Core Mechanics
Best Exploration Games
Discovering new areas and secrets
48 games ranked by exploration intensity
Stellaris
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleExplorationSandboxSci-fi technology
Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion
Windows
Map scaleSandboxExplorationBase managementResource management
Imperiums: Greek Wars
Windows
Map scaleExplorationSpreadsheet territoryResource managementTech/research trees
Sid Meier's Civilization®: Beyond Earth™
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleExplorationMethodicalTech/research treesTurn-based combat
Age of Wonders 4
Windows
Map scaleDialogue choicesExplorationMethodicalTech/research trees
Galactic Civilizations IV
Windows
Map scaleExplorationSandboxSci-fi technologySpreadsheet territory
ENDLESS™ Space - Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleExplorationSandboxMethodicalResource management
ENDLESS™ Legend
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleExplorationOpen worldSandboxMethodical
Interstellar Space: Genesis
Windows
Map scaleTurn-based combatExplorationSandboxOpen world
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes
Windows
City/empire buildingTurn-based combatExplorationSandboxSolo contemplative
Conquest of Elysium 5
WindowsmacOSLinux
ExplorationAsync communityLocal multiplayerTurn-based combatMethodical
Pax Nova
Windows
Map scaleExplorationDialogue choicesMethodicalResource management
Satisfactory
Windows
Automation designOpen worldSandboxExplorationResource management
Techtonica
Windows
Automation designSandboxCity/empire buildingExplorationResource management
Oxygen Not Included
WindowsmacOSLinux
Base managementSandboxExplorationOpen worldResource management
Dwarf Fortress
WindowsLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldExplorationBase management
Settlement Survival
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingSandboxExplorationPixel artBase management
Surviving the Aftermath
Windows
City/empire buildingOpen worldExplorationResource managementBase management
Sapiens
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingOpen worldExplorationBase managementResource management
The Wandering Village
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingAutomation designExplorationRoguelike loopsBase management
Anno 1800
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxExplorationDialogue choicesBase management
Anno 1404 - History Edition
Windows
City/empire buildingExplorationResource managementBase managementMap scale
Cliff Empire
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingSandboxExplorationMinimalistBase management
IXION
Windows
City/empire buildingExplorationDialogue choicesSci-fi technologyBase management
TheoTown
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingExplorationVehicle controlBase managementResource management
Wartales
Windows
Open worldExplorationSandboxTurn-based combatMethodical
Offworld Trading Company
WindowsmacOS
Base managementCity/empire buildingExplorationCompetitive rankedResource management
Renowned Explorers: International Society
WindowsmacOSLinux
ExplorationDiplomacyRoguelike loopsMethodicalTurn-based combat
DARK SOULS™ III
Windows
Skill masteryExplorationOpen worldMelee combatTense
Monster Hunter: World
Windows
Open worldExplorationSkill masteryMMO socialCo-op chaos
Lies of P
WindowsmacOS
Skill masteryExplorationDialogue choicesMelee combatSolo contemplative
Pillars of Eternity
WindowsmacOSLinux
ExplorationOpen worldFantasy mythologyLinear storySolo contemplative
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesOpen worldExplorationTurn-based combatDeep systems
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOS
Dialogue choicesExplorationLocal multiplayerTurn-based combatMethodical
ZERO Sievert
Windows
Pixel artOpen worldExplorationBase managementShooting
Enderal: Forgotten Stories
Windows
ExplorationOpen worldLinear storySolo contemplativeFantasy mythology
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Windows
Open worldExplorationLinear storySolo contemplativeMelee combat
Horizon Zero Dawn™ Complete Edition
Windows
Open worldExplorationStealthLinear storySolo contemplative
Terraria
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldSandboxExplorationPixel artPlatforming
7 Days to Die
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldVoxelExplorationSandboxShooting
Outer Wilds
Windows
ExplorationOpen worldTenseSci-fi technologyMystery and detective
Forza Horizon 5
Windows
Vehicle controlOpen worldExplorationPhotorealisticCo-op chaos
OMORI
WindowsmacOS
TensePixel artExplorationExistential dreadLinear story
Fallout 4
Windows
Open worldExplorationSandboxSolo contemplativeLinear story
Fallout: New Vegas
Windows
Open worldExplorationShootingSandboxSolo contemplative
Valheim
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldExplorationFantasy mythologySandboxCrafting
No Man's Sky
WindowsmacOS
Open worldExplorationSandboxShootingCrafting
Stranded Deep
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldExplorationSandboxCraftingResource management