
  • action-adventure
  • combat
  • exploration
  • platform
  • open-world
  • narrative
  • battle
  • puzzle
  • boss
  • adventure
  • skill
  • souls
  • story
  • action

6

Axiom Verge 2 (2021)

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83
Review score
Logo of Axiom Verge 2 Screenshot of Axiom Verge 2 Screenshot of Axiom Verge 2 Screenshot of Axiom Verge 2

Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch wii u vita PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Dive into Axiom Verge 2, an epic adventure that takes you into a mysterious parallel universe. As Indra, unravel the secrets of this world, battling monsters, hacking machines, and exploring ancient ruins. With intriguing gameplay, unique combat mechanics, and a refreshing protagonist, this game offers an immersive, fast-paced, and thrilling experience.


What we like:
  • Excellent game design with a lot to discover
  • Unique combat mechanics that encourage stealth and hacking
  • Refreshing protagonist that breaks stereotypes
  • Improved aesthetic with varied pixel art and haunting music
  • Gameplay is fast-paced and responsive with a diverse array of weapons
What could be improved:
  • Level tree imbalance and unclear progression at times
  • Combat feels optional and some weapons are underutilized
  • Occasional confusion in navigating the open world
  • Less emphasis on bosses and limited weapon options

  • boss
  • exploration
  • platform
  • metroid
  • retro
  • boss-fight
  • classic
  • sci-fi
  • alternate
  • pixel
  • combat
  • metroidvania
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • fight

7

Alba: a Wildlife Adventure (2020)

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90
Review score
Logo of Alba: a Wildlife Adventure Screenshot of Alba: a Wildlife Adventure Screenshot of Alba: a Wildlife Adventure Screenshot of Alba: a Wildlife Adventure

IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch PC Windows Xbox One

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure takes you to a beautiful Mediterranean island to save endangered animals and clean up litter. With over 60 species to document, using your phone app, you'll go on an adventure to make a difference in the world around us. Enjoy a relaxing and feel-good experience with a great soundtrack and stunning visuals. Join Alba and her friend Ines and help them on their mission to save the island and the world!


What we like:
  • Cute and wholesome with calming music and nice art
  • Addictive gameplay focused on exploring and photographing wildlife
  • Strong sub-theme of photography
  • Fun story with a good message
  • Bug-free and runs smoothly
What could be improved:
  • Limited achievements
  • Traversal can be boring towards the end of the game
  • Game could have been longer with more content

  • exploration
  • open-world
  • adventure
  • relaxing
  • cartoony
  • nature
  • collector
  • creature
  • cute
  • colourful
  • family-friendly
  • construction
  • economy
  • 3d
  • table

8

Sable (2021)

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79
Review score
Logo of Sable Screenshot of Sable Screenshot of Sable Screenshot of Sable

Android PC Windows Xbox One

Sable is an open world RPG with no combat, set in a Moebius-inspired desert. You play as Sable, about to embark on a rite of passage known as The Gliding - exploring the deserts, doing odd jobs for strangers and earning badges to turn into new masks.


What we like:
  • Unique open world setting inspired by Jean "Moebius" Giraud
  • Customizable bike and character
  • Heartfelt story of self-discovery
  • Relaxing atmosphere with stunning visuals and music
  • Many memorable moments
What could be improved:
  • Occasional audio bugs & stuttering
  • Limited scale world compared to larger games
  • Flattening palette in certain interiors at night

  • exploration
  • open-world
  • self-discovery
  • puzzle
  • platform
  • sci-fi
  • relaxing
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • stylized
  • comic
  • lore
  • discovery
  • book
  • combat

9

Starfield (2023)

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85
Review score
Logo of Starfield Screenshot of Starfield Screenshot of Starfield Screenshot of Starfield

PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One

Starfield is a revolutionary and captivating game that offers players a vast and immersive interstellar playground. The level of interactivity and choice in the game is unparalleled, allowing players to be whomever they choose in a galaxy full of possibilities.


What we like:
  • Compelling Narrative
  • Freedom of Play
  • Vast Universe
  • Customization Options
  • Ship Building and Outpost Creation
What could be improved:
  • Lack of Tutorials
  • Inventory Management

  • rpg
  • sci-fi
  • pirates
  • exploration
  • crafting
  • stealth
  • shooter
  • open-world
  • combat
  • space
  • skill
  • first-person
  • discovery
  • narrative
  • bethesda

10

Jusant (2023)

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84
Review score
Logo of Jusant Screenshot of Jusant Screenshot of Jusant Screenshot of Jusant

Xbox One Xbox Series X/s Playstation 5 PC Windows

Ascend the enigmatic tower of Jusant and uncover the echoes of a lost civilization. Immerse yourself in a serene world filled with lush biomes, master intuitive climbing mechanics, and let the haunting soundtrack elevate your adventure. Solve puzzles with your adorable companion, Ballast, and experience a story that intertwines resilience and mystery in every climb.


What we like:
  • Intuitive climbing gameplay
  • Rich, immersive environments
  • Engaging puzzles with helpful companion
  • Profound storytelling
  • Beautiful soundtrack
What could be improved:
  • Occasional collision issues
  • Some story elements are cryptic

  • vertical
  • puzzle
  • platform
  • narrative
  • controller-support
  • exploration
  • story
  • meditative
  • atmospheric
  • rock-climbing
  • relaxing
  • adventure
  • rhythm
  • mystery
  • cute

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