Free Exploration Games on Steam
Steam currently has 21,859 Exploration games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best free games ranked by popularity and ratings. Data for this list is calculated from reviews and player counts reported directly by Steam and will be updated in real-time. Free Exploration game rankings were last updated on 1/4/2026.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best exploration games on Steam
- Best exploration Steam Deck games
- Best exploration Steam games for Mac OS
- Best exploration Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Where Winds Meet
Where Winds Meet is an epic Wuxia open-world action-adventure RPG set in ancient China at the tenth century. Players will assume the role of a young sword master as they embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries of their own identity. Let the wind carry your legend on an epic journey to the East!
Where Winds Meet holds the #1 spot for "best free Exploration game on Steam" with a Player Score of 87. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 93,090 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 82,328 positive reviews and 10,762 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Where Winds Meet on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 11/14/2025 |
| Developer | Everstone Studio |
| Publisher | NetEase Games |
| Steam App Id | 3564740 |
2. OBS Studio
Free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming
OBS Studio has achieved a Player Score of 93, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 45,554 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 43,380 positive reviews and 2,174 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run OBS Studio on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 3/21/2022 |
| Developer | OBS Project |
| Publisher | OBS Project |
| Steam App Id | 1905180 |
3. Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a story-rich open-world action RPG with a high degree of freedom. You wake from your slumber as Rover, joined by a vibrant cast of Resonators on a journey to reclaim your lost memories and change the world.
Wuthering Waves has achieved a Player Score of 89, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 37,699 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 34,125 positive reviews and 3,574 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Wuthering Waves on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 4/28/2025 |
| Developer | KURO GAMES |
| Publisher | KURO GAMES |
| Steam App Id | 3513350 |
4. Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 is an award-winning online roleplaying game with fast-paced action combat, deep character customization, and no subscription fee required. Choose from an arsenal of professions and weapons, explore a vast open world, compete in PVP modes and more. Join over 16 million players now!
Guild Wars 2 has achieved a Player Score of 87, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 25,664 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 22,776 positive reviews and 2,888 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Guild Wars 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
5. Palia
Discover a welcoming world in Palia, a free-to-play fantasy life sim adventure where you can craft, explore, and create the life and home of your dreams. With nearly endless ways to make Palia your home, you’ll find relaxation and joy in every corner of this vibrant, heartwarming world.
Palia has achieved a Player Score of 85, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 38,098 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 32,851 positive reviews and 5,247 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Palia on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 3/25/2024 |
| Developer | Singularity 6 Corporation |
| Publisher | Singularity 6 Corporation |
| Steam App Id | 2707930 |
6. Dark and Darker
An unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters.
Dark and Darker has achieved a Player Score of 64, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 79,581 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 51,278 positive reviews and 28,303 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Dark and Darker on the Steam Deck.
7. EVE Online
Over 20 years of legendary space battles! Explore a massive living universe of danger and opportunity in a challenging and highly rewarding space adventure. Fight, trade, build, and connect with a universe driven and shaped directly by players.
EVE Online has achieved a Player Score of 73, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 37,856 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 27,824 positive reviews and 10,032 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play EVE Online on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
8. Sky: Children of the Light
A breathtaking open-world adventure awaits! Explore magical realms, restore lost light, and form wordless bonds with players worldwide. Complete quests and solve puzzles in seasonal events that celebrate kindness, discovery, and heartfelt connection.
Sky: Children of the Light has achieved a Player Score of 86, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 21,361 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 18,677 positive reviews and 2,684 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 4/10/2024 |
| Developer | thatgamecompany |
| Publisher | thatgamecompany |
| Steam App Id | 2325290 |
9. World of Sea Battle
Set sail in World of Sea Battle, an action-packed open-world MMO in the Golden Age of Sail! Command historic ships, battle in PvP & PvE, shape the economy, and engage in territorial guild wars in your quest for glory across the high seas!
World of Sea Battle has achieved a Player Score of 74, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,372 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,571 positive reviews and 801 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play World of Sea Battle on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 10/21/2025 |
| Developer | Thera Interactive |
| Publisher | Thera Interactive |
| Steam App Id | 2948190 |
10. Hero's Land
HERO'S LAND is an MMO PVPVE game where survival isn't just a goal—it's a necessity. Monsters and enemies are out to get you, making every encounter a potential ambush. Fight for glory, and welcome to a world where strategy and courage are your greatest assets.
Hero's Land has achieved a Player Score of 54, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 44,961 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 24,470 positive reviews and 20,491 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Hero's Land on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
More Free Exploration Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Exploration games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67,808 | 11/14/2025 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 19,676 | 3/21/2022 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 15,570 | 4/28/2025 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,375 | 8/23/2022 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,154 | 3/25/2024 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,735 | 6/7/2024 | 64 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,647 | 12/16/2010 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 2,839 | 4/10/2024 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 2,829 | 10/21/2025 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 2,575 | 5/18/2023 | 54 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,107 | 3/6/2025 | 56 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,861 | 4/28/2025 | 52 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,846 | 9/16/2025 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,796 | 8/10/2022 | 60 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,589 | 10/14/2020 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,211 | 5/8/2025 | 62 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 987 | 11/5/2025 | 54 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 963 | 12/4/2020 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 939 | 2/24/2021 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 923 | 6/6/2012 | 80 | Free | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Player counts and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 4). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 4). Where Winds Meet on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 21). OBS Studio on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 5). Wuthering Waves on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 26). Guild Wars 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 16). Palia on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 23). Dark and Darker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 26). EVE Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 18). Sky: Children of the Light on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 29). World of Sea Battle on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 4). Hero's Land on Steam. Steam Store.