The Best Adventure Games on Steam

Steam offers a huge selection of adventure games, from story-focused experiences to large, open worlds where you can explore and uncover secrets. These games really focus on telling compelling stories, creating interesting characters, and building immersive worlds to keep players hooked. The genre has grown to include elements from other types of games, like survival, puzzles, and role-playing, showing off the creativity of today’s game developers. This list highlights some of the best and most popular adventure games on Steam, chosen for their strong stories and how well players have received them.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Okay, so I’ve been playing ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ and it’s amazing. You play as Geralt, this monster hunter, and he’s on a quest to find his adopted daughter, who’s kinda destined for big things. The world is HUGE – seriously, a massive open space based on old Slavic stories, with tons of side quests and different environments to explore. Combat is really cool, mixing sword fighting with magic and potions to take down all sorts of monsters. But the best part? Your choices actually matter! The story branches out a ton, and there are multiple different endings depending on what you do. It’s a game you can really get lost in.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Okay, so I’ve been playing ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’, and it’s seriously amazing. You play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw trying to survive as the Wild West is changing. It’s not just about shooting; you actually have to take care of your character – keep him fed, rested, and make sure people like you, because your choices matter. The story follows my gang, the Van der Linde crew, as we’re constantly on the run from the law and bounty hunters. The world is unbelievably detailed, and everything feels so real. It’s a really immersive experience with tons of dialogue and interactions that make you feel like you’re actually in the game.

‘God of War’ (2018)

Originally created by Santa Monica Studio and brought to Steam by PlayStation PC LLC, this ‘God of War’ game tells a new story with the series’ main character, Kratos, now set in the world of Norse mythology. Kratos and his son, Atreus, embark on a challenging journey to the top of the nine realms to honor a final wish. The game features intense, up-close combat with the Leviathan Axe, along with puzzles that use the environment. ‘God of War’ is uniquely presented with a single, unbroken camera shot, creating a smooth and immersive story experience.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

Developed by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a large-scale adventure inspired by the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. Players can create their own unique character or play as a pre-made hero and explore a world facing a terrifying invasion. The game is all about player choice – your decisions in conversations and how you approach battles dramatically change the story. It features strategic, turn-based combat and a world full of details that lets you find creative solutions to challenges.

‘Portal 2’ (2011)

Portal 2, created and released by Valve, builds upon the puzzle-solving and adventure gameplay of the original game, all set within the Aperture Science labs. Players control Chell as she solves increasingly challenging puzzles using a device that creates portals, while being both helped and challenged by computer-controlled intelligences. The game features new elements like tractor beams, lasers that can be redirected, and different gels that change how surfaces behave. It’s well-known for its funny writing and a separate co-op mode designed for two players.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

Developed by FromSoftware with assistance from author George R.R. Martin and published by Bandai Namco, ‘Elden Ring’ is a dark fantasy adventure game. Players become a Tarnished, tasked with journeying across the Lands Between to fix the Elden Ring and claim the title of Elden Lord. The game boasts a large, interconnected open world packed with tough enemies, secret areas, and a mysterious backstory. ‘Elden Ring’ gives players a lot of freedom to explore how they want and build a character that fights the way they prefer.

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

Skybound Games has released a complete collection of ‘The Walking Dead’ game series, originally created by Telltale Games. This includes all four seasons following Clementine, a young girl navigating a world overrun by zombies. Players experience the story through action sequences and impactful choices that change the relationships between characters and the direction of the plot. ‘The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series’ features updated graphics and extra behind-the-scenes material for fans of the franchise.

‘Disco Elysium – The Final Cut’ (2019)

Disco Elysium is an isometric role-playing game developed by ZA/UM where you play as a detective with a special set of skills. Set in a city still recovering from a failed revolution, you’ll investigate a murder while also dealing with your own inner turmoil. Unlike many RPGs, Disco Elysium focuses on conversations and skill-based challenges tied to your character’s personality, rather than traditional combat. The Final Cut edition enhances the game with full voice acting and new political storylines.

‘Outer Wilds’ (2019)

Okay, so I’ve been playing this awesome game called ‘Outer Wilds’. Basically, you’re stuck in a 22-minute time loop with the solar system, and the sun’s gonna explode at the end of it! It’s made by Mobius Digital and published by Annapurna Interactive. The cool part is, you explore different planets trying to figure out what happened to an old civilization. There’s no leveling up or anything like that – you progress just by being curious and learning stuff. Flying a spaceship feels really realistic because of the physics, and each planet has these unique puzzles you have to solve to understand what’s going on.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

Hollow Knight is a beautifully hand-drawn 2D action-adventure game where you play as a silent knight exploring the fallen kingdom of Hallownest. It’s designed as a ‘Metroidvania,’ meaning you’ll gain new skills that let you reach areas you couldn’t before. The game is known for its tough boss fights, rich backstory revealed through the world around you, and a non-linear story with different endings depending on what you find.

‘Grim Fandango Remastered’ (2015)

Grim Fandango Remastered is an updated version of the beloved 1998 adventure game originally created by LucasArts. You play as Manny Calavera, a travel agent who guides souls in the land of the dead, and get caught up in a mystery that could disrupt the afterlife. The game blends Aztec mythology with the style of classic film noir, and features traditional puzzle-solving. This remastered edition includes updated visuals, a newly recorded soundtrack, and insights from the game’s creators.

‘It Takes Two’ (2021)

Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts as part of the EA Originals program, ‘It Takes Two’ is a cooperative adventure designed for two players. Players control Cody and May, a couple going through a rough patch who are magically turned into dolls. Each level presents unique challenges that require teamwork to solve, with the game blending different gameplay styles while exploring themes of fixing a relationship.

‘Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition’ (2020)

Developed by Guerrilla Games and published on Steam by PlayStation PC LLC after its initial release on consoles, ‘Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition’ tells the story of Aloy, a skilled hunter in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by intelligent machines. As Aloy fights to survive, she discovers the secrets of her past. Players will need to use strategy, stealth, and resourcefulness to defeat robotic enemies and gather supplies. This edition also includes ‘The Frozen Wilds’ expansion, which adds a brand-new area to explore and continues Aloy’s story.

‘Detroit: Become Human’ (2018)

Detroit: Become Human is a story-focused adventure game set in a future where androids are common. You play as three different androids, and their paths cross as they grapple with difficult choices and the potential for a robot uprising. The game is known for its intricate story where your decisions matter – characters can even die permanently. It uses advanced motion-capture to create realistic characters and stunning graphics.

‘Life is Strange’ (2015)

Life is Strange is an episodic adventure game created by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix. Players take on the role of Max Caulfield, a photography student who unexpectedly gains the ability to rewind time. She uses this power to investigate a disappearance in the town of Arcadia Bay, but quickly learns that changing the past has consequences. The game emphasizes interacting with the environment and making choices in conversations, which affect how the story unfolds and your relationships with other characters. It’s known for blending realistic, everyday life with supernatural themes.

‘Subnautica’ (2018)

Subnautica is an underwater adventure game where you crash-land on an alien planet. You’ll need to dive into the ocean to gather materials, construct bases, and create the tools to stay alive. As you explore, you’ll uncover the planet’s secrets through messages and recordings. The game highlights both the wonder and the danger of this alien world, filled with a variety of fascinating – and sometimes terrifying – creatures.

‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ (2017)

Developed by Giant Sparrow and published by Annapurna Interactive, ‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ is a narrative adventure where you play as Edith, the last member of her family. You explore the Finch family home, uncovering the stories behind the deaths of her relatives. Each story is told through a different kind of gameplay, uniquely reflecting the life and death of the family member it portrays. The game is essentially a series of short stories that delve into themes of family, history, and the inevitability of death.

‘Stray’ (2022)

‘Stray’ is an adventure game created by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive. You play as a stray cat in a futuristic, neon-lit city populated by robots. The game focuses on the cat’s journey to find its way home, and you’ll use natural cat abilities – like jumping, scratching, and meowing – to solve puzzles and interact with the robotic residents. ‘Stray’ blends platforming with a story told through the environment and translated droid conversations, offering a mostly silent but immersive experience.

‘Firewatch’ (2016)

Firewatch is a first-person adventure game created by Campo Santo and published in collaboration with Panic. The game takes place in 1989 Wyoming, where players control Henry, a man who takes a job as a fire lookout to get away from his troubles. Throughout the game, Henry communicates with his supervisor, Delilah, through a radio, and their growing connection is central to the story. Firewatch blends exploration with a sense of mystery as Henry investigates unusual events happening in the forest.

‘Return to Monkey Island’ (2022)

‘Return to Monkey Island’ is a new installment in the beloved point-and-click adventure series, created by the original designer Ron Gilbert and published by Devolver Digital. Players once again take control of Guybrush Threepwood as he searches for the true secret of Monkey Island. The game features classic puzzle-solving using items you collect, along with funny conversations and both familiar and new characters. It has a unique art style and a built-in hint system to help players when they get stuck.

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

2026-02-17 01:17