Open-world games are a dime a dozen nowadays, but they aren’t all created equal. Some games have open-world environments without a lot to do or see, while others are crammed with too many things. Finding the right balance is how Marvel’s Spider-Man and Grand Theft Auto 5 became hits.
There Are Almost No 10/10 Open-World Games, But These Masterpieces Come Close
These open-world games surpassed even the highest of expectations to reach near-perfection - a difficult thing to do in a genre that demands so much.
There are some open-world games that hit this balance well but are still incredibly packed with content. For those examples, sometimes it’s best to take things slowly. Ignore the story and explore everything that these games have to offer. It may take weeks or a month to finish, but savoring these open-world games is recommended more than devouring them.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Beat The Level Scaling
Assassin's Creed Shadows
- Released
- March 20, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Assassin's Creed Shadows is the latest entry in the series, which takes place in feudal Japan. Players start as a female ninja named Naoe, but can later recruit Yasuke, a male samurai, during the campaign. After an initial setup, players can travel virtually anywhere, but their progress is limited by level caps. Enemies will be both over-leveled and on par with the players, so getting ahead can be a challenge. That’s why taking it easy and stealthily can prove to be more victorious in the long run.
Avowed
Dual Wielding Mages
Avowed
- Released
- February 18, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Avowed is a more cheerful and brightly colored open-world game, even though it too is on the brink of being engulfed by war and a spreading fungus. Players can create their character and, upon leveling up, they can pump skill points into various skill trees, including one that unlocks spells from fireballs to ice walls. If players don’t want to turn their character into a mage but still want to use magic, then there are options. Avowed is filled with Wands, which are fun and practical to use, plus there are Grimoires that are filled with predetermined spells. Players can even dual-wield the two, which is beyond fun. Avowed is dense, but not overly so, which is why it’s best to play over time. Every side quest and secret is worth looking into.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Connect The World
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Released
- June 26, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach finds San Bridges on another mission to connect offline countries, and this time it’s in Australia and Mexico. Players will deliver packages to bunkers, and the more pristine the packages are, the better the rewards.
Best Open-World Games For Feeling Like A Force Of Nature
Become one with the wind and destroy enemies in your wake in these open-world games.
Carefully planning routes and bringing gear like ladders to cross messy terrain is a wise strategy. The biggest reason to play overtime is the asymmetric multiplayer. Players can build things in their game, and it will affect others, which is a big hook from the first game too, as watching the game world evolve with increased player counts is magical.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
It’s Only Hard If You Rush Through It
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Released
- March 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is one of the hardest open-world RPGs out there, as it doesn’t teach players a lot. Players can make their character and Pawn minions before setting off to unknown plains full of danger. Exploring and grinding can help players a lot, but so will diving into message boards and communicating with friends. Find a community and build trust while playing the game to get the most out of it. With a friendly community, even a challenging game like Dragon’s Dogma 2 can be less scary with time.
Fallout: New Vegas
Perfect To Play Until Season Two Of The Show Starts
Fallout: New Vegas
- Released
- October 19, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Fallout: New Vegas is a favorite among many in the series, and now season two of the Fallout TV show is going to focus on much of the game’s content. This includes New Vegas itself, along with smaller towns and encampments like The Fort and Novac. To get prepped for the show, now is as good a time as any to replay the game or try it for the first time. Devoid of the show, Fallout: New Vegas is best savored like the fine desert wine that it is, as the quests, locations, and overall story are all worth seeing in this apocalyptic experience.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Savor The Game That Changed Everything
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a great game to start now for those who missed the Wii U and Switch versions. It runs better now than ever before on the Switch 2 with quicker load times and smoother graphics.
Open-World Games That Get Too Much Hate
Not every open-world game can be Breath of the Wild, and that’s okay. These games have their flaws, but can still be a joy for certain players.
Even in the original versions, fans knew they got a high-quality Zelda experience from the start, between the NPCs, massive world, and challenging Shrines. Explore every inch of Hyrule before even attempting to get near Ganon to make Link as strong as possible.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Building Up Mother Base
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
- Released
- September 1, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action, Open-World
In Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, players need to recruit members to man certain aspects of their HQ, Mother Base. In Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, and the game that preceded it Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, players can capture enemy units via a balloon system on missions. It looks silly, but it works well, and there are so many to find. Players can assign recruits to work on new gear or build up better facilities in Mother Base, which takes place in real-time, which is one big reason why it’s best played over long sessions. It’s a game filled with features as Hideo Kojima’s swan song to Big Boss.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Be Patient, You Will Get Your Mech
Xenoblade Chronicles X
- Released
- December 4, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Animated Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Open-World
Xenoblade Chronicles X is the hardest game in the series, which remains true even with the newer Switch version. Giant monsters that far out-level the player will be everywhere, and they can turn on a dime, hit the party with one strike, and then it’s back to the checkpoint. At least no progress is lost between deaths, but it is annoying to restart regardless. That’s why it’s nearly mandatory to do every quest to get as strong as possible. Patience and hard work over time, instead of rushing through the campaign, will reward players with the game’s cool mechs, Skells, which will change things completely. They’re well worth the wait.
The Ways Elden Ring Surpassed The Open-World Genre
The ring may be ancient, but its world is still teeming with life, albeit in horrific forms.