I’m new to exploration games, and I’m looking for recommendations for titles that offer a large world to explore but also have some structure and objectives to follow. I want to avoid games like No Man’s Sky that feel too aimless. Ideally, I’m looking for something that my sons, who are 14 and 11, and I can enjoy together over time. Any suggestions?
5 Answers
Give Raft a try! It’s a mix of story and open-ended gameplay. You can either focus on the story or just enjoy island hopping, gathering resources, and building your own massive ship. The multiplayer option makes it even better for family play, plus you can adjust the difficulty to keep it fun and engaging without too much stress.
For unique experiences, check out Subnautica. The underwater exploration is thrilling, and it does have a structured storyline. Also, consider Outer Wilds for a more compact but rich exploration experience; it’s not huge, but it’s got a great sense of discovery!
You should definitely check out Valheim! It has a large open world, and while it’s not overly structured, there are bosses you can hunt down and a progression system to follow. Plus, it’s very friendly for players who hop in and out.
No Man’s Sky has a lot going on! Sure, it’s a sandbox, but there’s a campaign with missions, various objectives to achieve, and plenty of exploration to keep you busy. You can personalize your goals, whether it’s upgrading your ship or battling pirates, and there’s always something new to discover.
Have you thought about Grounded? It’s a survival adventure game where you play as kids shrunk down in your own backyard. You’ll have plenty to explore, and there’s a main story along with tons of side quests you can tackle at your own pace, making it perfect for some family bonding time! It’s really fun and has multiplayer too.
Grounded is surprisingly engaging! It’s better than you’d think and pretty kid-friendly.
I totally agree! Valheim is a blast with friends and family.