Sometimes we all need a good adventure game. And third person adventure games are a wonderful part of the genre. So read on for 15 of the best.
15. Hitman 3–2021 (PC/XBOX/PS4/PS5/SWITCH)
Hitman 3 has a story, which is the conclusion of the trilogy, so no spoilers here. However, the real gem of Hitman 3 is that it has 47 levels in which you can do whatever you want to take out the target. The story is not a necessary part of the game. Stealth is key here, and the game allows for costume switching, weapon changing and whatever else you can think of to take out the targets. The game is online constantly, though, so be careful of that. However, in terms of freedom to play however you want? That’s what sets this game apart, because you are in charge. Of everything. The story is barebones and the rest is up to you.
Consider this game if:
- You enjoyed the previous Hitman games. It’s the finale to the trilogy.
- You want a game that has very little in terms of story. Sometimes you just need a game that is just a game and not a full story. That’s what this game has.
- You want to control every aspect of the hit. From planning to executing the hit, it’s all on you.
This game is also available in VR, which makes for a one of a kind experience.
Fun Factor Score: 75/100
Use your stealth skills to take out targets in Hitman 3.
14. Little Witch Nobeta–2019 (PC/PS4/SWITCH)
Become the little witch, Nobeta and explore a castle, enjoy friendship with a cat familiar and battle souls while discovering the story that unfolds.
What makes Little Witch Nobeta stand out is its anime feel, combined with a fantasy story. Not to mention becoming friends with a cat! It also requires learning different elemental weaknesses and using them to defeat enemies inside the castle. Most people who have played fantasy games have one specific element of magic that they are drawn to, so you can pick and chose which kinds of magic you are wanting to use.
Choose this game if you like:
- Fantasy Adventure games. If you were the kid who always wanted to find an enchanted fairy house, this is the game for you.
- You enjoy puzzle solving. This game has a moderate puzzle solving element to it.
- You want your adventure with a small side of anime. The art style will be perfect for you.
Using four different kinds of magic or finding the one that suits you best, you can solve puzzles and perfect your magical power in this plot driven game.Fun Factor Score: 76/100
Little Witch Nobeta engages in combat with two enemy souls.
13. Fallout 4-2015(PS4/PS5/PC/XBOX)
Survival, adventure, and open world are things that go together like peanut butter, jelly and bananas in a sandwich and with this game it is no exception. The world you left behind no longer exists due to nuclear war and the person in charge of making it new again is…you!
Not only does this game have a compelling story but you also get to build and craft gadgets and that’s even better! Use your gadgets to explore this open world and find new ways to rebuild humanity. It’s one of those games where your relationships with other characters can affect how the story plays out. So choose your dialogue and moves carefully.
Consider this game if:
- You are already a fan of Fallout or want to try Fallout for the first time. This game gives you all of its best features.
- You’ve always wanted to rule the world. Guess what? Here you can. I mean, it’s not much of a world anymore due to, you know, nuclear war, but beggars can’t be choosers.
- You want an open world experience for your post-apocalypse game. Look no further, as this game came out at the dawn of the open world boom. Nowadays open world is pretty commonplace but in 2015 it was still considered a new thing.
Enjoy an open world experience as you craft new gadgets and make life or death decisions on your way to become the head survivor of a nuclear fall out.
Fun Factor Score: 77/100
Fight new enemies in FallOut 4.
12. Scrap Mechanic–2016 (PC)
Sandbox and building games are taken to a whole new level in Scrap Mechanic, whether you are playing in creative mode or survival mode. Almost anything is possible.
Scrap Mechanic started as a purely sandbox game where you could design vehicles and create them by hand, even doing a bit of “wiring” to make things move. It was hard and labor intensive and you could easily spend hours designing a vehicle, with or without friends. And then they added survival mode. Which made things that much more aggravating when your designs don’t work, but they did walk you through how to garden and build certain things.
It is a really good, well put together game and a good way to relax on your own or to spend time with friends. Beware though, competition can be fierce. Maybe you could even design your own battle bots! This game is also still in early access, so it will be changing and updating as time goes on.
Consider this game if:
- You and your friends want to see who can design the better vehicle. And you can set up obstacle courses to test things
- You want to try your hand at vehicle design and video game binding.
- Sometimes you want your sandbox games to have a survival element. Think Minecraft, but the technology is a lot more advanced here.
Fun Factor Score: 79/100
This game challenges your creative and survival skills all at once. It’s a good way to spend time on your own or with friends.
Gardening with a robot in survival mode is an adventure in Scrap Mechanic!
11. Tomb Raider-2013 (PS4/XBOX/PC)
This is the story of how Lara Croft became The Lara Croft and you are in control as she becomes one of the most famous adventurers of all time.
Lara Croft is a female Indiana Jones. She is awesome and this game gives you the chance to play as her and see how she becomes who she is. Enjoy using stealth, parkour, hand to hand combat and firearms as Lara battles for her life in this epic third person adventure game.
Consider this game if:
- You enjoy the Lara Croft series. It’s got everything that makes the series wonderful, as well as different elements that weren’t introduced yet when the game released in 2013.
- You want to be a treasure hunter. Enjoy the adventure from the safety of your couch.
- You like female heroes. Lara Croft is amazing.
Battle to prove yourself in this adventure that pushes Lara to become one of the best heroines of her genre.
Fun Factor Score 80/100
Lara Croft pieces together how to climb to her next destination in Tomb Raider.
10. Stray-2022 (PC/MAC/PS5/PS4/XBOX)
Play as a stray cat and escape the city that is falling apart around you with your friend, a drone named B-12. You control the cat and how it interacts with the challenges it faces.
What cat lover hasn’t wanted to be a cat? And this game lets you do that. Granted you are a stray so things are hard but you will get the opportunity to annoy people which is one of the perks of being a cat. There is also combat and a well designed and graphically pleasing city to explore, so you can play the story or just explore to your heart’s content. There is a certain element of choice making and puzzle solving that also influences the way the game plays out.
Consider this game if:
- Cute cat’s are your thing. I mean, just look at its little face!
- You want to explore an open world and see exactly how annoying you can be.
- You enjoy a game that just looks amazing. Because this game really does take beautiful graphics to a whole new level.
Run through the city on four legs with your best friend, B-12 by your side. The game is incredible to look at, and offers the chance to become immersed in a world where you get to be the one knocking stuff off shelves for a change.
Fun Factor Score: 80/100
Explore the city and plot your escape in Stray.
9. Astroneer- 2019 (PC/XBOX/PS4/Switch)
Build, explore and play to your heart’s content…in space!
There is no story in Astroneer. Instead it is a massive sandbox in which you can build, research and explore whole planets as much as you want. There is a basic tutorial but for the most part it is learn as you go (and just so you know, I am terrible at it). You are also able to dig a whole planet if you want. You can also play with friends to build massive bases on different planets. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy exploring the last frontier. However, don’t forget your oxygen tethers. And make sure you stay within running reach of one. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of an exploration and passing out because you forgot to check on your oxygen levels.
Consider this game if:
- You enjoy sandbox style games. That’s really what this game is all about, building and exploring with no straight line.
- You enjoy space exploration. It’s another main focal point of that game.
- You enjoy learning as you play. The tutorial is very basic and even finding materials is a learn as you game mechanic. Also, you will probably dig yourself into a hole while learning, so remember to be careful.
It’s all about exploring new worlds in this game you can play with friends or solo.
Fun Factor Score: 83/100
In Astroneer you can build your perfect space base.
8. GTA: V-2013 (PC/XBOX/PS4/PS5)
Grand Theft Auto comes to Los Angeles…I mean Los Santos. And this time, you can bring your friends.
The concept of GTA has always been fairly straight forward: enjoy the seedier side of life. Steal cars, visit dens of iniquity, and so on. And this GTA is no different, except it is. Depending on your point of view the story is amazing or it’s just okay.
But what sets this GTA apart is the online mode. Now you don’t have to sit next to your friend and have them egging you on or passing the controller back and forth until the early hours. Now you can drive to your friends in game apartment in either: your bought and paid for supped up sports car (whether you got the money fairly or not is another story), OR the mini van you stole while walking down the street.
You and your friend want to go to the movies? Off you go. You and your friends want to visit a strip club? Have a nice time. You and your friends want to put sticky bombs on helicopters and blow each other up above the city streets? You absolutely can and spend hours doing it, too. The controller and all of your wildest dreams are in your hands.
Consider this game if:
- You are in need of a cathartic game to play with friends. If you are just looking to blow off steam in the seedy underbelly of a crime ridden city, then GTA: V has you covered.
- You enjoy games that require a certain amount of planning. The story itself is a heist story of the classic, Ocean’s Eleven variety. Meaning you have to plan each heist carefully. Even in online mode the missions that you will complete with friends can be carefully planned. Or you can simply wing it.
- You appreciate a good soundtrack. The radio stations in this game can fit most any mood.
Create your own character, customize cars and explore Los Santos in this game about getting the crew back together.
Fun Factor Score: 87/100
The gang’s all here, getting new missions in GTA V.
7. Assassin's Creed: Black Flag-2014 (PC/XBOX/PS3/PS4/SWITCH)
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag makes you want to raise a glass to the pirate life.
Welcome aboard the Jackdaw, Captain. You will play as Edward Kenway, a trained member of the Assassin’s and a ruthless pirate captain. And this is all during piracy’s heyday, the early 1700’s. Captain Kenway has earned respect from none other than Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. And he is helping the assassin’s so that the pirates can continue to build pirate empires and find treasure in the Caribbean.
If you have ever wanted to step aboard or captain one of the pirate ships of legend you will love this game. Between classic Assassin’s Creed storytelling and the draw of pirate lore, this game is for anyone who’s inner child (or current adult) experiences a longing for the adventures of old storybooks.
Consider this game if:
- You were burned by Assassin’s Creed: Unity. Unity was my first experience with Assassin’s Creed and I was very disappointed, even though I loved the general idea of AC. And this game makes up for it, delivering the story and a chance to live a completely different life from what you do in reality.
- You enjoy tales of pirates. Among the pirates mentioned in this story are: Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Benjamin Hornigold. You will get to brush elbows with the best (or worst depending on how you look at it) of history’s pirates.
- You want a treasure hunting open world game. While there is a story you are also free to explore the seas on the Jackdaw.
Enjoy time at sea with your friends, in the Assassin’s Creed online mode, which you can customize to what you and your friends want. You can explore the high seas in the open world that you find in Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag.
Fun Factor Score: 88/100
You can engage in pirate or assassin combat in Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag.
6. Marvel’s Spiderman: Miles Morales–2020 (PS4/PS5/PC)
Miles Morales is back in this follow up game to Spider-Man: Remastered and is doing his best to make Peter Parker proud as he becomes Spider-Man.
Miles Morales is different from your average Spider-Man. I mean, for one thing the guy has some pretty awesome venom blast attacks. But beyond that his story is intense and at the same time, charming. You can customize controls so that you actually feel as if you become Spider-Man when you are playing.
It’s actually really enjoyable swinging around the city, fighting crime, you get to become Spiderman. For just a little while and that’s what video games are supposed to provide: A much needed escape from your reality. Plus you have a cat sidekick. How awesome is that?
Choose this game if:
- You are a Spider-Man fan. This game keeps all that makes Spiderman charming and such a fan favorite for all ages.
- You enjoy an immersive experience. Customizable controls put you in charge of the action.
- You want a different Spider-Man experience. You are no longer just slinging webs, now you can also hurl venom attacks at your enemies.
Travel New York as you use new powers and technology to find out what kind of a superhero Miles Morales will become.
Fun Factor Score: 89/100
Miles Morales using his new bio-electric venom in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
5. Horizon: Zero Dawn-2017 (PS4/PC)
Play as Aloy the outcast of the tribe on an earth that is no longer ruled by humans but by robot dinosaurs.
Robot. Dinosaurs. I mean, come on, that's a pretty cool element to a game. But Aloy’s story is gripping and moving on top of it. You are trying to save the world, battle dinosaurs that are loaded with technology and dig up the story of your own past. This game takes you away from the real world and immerses you in the way video games should.
Consider this game if:
- You want a dystopian game with a twist. The world as we know it has ended but it looks completely different from other dystopian worlds we have seen so far.
- You enjoy an immersive environment. You can lose yourself in this game. At least for a little while.
- You want a complex hero and you want to help her uncover her story.
Save the world and explore new heights with Aloy as you use your wits to uncover her place in this breathtaking world.
Fun Factor Score: 90/100
Aloy battles a mechanical monster in Horizon Zero Dawn.
4. Hogwarts: Legacy- 2023 (PS5/PS4/Switch/XBOX/PC)
For every kid who was sad when their Hogwarts letter didn’t come when they were 11, this game is for you.
Hogwarts: Legacy takes place in the 1800’s. You play as a student who is transferring into Hogwarts late and has spent the summer brushing up on spells so that you can join the fifth year. This character also is the key to unlocking a mystery that is older than Hogwarts, itself.
But as riveting as the story is, it is a very good story, it is nothing compared to the ability to make yourself a witch or wizard, learn all the spells, meet all the amazing magical creatures, get sorted into your Hogwarts house (shout out to my fellow Ravenclaws), and even get matched with your perfect wand. This game doesn’t entirely make up for that missing Hogwarts letter but it’s a start.
Choose this game if:
- You want a witch or wizarding story without all the Harry Potter stuff. Harry Potter is a great story. But it’s nice to have something new and to not have that as the basis for the game.
- You are a fan of fantasy, in general. This game has magical creatures and a chance to learn spells and make your way in a magical world.
- You want to be able to explore without having to follow the story. After you unlock certain features the world opens up and you are free to explore!
Hogwarts: Legacy is a beautiful game that allows you to explore the wizarding world and learn the spells you have always wanted to, against an all new backdrop of story and characters
Fun Factor Score: 90/100
Your character meets a dragon in Hogwarts: Legacy.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2-2018 (PS4/XBOX/PC)
Meet Arthur Morgan and experience the story of what happened before the original Red Dead Redemption.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an absolutely massive game, it’s open world, loaded with side quests, and the story is complex and multifaceted. Not only can you customize everything about Arthur and tame and ride horses while you explore, but you also choose how much of a morally gray character Arthur isEvery decision you make changes the meter of how good or bad of a person Arthur Morgan is and changes howthe story unfolds. It’s also a survival game that doesn’t shy away from the nitty gritty parts of survival.
If you ever wanted to know what happened before the original game and you are looking to become extremely emotionally invested in a character then this game will be great for you.
Consider this game if:
- You ever wanted to live in the wild west. You don’t even have to play most of the story. There is so much exploring and customizing you can do.
- You want more of the original story. This tells how the characters got to where they were.
- You want to explore with friends. There is now Red Dead Online that let’s you play and enjoy the world with others.
Escape reality, on your own or with friends, in this incredible tale about Arthur Morgan and make choices that determine whether you are good or evil.
Fun Factor Score: 92/100
Become the cowboy you always wanted to be in Red Dead Redemption 2
2. Starfield-2023 (PC/XBOX)
Open world just became open worlds in the new space adventure game, Starfield.
The main story of Starfield centers around you and the choices you make as your character becomes a part of a group called, Constellation, hunting for mysterious and rare objects all over the universe in the distant future. The year is 2330, to be exact.
The game allows you to explore 1000 planets and customize your character and experience. You can even customize your ship. As someone who has always dreamed of commanding a ship, as if I were Captain Piccard on the Enterprise, that is something that is incredibly rewarding. But, as I have already stated, everything is up to you, including whether your character is one of the good guys or one of the bad guys.
The entire game is literally, entirely, up to you. Also, did I mention you are accompanied by a droid? Which, in itself, is a whole reason to play.
Consider this game if:
- You like games where your choices affect the story and how others view your character. This is an integral part of the game's design.
- You enjoy space and space exploration stories. With over 1000 planets to explore, you will be quite happy.
- You enjoy treasure hunting. Hunting for artifacts across the galaxies? Indiana Jones and Nathan Drake would love this game.
Take the helm of a ship that you design as a character you create in a story that is entirely up to you.
Fun Factor Score: 93/100
Board this ship to go wherever you desire, in Starfield.
1. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End - 2015 (PC/PS4/PS5)
Nathan Drake is on one last adventure with his brother in this thrilling conclusion to the Uncharted Series.
I am decidedly biased here as Uncharted is the first adventure game I ever fell in love with. However, as someone who really did not like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, I feel that I am able to give an opinion on the series without worrying about looking at it through rose colored glasses. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is my favorite game in the series.
It is also the best third person adventure game of all time. The story is compelling and keeps you hooked, it’s serious without losing the charm and humor that makes Uncharted such a special series, and all of the characters are what we have come to expect from Naughty Dog: smart, funny, and morally gray (looking at you, Sully.)
In terms of mechanics, it’s wonderfully easy to use and while any driving and shooting can give you a bit of trouble, it’s not something that breaks the game. Also, the final scene is a chef’s kiss on the whole series, wrapping everything up perfectly for Nathan Drake and company.
Consider this game if:
- You are a fan of the Uncharted series. This is the best game in the series and gives you all the things that you have loved about the series so far in one wonderful package.
- You love stories of treasure hunting and adventure. Nathan Drake is the morally gray Indiana Jones. There’s no, “It belongs in a museum” here. Drake, Sully, Sam, and Elena, aren’t shy about the fact that this is definitely not legal.
- You are someone who wants to see the male and female characters be equally amazing. Elena and Chloe are treated as equally if not more intelligent and quick thinking as Nathan and Sam Drake and it’s one of the best parts of the game.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End takes you into the beautiful world of high adventure. You really can feel how important and personal this all is for the Drake family and friends.
Fun Factor Score: 98/100
Nathan Drake and Sully engage in combat in a crowded square in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
