Open-world gaming is all the rage in modern times. Players love the idea of investing a ton of hours exploring everything these experiences have to offer, especially if there are so many gameplay loops to interact with that any playstyle can be accounted for.
9 Best Sci-Fi Open-World Games
Open-world sci-fi games can be difficult to get right due to just how vast they can be, but these games manage to nail it.
This jack-of-all-trades approach may be criticized by some, but that should take nothing away from the strengths these titles bring to the table. Fans will love how all-encompassing these titles are, especially when the execution is so great.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Stealth, Combat, And Traversal Are All A Ton Of Fun
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
- Released
- October 23, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Everyone has their favorite Assassin's Creed, and Syndicate is a popular pick. This game didn't deserve to be the catalyst that caused the series to go on a hiatus, especially since the Victorian London setting and the focus on gang warfare make for a tantalizing premise.
Moving through the streets of London in style, brutalizing enemies as Jacob, and becoming invisible as Evie made for a great time. The sheer amount of content in this game ensures that players can interact with the diverse range of gameplay loops, however they see fit.
Ghost Of Tsushima
Feels Like An AC Game With Incredible Open-World Design
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
As much as Ghost of Tsushima may be accused of being a formulaic open-world game, there's no denying that Sucker Punch Productions did a great job of executing its many gameplay facets. Combat is stylish, traversal is decent, and stealth is satisfying in its own way.
The cherry on top is the game's incredible art design that turns every corner of the world into wallpaper material. The fact that Ghost of Tsushima doesn't need detailed facial expressions for every cutscene and can just let the visuals speak for themselves is proof enough of how much Sucker Punch Productions has grown.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
The Sheer Number Of Possibilities In This Game Is Endless
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
By forsaking the rigid builds that players had to choose from the moment they started Morrowind or Oblivion, Skyrim allowed players to pursue whatever build they desired. From becoming an out-and-out melee warrior to becoming a stealth archer that everyone gravitated toward, Skyrim's build variety was off the charts.
10 Best Open-World Games For Beginners, Ranked
These beginner-friendly open-world games offer smooth tutorials, intuitive systems, and fun exploration across massive maps.
The spell trees themselves are so expansive that players can also specialize in one particular school of magic or become a master of many. The fact that it's completely viable to shoot flames with one hand and cut down enemies with a sword in the other shows just how amazing Skyrim's build variety is, ensuring that every playthrough feels different based on the player's choices.
Kenshi
Players Can Be Everything, From Travelling Merchants To Fort Leaders
Kenshi
- Released
- December 6, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- nr
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Open-World, Survival
Kenshi is loaded with so many things to do that it's downright overwhelming, but this isn't clear at first. Based on their background, players are dropped in the middle of nowhere and must both build up their combat stats and find some companions before they can even think of exploring the world.
Once this is accomplished, players will be left spellbound by what this world has to offer. Mining, scavenging, burglary, trading, hunting, and brewing are just some of the many ways players can make a ton of money. Players can either become a slave or a slaver in this savage post-apocalyptic world, making it clear that the developers really did think of everything when developing this game.
Red Dead Redemption 2
The Sheer Number Of Things To Do In This Game Is Endless
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
It's hard to find an open-world as immersive as Red Dead Redemption 2. Hunting alone will keep players busy for hours, and that's far from the only thing players can accomplish in this open world.
Aside from the main story, players can hunt bounties, bond with camp members, conduct various robberies, gather herbs, meet with Strangers, and do anything else possible in this immersive sandbox. It's the longest Rockstar game ever made and will leave fans with a tear in their eye, showing that the developer didn't skimp out in any area of this wonderful game.
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Players Can Pursue Whatever Playstyle They Wish
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Released
- May 12, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated E for Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Action, Open-World
Breath of the Wild was a massive revolution in the realm of open-world gaming as is, and Tears of the Kingdom took this to a whole new level. Aside from the many freeform gameplay elements from the first game that players could mess around with, TotK introduces Zonai abilities that are ridiculously malleable.
8 Best Open-World Games You Can Get Lost In, Ranked
For those looking to completely immerse themselves in an open-world experience, here are some of the best games to get lost in.
Ultrahand lets players craft anything they set their mind to, Fuse turns basic weapons into major powerhouses, Recall rewinds objects to make puzzles more dynamic than ever, and Ascend lets players escape higher ground in almost every situation. It speaks volumes about the sheer level of depth and care put into this game. It was released in a ridiculously polished state, proving once again that Nintendo really is unmatched when it comes to video game development.
Cyberpunk 2077
From Quickhacks To Good Ol' Gunfights, This Game Gives A Ton Of Options To Players
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
As amazing as The Witcher 3 is, combat is pretty one-note, with Signs and potions being the only way that players can spice up the game's action. Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2077 takes a page out of the immersive sim book by making almost every playstyle viable.
Players can use melee or ranged weapons, take out enemies in stealth from up close or afar, and use Quickhacks to make encounters livelier than ever before. The sheer number of ways players can approach any situation in Cyberpunk 2077 makes its role-playing far deeper than The Witcher 3 and makes it clear why this game deserves its plaudits.
Minecraft
One Of The Most Malleable Open-World Games Of All Time
Minecraft
- Released
- November 18, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
Minecraft is the most successful indie game of all time, with the bulk of its appeal coming from the various ways players can approach it. There's nothing wrong with going through the usual progression curve until players reach and beat the Ender Dragon, but that's far from the only way to play this game.
Removing enemies and letting players flex their creative muscles is another great way to maximize a player's enjoyment with this game. The sheer number of creative multiplayer modes is so immense that this side of Minecraft alone lets players do everything from explore an accurate recreation of Westeros to participate in an in-game version of the Hunger Games.
7 Open-World Games Where Your Choices Really Matter, Ranked
Open-world games have a lot to offer players in various regards. However, the best titles are those where choices matter. Here are some of them.