25 Captivating Open World Games That Invite You on an Epic Adventure

Nothing compares to open world games. The liberty to do what you desire is an experience that no other genre can deliver. As technological advancements continue, we are witnessing an unprecedented number of open world video games, with their scope expanding to the extent that entire cities and regions can now be recreated. With narratives developed in often realistic environments, these games offer grand stories and experiences that are unforgettable. In today’s gaming landscape, the finest open world games rank among the greatest ever created, and they certainly deserve your attention.

Top Open World Games

An open world game is quite straightforward in its definition: It’s a game set in a realm that you are free to traverse as you please, without levels or restricted areas to mention. Of course, certain technical restrictions exist, but nowadays it’s infrequent for technology to impede a world from being entirely navigable.

Many open world games tend to fall within the action RPG category in various ways, frequently placing you as an outsider in the locale or someone of humble rank within the world’s structure, then challenging you to ascend and traverse the globe. Nevertheless, other genres are also capable of utilizing open worlds, including survival or racing games. This compilation showcases the best from all these styles, determined by both critical acclaim and fan feedback, longevity, along with a touch of personal preference.

25. Borderlands 2

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Android, Switch

Gearbox’s 2012 FPS RPG could rank higher on alternative lists; however, with its semi-open world comprising a series of expansive zones divided by loading screens, it just qualifies. With billions of firearms and an engaging narrative, anyone who enjoys shooting games will appreciate this, though it’s not a genuine open world.

24. Hogwarts Legacy

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Being a student at Hogwarts is a dream for many, and with the entire school available for exploration in this action RPG by Avalanche, you can turn that dream into virtual reality. While it’s primarily for Potter aficionados, it also stands out as a solid modern RPG, having been released in 2023, making it worthwhile even if you’re not a fan of the franchise.

23. Death Stranding

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS

Kojima Productions’ 2019 introduction is fundamentally an extensive journey through a vast open world, where you must deliver packages. It’s more enjoyable than it sounds and unlike anything else available, making it a must-play for Kojima enthusiasts or anyone searching for a completely new experience.

22. Sea of Thieves

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5

One of the rare open worlds mainly composed of water, Rare’s 2018 cooperative pirate adventure is genuinely distinctive. You and your friends can board a ship and perform just about every task expected of a pirate, from naval battles to unearthing buried treasure, making this an adventure for all aspiring pirates.

21. Dying Light

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

A zombie-infested open world where survival is exceptionally challenging, Techland’s Dying Light stands out as the ultimate zombie game set in a city that feels highly realistic, with zombies becoming more menacing at night. The original from 2015 remains unmatched by its sequel, and the original’s downloadable content is also essential for zombie enthusiasts.

20. Batman Arkham City

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Switch

Often regarded as the premier Batman game, Arkham City serves as the ideal open world arena for the caped crusader and his fans. Dash around as Batman and take down villains using some of the most gratifying combat ever seen, which has been replicated countless times since Rocksteady perfected it in this 2011 title but never improved upon.

19. Ghost of Tsushima

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5

Sucker Punch’s 2020 open world samurai adventure is a rare example that doesn’t attempt to encompass everything. Acknowledging its exceptional melee combat, the gameplay primarily revolves around exploration and engaging foes with your sword, which is consistently satisfying. It’s ideal for those appreciative of Japanese culture and katanas.

18. Forza Horizon 5

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Simply put, the finest open world racing game ever created, Playground Games’ 2021 Forza Horizon 5 represents the peak of the series, placing you in stunning open environments loosely inspired by real-world locations and providing an array of speedy automobiles to race. Perfect for racing enthusiasts or those who simply enjoy high speeds.

17. Horizon Forbidden West

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5

Both of Guerrilla’s Horizon entries could fit here, but 2022’s Forbidden West is an outstanding action RPG showcasing an open world brimming with robotic creatures you may combat or befriend. This game prioritizes storytelling and environmental immersion, making it a joy to experience and simply exist within its world.

16. Far Cry 6

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Another installment where numerous games from Ubisoft’s Far Cry series could be selected (excluding the second), the sixth edition from 2021 is an excellent open world FPS centered around creating mayhem on a fictional Caribbean isle. This title is as much about enjoying a chaotic playground as it is about narrative.

15. Starfield

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S

Bethesda’s 2023 space RPG is somewhat open world, or open universe if you prefer. While you’re not navigating a singular vast landscape, but rather traveling to multiple planets, it remains an expansive space adventure in classic Bethesda fashion. If you’ve ever envisioned Skyrim set in space, this is your ultimate game.

14. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

Another Ubisoft title, the RPG styled Assassin’s Creed games have always been impressive, but it’s the ancient Greece Odyssey that stands out as the finest. Embark as an assassin, engaging in assassin activities, within this grand open world that is genuinely expansive. For those seeking a massive historical adventure, this is the ultimate choice.

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13. No Man’s Sky

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, iOS

Upon its release in 2016, Hello Games’ title faced widespread criticism for being a magnificent universe lacking an actual game. However, years later, it has transformed into an exceptional space adventure filled with planets to investigate, mine, and uncover. If you’re eager to traverse the cosmos and seek to survive, this is the game for you.

12. Fallout 4

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Another creation from Bethesda, this installment from 2015 is a post-apocalyptic RPG shooter that boasts an extraordinary base-building system. If you have a penchant for radioactive wastelands or constructing bases, this one might suit you perfectly. Moreover, if you are a fan of the television series, this is the premiere game in the franchise.

11. Cyberpunk 2077

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

The contentious 2020 cyberpunk RPG from CD Projekt Red is, as of now, recognized as one of the greatest of all time, arguably featuring the most intricate open world to date. Nearly every structure is accessible, creating what appears to be a compact open world brimming with life and opportunities. If you gravitate towards cyberpunk themes or astonishing realms, this is the one for you.

10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Platforms: Switch, WiiU

Nintendo showcased its capability of creating open worlds in 2017 with BotW, leading Link into an expansive world filled with Nintendo’s distinct charm. If you’re in search of a more family-oriented open world RPG, this is a fantastic choice, as you explore and take down whimsical enemies in this spellbinding adventure.

9. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One

Another offering from Kojima, this marks his final collaboration with Konami from 2015, which could arguably be the finest stealth game ever created. With a vast open world ripe for stealthy maneuvers, you’ll be infiltrating secure locations, pilfering items, and eliminating adversaries quietly. This one is tailored for stealth enthusiasts or those who fancy themselves as such.

8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

The last Bethesda title on this list, and the earliest, debuting in 2011. Yet, it remains as remarkable as ever, standing as the quintessential medieval fantasy RPG in an open world that still endures today. Filled with iconic sites and quests, this is a must-experience for any RPG aficionado.

7. Marvel’s Spider-Man

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5

Insomniac’s inaugural Spider-Man game from 2018 is indisputably the finest web-slinging game to date, set in a city that feels designed for it. There’s no other open world title where traversal is this gratifying, all thanks to the exceptional urban layout. Ideal for Spider-Man fans and vigilantes alike.

6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

This title catapulted CD Projekt Red into fame in 2015, boasting an action RPG featuring an expansive open world populated with incredible creatures and even finer storytelling. It presents a surprisingly diverse landscape to navigate and a tale you won’t forget. This game is a requirement for all players.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Platforms: Switch

The larger and superior counterpart to BotW, TotK allowed Nintendo to expand on the concepts from its predecessor and enhance everything significantly. This title released in 2023 is recognized as the best game on the Switch and undoubtedly ranks among the all-time classics, as you embark on an epic journey in a legendary world. Nintendo enthusiasts will find great joy in this.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One

The ultimate cowboy experience from Rockstar redefined the potential of open worlds in 2018. It’s primarily rivaled by Cyberpunk in terms of world density, and comes with an enthralling narrative and remarkably enjoyable mechanics that captivate you for hours without necessitating a single mission.

3. Elden Ring

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

FromSoftware refined its own souls-like genre with Elden Ring in 2022, presenting an extraordinary open world experience centered around combat and the risk of demise. It’s challenging, yet immensely rewarding when you vanquish seemingly insurmountable enemies, and with a world crafted by George R. R. Martin, it’s a fantasy enthusiast’s dream.

2. Minecraft

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PS5, Vita, WiiU, Switch, 3DS

The ultimate sandbox experience from Mojang launched in 2011, Minecraft offers what is essentially an infinite open world that changes each time you play, making it potentially the best and worst open world experience. You can mine, craft, and freely pursue your desires here, whether that’s constructing incredible structures or merely subsisting off the land. Perfect for gamers of all kinds.

1. Grand Theft Auto V

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

While it may not be the quintessential open world, the environment Rockstar designed in 2013 for GTA V is undeniably the most entertaining. Engage in criminal activities, participate in sports, drive fast vehicles, acquire real estate; there’s a plethora of enjoyable activities to partake in within a setting that embodies the essence of LA.

Bottom Line

Open world games provide unparalleled freedom to embark on unpredictable journeys, which renders them immensely gratifying. There exists a diverse array of genres and environments, yet the enhanced autonomy in your actions is pleasurable regardless of what you engage in, particularly within these 25 premier games.