Free Exploration Games on Steam
Steam currently has 16,503 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 1/17/2025.
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. OBS Studio
Free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming
OBS Studio holds the #1 spot for "best free Exploration game on Steam" with a Player Score of 93. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 31,255 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 29,798 positive reviews and 1,457 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 |
2. 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 71, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 61,850 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 44,225 positive reviews and 17,625 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 Dark and Darker on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
3. 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 55, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 42,550 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 23,623 positive reviews and 18,927 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).
4. Palia
Palia is a vibrant new world made just for you. Craft, cook, fish, and farm with friends as you live the life of your dreams and discover an enchanting adventure filled with colorful characters and a mystery to unravel.
Palia has achieved a Player Score of 83, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 23,523 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 19,967 positive reviews and 3,556 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 19,966 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 17,766 positive reviews and 2,200 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. EVE Online
EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox.
EVE Online has achieved a Player Score of 73, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 35,487 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 26,216 positive reviews and 9,271 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).
7. Sky: Children of the Light
Sky: Children of the Light is a peaceful, award-winning MMO from the creators of Journey. Explore a beautifully-animated kingdom across seven realms and create enriching memories with other players in this delightful puzzle-adventure game.
Sky: Children of the Light has achieved a Player Score of 86, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 14,947 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 13,151 positive reviews and 1,796 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 |
8. SUPERVIVE
MOBA BR MEETS HERO SHOOTER. Jump, glide, shoot, punch, bounce, nuke, spike your enemies in this free-flowing, chaotic battleground in the sky. Face off in all-out, multi-squad teamfights, take down boss monsters for big loot, get that W and run it back.
SUPERVIVE has achieved a Player Score of 88, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 13,749 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 12,437 positive reviews and 1,312 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.
| Release Date | 11/20/2024 |
| Developer | Theorycraft Games |
| Publisher | Theorycraft Games |
| Steam App Id | 1283700 |
9. 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 82, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 24,593 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 20,575 positive reviews and 4,018 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).
10. Leaf Blower Revolution - Idle Game
Blow leaves, upgrade your gear, and automate your progress as you explore the Leaf Universe. A satisfying incremental idle game where every leaf blown brings you closer to the next big upgrade. Simple, relaxing, and endlessly rewarding. Let the leaves fall, and your progress rise!
Leaf Blower Revolution - Idle Game has achieved a Player Score of 92, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 24,502 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 23,149 positive reviews and 1,353 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 Leaf Blower Revolution - Idle Game on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 12/4/2020 |
| Developer | Humble North |
| Publisher | Humble North |
| Steam App Id | 1468260 |
More Free Exploration Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Exploration games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13,930 | 3/21/2022 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 12,563 | 6/7/2024 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 5,824 | 5/17/2023 | 55 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 5,257 | 3/25/2024 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,049 | 8/23/2022 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,006 | 12/16/2010 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,124 | 4/10/2024 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,082 | 11/20/2024 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,019 | 10/14/2020 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 2,435 | 12/4/2020 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,634 | 6/5/2021 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,616 | 6/6/2012 | 80 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,421 | 11/6/2024 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,274 | 8/10/2022 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,048 | 2/24/2021 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,015 | 11/10/2022 | 76 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 814 | 4/5/2018 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 781 | 7/9/2015 | 79 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 776 | 9/1/2024 | 57 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 736 | 11/12/2024 | 91 | 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, January 17). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). OBS Studio on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Dark and Darker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Hero's Land on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 16). Palia on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 15). Guild Wars 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 16). EVE Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 16). Sky: Children of the Light on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 15). SUPERVIVE on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 8). RuneScape ® on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Leaf Blower Revolution - Idle Game on Steam. Steam Store.