While we all love the thrill of the hunt, there are times when you just want to relax. Besides the best RPG games that let you don your favorite character, adventure games invite you on a journey where the puzzles are as captivating as the worlds you explore. From witty dialogue to mind-bending challenges, these classics weave unforgettable narratives that reward your curiosity and test your ingenuity. To help you find your pick, we decided to compile the best adventure games for you to try out in 2024. So with that, let’s begin!
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
- Release Date: October 26, 2018
- Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Red Dead Redemption 2 is one beautiful Western epic that throws you headfirst into a dying outlaw life. The story revolves around Arthur Morgan, a member part of the Van Der Linde gang as he explores a massive, richly detailed world. RDR 2 features a gripping story, stunning landscapes, bustling towns, and hidden secrets.
You’ll forge bonds with a complex cast of characters, tackle challenging missions, and make choices through an unforgettable story. It’s a masterfully crafted adventure that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
2. The Last of Us Part 1
- Release Date: September 2, 2022
- Platform(s): PS5, Microsoft Windows
The Last of Us Part 1 takes you on a post-apocalyptic journey focusing on the powerful bond between a hardened smuggler and a teenage girl immune to a deadly infection. The duo of Ellie and Joel blends tense survival elements with emotional storytelling, forcing players to make difficult choices with lasting consequences.
While the sequel offers more gameplay variety, the first game’s laser focus on character development and a grounded narrative makes it a more impactful adventure.
3. God of War Ragnarok
- Release Date: November 9, 2022
- Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Microsoft Windows
God of War Ragnarok expertly builds upon its predecessor, weaving a gripping Norse mythology-inspired story about a father-son duo of Kratos and Atreus. The game refines the combat system, offering a wider variety of weapons and abilities, while exploration expands across stunning, diverse realms. The emotional core remains strong, making this Norse chapter the most compelling adventure in the God of War series yet.
4. Fallout 4
- Release Date: November 10, 2015
- Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
The adventures of Fallout 4 offer unparalleled freedom in shaping your own wasteland journey. Craft unique weapons and armor, build and manage settlements, and forge alliances with various factions. The desolate beauty of the Commonwealth wasteland invites exploration, with countless stories waiting to be discovered in ruined towns, hidden vaults, and unmarked locations.
While the best Fallout games offered deeper RPG mechanics, Fallout 4 excels in open-world exploration and player choice, making it a fantastic adventure for those who want to carve their path in a rich and dangerous world.
5. Ghost of Tsushima
- Release Date: July 17, 2020
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
Ghost of Tsushima is a visual masterpiece and a great adventure game. This samurai adventure set in feudal Japan immerses you in a beautiful open world brimming with history and culture. You play as a dishonored warrior named Jin Sakai forced to abandon his code of honor to protect his home.
The engaging combat blends swordplay with stealth elements, offering players freedom in how they approach enemies. The emotional story explores themes of tradition, honor, and sacrifice, making it a captivating journey through a stunning recreation of Tsushima island.
6. Detroit: Become Human
- Release Date: May 25, 2018
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
If you want to have the adventure of a lifetime in a sci-fi setting, Detroit: Become Human does not disappoint. It explores the nature of humanity and sentience through the eyes of android characters on the brink of rebellion. Your choices significantly impact the narrative, shaping the fates of these androids and the course of a potential android revolution.
Stunning visuals and a branching storyline with multiple endings create a highly replayable experience that compels you to question your own biases and the future of artificial intelligence.
7. Marvel’s Spider-Man
- Release Date: September 7, 2018
- Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Microsoft Windows
Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018) captures the pure joy of web-slinging through a meticulously crafted New York City. The intuitive traversal mechanics make soaring through the city a constant thrill, while the combat seamlessly blends acrobatic attacks and gadget use.
A well-crafted story explores the struggles of Peter Parker alongside his superhero duties, offering a relatable and emotional journey. This combination of exhilarating movement, engaging combat, and a compelling narrative makes it one of the best Spider-Man games to date, even surpassing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2!
8. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Release Date: August 8, 2017
- Platform(s): PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
Senua’s Sacrifice is a powerful adventure that tackles mental illness with empathy and respect. You experience the world through the eyes of Senua, a Celtic warrior battling psychosis. Environmental storytelling and immersive audio design brilliantly portray her inner struggles.
While Hellblade 2 boasts more expansive environments, the original’s laser focus on Senua’s journey makes it a more intimate and impactful adventure.
9. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
- Release Date: November 17, 2004
- Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Nintendo 3DS, Windows
Snake Eater’s Cold War espionage thriller is unlike any other in the series. Set in a dense jungle environment, the game emphasizes survival elements. You’ll need to manage stamina, hunt for food, and deal with environmental hazards like weather and wildlife. This focus on resourcefulness and adaptation adds a new layer of challenge and immersion.
The story explores the origins of Big Boss, a pivotal character in the Metal Gear universe, offering a fresh perspective and emotional weight. Packed with memorable boss fights, clever gadgets, and the series’ trademark quirky humor, Snake Eater stands out as the most innovative and engaging adventure in the Metal Gear franchise. And with Metal Gear Solid Delta coming to the scene, it’s about to get better.
10. Stellar Blade
- Release Date: April 26, 2024
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5
Stellar Blade delivers a thrilling adventure that blends modern sensibilities with a classic exploration focus. The fast-paced combat emphasizes precise timing and counters, rewarding mastery. A beautifully ruined Earth serves as your playground, filled with secrets to uncover and diverse environments to explore, each with its own challenges and rewards.
This unique blend of frenetic action and rewarding exploration makes Stellar Blade a standout adventure for players seeking a modern twist on a beloved genre.
11. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Release Date: November 21, 1998
- Platform(s): Nintendo 64, iQue Player
When it comes to revolutionizing the adventure genre, it was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It introduced a sprawling 3D world brimming with secrets. Its innovative time travel mechanic allows players to explore Hyrule in both its childhood and adult eras, solving puzzles and uncovering a rich narrative that unfolds over decades.
The iconic ocarina adds another layer of depth, integrating musical melodies into gameplay and fostering a strong connection between players and the world. With its timeless design, engaging combat, and memorable characters, Ocarina of Time remains a benchmark for adventure games.
12. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Release Date: May 10, 2016
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End refines the series’ thrilling action-adventure formula with a more mature story. It delves into the aging Nathan Drake’s past, exploring themes of legacy and family alongside globetrotting treasure hunts and white-knuckle action sequences.
The expansive environments allow for more open-ended exploration and creative combat approaches, while the nuanced character development adds emotional weight to the narrative. This final chapter delivers a satisfying conclusion to Nathan’s story, solidifying its place as the best Uncharted game.
13. Batman: Arkham City
- Release Date: October 18, 2011
- Platform(s): PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, macOS, Wii U
Step into the corrupt heart of Gotham City and become the Dark Knight in Batman: Arkham City. This open-world adventure lets you soar through a sprawling cityscape teeming with thugs, iconic villains, and hidden secrets. The refined combat lets you unleash a powerful ballet of punches, gadgets, and takedowns, while detective challenges test your skills in piecing together clues.
The intricate plot, packed with twists and turns, delves into Batman’s psyche and the depths of his rogues’ gallery. With its immersive world, engaging combat, and exceptional storytelling, Arkham City stands as the pinnacle of the Batman Arkham series.
14. Hogwarts Legacy
- Release Date: February 10, 2023
- Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Ever dreamed of receiving your Hogwarts acceptance letter? Hogwarts Legacy brings that fantasy to life. You create your own witch or wizard, attending classes, mastering spells, and brewing potions within the iconic castle walls. Explore hidden passageways, uncover ancient secrets, and forge friendships with fellow students. It’s an immersive adventure that fulfills the ultimate Harry Potter dream of attending Hogwarts.
15. Kingdom Hearts II
- Release Date: December 22, 2005
- Platform(s): PlayStation 2
Fans adored the whimsical mashup of Disney and Final Fantasy worlds in the first Kingdom Hearts, leaving them eager for Sora’s next adventure. Kingdom Hearts 2 delivers a grand sequel, refining the action RPG combat with smoother controls and exciting new abilities.
Players revisit beloved Disney locales and encounter iconic characters, all while unraveling a deeper, more complex story filled with light and darkness. This blend of nostalgia, engaging combat, and a captivating narrative makes Kingdom Hearts 2 one of the best adventure games in 2024.
16. The Walking Dead: A Telltale Game Series
- Release Date: April 24, 2012
- Platform(s): Android, iOS, Kindle Fire HDX, OS X, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Ouya, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One
The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series stands out for its impactful narrative driven by player choices. Every decision, from seemingly trivial conversations to desperate life-or-death situations, shapes the story and relationships with a cast of compelling characters.
This episodic format creates a constant sense of anticipation, leaving players eager to see the consequences of their actions unfold in the next chapter. It’s a unique and emotional adventure game that revolutionizes storytelling and makes it one of the best adventure games.
17. Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood
- Release Date: November 16, 2010
- Platform(s): PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood refines the series’ formula, offering a thrilling return to Renaissance Italy with a more mature Ezio Auditore. The addition of recruitable Assassins adds a new layer of strategy and depth, while Rome itself becomes a sprawling playground filled with assassination missions, side activities, and hidden secrets to uncover.
While later entries introduced larger worlds, Brotherhood’s focus on a densely packed city and its power struggles makes it the most rewarding adventure of all Assassin’s Creed games. Plus, the game boasts a truly memorable soundtrack by Jesper Kyd that perfectly complements the action and atmosphere.
18. Stray
- Release Date: July 19, 2022
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, macOS
The breakout indie title, Stray, captured hearts with its unique perspective. You play as a cat navigating a decaying cybercity, experiencing the world through feline agility and curiosity. Environmental puzzles challenge you to think like a cat, squeezing through tight spaces and leaping across rooftops.
The story, though mysterious, explores themes of companionship and hope in a desolate environment, making Stray a charming and thought-provoking adventure game in 2024.
19. Tomb Raider 2013
- Release Date: March 4, 2013
- Platform(s): PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, Shield TV, Stadia
Tomb Raider 2013 reimagines Lara Croft’s origin story, transforming her into a vulnerable but determined survivor. You’ll experience a thrilling fight for life on a treacherous island crawling with danger and a mysterious cult. The game masterfully blends intense combat, challenging environmental puzzles, and heart-wrenching moments that showcase Lara’s growth from a young explorer to a hardened tomb raider.
While some may prefer the classic tomb-raiding focus of earlier entries, this gritty reboot stands out for its character development and immersive world-building, making it a fantastic entry point for newcomers and definitely one of the best adventure games to get.
20. Life is Strange
- Release Date: January 29, 2015
- Platform(s): PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch
While the final one on our list, Life is Strange remains one of the best adventure games in 2024. The story revolves around Max Caulfield, a photography student who can rewind time. This unique mechanic fuels a coming-of-age story set in a charming but troubled town.
Your choices ripple through the narrative, forcing you to grapple with the consequences of altering the past. Life is Strange’s strength lies in its relatable characters and impactful story, making it a more personal and emotionally resonant experience compared to its sequels. If you want to play the game for free, it is one of the best Android games on offer.
And these are the best adventure games you should try out in 2024! Have any more suggestions for us? Let us know in the comments below!
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