10 Best Adventure Games You Need to Play This Summer

There's something for every preference, but it's undeniable that adventure games are not only among the most entertaining, but also the most complete, as they offer various possibilities, topics, and experiences for players to take advantage of. They've been around for a very long time, but over the years, they've been perfected with more and more attention to detail, fascinating narratives, and new game mechanics made possible by state-of-the-art technology.

While adventure games are amazing all-year round, there's nothing quite like playing them solo or with friends during summer vacation, or a few days off from work. Here are some of the best titles in this genre that you should play this summer.

10 Stray

Life From an Interesting Perspective

When I first heard about Stray, I thought the concept was fascinating. I mean, think about it. A story about a little cat stuck in a city ridden with machines, robots, and other dangers? Where do I sign? Another great thing about this title is the developers raised funds for homeless cats.

Overall, Stray received favorable reviews and is, arguably, one of the most original and interesting games of the decade. And if that wasn't enough, there are tons of hidden Easter eggs in Stray for players to discover.

9 The Last of Us

Zombies, Wilderness, and Rebellion

Games set in post-apocalyptic worlds full of horrible creatures and vicious zombies aren't anything new. However, the way The Last of Us presented the concept is fascinating, as it didn't rely on a virus or a regular outbreak, and instead, opted for something much more dangerous—the Cordyceps fungi, which, by the way, is real.

The Last of Us is one of the best games of the last decade, and it still serves as a source for TV series, memes, and more. Considering how amazing the narrative is, how thrilling the experience can become, and how high the stakes usually feel, this title is one everyone should play at least once.

8 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

A Solid Sequel to an Already Amazing Title

The Star Wars universe is one that has both amazing and subpar standalone games and series. There are masterpieces like the Knights of the Old Republic series, and there are other, less fortunate releases. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor falls, in my opinion, under the umbrella of those titles that are great, fun, and compelling.

As a continuation of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, this title managed to keep everything that made its predecessor great, while adding new mechanics, bosses, and planets to the mix. All in all, Cal's story is one everybody should experience as they get the hang of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor's combat mechanics.

7 Machinarium

A Unique Concept That's Easy to Fall in Love With

While Machinarium is, by no means, a new game, I think it played with a concept that even modern games haven't managed to get right—creating a bizarre, cartoonish industrial world that feels welcoming and fun, but also dangerous and strange. Like a fever dream you want to stay trapped in for a while longer.

Machinarium is, overall, a great adventure game that will keep you captivated for a long time. Even when its game mechanics could use a little more work and complexity, or at least, a bit more variety.

6 Fallout 4

There's Nothing Quite Like Exploring the Boston Commonwealth

The Fallout franchise has been around for a very long time, and while it has spawned several amazing titles, few can be credited with taking the franchise to a whole new level, like Fallout 4. Almost everything about this title is outstanding. The V.A.T.S. is new and improved, most of the companions are interesting, and the enemy variety is quite large.

Not to mention that Fallout 4 has very powerful weapons that you can try to see which one fits your playstyle best as you decimate hordes of enemies throughout the Boston Commonwealth.

5 Split Fiction

Another Great Game From the Developers of "It Takes Two"

There are many amazing co-op games out there, but few of them manage to deliver the experience that Hazelight Studio's It Takes Two, and now Split Fiction can. I started out playing the former, and was immediately captivated by how well integrated the controls were between the two characters, and how it's impossible to proceed without helping the other person overcome their obstacles.

You can choose to play as either Mio or Zoe, each with different abilities and perks. Overall, the story is fascinating, the gameplay experience is quite fun, and there are many great abilities in Split Fiction that make the game worth playing.

4 Baldur's Gate 3

Excellent Narrative and D&D Mechanics

For those who love D&D, medieval settings, role-playing, and turn-based combat mechanics, Baldur's Gate 3 is like a godsend. With about 174 hours worth of cinematics alone, this game has a lot to offer players in terms of narrative, duration, and character development.

While not all NPCs and companions are interesting, I'd go as far as to say that the majority of them are, with stellar examples like Astarion, Karlach, Halsin, and Gale, to mention a few. As you explore, you'll come across some of Baldur's Gate 3's hardest encounters, so your companion and class choice will always matter more than you think.

A Game That Revolutionized RPGs in Its Era

Bethesda has always been famous for creating amazing RPG experiences in carefully crafted worlds that have much to offer. And even when many of said worlds are ridden with bugs and other issues, I can't think of a reality where The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim isn't one of my favorite games of all time.

Although it's been out for more than a decade, this title remains fresh to this day. There's always something new to discover, a different faction to join, and a legendary dragon to slay. Moreover, the way The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim uses its shouts to give the Dragonborn an edge, has always seemed brilliant to me.

2 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Arguably, One of Nintendo's Best Titles in the Last 10 Years

Nintendo has always been famous for delivering single-player experiences that captivate their fanbase and give them something to talk about for years, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is no exception. Serving as the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, this title builds on what its predecessor did right, and adds new elements that make it shine even more.

All in all, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is one of those games that I'd not only recommend to fans of the Legend of Zelda franchise, but also to anyone who enjoys open worlds, challenging encounters, and fascinating NPC interactions and quests.

1 Red Dead Redemption 2

A Wild West Game With Action, Emotion, and a Compelling Story

Like many others, my first experience with this universe was through Red Dead Redemption 2, as opposed to the original game, or the horror spin-off, Undead Nightmare. I'm a die-hard fan of this title, and yet, I must objectively admit that the first hour is a little slow. However, I would urge anyone who's just getting started with this game to keep playing, as, otherwise, you'll be turning your back on pure gold right before you hit the jackpot.

Red Dead Redemption 2 has scary encounters, amazing NPC personality depths, thrilling missions, a compelling narrative, outstanding combat mechanics, and, of course, a charismatic, nuanced main character that has made history. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.