Free Exploration Games on Steam
Steam currently has 20,276 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 9/29/2025.
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. 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. holds the #1 spot for "best free Exploration game on Steam" with a Player Score of 67. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 37,020 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 25,179 positive reviews and 11,841 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 |
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 64, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 76,614 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 49,394 positive reviews and 27,220 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.
3. 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 #3 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 34,293 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 29,392 positive reviews and 4,901 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 |
4. 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 #4 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 41,629 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 39,616 positive reviews and 2,013 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 |
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 88, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 23,887 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 21,394 positive reviews and 2,493 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 23,423 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 20,779 positive reviews and 2,644 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. 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 #7 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 25,858 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 21,296 positive reviews and 4,562 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).
8. Infinity Nikki
Embark on a cozy open-world adventure filled with vast landscape, mystical puzzles and unexpected platforming challenges. Dress up not just for style, but to unravel hidden mysteries, interact with a vibrant environment, and experience the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Infinity Nikki has achieved a Player Score of 44, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 7,146 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,083 positive reviews and 4,063 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Infinity Nikki on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 4/28/2025 |
| Developer | Infold Games |
| Publisher | Infold Games |
| Steam App Id | 3164330 |
9. 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 73, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 37,087 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 27,256 positive reviews and 9,831 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).
10. 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 85, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Exploration games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 19,442 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 16,977 positive reviews and 2,465 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 |
More Free Exploration Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Exploration games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71,753 | 9/16/2025 | 67 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 10,387 | 6/7/2024 | 64 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 9,632 | 3/25/2024 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 9,627 | 3/21/2022 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 7,331 | 4/28/2025 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,968 | 8/23/2022 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,535 | 10/14/2020 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,161 | 4/28/2025 | 44 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 2,864 | 12/15/2010 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 2,373 | 4/10/2024 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,445 | 2/24/2021 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,087 | 12/4/2020 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,016 | 6/6/2012 | 80 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 937 | 5/21/2025 | 61 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 825 | 5/8/2025 | 34 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 785 | 7/9/2015 | 79 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 723 | 7/23/2025 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 722 | 9/17/2024 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 674 | 8/10/2022 | 60 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 653 | 3/6/2025 | 53 | 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, September 29). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 29). skate. on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 29). Dark and Darker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 26). Palia on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 27). OBS Studio on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 26). Wuthering Waves on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 27). Guild Wars 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, August 17). RuneScape ® on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 29). Infinity Nikki on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 29). EVE Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 29). Sky: Children of the Light on Steam. Steam Store.