While it may be challenging to define the adventure genre, as long as there is a component of exploration and discovery, you’re in for a treat. The games listed here are some of the greatest in their category because they have exciting plots, enduring characters, and captivating settings.
Here are our picks for the best adventure games for you to get immersed in.
Quick Links: Tunic | Star Wars Jedi series | A Plague Tale series | BioShock | Death Stranding | Shadow of Mordor | Stray | Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection | Batman: Arkham Series | Shadow of the Colossus | The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt | Marvel’s Spider-Man | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart | The Last of Us series | Horizon series | It Takes Two | God Of War | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Ghost Of Tsushima | Elden Ring
Tunic (2022)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, macOS
Tunic puts you in the soul of a young, enthusiastic fox who craves adventure. Tunic plays like The Legend of Zelda, with an original charm carried through its cryptic narrative. It puts you on a beautiful journey through an enchanted landscape. You must collect bits of the Game Manual while controlling a fox cub to locate useful weapons (and tools) and find your way through the forest.
The Game Manual’s cryptic language suggests that it either isn’t in English or that the fox is too young to read it. Tunic provides a variety of challenging opponents and intricate riddles that help you on your quest to free an imprisoned fox spirit.
Star Wars Jedi series
Platforms:
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) – PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Stadia, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023) – PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
The latest Star Wars game by Respawn Entertainment takes every bit of the universe’s magic and expands it through masterful gameplay. About five years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, the Empire had only begun to grow when this new adventure took place.
You play as Cal Kestis, a young Jedi hiding from the advancing Empire. Darth Vader-trained Imperial Inquisitors seek out Cal after he becomes aware of his Force abilities. While the first game (Fallen Order) explores Cal’s newfound family and skills, the second game (Survivor) expands on everything he has mastered and explores the galaxy in a new light. If we receive another third installment that is as good (if not better) as these, we will easily have one of the best Star Wars trilogies ever made.
A Plague Tale series
Platforms:
A Plague Tale: Innocence (2019) – PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna
A Plague Tale: Requiem (2022) – PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming
The Plague Tale games pleasantly surprised the action-adventure community. These adventure games are made by a small studio and revolve around historical settings that test your mettle against situational danger.
It takes place amid England and France’s Hundred Years’ War. You’ll begin your journey as a 15-year-old Amicia de Rune, assisting your little brother Hugo in an attempt to flee French soldiers and vermin carrying the black plague. The gameplay revolves around using stealth, solving puzzles, and mixing up attacks.
BioShock (2007)
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Mac OS X, iOS
BioShock managed to write an adventure deep within an ocean. It’s a terrifying place, haunted by mysterious beings and myths. BioShock is set in 1960, a captivating time for the kind of technology shown in the game. It follows protagonist Jack as he discovers the underwater metropolis of Rapture.
Even while the experience is essentially a first-person shooter, it is also a terrifying experience with many unexpected turns. BioShock garnered many positive reviews, ranks well on Metacritic, and was nominated for Game of the Year.
Death Stranding (2019)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, macOS, Microsoft Windows
Death Stranding wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it made waves in the action/adventure genre with its unique gameplay and storytelling. After the departure of Hideo Kojima from Konami, fans were expecting a big project from the legendary game developer. Death Stranding, in its bizarrely unique way, unquestionably fulfilled that imagination and was finally shown by Kojima Productions at E3 2016 after considerable anticipation.
In Death Stranding, Norman Reedus plays Sam Bridges, a deliveryman on the quest to reconnect America. He traverses the desolate United States to reunite dispersed colonies. Death Stranding received largely favorable reviews after its 2019 release, and a director’s cut edition was produced later. This is one of those adventure games that stands apart in terms of execution.
Shadow of Mordor (2014)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Linux, macOS, Classic Mac OS Xbox One, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Shadow of Mordor intricately captures the blight and thrill of adventuring through Mordor. The Lord of the Rings may have introduced us to this hardened landscape, but there are many tales to uncover outside the films. The game was greatly appreciated, notably for its Nemesis system.
This mechanic focuses on tracking the Uruks you might encounter. Ones who murdered you would be ‘promoted,’ and you may find them to exact revenge on them and, in the process, weaken Sauron’s army. The Nemesis system would simply function as a gaming element that evolved since adversaries who kill you grew more assertive. Ideally, you would have to evolve your playstyle to avoid being predictable with every encounter.
Stray (2022)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, macOS
Playing as a cat in a post-cyberpunk era is an unusual theme. Stray is the perfect game if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a cat in a futuristic world. You take control of a curious cat that becomes separated from its group and is trapped in the world’s depths in this post-apocalyptic game.
Since robots called Companions make up most of the population in the ruins of Walled City 99, it appears that the human race has vanished. You have to find out how to unlock the confined metropolis and return to the surface world with the help of an AI named B-12. If you are into indie titles, Stray is one of the must-try adventure games out there.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (2021)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
After the disastrous launch of Marvel’s Avengers game, Square Enix had to be careful with their next one. The publisher decided against a live-service experience and instead created Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy with the help of Eidos-Montreal. The linear experience that characterizes the majority of single-player games would be included in this game, giving us a solid campaign with lovable characters.
The Guardians of the Galaxy explore and investigate a cult running under the name of the Universal Church of Truth. Although their leader, the Grand Unifier Raker, tries to defend them, his ultimate goal is to practice total dominance. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is a beautiful journey that transports you to several famous places from the comics and movies and connects you with numerous favorite characters from the source material.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Pokémon has been among the most well-liked entertainment IPs for almost four decades. Nintendo and Game Freak continue to update this world, which we devour through trading cards, shows, and games. However, once in a while, a new entry to the series changes how we experience Pokémon, and Arceus is a great example.
In contrast to the majority of the earlier games, Arceus places a greater emphasis on discovering new areas and catching Pokémon. The game still has battles, but you won’t be required to gain gym badges or beat the Elite Four. Arceus is about exploring new sites, finding fresh Pokémon, and trying out novel approaches to catching them all.
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (2015)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
We can’t talk about adventure games and not mention this franchise. The Uncharted games will spark your curiosity for unearthing hidden mysteries. Naughty Dog became well-known with the development of Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter for the original PlayStation systems. With the Uncharted series, the company maintained its expertise in crafting new video game experiences. Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter, was presented to us in the first installment of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune series.
There’s a famous comparison between the two favorite treasure-hunting personalities: Nathan Drake and Indiana Jones. And why not? After all, Nathan’s obsession with treasure hunting is a massive part of Uncharted 4’s narrative. The spin-off Lost Legacy is also a celebrated entry to the series, giving us a slightly different perspective on this world.
Batman: Arkham Series
Platforms:
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Batman: Arkham City (2011) – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Wii U, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) – PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
With Batman: Arkham Asylum, Rocksteady brought the superhero adventure subgenre to new heights in 2009. Batman attempted to confine the fugitive convicts at Arkham Asylum in the first game in the Arkham series, which presented the caped crusader in a darker (and much grittier) environment.
In Arkham City and Arkham Knight, the sequel enlarged the setting to cover Gotham, resulting in one of the most realistic video game universes ever. Batman, already one of the most well-known superheroes in history, increased in popularity due to the Arkham series’ success and universal critical praise.
Shadow of the Colossus (2018)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3
Finding a list of the top games in the PlayStation 2 era without this title will be challenging. Shadow of the Colossus, the “spiritual sequel” to the iconic Ico, centers on a young Wander who sets out to revive a girl named Mono. Wander must explore the Forbidden Land and defeat enormous beings to get the ability to restore Mono.
Many consider Shadow of the Colossus a seminal game in terms of creative gameplay, the overall environment, and the intense emotions the narrative brings. Shadow of the Colossus, which debuted in 2005, was restored for the PlayStation 3 in 2011 and given a complete remake in 2018.
The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt (2015)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Geralt of Rivia’s heroic quest to protect Ciri from the Wild Hunt is the central theme in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Throughout the game, Geralt runs into several dangerous beasts and also reconnects with old friends. The complexity of The Witcher’s world is brought to life by brilliantly written quests, decision-making, and politics that go on in the world.
The third journey of Geralt is one of the most well-liked and acclaimed video games ever created. Several notable side missions are spread across its expansive open worlds.
Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Spider-Man has always served as a symbol of optimism and an encouragement to act morally. For a long time, many fans have been fascinated by the tale of Peter Parker acquiring incredible power and the enormous responsibility that came with it. This is perhaps the most popular of all adventure games in the superhero sub-genre.
Spider-Man faced out against various villains in an astonishing journey from Insomniac, including Mister Negative and Otto Octavius. This journey carries into Miles Morales, where you play as a young, fresh Spider-Man with fantastically charming abilities.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna, Google Stadia
Odyssey was the first installment in the long-running Assassin’s Creed series that allows you to play as a male or female character. Odyssey has a standout protagonist and, perhaps, the series’ most beautiful location.
The newer Assassin’s Creed games play as new chapters in the series to depart from the established pattern of conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order over supremacy. Odyssey tells the story of a young soldier engaged in the battle between Sparta and Athens during the Peloponnesian War. Odyssey also strongly emphasized RPG components, with more extensive conversation and gear upgrading possibilities.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
Red Dead Redemption 2 was released after over eight years of development to overwhelmingly positive reviews. The Game has one of the highest Metacritic ratings, and many people named it their favorite game of 2018.
Despite the number two in the title, the game is a prequel to the events of Red Dead Redemption. It centers on Arthur Morgan, a seasoned Van der Linde gang associate. The world of RDR2 breathes life through NPC interactions, beautiful locations, a dynamic weather system, and an open world that boasts rich flora and fauna. The story is one of the finest you’ll find amongst AAA titles, and the massive environment makes it one of the best adventure games of all time.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart (2021)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
The new entry to the series has Ratchet and Clank create a gadget called the Dimensionator. Ratchet may be able to locate others of his type thanks to this gadget, which rips open a doorway to other universes. The charming duo embarks on a crazy adventure, traversing universes to save all the realities, when Dr. Nefarious steals the gadget. Rivet, a different Lombax that Clank faces in Rift Apart, is also introduced. Rivet steals the entire show.
PlayStation 5’s powerful hardware lets you experience this world in the best way possible. The loading times are almost non-existent, and graphics shine through the latest game engine.
The Last of Us series
Platforms:
Last of Us (2013) – PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
The Last of Us Part II (2020) – PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
The Last of Us took the gaming world by storm with its rich storytelling. Although many TLOU players may have been happy with how the first game ended, Naughty Dog was keen to continue the narrative. The Last of Us Part 2 continued Ellie and Joel’s journey as they attempted to come to grips with the effects of Joel’s choices after the previous Game. It’s set five years after the first game’s conclusion.
The incredible universe of The Last of Us Part 2 was enlarged, and the gameplay was updated to meet contemporary standards. These adventure games and the spin-off Left Behind introduce us to a world of horrifying tales of survival and brutality. And, of course, all the beauty that lies in between those lines.
Horizon series
Platforms:
Horizon Zero Dawn (2017): PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
Horizon Forbidden West (2022): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Horizon Zero Dawn by Guerrilla Games was one of the year’s biggest surprises. Aloy, a teenage hunter struggling to live in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic dinosaurs, was an instant fan favorite when she first appeared in the original game.
Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West expand upon their lovely open environment and captivating narrative. As Aloy uncovers the truth about her world, she battles through gigantic robo-beasts and crosses paths with people of varying cultures.
It Takes Two (2021)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
It Takes Two is a heartfelt multiplayer game that breaks the barriers of what we believe to be ‘couch co-op.’ It’s an eye-opening journey told from the perspective of a young child coping with the beginnings of a potential divorce and the reigniting of a fading love.
The Game is designed to be played with a close friend or partner through its mechanics, features, and message. Between the lovely setting and terrific mini games, there’s a more profound message about love, companionship and shared ambitions.
God Of War (2018)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
Another timeless entry in the list of best adventure games, this one’s a popular favorite. Over the years, Kratos’ narrative has evolved through different settings and stories. However, 2018’s God of War reminds us of Kratos’ long-forgotten ferocity. As he travels across the Norse mythological worlds with his son Atreus, Kratos is undoubtedly a little more considerate this time. Kratos tries to be a good father figure for Atreus, but he soon learns that sometimes violence is the only option.
Santa Monica substituted the Leviathan Axe for Kratos’ distinctive Blades of Chaos, compared to earlier games in the series. The game also had many RPG components, such as combat upgrades that might change how players played.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers an experience different from any other open world you’ve played before. Some regard it as the best game in the Zelda series and the ‘best game ever made’. You may play any way you choose in this original open-world Zelda adventure. There are no limitations on playing Breath of the Wild, although it’s best to avoid engaging mightier bosses in combat immediately.
How you traverse the world in Breath of the Wild also makes a huge difference. The gliding and climbing mechanics are original to the genre, making every little movement feel like a deeper connection with your world. The video game industry regarded Breath of the Wild as a magnum opus, hailing it as an enormous accomplishment and turning point for open-world adventure games.
Ghost Of Tsushima (2020)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Ghost of Tsushima, a potential 2020 contender for Game of the Year, was a magnificent story of sacrifice, family, and vengeance. To stop the ensuing Mongol invasion, you take the role of Jin Sakai, a warrior-in-making. Sakai must make choices amid the invasion that will ultimately save his people but harm his reputation and honor. It’s a carefully written tale of making the right choices going against self-interest.
The magnificent set pieces in Ghost of Tsushima vary as you progress through the Game. It is possible to acquire various armor sets that will change Sakai’s look and affect his stats. An excellent mechanic – Guiding Winds – change how you navigate this world. You can call in a gust of wind that guides you to your objective instead of relying on markers or pointers.
Elden Ring (2022)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Elden Ring is a thoughtful culmination of everything done right previously by FromSoftware, the studio behind games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. This ultimate action-adventure RPG sends you on a grand mission to take the place of the previous Elden Lord. You will battle many deadly beasts and insane warriors as you move through the perilous Lands Between.
Elden Ring is an open-world adventure, unlike other FromSoftware titles. It lets you battle the demigods in any order you want. Elden Rind offers a complex character creation system with many options for battling foes.
