The Best Adventure Games on Steam

Steam hosts a vast library of adventure titles that range from narrative-driven experiences to expansive open-world journeys focused on exploration and discovery. These games prioritize storytelling, character development, and atmospheric world-building to engage players in unique virtual environments. The genre has evolved to include hybrid mechanics such as survival, puzzle-solving, and role-playing elements, reflecting the diverse creative output of modern game studios. This list identifies some of the most critically acclaimed and popular adventure titles currently available on the platform based on their narrative depth and player reception.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Developed and published by CD Projekt Red, this title follows the professional monster slayer Geralt of Rivia as he searches for his prophetic child. The game features a massive open world inspired by Slavic mythology, filled with complex side quests and diverse ecosystems. Players use a combination of swordplay, magic, and alchemy to battle supernatural creatures and navigate political intrigue. ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ is recognized for its branching narrative paths that lead to multiple unique endings.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Rockstar Games developed and published this Western adventure centered on Arthur Morgan, an outlaw navigating the decline of the American Old West. The gameplay emphasizes realism, requiring players to manage Arthur’s health, stamina, and reputation through his interactions with the world. The narrative follows the Van der Linde gang as they flee federal agents and rival bounty hunters across a highly detailed landscape. ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ offers a deep level of immersion through its reactive environment and extensive character-driven dialogue.

‘God of War’ (2018)

Originally developed by Santa Monica Studio and later published for Steam by PlayStation PC LLC, this game reimagines the series’ protagonist, Kratos, in the realm of Norse mythology. Kratos must journey to the highest peak of the nine realms with his young son, Atreus, to fulfill a final promise. The gameplay focuses on visceral combat using the Leviathan Axe and environmental puzzle-solving. ‘God of War’ utilizes a continuous camera shot style to maintain a seamless narrative experience from start to finish.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

Larian Studios developed and published this expansive adventure based on the ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ tabletop system. Players create a custom character or choose an origin hero to navigate a world threatened by an impending mind flayer invasion. The game emphasizes player agency, allowing for countless permutations of the story based on dialogue choices and tactical combat outcomes. ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ features a turn-based combat system and a highly interactive environment that encourages creative problem-solving.

‘Portal 2’ (2011)

Developed and published by Valve, this title expands on the puzzle-adventure mechanics of its predecessor within the Aperture Science laboratories. Players control Chell as she navigates increasingly difficult test chambers using a portal-creating device while being guided and hindered by artificial intelligences. The game introduces new mechanics such as tractor beams, laser redirection, and various gels that alter surface properties. ‘Portal 2’ is frequently cited for its humorous writing and its separate, dedicated cooperative campaign.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

FromSoftware developed this dark fantasy adventure in collaboration with novelist George R. R. Martin, while Bandai Namco served as the publisher. Players take on the role of a Tarnished who must explore the Lands Between to repair the titular ring and become the Elden Lord. The game features a vast, seamless open world filled with challenging bosses, hidden dungeons, and cryptic lore. ‘Elden Ring’ provides players with significant freedom to choose their own path and customize their character’s combat style.

‘The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series’ (2020)

Skybound Games published and developed this comprehensive collection which includes all four seasons of the narrative-focused series originally started by Telltale Games. The story follows the journey of Clementine, a young girl forced to grow up in a world devastated by a zombie apocalypse. Gameplay revolves around quick-time events and critical dialogue choices that have long-lasting effects on character relationships and story outcomes. ‘The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series’ includes graphical enhancements and behind-the-scenes content for the entire franchise.

‘Disco Elysium – The Final Cut’ (2019)

ZA/UM developed and published this isometric role-playing adventure that places players in the shoes of a detective with a unique skill system. The game takes place in a city recovering from a failed revolution, where players must solve a murder mystery while grappling with their own fractured psyche. ‘Disco Elysium’ foregoes traditional combat in favor of complex dialogue trees and skill checks based on the protagonist’s personality traits. ‘The Final Cut’ edition adds full voice acting and new political vision quests to the original experience.

‘Outer Wilds’ (2019)

Developed by Mobius Digital and published by Annapurna Interactive, this title is an open-world mystery game about a solar system trapped in a 22-minute time loop. Players explore various planets to uncover the secrets of a vanished civilization while the sun eventually goes supernova. The game relies entirely on player curiosity and knowledge acquisition to progress rather than traditional leveling systems. ‘Outer Wilds’ features physics-based space flight and unique environmental puzzles specific to each celestial body.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

Team Cherry developed and published this 2D action-adventure that follows a nameless knight exploring the ruined underground kingdom of Hallownest. The game utilizes a “Metroidvania” structure, where players unlock new abilities to access previously unreachable areas. It is characterized by its hand-drawn art style, challenging boss encounters, and deep lore hidden within the environment. ‘Hollow Knight’ offers a non-linear exploration experience with multiple endings based on the player’s discoveries.

‘Grim Fandango Remastered’ (2015)

Double Fine Productions developed and published this updated version of the 1998 LucasArts classic adventure. Players control Manny Calavera, a travel agent for the dead, who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens the journey of souls to the Ninth Underworld. The game combines elements of Aztec afterlife beliefs with film noir aesthetics and traditional point-and-click puzzle-solving. ‘Grim Fandango Remastered’ features high-resolution textures, a re-recorded orchestral score, and developer commentary.

‘It Takes Two’ (2021)

Hazelight Studios developed this cooperative adventure game, which was published by Electronic Arts under the EA Originals label. Two players must work together as Cody and May, a clashing couple transformed into dolls by a magic spell. Every level introduces a new set of mechanics that the players must synchronize to overcome environmental obstacles and bosses. ‘It Takes Two’ focuses on themes of relationship repair and features a diverse range of gameplay genres within its narrative.

‘Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition’ (2020)

Guerrilla Games developed this title, which was published on Steam by PlayStation PC LLC following its original console release. The story follows Aloy, a young hunter in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by sentient machines, as she uncovers the truth about her origins. Players use tactical combat and stealth to dismantle mechanical creatures and scavenge for resources. ‘Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition’ includes the ‘The Frozen Wilds’ expansion, which adds a new region and additional story content.

‘Detroit: Become Human’ (2018)

Quantic Dream developed and published this narrative-driven adventure that explores a future where androids have become an integral part of society. Players control three different androids whose stories intertwine as they face moral dilemmas and the possibility of a machine revolution. The game features a complex branching narrative where every decision can lead to the permanent death of main characters. ‘Detroit: Become Human’ utilizes motion-capture technology to provide highly detailed character performances and cinematic visuals.

‘Life is Strange’ (2015)

Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix, this episodic adventure follows a photography student named Max Caulfield who discovers she can rewind time. Max uses her power to solve a missing person mystery in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay while dealing with the consequences of altering the past. The gameplay focuses on environmental interaction and dialogue choices that shape the development of character relationships. ‘Life is Strange’ is noted for its focus on everyday realism combined with supernatural elements.

‘Subnautica’ (2018)

Unknown Worlds Entertainment developed and published this underwater adventure game set on an alien planet after a spaceship crash. Players must explore the ocean depths to find resources, build bases, and craft equipment necessary for survival. The narrative unfolds through data logs and radio transmissions that lead the player deeper into the planet’s mysteries. ‘Subnautica’ emphasizes both the beauty and the horror of the unknown as players encounter diverse and often dangerous marine life.

‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ (2017)

Giant Sparrow developed this narrative adventure, which was published by Annapurna Interactive. Players explore the sprawling Finch family estate as Edith, the last surviving member of her lineage, to learn about the various deaths of her relatives. Each family member’s story is told through a unique gameplay sequence that reflects their personality and the circumstances of their passing. ‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ is designed as a collection of short stories that explore themes of family history and mortality.

‘Stray’ (2022)

Developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive, this adventure game features a stray cat as the main protagonist. The setting is a neon-lit cybercity inhabited by robots, where the cat must navigate the environment to find its way home. Players use feline-specific movements, such as jumping, scratching, and meowing, to solve puzzles and interact with the inhabitants. ‘Stray’ combines platforming elements with a silent narrative told through environmental cues and droid translations.

‘Firewatch’ (2016)

Campo Santo developed this first-person adventure, which was published by the developer in partnership with Panic. Set in 1989, the game follows Henry, a man who takes a job as a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness to escape personal problems. Henry communicates with his supervisor, Delilah, via a handheld radio, and their developing relationship forms the core of the story. ‘Firewatch’ focuses on exploration and narrative tension as Henry discovers strange occurrences within the forest.

‘Return to Monkey Island’ (2022)

Terrible Toybox developed and Devolver Digital published this modern continuation of the classic point-and-click adventure series. The game marks the return of original creator Ron Gilbert and follows Guybrush Threepwood as he attempts to finally discover the actual secret of Monkey Island. Players engage in traditional inventory-based puzzles and witty dialogue exchanges featuring returning characters and new additions. ‘Return to Monkey Island’ features a stylized art direction and an integrated hint system to assist players with its challenges.

Tell us which of these Steam adventures is your personal favorite in the comments.