Summary
- SteamOS is highly anticipated for optimal gaming without bloatware or restrictions.
- Numerous open-world games on Steam receive rave reviews across different genres.
- Games like Terraria, The Witcher 3, and Subnautica offer unique experiences loved by fans.
Steam is one of the most reliable gaming storefronts on PC, featuring countless genre icons as well as niche indie darlings. Players are able to enjoy optimal levels of gaming that aren't loaded with bloatware and restricted by a jack-of-all-trades approach.
26 Best Horror Games On Steam
Steams offers countless horror games that fans of the genre are sure to love. Here are some of the best ones available on the platform.
Numerous genres have flourished on Steam, and open worlds are no exception. If players haven't already, they should get their hands on some of the most popular open-world games on Steam that have attained rave reviews from the majority of their player base.
8 Terraria
The Sheer Amount of Love and Support the Devs Give this Game is Amazing
Terraria
- Released
- May 16, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Re-Logic
- Publisher(s)
- 505 Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Vita, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, 3DS, Stadia, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Terraria is a glowing example of how to respect players who purchase a product that they can spend a lot of time in. The game has received update after update to enhance its content and give players more variety to enjoy, making this an infinitely playable title that always has something interesting up its sleeve.
It's easy to see why the player-first behavior of its developer has attained the respect of gamers all over the world, who have showered this indie title with glowing praise. It's one of Steam's most popular open-world games, pushing past the 2D Minecraft comparisons to take on a unique identity of its own.
7 American Truck Simulator
A Relaxing Driving Game Where Players Explore Detailed Environments
American Truck Simulator
While Euro Truck Simulator has its draws, some players prefer the look and feel of American trucks. Simulating the act of being a trucker in gorgeous environments all across North America makes American Truck Simulator a great open-world title players should check out when they're in the mood for this kind of sim game.
With a gaming wheel setup, the immersion and relaxation enjoyed by driving a truck as carefully as possible make for a glorious time. Players will love blasting through serene environments and completing their tasks in a great driving simulation game that fans love.
6 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
CD Projekt Red's Magnum Opus
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
CD Projekt Red is a master of their craft, and The Witcher 3 makes it clear why fans keep coming back to this developer and its offerings. Controlling Geralt on his final video game adventure as he hunts down Ciri to save her from the clutches of the Wild Hunt makes for an unforgettable fantasy adventure.
8 Best Survival Games That Let You Play Your Own Way
Survival games come in all shapes and sizes, but the best examples of the genre are often the ones that offer players the most freedom of choice.
To make things even better, the DLC for this game is in a class of its own and will compel players to spend another hundred hours in the expanded regions of Velen and the beautiful Toussaint. All of this combines to help The Witcher 3 stand out as one of the best Steam games that fans continue to praise to this day.
5 The Forest
Players Must Do Everything in Their Power to Survive in a Forest Full of Cannibals
The Forest
- Released
- April 30, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
The sheer impact that The Forest had upon release can't be stated enough, with this game convincing players of its promise with an early access period before wowing survival fans with the final product.
As a result, The Forest has become one of the most popular and beloved open-world survival horror games of all time. The overbearing threat of the horrifying cannibals in the woods persists as players secure their base and acquire the means to defend themselves from these horrifying man-eaters — all while searching for their missing son after a plane crash.
4 Subnautica
One of the Greatest and Most Immersive Survival Games Ever Made
Subnautica
- Released
- January 23, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Gearbox Publishing
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
It's a shame that more fans haven't experienced what Subnautica has to offer. What seems like a by-the-numbers survival game set underwater becomes something truly magical as players embark on a journey of exploration that is way scarier than they would assume.
If nothing else, Subnautica will help players fight their thalassophobia to enjoy one of the most immersive and captivating open-world survival games around. One can only hope that the sequel carries forward its legacy to help fans experience something truly special.
3 Dying Light
An Action-Packed Game Full of Zombies and Parkour
Dying Light
- Released
- January 27, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Techland
- Publisher(s)
- Warner Brothers Games
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Survival Horror
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Dying Light is one of the best parkour games set in an open world, and it helps that the zombie apocalypse setting adds to the game's tension. It may feel bloated at times, but the core gameplay loop is so riveting that players will want more of what this title has to offer.
8 Open-World Games With The Scariest Encounters, Ranked
Not all open-world games guarantee a player's safety. Here are some examples that feature incredibly scary encounters.
Exploring the ruined city of Harran as Kyle Crane feels great, with the game's scope expanding over time as players find more things to get lost in. Acquiring high-level gear and perfecting Kyle's movement makes for a satisfying loop that will leave fans wanting more.
2 Fallout: New Vegas
Obsidian Entertainment Became Legendary After Developing the Best Fallout Game in the Eyes of Many
Fallout: New Vegas
- Released
- October 19, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
One of the greatest open-world RPGs of all time that still feels great to play, Fallout: New Vegas still wows players with how engaging its role-playing mechanics are. A few mods are all it takes to make this game run like butter on modern platforms.
Controlling the Courier in an epic quest that eventually decides the future of New Vegas and the Mojave as a whole will make for a magical experience. Players will love what this title brings to the table as they embark on numerous adventures and explore each of the game's incredible DLCs that add to the title's allure.
1 Kenshi
A Freeform Sandbox Title Where Players Are Left to Their Own Devices
Kenshi
- Released
- December 6, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Lo-Fi Games
- Publisher(s)
- Lo-Fi Games
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Open-World, Survival
- Platform(s)
- PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
One of the most unique open-world games players can check out on PC is Kenshi, a game where players don't necessarily have a preset goal. Rather, it's up to the player to decide the fate of their chosen character.
More often than not, the protagonist will die a brutal and pathetic death the moment they venture deeper into uncharted territory. However, there's a reason why players gave this title Overwhelmingly Positive reviews, since the accomplishment of amassing a party, improving skills, and eventually adjusting to the game's difficulty is unmatched.
Best Open-World Games That Gradually Open Up, Ranked
In these games, the player's world slowly expands as they progress the story and build their character.