Exploration games are quite awesome, and once players know the thrill of finding themselves lost in one of these huge games that invite them to delve deeper into their finely crafted worlds, it is a point of no return. But, as they say goes, 'nothing comes without a hitch,' some exploration games can quickly turn into a hellish experience for those who underestimate them.
For those players who are ready for a challenge or simply looking for a different type of exploration experience, this list offers some insight into five titles that could be considered hardcore exploration games. From a game that took immersion to a whole new level, to a Dark Fantasy Survival RPG experience with tons of new content to come.
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Green Hell
Sometimes You're The Hunter, Sometimes You're The Prey
Green Hell
- Released
- September 5, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Survival
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Green Hell is one of those games with extremely complex mechanics, but once players learn how to manage their nutrients, heal their wounds, and survive the first hours, it becomes a magnificent survival exploration experience. However, a single misstep can cost them dearly: A wound left unwashed can become an infection, a scratch without the proper bandage can lead to fever and hallucinations, and an insect bite is a death sentence if players don't know where to find the antidote for it.
Players need to learn how to craft shelters and the best weapons and tools, lest they want to die a horrible death. Without a doubt, this game is one of the hardest exploration survival simulators players can play on various platforms. From a thrilling story that will drive players to the edge of reason, to the constant threat of wildlife and aggressive natives, the Amazon Jungle will devour those who are weak and spit out their bones.
Star Wars: Jedi Survivor
A Great Exploration Experience Set in The Star Wars Universe
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Released
- April 28, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Respawn Entertainment
- Franchise
- Star Wars
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Soulslike, Sci-Fi
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Cal Qestis's adventure alongside BB-8 and the rest of the Mantis Crew continues in the second title of this Star Wars franchise that has redefined how players explore the Star Wars Universe. It's a game that is significantly bigger than its predecessor, and has tons of places to visit, secrets to uncover, and some decent platforming mechanics as well. Taking note of games like SW Dark Forces, Jedi Outcast, and Jedi Academy, Respawn Entertainment has created something worthy of being called one of the best exploration games.
Now, though Star Wars has always appealed to certain audiences who love adventure and Sci-Fi, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor walks the thin line between a power fantasy and hardcore exploration, where a hidden cave can lead to meeting some of the most vicious creatures in the Galaxy (like the infamous Oggdo Bodgo, though this time, it appears with company), as well a new threath that rises from the sordid past of the Jedi Order, ready to destroy everything which Cal has been fighting for.
The Long Dark
No Game Will Make You Feel A Merciless Winter Like This One
The Long Dark
- Released
- August 1, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
They say snow is pretty, until you need to deal with it every day, and get tired of the cold and humid sensation it leaves on your boots/clothes (not to mention, plowing it away from your shelter). The Long Winter, however, will not only make you hate snow, but everything related to it: cold, hypothermia, wind, the lack of firewood, and firestarters to keep these associated effects at bay is the core of this exploration game that gives no rest to those who challenge it. Desperately trying to find his missing wife, a man with a past and an expert survivalist, is left stranded in one of the most remote regions of the northern lands, in the middle of an electromagnetic storm that seems to be driving climate, animals, and even people crazy.
With an adjustable difficulty level, The Long Dark offers an approachable yet merciless experience for every explorer player. The scarcity of things to defend themselves with will surely chip away at the players' mental sanity, so players need to be smart and manage resources even smartly. When dealing with the many dangers that await players here, sometimes, a rifle shot is not the answer. Sometimes hiding does the trick, sometimes it doesn't, but one thing is for sure: Not only does the weather lurk in this desolate white vastness, so tread carefully when exploring it.
Everspace 2
An Underrated Jewel Of Space Exploration
Everspace 2
- Released
- April 6, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- ROCKFISH Games
- Genre(s)
- Sci-Fi
- Platform(s)
- PC
From ship management to large-scale space battles, Everspace 2 offers an unforgettable experience to those who dare to go beyond the limits of the ground. It's a Space Exploration game at its core, but it is also so much more: with mechanics that span from RPG simulation, to resource management, this game has it all. So what makes Everspace 2 such an underrated game? One of the things that adds more difficulty (and spice) to this space exploration game, is the sheer amount of resources to farm, which sometimes leaves players clueless as to what to do with so much space junk cargo.
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But that is also one of the most intriguing aspects of the adventure: Getting resources, upgrading weapons, and constantly moving around a galaxy that seems to be evolving as players explore it. It's a great game to lose oneself for hours without blinking (maybe that's not such a good thing). Enthralling, challenging, and fun to play if players love Sci-Fi, space exploration, and flight simulators. Frustrating if players don't like: Resource management, paying attention to equipment maintenance and upgrading, and asteroids. Simple as that.
Enshrouded
A Vast, Ever-Expanding World, Filled With Deadly Enemies
Enshrouded
- Released
- January 24, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Keen Games
- Genre(s)
- Survival, Open-World, Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC
Enshrouded is one of those survival games to explore aimlessly, and best enjoyed while sharing it with friends. It doesn't have a set path players must follow, though it does have aboundant Quests that players can complete to earn Experience, unlock new technologies and crafters, and basically become stronger to face the creatures from the Shroud, a cursed Mist that can insta-kill them in higher concentrations, or drive them mad (and also kill them) if they are exposed for long periods of time.
So, in a sense, dealing with the Mist is one of the biggest aspects of Enshrouded, while also exploring the remnants of the civilization left behind by the Flameborn. And as one of those remnants themselves, players will need to set things right by fighting back the Shroud and all the abominations that spawn from it. This means dungeon delving in some of the most dangerous Shroud-covered necropolises, facing mutated enemies, undead, and foul creatures like Banshees, Hollows, and corrupted Knights. It's a game that has a little bit of everything, to suit the tastes of even the most hardcore explorers, and a great worldbuilding that is ever-growing since it launched on Early Access.
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