What defines an adventure game?

It can sometimes feel like the term “adventure game” doesn’t actually refer to anything when shopping for games online. It’s a gargantuan umbrella term that can encompass most styles and subgenres in the gaming world, and more often than not, you’ll find it in a game description.

But what actually defines adventure games? There are certain hallmarks of the genre that can be found across the board, no matter if you’re looking at puzzle-platformers or frantic action-adventure games. Here’s how to spot an adventure game in the wild.

What qualifies as an adventure game?

The best adventure games encompass three main traits, as expanded on in our official definition:

• A strong narrative. Adventure games are narrative-focused, no matter the subgenre. A game without a cohesive story or compelling narrative can’t really be grouped into the category of adventure games – the terms puzzle games or platformers may be applicable instead, though.
• Interesting puzzles. While some adventure games may focus more on action sequences than puzzles, solving mysteries and figuring out codes have always been a hallmark of the genre.
• An enticing world to explore. Arguably, the most important element of adventure games should encourage players to explore and look for secrets in the world around them. The world doesn’t have to be big, by any means, but it should naturally prompt players to look around instead of barreling down one path.

Everything from point-and-click adventure games to hybrid titles that include elements of survival horror will feature these three elements in some capacity.

What are the types of adventure games?

As the adventure game genre is so broad, there are plenty of subcategories under the adventure umbrella. The most common subcategories are action-adventure games, point-and-click titles, and open-world RPGs.

Some more niche types can be found here, too, like escape-room games, walking simulators, or anomaly games.

There’s often an intersection with horror and thriller-type games, too, as many horror RPGs and survival horror titles lean heavily into puzzles and narrative-driven content. While they may not always be as open-ended as typical adventure games, horror games often feature morbidly beautiful worlds that prompt players to explore and hunt down secrets.

In contrast, some adventure game types don’t focus on graphics or aesthetics in the slightest. Text-based RPGs and interactive fiction are both legendary subgenres in the adventure world, requiring players to use their imagination to get truly immersed.

Classic vs modern adventure games

Adventure games have evolved drastically over the past decade or so, expanding to incorporate a mountain of niche categories and subgenres. Chances are, if you compare the first adventure game you played to one that’s on the top of Steam right now, they’ll be strikingly different.

Instead of being purely focused on exploration and puzzles like classic adventure games were, plenty of modern adventure titles use elements from other genres to help create a unique experience. You can find adventure games with Metroidvania formats, for example, or adventure titles that incorporate elements of visual novels.

Not only have games gotten richer and more detailed as the technology available for developers has evolved, but they’re also shifting in how players can enjoy them. Things have greatly evolved since the genre’s early days, such as Adventure Atari to the modern hits we’re more familiar with now.

The origin of adventure games can be roughly placed in the 70s with text-based adventure games and RPGs. Home console and PC adventure games were more common, but nowadays, mobile and handheld titles are exceptionally popular alongside PC and standard consoles.