Exploration game are pretty awesome, and once players experience the thrill of being lost in one of these massive games that invite them to delve deeper into their finely crafted worlds, there's no turning back. But, as they say, “nothing comes without problems”, some exploration games can quickly turn into a hellish experience for those who underestimate them.
For those gamers who are up for a challenge or just looking for a different kind of exploration experience, this list provides some insight into five titles to consider hardcore exploration game. 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.
Green hell
Sometimes you are the hunter, sometimes you are the prey
Green hell is one of those games with extremely complex mechanics, but as players learn to manage their nutrients, heal their wounds, and survive the first few hours, it becomes a magnificent survival exploration experience. However, a single misstep can cost them dearly: A wound left unwashed can become one infectioncan a scratch without a proper bandage lead to fever and hallucinationsand a bug bite is a death sentence if the players don't know where to find the antidote for it.
Players must learn how to create shelters and the best weapons and tools, so they don't want to die a horrible death. Undoubtedly, this game is one of the hardest exploration survival simulators that players can play on different platforms. From an exciting story that will push players to the limit of sanity, to the constant threat of wild animals and aggressive natives, Amazon jungle will devour the weak and spit out their bones.
Star Wars: Jedi Survivor
An amazing exploration experience set in the Star Wars universe
Cal Qestiss adventures alongside BB-8 and the rest of the Mantis Crew continue in the second title in this Star Wars series that has redefined how players explore the Star Wars universe. It's a game that's significantly bigger than its predecessor and has tons of places to visit, secrets to uncover, and some decent platforming mechanics too. To take part in games like SW Dark Forces, Jedi Outcastand Jedi AcademyRespawn Entertainment has created something that deserves to be 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 evil creatures in the galaxy (like the infamous Oggdo Bodgoalthough this time it shows up with company), as well as a new threat rising from the Jedi Order's tainted past, ready to destroy everything Cal has fought for.
The long darkness
No game makes you feel a merciless winter like this one
They say snow is beautiful, until you have to deal with it every day and tire of the cold, damp feeling it leaves on your boots/clothes (not to mention plowing it off your shelter). The long winterbut will not only make you hate snow, but anything related to it: cold, hypothermiawind, the lack of firewood and fire starters to keep these associated effects at bay are at the heart 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 at survival, he finds himself stranded in one of the most remote regions of the northern lands, in the middle of an electromagnetic storm that seems to be driving the climate, animals and even humans insane.
With an adjustable difficulty level, The long darkness offers an accessible yet unforgiving experience for every explorer player. The lack of things to defend with will surely take away the mental sanity of the players, so the players have to be smart and manage resources even smartly. When dealing with 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's for sure: the weather doesn't just lurk in this desolate white expanse, so tread carefully as you explore it.
Everspace 2
An underrated jewel of space exploration
From ship command to large-scale space battles, Everspace 2 offers an unforgettable experience for those who dare to go beyond the borders of the land. It's a Space Exploration game at its core, but it's also so much more: with mechanics ranging from RPG simulation to resource management, this game has it all. So what do Everspace 2 such an underrated game? One of the things that makes this space exploration game even more difficult (and spice), is the large amount of resources to farm, which sometimes leaves players clueless about what to do with so much space junk.
But it's also one of the most exciting aspects of the adventure: Collecting resources, upgrading weapons, and constantly moving around a galaxy that seems to evolve as players explore it. It's a great game to lose yourself in for hours without blinking (maybe it's not that good). Captivating, 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 maintenance and upgrading equipment and asteroids. It's simple.
Wrapped up
A vast, ever-expanding world, filled with deadly enemies
Wrapped up is one of those survival games to explore aimlessly, and it's best enjoyed when you share it with friends. It does not have a set path that players must follow, although it does have many missions that players can complete to earn experience, unlock new technician and craftsmanand basically get stronger to face the creatures from the shroud, a Mist cursed who can insta-kill them in higher concentrations, or drive them crazy (and even kill them) if exposed for long periods of time.
So, in a sense, the management of the fog is one of the biggest aspects of wrapped up, while exploring the remains of the civilization left behind Flameborn. And as one of those remnants themselves, players will have to set things right by beating back the shroud and all the abominations that arise from it. This means dungeon digging in some of the most dangerous Protective necropolisesfaced with mutated enemies, undead and foul creatures such as Banshees, Hollows and corrupt knights. It's a game that has a little bit of everything, to suit the tastes of even the most die-hard explorers, and a fantastic world building that is constantly growing since it started Early access.
