When it comes to adventure games, these games aren’t getting enough attention in my opinion. They are often regarded as boring games, as they usually don’t have any action, or have minimal action in them. Adventure games are great because they often combine this term with RPG elements and of course, some action elements, which make them great for killing time if the game is done right. These games aren’t that hard to beat and can be very interesting if you like this type of game. In our list of 20 best adventure games for PC, we are going to take a look at some of the best adventure games out there that combine various genres like those aforementioned. So, let’s begin.
1. Life is Strange
Life is sometimes, indeed, strange and so is this game, but in a beautiful way. Life is Strange is an episodic graphic adventure in which you are in the role of a photography student called Max Caulfield, who has the ability to rewind time. This ability will be used later in the game which can and will have an impact on some parts of the game, and this is called the butterfly effect. The story, gameplay, and graphics in this game are gorgeous and it’s one of the rare games to have a 10/10 score on Steam and that tells you a lot about this game. If you like a good story, perfect voice acting and mystery, feel free to buy Life is Strange. You can find it for a cheap price on Steam.
2. Dishonored 2
While the main focus in Dishonored 2 is stealthy action, you can’t deny that it’s an adventure game. Dishonored 2 picks up where its predecessor stopped and now it introduced Emily as a second playable character, aside from Corvo. The game features two storylines, which depends on the character you choose, and is one of the best adventure and stealth games of all time. When it was released, it wasn’t that great because of technical issues, but now everything is fixed, so no worries. This one is great not just for adventure fans, but for hardcore stealth fans.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
You thought we’ll forget GTA V? GTA V is one of the most popular games of all time and combines a huge, open-world with great graphics, gameplay, and compelling singleplayer story and campaign. GTA V introduced three playable characters, with every single of them having a unique ability which he can use in combat or driving. This game also plays well online, having over five million players at the moment, and you can play this game too for a price little less than the standard AAA price. GTA V is a great adventure game, full of memorable moments and you’ll want it even more after you finish it.
4. Minecraft
Minecraft is probably the least beautiful game on the list, but that’s not a point of this game. Minecraft gained huge popularity because of its core gameplay, which relies on survival, crafting, leveling, and imagination. In Minecraft, you can build your shelter with the chunks in order to survive, and loot for useful items like food or craft material. This game is best played in multiplayer, which is even better as you can now play with your friends however you want.
5. Observer
You may not have heard of this game, but I decided to place it very high on the list because of its gorgeous graphics, mature story, and solid gameplay. This game combines adventure with horror elements and cyberpunk, and it’s a story-driven game. You are in the role of Daniel Lazarski, who is an Observer (detective) in search of his son. In this adventure, you’ll encounter some of the best cyberpunk horrors I’ve ever seen, and there are some very intense moments, which I’ll not spoil for you. Although I completed it in a single day, I still recommend it to you.
6. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Resident Evil 7 will scare the hell out of you with its new first-person perspective and compelling story. This game is set in a house of the Baker family, with Ethan Winters being the main protagonist. Ethan is in search of his wife who disappeared in that area. However, the Baker family is evil and sinister and will hunt Ethan until he dies. Prepare to experience full horror experience in this adventure game as you search for Mia. Oh, and don’t forget to dim the lights in your room.
7. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Hellblade is a new game coming from Ninja Theory and is described as an independent AAA game. This game costs just half of the price of an AAA game, but it’s amazingly well-produced, with gorgeous graphics, perfect voice acting although a little confusing story. The main focus here is on solving the puzzles and action occasionally, and the game is completely HUD-less, as you must listen to voices in Senua’s head to navigate the game. Hellblade is best played on headphones, as you can fully experience the game in its glory.
8. Outlast 2
Outlast 2 is the best horror game of this year and is a great adventure game, although it’s more of a horror game. Nevertheless, Outlast 2 brings a great story and gameplay, coupled with some really nice graphics overall. The game is set in the Arizona desert and you are in the role of Blake Langermann who is in search of his wife as he is abducted by village inhabitants. Outlast 2 is pretty long, for a game of this type, and you’ll probably have 8-10 hours of gameplay, which is satisfying.
9. SOMA
Combining the horror genre with adventure showed up as a very good idea, and it’s the same case with SOMA. This game is excellent and also has a rating of 10/10 on Steam. It looks absolutely fantastic and the story is very well written. The core of the gameplay is focused on evading the machines with humanoid characteristics and solve various puzzles to progress through the game. We can’t tell more about this game as it will probably be spoiled, so it’s best for you to try it and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
10. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Do you remember the first Deus Ex that came like 16 years ago? That was a great RPG adventure game! Deus Ex: Human Revolution is even better, with a new engine and renewed graphics. The main protagonist here is Adam Jensen who is an augmented security officer in the task of saving the world from its demise. The game’s story is pretty complex, but it’s good, although not excellent. The gameplay is focused on stealth and hacking your way through levels and interacting with NPCs. The game is great at combining cyberpunk elements with RPG action and adventure. Not the newest game, but still pretty good.
11. The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a really unique adventure game with a strong emphasis on puzzle elements. This game is developed by Croteam, who worked on the Serious Sam series. It’s a narrative, story-driven game where the player needs to complete and overcome various puzzles in order to progress through the game, and the story is a little complex here. Overall, the game looks and plays great, and is recommended if you want to relax after a long day of work or school.
12. The Wolf Among Us
Telltale Games is one of the best developers when it comes to great adventure games focused on the story. The Wolf Among Us is closely related to Fables as the game is set nearly two years before the events of that comics. You are in the role of Bigby Wolf who is a sheriff of Fabletown and works with the citizen of that city in order to bring peace to the town. This game is in episodic format, which means that you have to buy every single episode, and that isn’t bad, considering the quality and a minuscule price of the game.
13. Batman: The Telltale Series
Batman: The Telltale Series is yet another great effort of Telltale Games to bring some of the best adventure game, packed with great gameplay and story. This game, however, doesn’t follow any previous adaptations of a movie. Rather, it’s a standalone game that has a completely unique story with the main protagonist being, well… Batman. Although the game isn’t good as The Wolf Among Us, it still manages to offer some of the best adventure experiences in this type of game.
14. The Walking Dead
No, we are not fans of Telltale Games, but what a great game! The Walking Dead brings the same fictional world of comic and is set after the onset of the zombie apocalypse in Georgia. The Walking Dead has the same gameplay typical for the games of this developer, with the focus on point & click and dialogues. The whole flow of the game’s story depends on the player’s choice, as well as the final outcome. This game is a staple of story-driven adventure games; highly recommended.
15. Her Story
Her Story is an interactive movie video game, in which your task is to search the database of video clips from police interviews in order to solve the case of a missing man. The whole game revolves around the man’s wife, which is being interviewed throughout the game. I like the concept of Her Story, as there are puzzles and mysteries to solve, and you’ll surely need a pen and a paper to write down and remember all of the details. However, the game is around 4 hours long, but it’s also very cheap.
16. Gone Home
Gone Home is surely an adventure game, but this one focuses on exploration. The game is played from the perspective of Katie, with no specific goal or objective, which is quite interesting. The whole point of the game is to explore the house and objects within the home to unravel the recent events that happened there. It may sound boring, but the game is pretty good with its visuals and sound design. It’s also cheap, which is even better.
17. Mafia 3
Mafia series is one of the most famous series because of its story and great gameplay. Mafia 3 is back and it’s a great adventure game, although repetitive sometimes. The goal of this game is to rule New Orleans with the help of some of your gang members, including Vito, from the previous game. The gameplay is great here and the game is full of amazing soundtracks, however, the story and graphics aren’t up to par. Overall, the game is stellar and worth buying… at a lower price.
18. Styx: Shards of Darkness
Styx: Shards of Darkness received mixed reviews upon its release, but I really don’t see why. This game is a solid adventure game and it’s a pretty hardcore stealth game, similar to Splinter Cell or Thief. The game is set in a world of the Of Orcs and Men series with the Styx being the protagonist. The story here isn’t anything special but the gameplay is what you’ll love. You can use many methods to progress through the game and fight off the enemies, although direct conflict isn’t the best idea as there isn’t fighting mechanics. For fans of hardcore stealth games, this is a must-own game!
19. Syberia
Syberia is a pure classic of the adventure genre, but it’s a quite old game, being released in 2002. Syberia follows Kate Walker who travels across Europe and Russia to wrap up a sale of her law firm. The plot might not sound that interesting, but there are quite things to do and people to meet in the game. You’ll solve puzzles, engage in dialogues, and even engage in the sub-story of Kate’s relationship with her husband. A great adventure game!
20. ReCore
ReCore is an interesting action-adventure game in which the player needs to explore the utopian open-world of Far Eden. As this is an action game, you’ll have enemies to fight against in an original way, with the weapons which are color-based, so you’ll have to use different colors for different enemies. Sounds cool! Other than that, the game looks great and plays easily. ReCore is a great adventure game and I feel it’s a bit underrated, which, as we said, doesn’t mean it’s a low-quality game.