Free Exploration Games on Steam
Steam currently has 21,190 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 11/19/2025.
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 82. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 24,078 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 20,194 positive reviews and 3,884 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 | 11/14/2025 |
| 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 43,650 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 41,539 positive reviews and 2,111 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. 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 68, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 68,306 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 47,050 positive reviews and 21,256 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 skate. on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 9/16/2025 |
| Franchise | Electronic Arts |
| Developer | Full Circle |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Steam App Id | 3354750 |
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 84, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 36,095 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 31,002 positive reviews and 5,093 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. 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 87, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 27,466 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 24,512 positive reviews and 2,954 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 |
6. 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 #6 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 24,499 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 21,719 positive reviews and 2,780 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).
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 sci-fi sandbox MMO. 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 #7 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 37,395 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 27,454 positive reviews and 9,941 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 85, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 20,265 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 17,678 positive reviews and 2,587 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. 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 #9 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 78,620 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 50,584 positive reviews and 28,036 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.
10. 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 70, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,722 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,251 positive reviews and 471 negative reviews — making it "Mostly 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 | 10/21/2025 |
| Developer | Thera Interactive |
| Publisher | Thera Interactive |
| Steam App Id | 2948190 |
More Free Exploration Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Exploration games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182,658 | 11/14/2025 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 20,157 | 3/21/2022 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 9,398 | 9/16/2025 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 7,945 | 3/25/2024 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 7,067 | 4/28/2025 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 6,844 | 8/23/2022 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 5,083 | 12/16/2010 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,308 | 4/10/2024 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,170 | 6/7/2024 | 64 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,772 | 10/21/2025 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,666 | 10/14/2020 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,424 | 4/28/2025 | 46 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,116 | 5/8/2025 | 39 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,736 | 2/24/2021 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,562 | 11/5/2025 | 52 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,154 | 12/4/2020 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,089 | 5/25/2025 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,077 | 6/5/2021 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 974 | 5/17/2023 | 54 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 919 | 5/21/2025 | 62 | 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, November 19). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 19). Where Winds Meet on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 18). OBS Studio on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 19). skate. on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 19). Palia on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 19). Wuthering Waves on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 3). Guild Wars 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 19). EVE Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 19). Sky: Children of the Light on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 7). Dark and Darker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, November 18). World of Sea Battle on Steam. Steam Store.