15 Best Adventure Games in 2025: From Time Loops to Treasure
If life feels a little too… normal, it’s probably time to shake things up with the best adventure games out there. Why settle for laundry day when you could be hunting lost relics or battling mythical beasts from the comfort of your couch?
Adventure games aren’t all about random clicking (although we’ve all done it). They’re about captivating stories that draw you in, mesmerizing worlds that’ll make you forget about your now-cold cup of coffee, and lovable characters that you’ll care for more than your real-life buddies.
Whether you love embarking on grand quests in enchanting lands, uncovering sinister secrets in brightly-lit urban environments, or just guiding a pixelated buddy to find their missing hat – there’s an adventure game out there for every gamer’s taste.
This list has everything you’ve been looking for!
From timeless classics that shaped the scene, to mind-blowing contemporary hits, right through to low-budget indie wonders that show you don’t need a massive budget to craft an unmissable tale.
So, if you’re ready to lose track of time (in the best way possible), read on. Your next great adventure is waiting!
Our Top Picks for Adventure Games
Adventure games are magical story-books where your choices paint the picture, and every move feels like digging up buried treasure. What makes this genre stand out is its ability to blend immersive storytelling, emotional depth, and gameplay that keeps you thinking long after you’ve put the controller down.
Ready to jump in? Here’s a list of five top adventure games selected by our team, guaranteed to make you giggle, tear up, and question reality – maybe even all at the same time.
- Stray (2022) – A cyberpunk adventure where you play as a lost cat navigating a neon-lit city inhabited by robots.
- The Last of Us Part I (2022) – A gripping, post-apocalyptic journey of survival and emotional bonds in a world ravaged by a deadly infection.
- The Wolf Among Us (2013) – A gritty, noir-inspired mystery where fairy tale characters live hidden among humans, and you’re the detective trying to keep the peace.
- Life is Strange Remastered (2022) – A choice-driven adventure about friendship, time-travel, and uncovering dark secrets in a small town.
- Outer Wilds (2019) – A mind-bending space exploration game where you unravel the mysteries of a doomed solar system caught in a time loop.
And that’s just the beginning! If you’re already intrigued, wait until you see the rest of the list. Scroll down to uncover even more adventure games that’ll challenge your decisions, spark your curiosity, and maybe even break your heart a little.
15 Adventure Games You Can’t Miss in 2025
In this list, we’ve got it all – heart-pounding thrillers, emotional rollercoasters, and mind-bending mysteries. From indie gems to blockbuster hits, these games prove that adventure isn’t just about where you go – it’s about the chaos, feels, and questionable choices you make along the way.
Whether you’re cracking secret codes, beating the odds to survive, or just meandering through stunningly designed digital landscapes, these games know just how to wrap you around its finger.
So buckle up (or, you know, just get comfy), because we’re diving into 15 of the best adventure games you have to play.
1. Stray
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC | 2022 | BlueTwelve Studio |
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a cat? No, seriously – Stray lets you ditch your human responsibilities and embrace life as an adorable, orange tabby navigating a neon-soaked world. Yep, it’s as cool as it sounds.
In this game, you roam around a futuristic city, through its complex paths, towering rooftops, and tucked-away corners. It’s not just about being mischievous (though that’s super satisfying). You also solve tricky puzzles, fool watchful security drones, and meet cute robot friends that somehow seem more human than actual humans.
Stray earns its place among the most endearing indie games not only thanks to its unique gameplay. It’s the emotional richness hidden within its peaceful moments. The city’s solitude paired with the charm of unlikely friendships makes it far more touching than you’d expect – all while letting you meow whenever you please.
2. The Last of Us Part I
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PC, PlayStation 5 | 2022 | Naughty Dog |
If video games had a Hall of Fame for “Most Likely to Destroy Your Feelings,” The Last of Us would be front and center, probably holding an award made of your tears.
It’s not just one of the greatest post-apocalyptic games, it’s a deeply moving journey set in a world where fungi turn out to be the bad guys. You play as Joel, a tough, emotionally guarded smuggler who’s given the job to guide Ellie, a witty teenager – possibly our last hope – across a devastated America. It’s like a road trip, but with more danger and ethical challenges.
The gameplay beautifully mixes stealth, crafting, and nail-biting combat. You’ll feel every bullet’s worth, as ammo is rare. However, the star of the show is the plot, packed with tear-jerking moments and characters so believable you’d forget they’re just pixels.
The Last of Us stands out not just because of its infected monsters but the emotional depth it dives into. The relationship between Joel and Ellie goes from an unwilling alliance to a strained father-daughter bond, all depicted with heart-wrenching honesty.
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3. The Wolf Among Us
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows PC, macOS, iOS, Android | 2013 | Telltale Games |
Picture your beloved fairy tale characters from childhood, all grown up and living in New York, getting involved in crime, corruption, and the odd barroom brawl. Welcome to The Wolf Among Us, your new adventure where “happily ever after” is more of a suggestion.
You take on the role of Bigby Wolf – yes, the notorious Big Bad Wolf – who has now somewhat mended his ways and works as the sheriff of Fabletown, a concealed community of magical beings living undercover among ordinary people. When a savage murder shakes this covert society, it’s up to Bigby to wade through a labyrinth of lies, deceit, and characters who wouldn’t mind watching him fail.
What distinguishes The Wolf Among Us is its neo-noir flair. Picture moody purples, smoky taverns, and morally ambiguous characters full of secrets. The snappy dialogue, thrilling mystery, and Bigby’s tug-of-war between his darker impulses and noble intentions create the emotional tension that defines immersive story games.
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4. Life is Strange Remastered
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows PC, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | 2022 | Dontnod Entertainment |
This is the kind of game that sneaks up on you. You start thinking it’s just about teenage drama, and then – bam – you’re emotionally invested, questioning every choice you’ve made, and Googling “butterfly effect” at 2 AM.
You get to be Max Caulfield, a photography-loving student who finds out she can go back in time. Sounds thrilling? Well, it gets more complicated when you realize every action in time has its reaction. The game sets you on a journey, making difficult decisions and exploring the beautiful, yet somewhat mysterious town of Arcadia Bay – a place hiding more than just peaceful suburban energy.
Life is Strange isn’t simply unforgettable because of its intriguing time-twisting abilities. Rather, it’s the tale of human connection that steals the show. And when you mix in an indie-folk soundtrack that pulls at your heartstrings, you’re in for a great adventure game that’s as stunning as it is heart-rending.
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5. Outer Wilds
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC | 2019 | Mobius Digital |
You open your eyes to an unfamiliar planet, all set to journey through space and time… but find yourself caught in a 22-minute loop leading up to a gigantic solar explosion.
Don’t expect the usual gaming aids like waypoints or step-by-step tutorials. It’s just you, your slightly shaky spaceship, and a solar system teeming with archaic ruins, peculiar physics, and unexplained cosmic enigmas. Each loop restarts the universe, but your knowledge remains intact. The game’s real hook? Your ability to learn is your main weapon.
Outer Wilds isn’t about amassing treasures or accumulating experience points. It’s about sparking curiosity. You’ll pursue enigmas across deteriorating planets, traverse deadly black holes, and piece together a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and haunting.
This game is a rare gem where the adventure itself is the ultimate prize. With no battles to fight, it’s an exploration driven by your thirst for knowledge. While the universe doesn’t revolve around you – both literally and figuratively – it makes each discovery uniquely personal.
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6. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch | 2023 | Nintendo EPD |
Get ready for the ride of your life with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. If you thought Breath of the Wild was epic, wait till you dive into this one. Meet your favorite hero Link once more, as he steps up to save his kingdom (yep, again!).
This game takes you to new heights with sky islands and fresh powers. Get lost in a world so vast, you could wander for hours. Did your horse just get wedged in a tree? Well, that’s a story for another day. Enjoy the improved crafting system, solve tricksy puzzles, and delve into an enthralling adventure where Zelda’s been up to quite a bit.
Tears of the Kingdom is a true gift of freedom. Glide from towering peaks, uncover the secrets of hidden caves, or just enjoy creating random object combos. And the game’s physics engine? It’s a masterpiece in its own right.
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7. It Takes Two
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC | 2021 | Hazelight Studios |
If therapy isn’t working, try turning into dolls and fighting off angry vacuum cleaners. That’s the plot of It Takes Two in a nutshell – and somehow, it’s brilliant.
It’s a must-play co-op game where you team up with a buddy, or perhaps an unsuspecting sweetheart, to play as Cody and May, a squabbling couple magically shrunk down to doll size. Your mission? Take on everything from giant toolboxes in a shed to hopping frogs in a mystical garden, all while trying to mend your relationship.
Gameplay-wise, It Takes Two is a masterclass in variety. Every level introduces new mechanics – one minute you’re controlling time, the next you’re defying gravity. It’s fast-paced, chaotic, and hilariously fun, with puzzles and platforming sections that require genuine teamwork.
But what makes this game truly special is the way it weaves touching moments into all the fun. Even with the crazy plot, the emotional beats still tug at your heartstrings.
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8. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, Stadia | 2018 | Ubisoft Quebec |
If you’ve ever wanted to stomp around ancient Greece like a mythological rockstar, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is your ticket. Choose between Alexios or Kassandra, both mercenaries with complex backgrounds and a knack for quick-witted remarks and deadly spear skills.
Experience the wonder of exploring sun-drenched islands, mesmerizing turquoise oceans, and climbing just about anything during the historical Peloponnesian War. The game’s appeal lies in its blend of secret assassinations, intense fights, and your own storytelling through dialogue selections. Feel like charming everyone you meet? Go for it. Or maybe you’d rather boot foes off cliffs a la 300? That’s also an option!
The standout feature of Odyssey is the magnitude of its world. The map is impressively large and bursting with side quests, hidden loot, and legendary creatures waiting for a fight. And let’s not forget about the naval combats, unleashing your pirate side without the nasty scurvy. But past the intense battles and captivating landscapes, it’s the emotional depth rooted in family bonds, secrets, and personal growth that keeps you glued to your screen.
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9. Red Dead Redemption 2
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, Stadia | 2018 | Rockstar Studios |
Ever dreamed of riding into the Wild West sunset, pulling off a daring train heist or having a good brawl in a tavern (minus the real-world harm)? Then Red Dead Redemption 2 is your ideal action-adventure game.
At its heart, RDR2 is all about choice. You’re free to explore stunning, expansive environments, ranging from frosty peaks to sun-baked plains. Will you be the law-abiding cowboy or the infamous rascal? You’re free to do almost anything: bank jobs, hunting, card games, fishing, gunfights, or simply hang out at your camp, sipping on coffee by the fire. (I promise, even the virtual coffee here feels extra gratifying.)
But what truly sets this game apart isn’t just the thrilling missions – though hunting bounties and executing heists are absolutely enjoyable. It’s the peaceful, unforeseen moments: lending a hand to random folks you encounter on your journey, bonding with your horse (which you’ll name and grow to love), and getting drawn into Arthur Morgan’s emotional experiences.
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10. Firewatch
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, macOS, Linux | 2016 | Campo Santo |
Ever thought about leaving your day job, running off into the wild, and basking in the soft glow of sunsets? Well, that’s pretty much what you get to do in Firewatch, but with an intriguing twist – a captivating mystery that makes you question everything.
Meet Henry, the character you’ll be controlling. He decides to opt for a job as a fire lookout in the wilderness of Wyoming, seeking some tranquility (spoiler alert: he fails). Your only connection to the outside world? A walkie-talkie connected to Delilah, your funny and clever supervisor who’s as sarcastic as she is caring. The entire game unfolds through your chats with her as you wander the woods, probe peculiar happenings, and unearth secrets hidden among the silent scenery.
Playing the game is easy – navigate, climb and interact with the surroundings while making conversation choices that dictate your rapport with Delilah. But don’t be misled – Firewatch is a real emotional rollercoaster. It’s not just a mystery about the woods – it’s a journey into loneliness, regret, and connection.
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11. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Windows PC | 2024 | MachineGames |
This one is more than just an old-school treasure hunt game. It’s a heart-racing, hat-tipping adventure that dives straight to the core of Indy’s universe. Have you ever wanted to punch Nazis, outrun dangerous traps, and grumble some sassy one-liners while you’re at it? Then, dear reader, this is your game.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle mixes classic action-adventure mechanics with brain-tickling puzzles that make you feel smart (or a touch annoyed in the best possible way). You’ll swing over bottomless pits, decipher ancient texts, and sometimes wish that our hero, Indy, had invested in some sturdy kneecaps.
What I love about The Great Circle is how it channels the essence of the films without seeming like a straight rip-off. The landscapes are stunning, the action accelerates your heartbeat, and Indy’s unique personality glimmers through each witty remark. Fun fact: the game features motion capture of an actor meticulously replicating Harrison Ford’s iconic mannerisms, so you’ll feel like you’re controlling the real Indy!
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12. Inside
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS | 2016 | Playdead |
Imagine waking up in a world that feels both eerily familiar yet deeply off. Welcome to Inside – a game that speaks volumes through its quietness, far more than others do in endless dialogues. No guides, no assistance, just you – an unnamed kiddo in a red t-shirt, and a world that’s challenging you.
At its heart, it’s a 2D puzzle-platformer with basic features: run, jump, hide and once in a while, question your very existence. The icing on the cake? It’s all set in a chilling, dystopian world where every shadow seems to have eyes on you. The game doesn’t spoon-feed you the storyline, instead, it allows you to connect the dots through creepy settings, weird background details, and moments that’ll make you pause and wonder, “Hang on… what just happened?”
Inside isn’t just about the puzzles – it’s the intense atmosphere, the breathtaking climax, and the way it sticks to your memory like a forgotten nightmare. If you adore games that are a perfect blend of stunning, strange, and mind-twisting, Inside is your ideal obscure treasure.
13. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5 | 2023 | Insomniac Games |
What’s better than playing as Spider-Man? Playing as two Spider-Men. In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, you take charge of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales in a thrilling adventure that’s bigger, more daring, and simply packed with excitement.
You get to explore a detailed replica of New York City, swinging through towering skyscrapers with an effortless, breathtaking fluidity that makes conventional travel methods look boring. Who needs subways when you can soar through the skies? The fight sequences are smooth and dynamic, with new features like Peter’s symbiote suit and Miles’ bio-electric skills adding extra punch to your battles.
However, it’s not all about the thrilling fight sequences. This game digs deep into the personal experiences of our heroes. You’ll confront notorious villains like Venom and Kraven the Hunter, each posing their unique threats to the city. So, what’s the outcome? A game that offers a rich blend of heart and heroics.
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14. UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PC, PlayStation 5 | 2022 | Naughty Dog |
If the charm of Indiana Jones and the wit of James Bond combined to create a character, that’d be Nathan Drake. UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection bundles Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and The Lost Legacy into one remastered package, delivering thrilling, cinematic adventures.
From heart-pounding action sequences to clever puzzles and breathtaking set pieces, both games feel like playing through a blockbuster film. Uncharted 4 wraps up Drake’s story with emotion and epic treasure hunts, while The Lost Legacy offers a fresh take with Chloe Frazer leading the charge.
With upgraded visuals and smooth performance, this collection is the perfect way to experience some of the best action-adventure gaming has to offer.
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15. Heavy Rain
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows PC | 2010 | Quantic Dream |
Ever thought about how far you’d go for someone you love? Heavy Rain is here to test your values, and possibly rattle your nerves a bit in the process. This captivating, interactive drama puts you smack in the middle of the lives of four characters, all caught up in the chase for the Origami Killer, a serial murderer with a peculiar signature.
The game isn’t really about typical gameplay but more about choices. Each decision is critical. Blink at the wrong time? That character could meet their end. Choose an inappropriate conversation? The ripple effect will surprise you. It’s like being the star of your personal crime drama, only you can’t just yell “CUT!” if things go downhill.
The lasting mark of Heavy Rain is its emotional depth. The intensity grips you as you make near-impossible choices – like “Do I really need to do this to save my child?” Spoiler: you bet you do. It’s raw, it’s gritty, and it’ll leave you assessing your own moral stance long after the game’s over.
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Best Adventure Games on Xbox
When it comes to the best Xbox games in the adventure genre, there’s no shortage of titles packed with epic quests, mysteries to solve, and stunning open worlds to explore. Here are the top must-play games:
- What Remains of Edith Finch – Explore a mysterious family home and uncover the surreal stories of its lost members.
- Tunic – Play as a tiny fox on a big adventure, solving puzzles and battling foes in a mysterious world.
- Sea of Thieves – Live the pirate life with treasure hunts, sea battles, and endless ocean adventures.
FAQs
What counts as an adventure genre?
Games focused on story, exploration, puzzles, and player-driven choices, often with minimal combat.
What is the No. 1 adventure game?
It varies, but The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is often considered the top adventure game for its open-world exploration and captivating journey.
Are action adventure games RPGs?
No, but they can overlap. Action-adventure games focus on combat and exploration, while RPGs add character stats and decision-based growth.
What’s the difference between action and adventure games?
Action games focus on fast-paced combat; adventure games emphasize plot, puzzles, and exploration. Some games blend both genres.
