27 New Exploration Games Of 2023 To Get Lost In

Modern gamers are very lucky. There are full worlds to explore at our fingertips. Massive fantasy worlds full of dragons and magic as well as space odysseys teaming with discoveries. There are a ton of exploration games already out there for you to enjoy, but for this list, we bring you 15 new games that could be yours to play in 2023.

#27 Lies of P

Platform: PC September 18, 2023
Release Date: PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S September 19, 2023

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

When you look at a game like Lies of P, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the aesthetic and the Soulslike combat. But there are other elements to consider. For example, the city of Krat is full of dark conspiracies and people who need help. It’ll be your job to unravel everything that’s going on in this place and attempt to provide “comfort” to those in need.

But therein lies the twist. Will you tell the truth and give them the honesty they desperately deserve? Or will you tell a lie and see if that makes things better?

It’s your choice what you do. Jump in and see what awaits!

#26 Dredge

Platform: PC PS4 Xbox One PS5 XSX|S Switch 
Release Date: March 30, 2023

Steam | Playstation | Xbox | Nintendo

There are fewer thrills when you’re out on a boat than taking to the high seas and exploring all that’s out there. That will be one of your many jobs when you play the game, Dredge.

The places you’ll be exploring are a set of islands with plenty of fish and plenty of dangers. Yet, you’re drawn to this place by a mysterious force and are asked to explore the truth alongside the islands.

You’ll also be exploring the waters below because while there are plenty of fish to catch, there are also plenty of…bigger fish…waiting for you below.

So don’t think for a second you’re the alpha on these waters. If you do? Well, you’re going to need a bigger boat.

#25 HUMANITY

Platform: PC, PS4, PS5
Release Date: May 16, 2023

Steam | Playstation

In puzzle games, exploration isn’t always the main focus. But when it comes to a game like Humanity, it’s a natural part of the process, considering what you’re doing.

So what are you doing? Simply put, you’re a dog who must lead humanity to where they need to be. But that isn’t easy when you look at the large masses of people you have to guide and the many ways the levels try to trip you up.

Even if you make it through the 90 in-game levels, you still have a problem. Specifically, you can create levels and throw tests at both yourself and other players! So in a way, your work is never done.

#24 Destiny 2: The Final Shape

Platform: PC PS4 Xbox One PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: TBA 2023

Are you ready for the end? But is this “end” really the end? Or is it the beginning of something new? Those are the questions that surround Destiny 2: The Final Shape.

Bungie has been teasing their “endgame” content for some time, and the previous DLC has been leading up to this. Whatever the storyline is, there will be places to explore and action to be had. Whether you take it on solo or you team up with friends so that you take down enemies’ forces together, you’ll have plenty to do.

The only bad thing is that you must wait until 2024 to play it!

#23 The Talos Principle 2

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: December 2023

Puzzle games are a genre many love to partake in for various reasons. Not the least is, they love to test their brains and see if they can figure out the solutions the developers came up with first.

But you’ll need to be big-brained if you wish to solve everything in The Talos Principle 2.

Why? Because the game isn’t just a puzzle title, it’s an exercise in philosophy and using puzzles to expand your mind beyond puzzle-solving. You’ll be wrapped up in a deep universe where things aren’t as they appear, and you need to dive deeper into the puzzles to learn more about what’s around you.

#22 Jusant

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: November 2023

Many titles have tried to defy what it means to be a “fantasy title” or to give players a “true sense of exploration.” But in Jusant, you’ll get a fresh twist on the game.

That’s because your goal in the title will be to climb up a massive tower and experience everything it offers on the way up.

But it’s not as simple as it sounds. You’ll need to learn how to climb with precision while also using the tools you have on you to help preserve your stamina. Additionally, you’ll need to use the various plants and other things of interest in the biomes you enter to ascend further.

#21 Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: TBA 2023

What happens when one of the top operatives in the world is sent into enemy territory and must take out both his former mentor and their special forces unit? Well, you get a game where you’ll go over a lot of territory.

Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater is the prequel title to the entire saga involving Solid Snake. You’ll play his “father,” Naked Snake, back in the days of the Cold War.

When an incident turns the world on its head, Naked Snake will fight enemy generals, his mentor in The Boss, and the Cobra Unit to try and stop the world from going to war.

You’ll explore the region, grab what you can, and use it to survive the fights to come.

#20 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S
Releease Date: April 28, 2023

Steam | Playstation | Xbox

It was only a matter of time before this franchise embraced the open-world feel of numerous other games and made it their own. Star Wars Jedi Survivor will have you play Cal Kestis again, and you’ll once again explore the numerous worlds, moons, and stations of the galaxy far, far away. However, this time, you’ll get to go to places with a bit more depth.

Specifically, you’ll go to worlds where you can go off the beaten path and unlock new side missions. Or, you can return after learning new powers and abilities and see what new options you have available to you.

So don’t be afraid to take a beat and see what these worlds offer you.

#19 Wild Hearts

Platform: PC February 16, 2023
Release Date: PS5 XSX|S February 17, 2023

Steam | Playstation | Xbox

One of the things that most monster-hunting titles do is give you a vast realm to explore. Why? Because they know that not all monsters would live in the same habitat. Nor would they want to “mingle” with other species because of the fights they’d start.

In Wild Hearts, you’ll have a unique fantasy version of Japan to wander through as you look for the Kemono, monsters that have suddenly gone rabid.

You’ll encounter new Kemono and new areas to battle in as you explore. You can help warp the battlefield to suit your needs using ancient technology! So get into the fight and see where your exploration takes you!

#18 Sons Of The Forest

Platform: PC
Release Date: February 23, 2023

Steam

What could be better than going to an island paradise? Well, nothing if that’s actually where you’re going. But in Sons Of The Forest, “paradise” isn’t the word you will be using for the place you’re in.

When a mission to find a billionaire goes wrong, you’ll have to wander the island and get resources to survive and fight off monsters that come your way.

You can explore the entire island from the start, opening up many options for you and choices on how to survive. Plus, the longer you play the game, the more the seasons will change. So how will you adapt to what the island throws at you?

#17 Tchia

Platform: PC PS4 PS5
Release: March 21, 2023

What happens when your father has been kidnapped by a tyrant that rules an archipelago? You go out to find him, that’s what!

As Tchia, you’ll do everything you can to venture from island to island in the archipelago and do what it takes to reach your father. The good news is that you have abilities to help with that. For example, you can possess animals or objects and use their skills to overcome obstacles!

So become a bird to fly high in the sky or a tire to roll around the island at high speeds! Search high and low for things you need, and experience the wondrous island world you’re a part of.

#16 Lies of P

Platform: PC PS4 Xbox One XSX|S PS5
Release: August 2023

Are you ready for a tale of Pinocchio like you’ve never seen before? If so, Lies of P is ready for you.

In the game, you play a version of the beloved character, who is a mechanized puppet. You awaken in a city you don’t recognize and find a note telling you to find “Mr. Geppetto.” As you seek him out, you’ll go through a dark city full of terrors and must lie to all you meet.

With deep combat and a unique twist on the tale you know and love, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. So why not step into the game and see how many lies you can tell?

#15 Sengoku Dynasty

Platform: PC
Release: 2023

Life has many paths. We all know that the choices we make can alter the course of where that path leads us. In Sengoku Dynasty, you play a father who has four main choices ahead of him, and he must select one to pick the future he feels is best for him and his daughter.

He could be a leader and attempt to lead the village he calls home to greatness. He could be a craftsman and attempt to start a trade that will provide for his family forevermore. He could be a warrior and fight off any who dared harm his village. Or he could be a monk and attempt to gain inner peace and blessings from the gods.

Your choice defines his path.

#14 Hogwarts Legacy 

Release Date: 10 Feb 2023 | Platform: PC PS5 Xbox Series X|S
(PS4 Xbox One April 4, 2023) Switch (July 25, 2023)
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: No | Online: No)
Genre: Open World, RPG, Fantasy, Action RPG

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

What’s not to love about getting to explore a massive castle? That’s what we thought. The good news is that Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t let you explore “any old castle.” Instead, it enables you to explore the legendary Hogwarts from the perspective of a newly arrived student.

You’ll create your student, then set off on an adventure throughout the castle and the grounds and do whatever you desire.

You can focus on learning spells or finding magical beasts to ride. Or you can go and do battles with fellow students to test your magical might! So explore to your heart’s content and see what awaits you! We’re sure it’ll be magical.

#13 Pragmata

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Release: 2023

One of the most mysterious games on this list, Pragmata has kept its gameplay details pretty much under wraps. It was first announced in 2020 with a cool cinematic trailer, but since then, there has only been a small apology video released to announce the delay. Regardless, this action-packed space adventure looks very promising. Pragmata takes place in a dystopian world on the moon in the near future. The game will center heavily on storytelling while also featuring futuristic tech. The station on the moon looks a lot like New York, except something terrible has happened. The main two characters are the only two people as far as we can see in the trailer. There’s a holographic cat, so it should be a good time.

#12 Black Myth: Wukong

• Developer: Game Science
• Publisher: Game Science
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
• Release: 2023

Created by Chinese indie developer Game Science, Black Myth: Wukong is an action-RPG starring – well, it’s a mystery. Not a ton is known about the exact plot of the game, but we do know that it is based on the 16th Century Chinese novel, Journey to the West. Plus, a couple of gameplay trailers have revealed the kind of action we can look forward to. You play a humanoid monkey wielding a magical, black iron staff. Traveling across the land on a mission to learn and grow stronger, you will fight a variety of enemies, many of which are based on traditional Chinese folklore.

You will have some unique abilities too. In the gameplay trailer, we see our main character transform into a golden cicada and fly around. That’s one way to explore. Other cool things, like your staff expanding to trip an entire army or the ability to freeze your enemies, are all part of why this game looks pretty great.

#10 Stray Blade

• Developer: Point Blank Games
• Publisher: 505 Games
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X|S
• Release: April 20, 2023

In Stray Blade, you play an unnamed “Adventurer,” who had finally found the legendary land of Acrea the Lost Valley. And then died. Brought back to life by your new companion, Boji, you find that you cannot leave Acrea. Your mission is to travel the war-torn valley and try to restore balance by collecting combat skills while Boji collects pieces of lore. If you die in battle, Boji can bring you back. The really cool part is that with everything you do, you create change. By winning or losing, when you revisit a place, the results of your previous actions will create a change to reconcile with. This means you get to explore a continuously evolving environment. And the environments are beautiful. From ancient city ruins to lush forests to freezing caves, there is a lot to see on your mission to get stronger and release yourself from this beautiful land. Keep an eye out for Stray Blade!

#8 Aftermath

• Developer: ONE-O-ONE
• Publisher: META Publishing
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
• Release: TBA

Your surroundings have never been more important than in Aftermath. This psychological horror survival game takes the everyday items and makes them crucial in a post-catastrophe urban environment. You play an astronaut named Charlie as she crash lands back on Earth. Except a terrible alien invasion has happened in her absence and her once familiar city is fragmented and seemingly deserted. As an invisible enemy hunts her, Charlie has a more important mission on her mind: find her daughter.

Like most survival games, health, stamina, sanity, and hunger/thirst all need to be maintained to keep going. Then while you look for Sammy, the daughter, you can also be highly observant of your surroundings. Explore this messed up but familiar city while also creating blueprints of useful equipment, gathering materials, and creating the tools you need to survive.

#7 Starfield

• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X|S
• Release: September 06, 2023

Starfield will take you on a journey beyond our Solar System as you play a customizable space explorer. Played in either first or third-person perspective, you get to be a member of Constellation, a space exploring organization. The Settled Systems, which a places for you to explore as far as 50 lightyears outside of our Solar System, hold many interesting things. You will encounter large alien creatures and determine if they are friend or foe. You can gather minerals and other resources along the way too.

The game switches to more of a first-person shooter style when you encounter pirates. The good news is that you can swap weapons mid-battle by using a game-pausing menu. There is plenty of fighting and observing to keep everyone happy. If you’re a fan of Star Wars, but want some fresh stories, then keep an eye out for Starfield next year.

#6 ARK 2

• Developer: Studio Wildcard, Grove Street Games
• Publisher: Studio Wildcard
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X|S
• Release: 2023

In this sequel to ARK: Survival Evolved, explore a planet teeming with invasive prehistoric species while trying to survive. You play Vin Diesel’s character, Santiago, as he does everything in his power to protect his daughter, Meeka, from harm. Described as a survival sandbox game, the world is your oyster. Find parts for your weapons and customize them in one of a million different ways. You can then use your weapons to fight back against the other inhabitants of the world. New to ARK 2 is the ability to camouflage your appearance and your scent in order to avoid predators. Of course, it wouldn’t be an action game without melee attacks and even parkour. The setting is also very beautiful. Lush forests, numerous waterfalls, and towering rock features are yours to explore. Basically, there is going to be a ton to do in this game, and it will be pretty hard to get bored with it. And if you need a little more structure in your life, there are world events to participate in, or not, all the time.

#4 The Invincible

• Developer: Starward Industries
• Publisher: 11 bit studios
• Platforms: Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X
• Release: 2023

For those of you looking for a space adventure with hard sci-fi elements, you are going to want to try The Invincible. Based on the novel by Polish futurologist, Stanisław Lem, this game takes you to the planet Regis III. You play an astrobiologist named Yasna when an exploratory mission turns into a desperate search for missing crewmates. Using atompunk tech, you will follow the science to solve the mystery. Along the way, your choices will determine future gameplay. For example, when interacting with robots or other humans, you can decide whether you are making a new enemy or a new ally.

Exploration is key in this game. Played from a first-person perspective, you make your way through the sandy terrain, tunnels, and surface labs. Because you’re searching for your crew on a totally new planet, there’s a lot of observing. What are the robots doing? What plant life do you see? But you’re not alone, so watch your back!

#3 Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Developer: Team Cherry
• Publisher: Team Cherry
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Release: 2023

In a sequel to the popular Hollow Knight, you can explore a whole new world. Hollow Knight: Silksong is an action-adventure, Metroidvania game with beautifully detailed 2D environments and an original orchestral score. Play as the warrior princess, Hornet, after she has been captured and brought to another planet. As she moves toward her goal, she will pass misty moors, large, gilded cities, coral forests, and more. Along the way, she will craft weapons to engage a variety of new enemies. The acrobatic fight sequences will take her over and under the platform levels she is exploring. Outside of fighting, solving mysteries and performing quests are also a large part of the game. Fans of the first game won’t want to miss this!