One of the best parts of video games has always been the exploration of new worlds. Be it anopen-world RPG, an atmospheric indie game, or an underwater adventure, you are bound to spend hours and hours unraveling the mysteries of their worlds. There are hidden quests and treasures, collectibles, funny characters, dangerous bosses, easter eggs, and much more.
RELATED:Most Beautiful Games
When you feel like you need a break from the real world, justpick one of the many adventuresavailable and let yourself be immersed ina lovely digital world. Explore and learn more about the lore of the area and yourself.
10Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chroniclesis a cozy open-world adventure game with exploration andcrafting elements. You get transported to the world of Gemea, an island with eight different environments. It has everything from vast forests to tropical beaches.
Yonder is a game about the journey, not the destination. Take your time playing, and do not rush. Enjoy exploring every part of the island. The art and music will help you get fully immersed.
9The Uncharted Series
The whole premise ofUnchartedis exploring uncharted areas, uncovering hidden treasures, andgoing on an adventure. A franchise that takes a modern take on Indiana Jones offers you the story of Nathan Drake, a young and ambitious treasure hunter.
If you take a moment and look around, you will notice all the hard work that went into the games. Tiny details are everywhere, from easter egg artifacts from former games to witty dialogues and diverse characters with intriguing backgrounds.
8Submerged
Submerged is a relaxing, combat-free exploration game. You take on the role of Miku, a young girl exploring the ruins of a mysterious submerged city. She is not alone, though, as her wounded brother accompanies her on her journey.
RELATED:Most Criminally Underrated Open-World Games, Ranked
You go around searching the ruins for supplies and a way to save your sibling. At the same time, you discover more about the past of the city and what led to its destruction.
7No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Skyis anothergreat open-world game that is not an RPG. Even though it had some issues when it was released, the game now offers hours and hours of space exploration fun. In fact, it is impossible to visit all galaxies and planets, as there are 255 entire galaxies to visit.
No Man’s Sky is more of a survival exploration game, and you have whole galaxies to delve into. What awaits you are unique planets and lifeforms, as well as constant action and dangerous situations.
Journeyisa great walking simulation gamethat allows you to explore a vast and beautiful world. The game has a very minimalist co-op mode, where you team up with a random stranger, and together you go on to climb the Holy Mountain while soaring above ruins and gliding across deserts.
Journey isa game you can finish in less than five hours, but the experience is memorable and everlasting. The design and style are simple yet immersive.
5The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wildis one great example of an exploration game. You play as a Link who suffers from amnesia and wakes up in a weird cave. Together you explore the post-apocalyptic world of Hyrule and unlock the young hero’s forgotten memories.
RELATED:Best Desert Levels in Gaming, Ranked
The open world offers many great locations to visit, from small villages to bigger towns, deserts, hidden chests and treasures, and a plethora of shrines.
4The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Thefifth addition to the Elder Scrollsseries is already more than a decade old but still the most beloved. The game has been made available for plenty of different consoles, and there are many versions of it available.
You get to explore the vast country of Skyrim while saving the world from dragons. There is no right way to play; you can write your own story. You can gather all the books and learn everything you can about the lore and history of Tamriel, or you can unravelhidden locationsby exploring the whole area.
Red Dead Redemption 2is probably one of the best, if not the best, open-world games to come out fromRockstar. A game that takes around 50 hours to finish and 180 hours to collect all achievements have a vast amount of mysteries to be solved, easter eggs to be found, and unique locations to be discovered.
You encounter variousstrangers who give out quests, and at some point, you will unlock the Duchesses And Other Animals strand of missions. These will have youwandering around exotic locations, hunting for everything from orchids to alligator eggs.
2Hollow Knight
Hollow Knightisan amazing Metroidvania gamethat will have you exploring the underground world of Hallownest. You play as a nameless knight,fight powerful bosses, and meet interesting characters with sometimes complicated backgrounds.
RELATED:Best Speedrunning Games, Ranked
The game does not give you a map; instead, it lets you wander around the area, uncovering all its secrets and breathtaking scenery. If you want to obtain 100% completion, get prepared to play for at least 60 hours.
1Subnautica
Subnauticais an amazing underwater exploration game that lets you set off into a world full of breathtaking scenery andbeautiful yet dangerous creatures. You play as the sole survivor of the Aurora and are stranded on a remote ocean planet.
You are constantly upgrading your character, unlocking new areas, and fighting for your life. Play the game and try to uncover the secrets of this planet, as well as find a way to get back home.
