The biggest exploration game coming up

We've all felt our hearts swell with a new game at least once. It's about stepping into a new world you know nothing about and being completely open to explore. Possibility, danger, secrets, surprises… nothing beats the thrill, and it's hard to find a game that conveys that feeling so perfectly. 2026 is looking pretty exciting so far in terms of new releases, but there's a ton of variety to look forward to, especially in terms of exploration.

If you're an ambitious adventurer looking for new worlds, we've rounded up some exciting 2026 releases that promise incredibly fun exploration. It's a mix of cozy life sims and crafting games you can play with friends, grueling survival titles that will push you to your limits, and a little bit of horror. Exploration isn't the only selling point, but it plays an important role. Let’s pack our backpacks and set off.

rancher

If you're tired of farming, there's a world to explore

rancher is one of the next exciting games coming out this year for fans of the farming simulation genre. loved stardew valleyBut do you want to break away from the 2D formula? This may be something to look out for as it comes with a large open world environment to explore as well as being able to build your own large farm with automation and the like.

If you're tired of managing your crops and animals and want to escape your daily routine, start mining. But be careful. Because there are dangers lurking in the darkness of the tunnel. I think it would be better to go in prepared. In addition to the exploration and farming features, you can also customize your home and get to know local NPCs who you can romance. The second quarter of 2026 cannot come too soon.

solar punk

Explore the skies and countless islands

solar punk It promises to offer something a little different in the way of exploration, making it ideal for anyone tired of typical field adventures. The game's world is made up of floating sky islands, and you can travel between them using an airship. The main goal of the game is to start a base on one of these islands, grow crops, care for animals, and create sophisticated automated systems by harnessing solar energy.

But to get everything you need, you'll need to visit islands with unique resources and fly farther and farther to find them. This means a lot of exploration in this dynamic world. Personally, I can't wait to get my hands on this cozy-looking game, and I really like how unique the open-world survival skills systems and aesthetics are. The exact release date has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be released around 2026.

overboard

Travel the world in a van

Vibe Wise, overboard It radiates the same energy as solar punkBut it's on the ground. You'll have a cute retro travel van that you can use to roam the game world and explore different locations to collect resources and find the perfect location for your mobile home. great solar punkYou'll need to tinker around to power your new base and upgrade your technology as you progress through the game. All the classic open world survival skills packed into a visually colorful package.

We still don't know too much about the world. overboardBut we know that there are a lot of different biomes here and there are some cool secrets for you to discover too. You can see yourself jumping into this game with a bunch of friends, thanks to the upcoming four-player co-op game. Then keep your eyes peeled for the second quarter of 2026.

permafrost

The cold and harsh Snow Wasteland of Apocalypse

If the last three games seemed too colorful and happy, don't worry. We'll suggest the perfect exploration-centered game. permafrost is another upcoming major open-world survival craft game, but instead of sky islands and cozy wilderness, you'll find yourself in a harsh post-apocalyptic perpetual winter after the moon shatters. You'll have to contend with harsh sub-zero temperatures, hunt wild animals to keep your fill, and venture into abandoned cities to find loot and supplies to level up your game.

The world looks interesting, as if it just came out of nowhere. subway Games or stalkerAnd anyone who likes survival games with a bit of challenge and exploration with huge risks and rewards will fall in love with this game. There also appears to be a bit of a story, with survival and building a shelter and finding a lost friend one of the quests. The game is expected to be released in Early Access sometime in 2026, so stay tuned.

subconscious

Explore an all-too-real liminal space worth remembering

if permafrost If that's not already dark enough, how about a horror game that takes you straight from the backroom into a realistic liminal space? From what we've seen so far subconsciousIt's both delightfully realistic and horrifyingly surreal, including some absolutely terrifying moments that will get your heart pounding. Although this is not an open world game, each level can be played in a non-linear fashion, solving puzzles and utilizing light to advance from one warped memory to another.

Slowly, fear and anxiety seep into you, and you feel hunted. Something is chasing you in the colorful, retro play area you're moving through, and it's up to you to find a way to escape. It looks like an amazing horror game with tons of exploration. If you've ever been fascinated by the concept of backrooms and creepy liminal spaces, give this game a try when it releases sometime in March 2026. We are not responsible for nightmares.

Subnautica 2

The return of the best underwater exploration game

Subnautica Fans are understandably a little nervous about the future of their beloved franchise, but let's keep our hopes up here and keep our fingers and toes crossed that KRAFTON can deliver what the first game deserved. The premise of the protagonist arriving in this new ocean world to carry out a specific mission doesn't seem to be the same this time around. Once again, you'll dive into colorful depths, gathering resources to strengthen your equipment and tools and perform upgrades that will allow you to go deeper.

We'll probably see the return of some of the game's iconic and scary creatures, and we can look forward to that feeling of dread we first felt when we fell into deeper water and heard a distant roar. Few games are as challenging as underwater exploration. Subnautica It's a game, so if you want to enjoy the adventure cooperatively with friends, this is a game you should watch out for. Although there are many expectations and burdens, Subnautica 2 Considering how good the previous game performed and how much fun it was to explore the alien seas, it looks like we'll have to wait a while for it to hit Early Access in 2026.

outside 2

Return to the punishing survival RPG world of Aurai

One of the most exciting games that promises tons of exploration in the coming year is: outside 2. Those familiar with the first game will know what to expect. A very challenging and punishing fantasy RPG set in the open world known as Aurai. You start from scratch and have to plan everything carefully if you don't want to die. It's not just monsters that prey on the wild and dungeons. outside 2 What you need to worry about are fatigue, hunger, and hydration.

The first game perfectly blended fantasy RPG and open world survival gameplay and garnered a devoted fan base. Whether it is has not yet been revealed. outside 2 It surpasses the first game and delivers another unforgettable exploration experience without using fast travel mechanics or vehicles. That's right, be prepared to do a lot of walking, dive into tricky dungeons, and slowly build your character into someone hardened by experience in a complete pushover. outside 2 It is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2026.