Free Exploration Games on Steam
Steam currently has 21,582 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 12/10/2025.
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 78,478 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 69,649 positive reviews and 8,829 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 44,464 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 42,326 positive reviews and 2,138 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 34,448 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 31,271 positive reviews and 3,177 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. 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 #4 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 37,142 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 32,001 positive reviews and 5,141 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 |
5. 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 #5 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 25,106 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 22,272 positive reviews and 2,834 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).
6. skate.
Experience improved Flick-It controls, the rich physics based skateboarding gameplay that provides those “only in skate.™“ moments and off-board exploration for full freedom in the online multiplayer world of San Vansterdam.
skate. has achieved a Player Score of 70, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 75,173 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 52,851 positive reviews and 22,322 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run skate. on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 9/16/2025 |
| Franchise | Electronic Arts |
| Developer | Full Circle |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Steam App Id | 3354750 |
7. 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 #7 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 79,134 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 50,981 positive reviews and 28,153 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.
8. 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 72, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 37,718 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 27,703 positive reviews and 10,015 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).
9. 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 #9 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 21,059 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 18,426 positive reviews and 2,633 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 |
10. RuneScape ®
RuneScape is a high fantasy open world MMORPG. Explore an ever changing and evolving living world where new challenges, skills, and quests await. Featuring unprecedented player freedom, you choose how to play, adventure, and grow.
RuneScape ® has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 26,121 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 21,513 positive reviews and 4,608 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play RuneScape ® 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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71,347 | 11/14/2025 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 12,232 | 3/21/2022 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 8,559 | 4/28/2025 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 6,546 | 3/25/2024 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,039 | 8/23/2022 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,892 | 9/16/2025 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,833 | 6/7/2024 | 64 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,141 | 12/16/2010 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 2,250 | 4/10/2024 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 2,179 | 10/14/2020 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,993 | 4/28/2025 | 51 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,644 | 10/21/2025 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,544 | 5/18/2023 | 54 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,147 | 2/24/2021 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 816 | 12/4/2020 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 757 | 11/5/2025 | 54 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 719 | 3/6/2025 | 55 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 708 | 6/6/2012 | 80 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 685 | 8/10/2022 | 60 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 636 | 5/8/2025 | 61 | 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. (2025, December 10). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 10). Where Winds Meet on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 11). OBS Studio on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 11). Wuthering Waves on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 11). Palia on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 9). Guild Wars 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 10). skate. on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 10). Dark and Darker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 10). EVE Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 10). Sky: Children of the Light on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, October 14). RuneScape ® on Steam. Steam Store.