Open-world gaming has progressed by leaps and bounds, which is understandable since it's one of the most popular and profitable genres in the industry. AAA developers do everything in their power to incorporate engaging gameplay loops and cutting-edge graphics in their sandboxes.
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An open-world game that ticks all the boxes lets players enjoy a living, breathing landscape that is very memorable. In some instances, these worlds are so gorgeous to explore that players won't have any problems just existing in these sandboxes and doing nothing of note.
Red Dead Redemption 2
The Immersive Open-World Will Captivate Players In No Time
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
From the very moment players set up camp in Horseshoe Overlook, Red Dead Redemption 2 slaps them in the face with one of the most gorgeous and lived-in open worlds of all time. The wildlife simulation is so realistic that RDR2 can genuinely turn into a hunting game that players can enjoy for hours on end.
The towns feel lived-in and are full of things to do, further enticing players to engage with the open-world aspects when they don't want to move forward with the story. All the sandbox systems combine to make for a spectacular experience that fans can't get enough of.
Yakuza 0
The Districts Of Kamurocho And Sotenbori Are Jaw-Droppingly Gorgeous
Yakuza 0
- Released
- January 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Yakuza 0 is an excellent way to get into this long-running series that's in a class of its own. Kiryu and Majima's rise to become the Dragon of Dojima and the Mad Dog of Shimano, respectively, is a blast.
However, as riveting as the story may be, the jam-packed districts of Kamurocho and Sotenbori are packed with so much content that players will be left spellbound with the sheer number of things to do in the game. Going to the arcade, managing real estate properties, ensuring the success of a floundering cabaret club, singing karaoke, and playing pool or darts at a pub are just a few of the many ways players can get immersed in the game's gorgeous and accurate renditions of Kabukicho and Dotonbori.
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
The World Exudes A Sense Of Serenity That Encourages Players To Stop And Take In The Sights
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
Tears of the Kingdom is one of the greatest video games of all time, expanding on the concepts of Breath of the Wild and improving the verticality of the world. Sure, combat can be stressful at times (especially against tough foes like Lynels and Gleeoks), but that's just a small part of this game.
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With plenty of magic, strange creatures, and an epic underlying story, what these open-world games have in common is a beautiful, high-fantasy world.
Just like the predecessor, Tears of the Kingdom can be a surprisingly relaxing game when players are lost in the magic of exploration. Finding Koroks, cooking food, finding new mounts, and constructing things with Ultrahand are just a few of the many ways players can enjoy the simple act of existing in this sandbox.
The Sims 3
The Whole Point Of This Game Is To Exist In An Open-World Neighborhood
The Sims 3
- Released
- June 2, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
There's a reason why Sims 4 players still complain about the lack of a sandbox in this title. The Sims 3 has spoiled them for good, with this amazing open-world twist on the life simulation gameplay making things more engaging than ever.
It ensured that players controlling a household didn't need to lose control of their Sims when they went out to work or on dates. It maintained a sense of control throughout the experience and made the simple act of helping a Sim exist feel downright liberating.
Grand Theft Auto Online
Pursuing A Virtual Life Of Crime Feels Great In Los Santos And Its Surroundings
Grand Theft Auto Online
- Released
- October 1, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
The mere mention of GTA Online may elicit a groan from single-player fans, but credit should be given where it's due — the open-world crime simulation of this Online mode is in a class of its own. It helps that GTA Online is loaded with so much content that it's easy to get lost in this masterpiece.
As long as players don't have to deal with annoying griefers, acquiring money from businesses and expanding their collection of vehicles makes it feel like they're living a virtual life of crime in and around Los Santos. This sense of immersion is unmatched and ensures that GTA Online captivates players from the very moment they create a character and start existing in the world of Los Santos.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
The Home Of The Nords Is Easily The Most Beautiful World Shown In An Elder Scrolls Game
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
Skyrim is one of the best open-world games to check out for fans who love to get immersed in their role-playing. From the moment players leave Helgen and gain a basic understanding of how the game mechanics work, Skyrim will leave them enthralled with the gorgeousness of the world and the sense of freedom they enjoy.
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For those looking to completely immerse themselves in an open-world experience, here are some of the best games to get lost in.
The Dragonborn can take their sweet time to fulfill their legacy as players explore the many locations in the realm of the Nords and carve out a legacy for themselves. Buying houses and marrying potential spouses are just some of the many ways the simple act of existing is a treat in Skyrim.
Cyberpunk 2077
Capitalist Hellscape Aside, Night City Is So Beautiful To Behold That Driving Or Walking Around Feels Amazing
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 wows players from the very moment they step into Night City. It may be a dystopian hellscape that shows the evils of capitalism, but there's a sense of beauty and immersion in the game that's unmatched.
With the addition of AutoDrive, players have even more of a reason to just take in the sights as V automatically drives from one point of the map to another. Interacting with Joytoys, buying apartments, and fostering relationships make the mere act of existing in Cyberpunk 2077 a blast.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
New York's Many Boroughs Are A Joy To Swing Around In
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
New York City is bigger and more engaging to explore than ever before in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Combining web wings and swinging to maintain a sense of momentum feels great, and that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this gorgeous game.
Sometimes, players don't necessarily need to deal with every crime and mission in sight. The simple act of traversal is incredible and ensures that players will love immersing themselves in the role of Spider-Man as they serve as the protector of New York City.
8 Best Open-World Games Where Exploring Freely Is More Rewarding Than The Main Story
These open-world games do offer a main story campaign to complete, but their settings are so immersive that exploration almost always takes priority.