In 2024, gaming enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a plethora of new and upcoming exploration games that promise to deliver captivating adventures and immersive worlds.
From traversing distant planets to navigating historical landscapes, these games offer diverse experiences for players seeking to embark on thrilling journeys of discovery.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 Best New Exploration Games 2024
1. Star Wars Outlaws
Developer: Ubisoft
“Star Wars Outlaws” marks a significant departure from traditional Star Wars games, offering players the chance to embody scoundrel-type characters exploring various planets. With promises of expansive open-world exploration, including the ability to ride speeders and engage in adventures reminiscent of Han Solo’s escapades, this game is highly anticipated for its fresh take on the Star Wars universe.
2. Dune Awakening
Developer: TBD
“Dune Awakening” presents players with the opportunity to explore the desolate yet intriguing world of Arrakis in an MMORPG sandbox survival setting. While details remain scarce, the game’s trailers hint at a vast and immersive experience ripe for exploration, as players navigate through sand-filled landscapes and uncover hidden mysteries within the planet’s depths.
3. Rise of the Ronin
Developer: Team Ninja
From the developers of acclaimed titles like “Nioh” and “Ninja Gaiden” comes “Rise of the Ronin,” a historical exploration game set in feudal Japan. With an emphasis on storytelling and traversal mechanics such as gliding and grappling, players can expect a richly detailed world to explore, complete with bustling towns, serene wilderness, and epic adventures awaiting at every turn.
4. Palworld
Developer: Pocketpair
Combining elements of survival, crafting, and creature collecting, “Palworld” offers players a vast open world teeming with hidden caves, towering boss towers, and diverse biomes to explore. As players venture further into the game’s expansive landscapes, they’ll encounter a plethora of unique creatures to befriend, battle, and tame, adding depth to the exploration experience.
5. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Developer: TBD
“Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn” immerses players in an action-packed RPG adventure set within a sprawling open world ripe for exploration. With a focus on dynamic combat and a diverse array of weapons and abilities, players will journey across expansive battlefields and embark on epic quests as they uncover the secrets of the game’s vibrant world.
6. Enshrouded
Developer: Unika Games
“Enshrouded” invites players to embark on a journey through the stunning voxel-based realm of Embervale, where mystery and adventure await around every corner. Whether exploring hidden sub-regions or braving the dangers of the wilderness, players will find themselves captivated by the game’s expansive world and myriad exploration opportunities.
7. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Developer: Capcom
Sequel to the beloved RPG, “Dragon’s Dogma 2” promises to build upon its predecessor’s legacy with even more expansive environments, diverse enemy types, and immersive exploration mechanics. With a focus on character customization, dynamic combat, and epic encounters, players can expect to lose themselves in a world brimming with adventure and discovery.
8. Avowed
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
“Avowed” heralds the next evolution of RPG exploration from the creators of “Fallout: New Vegas” and “The Outer Worlds.” Set in a richly detailed fantasy world, the game promises to deliver a deep and immersive experience filled with towns, NPCs, and untold secrets waiting to be uncovered by intrepid adventurers.
9. Pacific Drive
Developer: TBD
While not strictly open-world, “Pacific Drive” offers players a unique blend of driving and exploration set against a backdrop of sci-fi landscapes and post-apocalyptic challenges. With its emphasis on survival and scavenging for resources, the game provides players with a compelling sense of adventure as they navigate its treacherous terrain.
10. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl
Developer: GSC Game World
Closing our list is “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl,” a highly anticipated sequel that transports players to the irradiated wastelands of Chernobyl. With its focus on survival, exploration, and scientific discovery amidst a hauntingly beautiful yet dangerous environment, this game promises to deliver an unforgettable journey through one of gaming’s most iconic settings.
Bonus Mentions:
- Little Devil Inside: A game with potential for immersive exploration, offering players a glimpse into a whimsical yet mysterious world ripe for discovery.
- Final Fantasy Rebirth: Featuring expansive environments and numerous side quests, this title promises to captivate players with its vast world and engaging exploration.
- Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown: Offering players the opportunity to explore a sprawling island paradise, this driving game promises endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong: A highly anticipated Metroidvania-style game, poised to deliver a rich and immersive exploration experience.
- Light No Fire: An ambitious project from the creators of “No Man’s Sky,” offering players the chance to explore entire planets in a persistent multiplayer environment.
- Elden Ring: Shadows of the Erdtree DLC: Building upon the exploration-rich gameplay of “Elden Ring,” this DLC promises to expand the game’s world with new regions and discoveries for players to uncover.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, these exploration games stand out as shining examples of the immersive experiences awaiting players in 2024 and beyond. With their vast worlds, compelling narratives, and boundless opportunities for discovery, they promise to captivate audiences and redefine the art of exploration in gaming.