The Best Exploration Games for Linux

Update : Broken Lens added at rank #15.
1

A Short Hike (2019)

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99
Review score
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PC Windows Mac OS Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One Linux

Join Claire on her vacation and take a hike to the top of Hawk Peak in A Short Hike. Meet quirky characters, gather collectibles and uncover secrets across the charming island park. Enjoy the original soundtrack that perfectly captures the game's atmosphere. Don't let the game's title fool you, there's plenty of adventure waiting for you on this short hike.


What we like:
  • Immersive gameplay with a captivating story and charming characters
  • Beautiful pixel art and evocative soundtrack that complement the game's atmosphere perfectly
  • Rich and detailed world with lots of secrets to uncover
  • Short and concise game that provides an enjoyable and fulfilling experience
  • Great value for money
What could be improved:
  • Cumbersome inventory system
  • No map

  • park
  • relaxing
  • exploration
  • cute
  • adventure
  • flight
  • open-world
  • walking-simulator
  • inventory
  • parkour
  • funny
  • nature
  • platform
  • vertical
  • short

2

Axiom Verge 2 (2021)

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83
Review score
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Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch wii u vita PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Dive into Axiom Verge 2, an epic adventure that takes you into a mysterious parallel universe. As Indra, unravel the secrets of this world, battling monsters, hacking machines, and exploring ancient ruins. With intriguing gameplay, unique combat mechanics, and a refreshing protagonist, this game offers an immersive, fast-paced, and thrilling experience.

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What we like:
  • Excellent game design with a lot to discover
  • Unique combat mechanics that encourage stealth and hacking
  • Refreshing protagonist that breaks stereotypes
  • Improved aesthetic with varied pixel art and haunting music
  • Gameplay is fast-paced and responsive with a diverse array of weapons
What could be improved:
  • Level tree imbalance and unclear progression at times
  • Combat feels optional and some weapons are underutilized
  • Occasional confusion in navigating the open world
  • Less emphasis on bosses and limited weapon options

  • boss
  • exploration
  • platform
  • metroid
  • retro
  • boss-fight
  • classic
  • sci-fi
  • alternate
  • pixel
  • combat
  • metroidvania
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • fight

3

TOEM (2021)

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90
Review score
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PC Windows Linux Mac OS Xbox Series X/s Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch Xbox One

Embark on a heartwarming journey in TOEM, a delightful photography game set in a magical black-and-white world. Help quirky characters, solve puzzles, and capture the beauty of your surroundings with your camera. Enjoy the relaxing landscape, chill beats, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Despite its short length, TOEM's charming and pressure-free gameplay will leave you wanting more.


What we like:
  • Sweet art style
  • Cute music
  • Engaging and addictive gameplay
  • Freedom to complete quests at own pace
  • Dense and filled with opportunities for photography
What could be improved:
  • Relatively short game
  • Limited camera movement
  • Absence of a fast travel system
  • Almost entirely in black and white

  • editing
  • hand-drawn
  • photo
  • relaxing
  • cute
  • exploration
  • puzzle
  • adventure
  • soundtrack
  • photography
  • cozy
  • wholesome
  • music
  • funny
  • nature

4

Shape (2023)

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84
Review score
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Linux Mac OS Xbox One Android PC Windows

A minimalist style but inside a complex-minded With connecting word mechanism, you can make a rule for your rooms and solve the problem. Solve the puzzle and go to the door to the next room. explore new mechanism


  • atmospheric
  • platform
  • minimalist
  • surreal
  • exploration
  • psychological
  • narration
  • philosophical
  • walking-simulator
  • 2d
  • psychedelic
  • text
  • first-person
  • puzzle
  • emotional

5

Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)

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88
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox Series X stadia Linux Mac OS Xbox One Playstation 4

Experience the thrilling conclusion of Lara's origin story in Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition. Master an unforgiving jungle, explore underwater tunnels, and unleash chaos on your enemies. Conquer terrifying tombs with advanced traversal skills and uncover a hidden city. With the base game and all DLC included, this is the ultimate way to become the Tomb Raider you're destined to be. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?


What we like:
  • Excellent graphics
  • Well-acted story
  • Fun combat
  • Precise controls
  • Cool optional challenge tombs
What could be improved:
  • Collecting materials for upgrades felt pointless
  • Frequent loss of weapons
  • Tedious climbing
  • Occasional bugs with jumping

  • puzzle
  • stealth
  • adventure
  • exploration
  • underwater
  • combat
  • action-adventure
  • platform
  • action
  • cover
  • narrative
  • shooter
  • survival
  • crafting
  • skill

6

Before I Forget (2020)

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90
Review score
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Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Explore the present to uncover the past, in a short story of love and loss and a life well-lived.A narrative exploration that examines a world where memories are constantly fading and jumbled. A game about dementia and what happens when you can't hold onto the things you've done or the people you've loved.


  • walking-simulator
  • short
  • exploration
  • emotional
  • beautiful
  • mystery
  • narrative
  • atmospheric
  • first-person
  • thought-provoking
  • stylized
  • 3d
  • piano
  • colour
  • dream

7

AER Memories of Old (2017)

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89
Review score
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Xbox One Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Transform into a bird and fly to explore and experience a vibrant world of floating islands in the sky. Venture down into lost ancient ruins where each step leads you closer to the end of the world.


  • flight
  • exploration
  • platform
  • relaxing
  • puzzle
  • open-world
  • dungeon
  • atmospheric
  • action-adventure
  • adventure
  • experience
  • story
  • achievements

8

Bad Dream (2023)

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ND
Review score
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Linux Mac OS Android PC Windows psvr

You're stuck in school. What has trapped you is a non-human creature. Run away from him (her?). Find the key and escape from the school to survive. Use w,a,s,d, ESC, left shift, mouse


  • horror
  • pve
  • exploration
  • gore
  • violent
  • beat-em-up
  • simulation
  • first-person
  • puzzle
  • survival-horror
  • single-player
  • abstract

9

Wrought Flesh (2021)

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92
Review score
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Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Rip out organs and equip them in your own body. Fight biopunk monsters and drugged-up space bandits. You are a Gajeshian Cultist: A near-mythological being built from the bodies of long-dead saints.

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  • gore
  • 3d
  • retro
  • cyberpunk
  • rpg
  • exploration
  • first-person
  • pixel
  • futuristic
  • violent
  • horror
  • multiple-endings
  • action
  • management
  • inventory

10

The Abandoned Planet (2024)

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ND
Review score
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Android IOS iPhone PC Windows Mac OS Linux

A throw-back, retro-inspired, point and click adventure with chunky and beautiful pixel art

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  • point-and-click
  • pixel
  • 1990s
  • old-school
  • space
  • exploration
  • clicker
  • futuristic
  • linear
  • 2d
  • hidden-object
  • story
  • puzzle
  • sci-fi
  • adventure

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