The start of the 2010s marked the beginning of a great era for video games. The dawn of HD graphics and the arrival of powerful consoles capable of generating gigantic and ambitious worlds allowed developers to create some of the most unforgettable adventures that gamers have had the pleasure of experiencing on their consoles.
8 Open-World Games That Can Be Called Masterpieces
Immerse yourself in the best open-world games that have set new standards in storytelling, worldbuilding, and gameplay.
Of course, countless gaming masterpieces have been released between 2010 and 2025, and the following ten are the absolute best examples that all gamers should try out at some point in their lives. They tell incredible stories, introduce groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, and/or feature breathtakingly beautiful visuals. Naturally, not every masterpiece released in the past fifteen years could make the cut, so a long list of Honorable Mentions was included at the very end of this article.
10 Super Mario Odyssey
The Best 3D Platformer Of Its Generation
Super Mario Odyssey
- Released
- October 27, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Mario is the undisputed king of video games and, fortunately for the community, he starred in a few excellent titles that Nintendo released throughout the 2010s and 2020s. There’s no denying that games like Super Mario Galaxy 2 or Super Mario 3D World are very fun and inventive, but the plumber's Nintendo Switch debut , Super Mario Odyssey, can easily be considered one of the best 3D platformers of all time.
This game was specifically made with the Switch’s hardware in mind, something that is immediately evident when the player discovers all the various ways in which the console was used for clever gameplay moments. That said, Super Mario Odyssey’s biggest achievement is the fact that it brought back the classic free-roaming formula from Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. As a result, every single one of its levels is huge, colorful, distinct, and full of collectibles to find. This is a highly addictive game that can be played for hours on end, and it never feels like a chore.
9 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
An Action-Packed Open-World RPG With A Legendary Protagonist
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
The gaming landscape of the 2010s and 2020s wouldn’t have been the same without the arrival of CD Projekt Red. This Polish studio had already released games in The Witcher series during the previous decade, but the third entry, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, was so amazing and so successful that it turned the developer into a household name.
Unlike other open-world RPGs from its time, The Witcher 3 featured a real protagonist (and not customizable avatar) named Geralt of Rivia, who’s so complex, fascinating, and likable that he quickly became one of the most popular video game characters of all time. That’s not all, because players help him to explore a massive open world full of monsters to slay, side missions to complete, memorable characters to meet, and crucial narrative decisions to make. If there’s one western RPG from the last fifteen years that fans of the genre should play, it's definitely The Witcher 3.
8 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The Turn-Based RPG That Made Thousands Fall In Love With The Genre
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
- April 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sandfall Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
It’s important to point out that multiple excellent turn-based RPGs were released between 2010 and 2025, like Persona 5, Metaphor: ReFantazio or Octopath Traveler, and they all deserve a spot on this ranking, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 warrants special recognition due to its background and the impact it had on the industry (not to mention that it is currently the frontrunner to win GOTY at the 2025 Game Awards).
10 M-Rated Games That Can Be Called Masterpieces
Rated M for Mature, these video games have become cultural icons among the gaming community and have been immortalised as masterpieces.
Expedition 33 is (literally and figuratively) a living painting with unique visuals, a catchy soundtrack, a captivating narrative and, most importantly, a refreshing turn-based combat system in which the player has to press certain buttons (similar to Quick-Time Events) at specific times in order to effectively maximize their damage or avoid enemy attacks. The fact that Expedition 33 has already managed to amass such a large following in less than a year is a testament to its quality and its influence on the industry.
7 Baldur's Gate 3
The Perfect Digital Dungeons & Dragons Experience
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The fact that Baldur's Gate 3 won Game of the Year in 2023 when it was up against masterpieces like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Alan Wake 2 is undeniable proof of how truly incredible this RPG is. After all, it was a labor of love by Larian Studios, a developer that clearly understands and appreciates the Dungeons & Dragons IP .
Baldur's Gate 3 felt groundbreaking because, like its tabletop counterpart, it allows players to do basically whatever they want; the only limit is their imagination. From the moment they start creating their character, it immediately becomes evident that the customization options are nearly limitless and, from that point onward, they can visit various locations, meet and recruit a variety of companions, choose from dozens of different weapons or spells to use in combat, so on. Then there's the narrative, which branches in so many ways from even the slightest player decision. This highly immersive and diverse gameplay loop encourages multiple playthroughs, turning Baldur's Gate 3 into an almost endless video game.
6 Elden Ring
FromSoftware Dipped Its Toes Into The Open-World Genre, And It Turned Out Perfectly
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
If there’s one video game developer whose presence defined the 2010s and 2020s, it is definitely FromSoftware. From Bloodborne to Sekiro, the past fifteen years have been filled to the brim with its award-winning action games (aka “Soulslikes”), with Elden Ring being the absolute best game the studio has ever made. The concept itself is very simple: FromSoftware took everything that made its Dark Souls games special and put it in a huge, open-ended, open-world map akin to Breath of the Wild.
This resulted in an incredibly ambitious and effective action adventure in which players can explore the map to find and confront an array of powerful enemies and bosses. If they can’t defeat them (which is something that can happen, considering how challenging this game’s combat can be) they can simply go somewhere else, level up, acquire better items, weapons, and armor, and come back later. Elden Ring won the GOTY award in 2022 because it’s an almost flawless masterpiece, and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, was such a welcome addition that it was nominated for the same award by itself, just two years later.
5 The Last Of Us
One Of The Most Poignant And Complex Narratives In Gaming History
The Last of Us
- Released
- June 14, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Naughty Dog
Claiming that The Last of Us is the only video game from the last fifteen years with a truly complex narrative would be ridiculous and downright erroneous, but it is 100% true that it features one of the best and most memorable stories that gamers have ever experienced. The tragic tale of Joel and Ellie, set in an infected, post-apocalyptic North America, is full of twists and turns, harsh decisions, and unforgettable moments that will both shock and captivate the player.
Of course, The Last of Us wouldn’t be so fondly remembered today if its story was its only positive quality. Its graphics are so realistic and detailed that its PS4 remaster (which was released just a year after the PS3 original) barely looked any different, not to mention that its survival horror/third-person shooter gameplay feels like the perfect combination between classics of these two genres, like Resident Evil 4 and Uncharted. Furthermore, The Last of Us went on to become one of the biggest PlayStation icons, and it was even adapted into a surprisingly faithful live-action HBO show.
4 Grand Theft Auto 5
An Ambitious Open-World Sandbox That Hasn’t Been Surpassed (Yet)
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar North
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
Rockstar Games only developed four games between 2010 and 2025, and yet all of them are solid candidates for this list, which proves that this studio only makes high-quality products. One of the most remarkable ones, however, is definitely the long-awaited fifth mainline entry in the iconic GTA series, Grand Theft Auto 5, a game that basically became synonymous with the terms “open-world” and “sandbox.”
GTA 5 takes place in a modern version of Los Santos, a massive map that’s jam-packed with numerous characters, locations, missions, and side activities. The player can explore this giant open world and have a lot of fun without ever touching the main story campaign. However, those who decide to do so will quickly discover that everyone else is missing out, because this plot is fascinating, explosive, and complex, not to mention that its three playable characters — Trevor, Michael, and Franklin — have impeccable chemistry with each other. GTA 5 was such a massive critical and commercial success that fans have been eagerly waiting for its sequel, Grand Theft Auto 6, for over twelve years (and counting).
3 Red Dead Redemption 2
A Beautiful Western Adventure With A Deep And Emotional Story
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
The GTA games are perfect for mindless, over-the-top fun, whereas Rockstar’s other critically-acclaimed open-world series, Red Dead Redemption, is better known for its emotional and compelling storylines. Fans waited eight years for a sequel to this western masterpiece and their patience was rewarded, because Red Dead Redemption 2 not only didn’t disappoint; it exceeded all of their expectations.
10 PlayStation 2 Games That Are Masterpieces
These PS2 games are great even on the original hardware.
This is technically a prequel to the first game, and it tells the story of Arthur Morgan, one of the best-written gaming protagonists, and his band of lovable outlaws. Red Dead Redemption 2’s campaign is an amazing tale from beginning to end, and yet, it’s only the tip of the iceberg in terms of reasons why this game is deemed a masterpiece. Similarly to GTA 5, this is an open-world sandbox set in the Wild West, in which players can control Arthur and do pretty much whatever they want, from committing crimes to taking down other outlaws for rewards, and even hunting down dangerous animals to make money and craft new gear. This is a highly addictive and almost endless adventure that was carefully crafted, with stunning attention to detail around every corner.
2 God Of War
The Long-Awaited (And Compelling) Redemption Of One Of Gaming’s Most Controversial Anti-Heroes
God of War
- Released
- April 20, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
The contrast between the original God of War trilogy from the 2010s and the new God of War duology from the 2010s and 2020s is a perfect representation of how the medium of gaming as a whole has evolved and can now be taken much more seriously. Yes, fans of this mythological hack-and-slash franchise had their doubts when the 2018 reboot, simply titled God of War, originally came out, but they quickly discovered that this was the best direction this story and its main character could have taken.
Kratos used to be a ruthlessly violent and deeply unlikable protagonist, but this reboot completely shifted his character and, by introducing his young son, Atreus, allowed him to grow, mature, and redeem himself through his actions. God of War has an incredibly personal and emotional narrative that’s told entirely in one shot, with no clear-cuts between scenes. That’s not all, because this action-adventure title with RPG elements also boasts an excellent combat system that feels like the modern evolution this franchise desperately needed, mainly thanks to the introduction of Kratos’ Leviathan Axe and the return of his Blades of Chaos. It’s easy to understand why God of War became a mainstay of the PlayStation brand, not to mention that its 2022 sequel, God of War Ragnarok, could have easily earned a place on this list as well.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Revolutionary Open-Ended Open-World Game That Changed Gaming Forever
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Multiple groundbreaking video games were released in the last fifteen years, but none of them were as impactful and influential as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Of course, the Zelda franchise has always been synonymous with high-quality action-adventure titles (i.e: A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time), but this Switch and Wii U exclusive revolutionized the gaming industry in a major way.
Breath of the Wild introduced an open-ended open-world in which players can go anywhere they want, whenever they want, and use their weapons and items to solve puzzles or defeat enemies in a variety of different ways. This style of gameplay is so expertly designed that it’s even possible to launch a new game file, go straight to the final dungeon, and defeat the final boss in less than twenty minutes, which felt incredibly mind-blowing for its time. Breath of the Wild was such a critical and commercial success that it served as a major source of inspiration for many subsequent open-world games, like Elden Ring, Genshin Impact, and Sonic Frontiers.
On top of all that, Breath of the Wild also features colorful cel-shaded graphics, a beautiful atmospheric soundtrack, and a simple but effective storyline. It’s also worth mentioning that its 2023 sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is an equally-masterful open-world game that improved and expanded on many of its predecessor’s ideas but, of course, it wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t for this masterpiece from 2017.
Honorable Mentions
Way Too Many Video Game Masterpieces Were Released From 2010 To 2025
- Super Mario Galaxy 2
- Portal 2
- Bioshock Infinite
- Bayonetta 2
- Undertale & Deltarune
- Bloodborne
- Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Persona 5
- Marvel’s Spider-Man
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Resident Evil 2 Remake
- Devil May Cry 5
- It Takes Two
- God of War Ragnarok
- Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Final Fantasy 16
- Astro Bot
- Silent Hill 2 Remake
- Donkey Kong Bananza
8 Games From The Last 5 Years That Are Masterpieces
Between now and 2021, what games have pushed the boundaries and come out on top as literal masterpieces?