12 Best Adventure Games for an Epic Journey [2024]

Whether you’re diving into the realm of video games for the first time or finding your next favorite one, there’s a lot to explore. The best adventure games aren’t just linear stories full of excitement and action — they’re also emotional experiences that encompass a variety of narrative twists and turns.

From worlds entrenched in a zombie apocalypse to landscapes that explore America’s violent past in the late 19th century, there’s a lot to choose from.

Some of these games also take your decisions seriously. One wrong dialogue option can cause dire consequences for the characters. Alternatively, you may even give these characters the best time of their lives. There are many games to choose from, based on the experiences you wish to have. 

Top 12 Adventure Games

1. The Wolf Among Us

• Genre: Action-adventure, interactive storytelling, detective
• Release date: Oct. 11, 2013
• Platforms: Android, iOS, OS X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
• Gameplay features: Choice-based gameplay, nonlinear narrative based on the Fables comics, a mature take on folklore and legends
• Developer: Telltale
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 80/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: People who like interactive storytelling backed by narrative-driven themes set in a noir version of New York

Telltale is a studio known for writing some of the most gripping interactive stories. These video games are easily some of the best action adventure games you’ll ever play, and The Wolf Among Us shines as an example. Thanks to its availability on iOS and Android, it’s one of the best mobile RPGs you can try out right now.

The Wolf Among Us also relies heavily on quick-time events as part of its gameplay, especially when action sequences take the front seat. During such tense and dark moments in the game’s story, players have to interact with some of the residents of Fabletown — a place burdened by tales of the past and an underlying mystery that’s begging to be solved.

2. The Walking Dead

• Genre: Action-adventure, interactive storytelling, survival-horror
• Release date: April 24, 2012
• Platforms: Android, iOS, OS X, Kindle Fire HDX, Ouya, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
• Gameplay features: Choice-based gameplay, nonlinear narrative based on the comics by the same name, and horror-survival elements
• Developer: Telltale
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: People who like the zombie theme, with emotionally heavy and dark narrative choices

Undoubtedly, some of the best point-and-click adventure games come from Telltale, and The Walking Dead is for everyone who loves stories set in a post-apocalyptic world. Based on the popular comics of the same name, this series puts players in the shoes of characters who are trying to survive in a grim world.

Telltale’s The Walking Dead has mastered the cliché that goes, “Humans are the true monsters, not zombies.” Its deeply emotional tale puts players in a tough spot, thanks to the series’ choice-based gameplay. With each decision, you’ll slowly shape the fate of characters who can either fight the apocalypse or lose themselves to it.

3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

• Genre: Action-adventure, third-person, souls-like, sci-fi
• Release date: April 28, 2023.
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows
• Gameplay features: Melee combat, story-driven campaign, cinematic storytelling
• Developer: Respawn Entertainment
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 85/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Star Wars fans who are looking for a game set in a vibrant universe with narrative-driven gameplay that focuses on souls-like combat

For the longest time, Star Wars has evolved as a franchise, with comics and movies expanding on its epic stories. But, what about good adventure games set in a Star Wars universe? Star Wars Jedi is Respawn Entertainment’s answer to this, and the perfect series for someone wanting to wield a lightsaber and use Force powers in a combat system akin to some of the best souls-like games.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a sequel that takes a closer look at Cal Kestis’ journey as he comes to terms with his powers and everyone around him who’s worth living (and dying) for. With a gripping narrative and an excellent combat system, this game highlights everything that turns Star Wars into an almost-perfect video game.

4. Monkey Island

• Genre: Adventure, comedy, 2D, point and click, pirates
• Release date: Sept. 19, 2022
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Linux, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, and Android
• Gameplay features: Point-and-click adventure, puzzle-solving, 2D art style
• Developer: Terrible Toybox
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 87/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of pirate stories who like games with puzzle-solving and 2D visuals

Some of the best point-and-click adventure games don’t need 3D graphics to succeed, and the Monkey Island series is a prime example. The release of Return to Monkey Island quickly became a sensational entry into the world of puzzle games enriched by memorable characters.

Its whimsical art style and pirate theme puts players in the shoes of Guybrush Threepwood — an aspiring pirate with a knack for adventure and witty dialogue. Overall, the series is for anyone looking for a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously and reminds them of animated shows from the 90s.

5. God of War: Ragnarök

• Genre: Action-adventure, RPG, narrative-driven
• Release date: Nov. 9, 2022
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows
• Gameplay features: Intense combat, role-playing elements, story-driven gameplay, puzzle-solving
• Developer: Santa Monica Studio
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 94/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: People who love action-packed third-person games with an emphasis on combat driven by Norse mythology

A list of “best adventure games PS4” would be incomplete without the mention of God of War. Its sequel, God of War: Ragnarök, continues the tale of Kratos and Atreus as they cross paths with gods, demigods, and other mystical beings in the Norse realms. The game mixes third-person combat with deftly crafted storytelling that combines cinematic shots with in-game action sequences.

The game’s art direction and polish have been praised globally, and now even PC players can enjoy this franchise’s excellence. The two games have regrown the roots of the God of War series, giving Kratos’ universe a visual and narrative overhaul.

6. Life Is Strange

• Genre: Adventure, choice-based, story-driven, third-person.
• Release date: Jan. 30, 2015
• Platforms: iOS, Android, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, OS X, Linux, and Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: Story-rich gameplay, conversation-driven narrative, episodic progression
• Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment
• Payment model: Free to play the first episode
• Rating: 85/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: People who want a game that majorly focuses on its story and dialogue choices, with minimal gameplay mechanics

Life is Strange follows the journey of Max Caulfield, who meets new people and explores her place in the world as she discovers her supernatural abilities. Her world completely changes when she gains the ability to rewind time. This gameplay mechanic alone sets the game apart from other story-driven games.

This is an episodic experience you must have if you care deeply about emotionally driven narratives, where every conversation you have can lead to different outcomes for the story. And if things don’t go according to the plan, maybe you can rewind time and see how things unfold. 

7. Red Dead Redemption 2

• Genre: Action-adventure, open world, third-person, story-driven
• Release date: Oct. 26, 2018
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows
• Gameplay features: Open world exploration, narrative-driven campaign, Western themes, third-person combat, hunting, heists/robberies
• Developer: Rockstar Games
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 97/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Mature audiences who want to experience a realistic open-world game set in late 19th-century America.

Red Dead Redemption 2 closely follows the adventures of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they come to terms with the dawn of a new civilization. This world is not too kind to outlaws, and the times are changing rapidly. Between robbing banks, hunting, fishing, and a plethora of other activities, there are moral decisions to make and people to save or execute.

This game’s arrival changed the world of adventure games for the better. Everything you do in Red Dead Redemption 2 has some weight, resulting in moral choices that reflect how things evolve around you. There’s a large, vibrant world to explore here, with varying flora and fauna and nonplayable characters that feel like real people living in a virtual world. 

8. The Witcher 3

• Genre: Action-adventure, RPG, third-person, story-driven, open-world
• Release date: May 19, 2015
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: Narrative-driven gameplay, role-playing elements, melee combat with magic systems
• Developer: CD PROJEKT RED
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 92/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: People looking to explore a fantastical realm rich with magic, third-person combat, and interesting characters

In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a “Witcher” who’s looking for someone close to his heart. On this complex journey, he’s riddled with the dangers of this world — monsters, witches, political issues, and people who may love or despise him. The story is full of moral ambiguity and well-written characters and should be on your list if you’re into open-world games.

While the game’s stunning visuals and narrative choices are often praised, its side-quests certainly shine through. Even the smaller story bits in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt feel important and leave a memorable mark on your psyche long after the credits start rolling.

9. Baldur’s Gate 3

• Genre: RPG, turn-based, choice-based, story-driven.
• Release date: Aug. 3, 2023
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and macOS
• Gameplay features: Dungeon & Dragons mechanics, role-playing elements, class-based characters, rich story, turn-based combat system
• Developer: Larian Studios
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 96/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of role-playing games who wish to explore a highly detailed world driven by choice-based gameplay

Loosely based on Dungeon & Dragons mechanics, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a narrative-driven tactical RPG where you’re free to choose your character class and embark on several journeys throughout Faerûn. There’s an adventure waiting for you at every turn and corner, and each dialogue you choose can change the fate of your characters and those journeying alongside you.

It’s recommended that you play this game with a keyboard and mouse, as the list of “best adventure games PC” is incomplete without mentioning Baldur’s Gate 3. The game may feel daunting to new players, but once you get into it, there’s no going back! 

10. The Last of Us

• Genre: Action-adventure, third-person, story-driven
• Release date: June 14, 2013
• Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows
• Gameplay features: Third-person action, stealth mechanics, linear narrative
• Developer: Naughty Dog 
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 95/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Audiences who enjoy the zombie theme and a detailed and emotional storyline mixed with action and stealth gameplay

The release of The Last of Us set the benchmark for new games in the single-player genre. Its rich story, with believable and human characters, gives players much to think and feel about. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic America where zombies have taken over using crafting, stealth, and shooting.

Good adventure games often include well-designed objectives, which The Last of Us focuses on by narrating the tale of Joel and Ellie — two protagonists trying to find meaning in a broken world. If you’re up for an emotional story with a soundtrack that’ll tug at the heartstrings (and guitar strings), this game is absolutely for you.

11. Stray

• Genre: Adventure, indie, puzzle
• Release date: July 19, 2022
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, macOS, and Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: Interactive environments, cyberpunk ambiance, puzzle-solving
• Developer: BlueTwelve Studio
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 83/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Animal lovers who want to experience a cat’s journey in a cyberpunk world

Stray is one of those few adventure games that can be enjoyed by any player, regardless of their age or maturity. It’s a beautifully woven adventure of an adorable cat who explores a dystopian environment with the help of a drone companion named B-12. Much of the gameplay revolves around exploration and puzzle-solving.

It’s not often that you play an adventure game through the perspective of a cat, but Stray does this uniquely by carefully blending a cat’s sneaky and nonchalant movements with atmospheric visuals painted by a cyberpunk theme. It’s not the most combat-heavy or action-packed game, but it’s an experience certainly worth your time. 

12. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

• Genre: Action-adventure, third-person, story-driven
• Release date: Oct. 7, 2015
• Platforms: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 
• Gameplay features: Linear storytelling, puzzle-solving, over-the-shoulder shooting, and stealth mechanics
• Developer: Naughty Dog
• Payment model: Premium
• Rating: 86/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of Indiana Jones, witty dialogues, and enigmatic and emotional storytelling

In the realm of adventure video games, Nathan Drake often takes the crown for being a goofy, adrenaline-driven character with a heart for novel experiences. You can even call him “the Indiana Jones of PlayStation”! After all, the Uncharted games take you on an exotic journey across several locations around the globe, where you’ll uncover hidden treasures and unexpected monstrosities.

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is the perfect game for someone who’s diving into the action-adventure genre, bringing together Nathan Drake’s first three adventures. After this one, you’ll want to play Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, which further expands on the stories of characters like Chloe, Sam, Victor, and others.

Best Adventure Games at a Glance

Thanks to the large variety of adventure games that exist across different platforms, there are many options to choose from. This table will help you glance over some options and help you decide which adventure is worth your time and emotional investment. 

How To Choose the Best Adventure Games

Choosing an adventure game for you should be a decision based on the kind of games you usually enjoy. For instance, if you focus more on gameplay mechanics and need that adrenaline rush when playing an adventure game, consider games like God of War: Ragnarök and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

On the other hand, titles like Stray and Life is Strange are for you if you want a laid-back experience without feeling challenged at every step of the game. Most of the titles let you adjust the difficulty level, and you can set it based on how challenging you want things to feel.

• Consider your preferred genre: If you’re into cinematic experiences, where games feel like movies rather than traditional arcade adventures, go for choice-based narratives with nonlinear storylines.
• Define your gameplay style: Think about how involved you wish to be with the game. RPG titles usually give you a highly detailed look at your characters. Meanwhile, linear third-person shooters follow a story that may not personally feel yours. 
• Look for a compelling story: When thinking of the game’s story, consider the themes it deals with. On the one hand, you have extremely realistic narrative directions (games from Naughty Dog). On the other, you have themes garnished by fantasy and folklore. 
• Check the game's atmosphere: Based on the adventure game you’re looking for, think about which type of world you wish to live in. Something that keeps you on the edge in a horror-survival story or something that’s grounded in mythical tales. 
• Read reviews and recommendations: Metacritic and Steam are great places to check out reviews for a game. Even though every game is a subjective experience for players, some game design decisions (good or bad) are objective. 
• Consider the game's length and replayability: Other than the open-world adventure games mentioned above, most single-player campaigns are short (5-7 hours) to medium (14-16 hours). Think about the time and emotional investment you wish to put in as important factors. 

Your Next Great Adventure Awaits

Whether it’s a survival horror game or a relaxed open world, it can be a little difficult to decide what the best adventure games are for you. Ask yourself this: if you had to escape the real world for a few hours at a time, who would you like to be? A Jedi, an outlaw, or maybe a cat? When you put yourself in a role like this, it’s easier to choose an adventure best suited for you.

Adventure Games FAQ

What Makes a Good Adventure Game?

A good adventure game has a gripping story to tell and characters that feel believable, even if they’re completely fictional. A game like this builds many memories for you and stays with you long after you’re done playing.

What Are the Different Types of Adventure Games?

Adventure games can be of many types, such as nonlinear, point-and-click, action-adventure, puzzle, platformers, and so on. Sometimes, a platform can gain popularity for certain types of adventure games. For example, many PlayStation games are third-person action adventures, while Nintendo is famous for platformers. 

What Is the Difference Between Adventure Games and RPGs?

All RPGs can be adventure games, but not all adventure games are RPGs! You know you’re enjoying a role-playing game when you can heavily customize your character, choose which skills to upgrade, and be in charge of your character’s life paths. Baldur’s Gate 3 is the perfect example of this.