Top 30 Adventure Games of 2023

In general, almost any game that involves solving puzzles and exploring locations to progress through the storyline can be classified as an adventure. This genre encompasses many RPGs, slashers, platformers, and games from other categories, highlighting the versatility and broad appeal of adventure gaming.

We've curated a list of top-tier games where adventure is the central theme, emphasizing world exploration and compelling storytelling. For those interested in exploring other genres, we also recommend checking out our selections of:

Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters, Platformers

Table of Contents

• 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

Kenshi

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

Kenshi reimagines hell not as a fiery underworld, but as a vast, desolate world filled with dangers and challenges. Traverse endless deserts and rocky landscapes as a lone traveler seeking survival amidst slave traders and constant threats. Your choices—whether to work, escape, or form alliances—shape your journey through this expansive, story-rich game world.

Syberia

Image: pl.riotpixels.com

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 related to an old automaton factory. Syberia's beautifully crafted visuals bring European cities and the vast, snowy expanses of Siberia to life, immersing you in Benoît Sokal's meticulously designed world.

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 intertwines the lives of several characters amidst the chaos of war. Through engaging puzzles and exploration, the game offers a poignant look at the realities of this historical conflict.

Stray

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

In Stray, you control a stray cat navigating a mysterious, technologically advanced world. Experience the grace and curiosity of feline exploration as you solve puzzles and interact with robotic inhabitants, bringing a unique perspective to the adventure genre.

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 siblings Amicia and Hugo as they navigate a world ravaged by plague and pursued by the Inquisition. The game's atmospheric storytelling and attention to historical detail create a gripping narrative of survival and resilience.

Pentiment

Image: news.xbox.com

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

Pentiment transports you to the Renaissance era, where you're embroiled in political intrigue and personal tragedies. Your decisions influence the storyline, set against a backdrop of meticulously crafted graphics reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts and woodcut prints.

Tomb Raider

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

The Tomb Raider reboot reintroduces Lara Croft in a cinematic adventure filled with exploration, puzzles, and action. Navigate ancient ruins and confront both external threats and personal fears, delivering an immersive experience in this iconic series.

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 offers thrilling expeditions and complex puzzles, appealing to fans of the legendary archaeologist. Engage in combat or use stealth to navigate through dangerous environments, capturing the essence of Indiana Jones' adventures.

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 is a cinematic journey filled with humor and camaraderie. As Star-Lord, lead your team through space, issuing commands during combat and deepening the bonds within the Guardians.

The Wolf Among Us

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

In The Wolf Among Us, you play as Bigby Wolf, a detective in a world where fairy tale characters live among humans. Solve crimes and navigate a city of secrets and betrayals, with your choices shaping the narrative in this beloved series.

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 set in the floating city of Columbia, blending deep narrative with philosophical themes. As Booker DeWitt, unravel the mysteries and face moral dilemmas in a visually stunning world.

The Walking Dead

Image: microsoft.com

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

Experience one of the best stories set in a zombie apocalypse with The Walking Dead. Your decisions impact the survival of characters and the emotional journey through hope and despair, delivered with cinematic flair and compelling voice acting.

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. Navigate moral dilemmas and explore themes of friendship and identity, all set against a backdrop of stylized graphics and a soul-stirring soundtrack.

Firewatch

Image: firewatchgame.com

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

Firewatch immerses you in the life of Henry, a forest ranger, whose solitude is disrupted by mysterious events. With stunning landscapes and a measured pace, the game offers a unique blend of solitude and intrigue.

Control

Image: wylsa.com

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

In Control, play as Jesse Faden, searching for her brother in a supernatural facility where reality bends. Use telekinetic powers to navigate combat and explore, delivering a satisfying blend of action and mystery.

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 explores the restoration of civilization post-catastrophe. Deliver cargo and connect settlements, experiencing detailed movement mechanics and cinematic storytelling that emphasize human connection.

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 delves into the ethics of artificial intelligence. Follow the intertwined stories of three androids, making choices that determine the outcome of their struggle for freedom.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

Image: habr.com

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

Swing through an open-world New York City in Marvel’s Spider-Man, enjoying action-packed combat and a compelling narrative. The game's excellent graphics and voice acting bring the iconic superhero to life.

Yakuza 0

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

Yakuza 0 dives into the brutal yet humorous world of the Japanese mafia in the late 1980s. Explore Tokyo and Osaka, engaging in combat and side activities, while uncovering a deep and dramatic story.

To the Moon

Image: youtube.com

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

To the Moon follows two doctors helping a dying man fulfill his dream through his memories. Experience a poignant blend of drama and comedy, with gameplay that serves as a backdrop to the emotional narrative.

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 where a couple transformed into toys must work together to overcome puzzles and challenges. This engaging story tests and strengthens relationships through fun and inventive gameplay.

Black Myth: Wukong

Image: store.epicgames.com

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. With numerous bosses and a focus on variety, the game offers a challenging yet accessible experience.

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. Master the rhythmic parrying system and use situational prosthetics to navigate intense combat as a shinobi seeking revenge.

Journey

Image: wallpapercrafter.com

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

Journey offers a meditative experience through stunning landscapes, where the protagonist's silent journey evokes wonder and reflection. This game is celebrated for its ability to inspire and provide solace.

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 features unique dual-control mechanics, as you guide two brothers on a quest to save their father. The game blends melancholy with warmth, drawing you into their emotional journey.

The Stanley Parable

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

The Stanley Parable is a meta-commentary on video games, exploring themes of freedom and control through the absurd adventures of office worker Stanley. Its humor and fourth-wall breaks make it a unique and thought-provoking experience.

Outer Wilds

Image: news.xbox.com

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

Outer Wilds invites you to explore a mysterious solar system trapped in a time loop. Discover the secrets of each planet and contemplate the nature of fate and choice in this engaging adventure.

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 concludes Nathan Drake's epic saga with a focus on exploration and cinematic storytelling. Traverse diverse locations, solving puzzles and engaging in thrilling action sequences.

God of War

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

God of War reimagines Kratos as a father navigating Norse mythology. Explore themes of family and redemption through intense action gameplay, with Kratos' son Atreus as a vital combat companion.

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 a post-apocalyptic masterpiece where you guide a smuggler and his young charge through a world overrun by fungal zombies. Experience tense gameplay and a gripping narrative that explores human resilience and morality.

Video games offer a unique form of immersion, allowing players to explore fictional worlds and influence their narratives directly. The titles listed above exemplify the adventure genre's potential to engage and inspire.