Gaming is not just about fighting or completing missions; it’s more than that! The ultimate gaming experience lies in exploring different parts of the gaming universe. The world where you can go anywhere and do anything you wish. If you want to enjoy this, try your hands at exploration games! These games are more immersive and let you wander around and explore different places. Fortunately, the majority of the games available today are highly flexible and allow players to stroll around. What’s more? You don’t need a console to play exploration games, as the majority of the titles are compatible with desktops.
So today, we are going to review the top 10 best exploration games for PC. Let’s not waste any more time and dive into the world of exploration PC games!
What is An Exploration Game?
As the name goes, an exploration game is a genre of games where players have the liberty to roam around the vast world. There is a virtual universe in the game which you can explore at your own pace.
In these games, you will discover different characters, weapons, places, as well as points of interest. There is an entire map that you can follow during the open-ended gameplay.
The main objective of exploration games is to locate hidden areas, unravel secrets, solve puzzles, interact with different characters as well as enjoy complete freedom.
Top 10 Best Exploration Games for PC
If you don’t own a gaming console but still want to enjoy playing exploration games, here are the 10 best options for you!
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a massive open-world role-playing game where you can freely explore the vast land of Skyrim without any limits.
Players have the liberty to uncover quests and dungeons while wandering around the highly detailed world. It is regarded as one of the greatest exploration games of all time. Released in the year 2011 by Bethesda Game Studios, the immersive open-world experience has charmed millions of gamers around the world.
The Skyrim world is filled with diverse landscapes, from lush forests to snowy terrains to expansive cities. The dynamic weather system in this game makes the world all the more believable and enjoyable to explore.
Along with an amazing storyline, The Elder Scroll V: Skyrim also features a modding community that allows players to add new quests as well as areas in the game. So, if you are looking for an all-around exploration game, try this one.
Features
- Open-world exploration
- Richly developed fantasy world
- Character customization
- Vast array of quests
- Complete freedom of choice
- Dynamic world and NPCs
- Modding support
2. Grand Theft Auto V
If we talk about exploration games, GTA 5 holds one of the top spots. Launched by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto V is a part of the GTA franchise and offers everything you need in an exploration game.
It is an immensely popular open-world PC action-adventure game that will captivate you with its highly detailed virtual world. The game is set in a fictional city named Los Santos, where you are on the run after a bank-robbery mishap.
It revolves around underworld crime, heists, entertainment, and bustling urban streets. The world design in the game is highly believable and immersive.
Features
- Vast open world
- Diverse gameplay activities
- Extensive vehicle selection
- Engaging storytelling
- Three playable characters
- Online multiplayer mode
- Robust modding community
3. God of War
Another great action-adventure exploration game for PC is God of War. Developed by Santa Monica Studio in 2005, the game series is known for its epic storytelling and captivating mythological world.
The game’s world design allows players to navigate the beautiful and expansive landscape inspired by Norse mythology. You can explore different realms, i.e. Midgard, Alfheim, and Helheim, while playing the game.
These realms are interconnected and feature various puzzles for players to solve. God of War also boasts stunning visuals with lifelike characters and mind-blowing graphics.
Features
- Open mythological world design
- Explore different realms
- Intense and visceral combat
- Epic storytelling
- Puzzles and explorations
- Weapons and ability upgrade
- Spectacular visuals
4. Minecraft
Released in the year 2011, Minecraft is one of the best kid-friendly exploration games. It is different from all the other games mentioned in this list in terms of visuals and storytelling but offers many great features.
This sandbox video game is a combination of exploration, creativity and survival elements. The open-world environment is made of blocks which players can easily manipulate.
You can use different blocks and materials to craft anything and everything in Minecraft. There is a diverse range of biomes to explore in the game, ranging from deserts, forests, and oceans to mountains.
Features
- Virtual world made of blocks
- Different gaming modes
- Crafting system
- Diverse biomes and ecosystems
- Multiplayer gaming
- Mods and customization
5. The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3 is an exceptional exploration game and features a vast, immersive open world where you can do anything. There are diverse landscapes and locations in this game, from dense forests to haunting ruins.
It also features a dynamic weather system that adds more depth and realism to the game. The Witcher 3 is filled with hidden treasures, monster nets, caves, bandit camps and many other points of interest. You can play as Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher) and go on a quest while exploring the beautiful world.
Features
- Immersive open world
- Complex characters and relationships
- Engaging combat system
- Exploration and side activities
- Expansions and DLCs
6. Far Cry 6
Developed by Ubisoft, Far Cry 6 is one of the most thrilling exploration games. It is set in the fictional Caribbean island of Yara, which players can explore on their own. The game offers a vast open world bustling with rich colors, dense jungles, urban areas, beaches and rural villages.
There is an amazingly diverse landscape filled with treasures, underground bunkers, and outposts. You will also stumble upon caves, ruins and many other points of interest in the game. Overall it is a great game with plenty of side activities.
Features
- Vibrant open world
- Various exploration opportunities
- Compelling side activities
- Gripping storyline
- Arsenal of weapons and vehicles
- Animal companions
7. Fallout 4
Fallout 4 features a vast open world with a post-apocalyptic setting that will take you on an unforgettable adventure. The game presents an immersive world filled with mysteries, stories and unique locations.
In the game, you are the sole survivor and have to focus on rebuilding things, fighting monsters, and crafting weapons. You can travel anywhere in the virtual world and explore it any way you want.
Features
- Massive open-world environment
- Extensive character customization
- Robust crafting system
- Engaging narrative
- Companions and Relationships
8. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Want to explore the world of kings and queens? Try Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The game will take you to 8th Century England, filled with war and battle. It will take you into the world of Vikings inspired by Norse mythology, where you have to participate in brutal combat.
The open-world representation in the game features expansive landscapes, bustling cities and villages. There are many places to wander around in the game, which makes it perfect for exploring gamers.
Features
- Open-world exploration
- Viking setting
- Customizable Viking character
- Engaging storyline
- RPG elements
9. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 will take you on an unforgettable journey through the American Wild West landscape. The map in this open-world game is just as fun to explore as GTA.
It is set in the late 19th Century, full of gang rivalry, shooting, and violence. The story is action-focused but slightly slow. The landscape in the game includes rugged mountains, bustling towns, and vast plains, which you can explore on your horse.
Features
- Open world set in American West Wild
- Compelling storyline
- Realistic wildlife and hunting
- Robust gameplay systems
- Engaging side activities
10. Marvel’s Spider-Man
Marvel’s Spider-Man is an action-packed open-world game that will take you on an amazing superhero adventure. The game combines a compelling storyline with a vibrant New York City to explore.
The representation of the city is truly breathtaking, with towering skyscrapers, lively streets and iconic landmarks. You can swing through the city and freely wander around while fighting enemies. The game’s visuals and dynamic cityscape make it all the more amazing.
Features
- Open-world exploration
- Compelling storyline
- Dynamic combat system
- Various side activities
- DLC content
Conclusion
The world of PC gaming offers a wide range of exploration games that you can play for an immersive and captivating experience. From secret quests to compelling storylines, these games provide unforgettable adventures.
In this article, we have shortlisted the best exploration games for PC. All the games mentioned in the list are compatible with desktops and offer features like open-world exploration.
You have complete freedom to wander around these virtual gaming worlds and explore the hidden secrets and mysteries.
So, what are you waiting for? Try your hands on these games now and share your experience with us!