Summary
- Open-world games dominate the gaming industry, offering freedom and exploration across various genres and unique atmospheres.
- Well-received horror open-world games like "Welcome To Hanwell" and "Dredge" provide eerie and atmospheric experiences for brave players.
- Open-world horror games like "The Evil Within 2" and "Darkwood" offer terrifying encounters and immersive gameplay experiences, making them worth exploring.
To the delight of some and the disappointment of others, open-world video games are starting to dominate the gaming industry. Plenty of linear games are still being released, but many AAA publishers are choosing to sign off on games with huge open worlds.
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Open-worlds were once predominantly restricted to RPG games like the Elder Scrolls series, though in the last decade, it has begun to creep into unexpected places like the puzzle genre with The Witness and the racing genre with titles like the Forza Horizon series. Another genre that has begun utilizing open-world maps is horror. A genre that was once known for narrow corridors and periodic jump scares is opening its borders to offer huge, atmospheric maps that dare players to explore them.
Updated on March 5 2025, by Mara Cowley: Open-world games remain as popular as always, dominating a sizable part of the industry and earning scores of fans and praise from critics. The amount of freedom they offer appeals to fans who enjoy exploration, and now even some non-linear franchises want a slice of the action, bringing other genres to the open-world market. As such, a couple more enjoyable open-world horror games have been included for brave explorers to delve into, if they dare.
20 Welcome To Hanwell
An Eerie and Oppressive English City
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
- Released: October 20th, 2017
- Developers: Steel Arts
Despite the name of the game, players most likely will not feel welcome in the eerie open-world game based on a world of nightmares where monstrosities called Anomalies roam the streets, attacking anyone they come across. A Council was formed to keep residents safe, which did work, for a short while. But after the Council fell, Hanwell became a dangerous place to explore, and this is exactly where players find themselves waking up.
Pulling themselves out of a morgue, players must use whatever they can find at their disposal to survive the dangers here. The map is fairly impressive, reflecting an English city with residential homes, pubs, and stores without becoming so mundane that it loses any fear factor, and once players venture inside any buildings, that's when the game truly shines with an oppressive atmosphere that has players fearing what may lie around the next corner.
19 The Sinking City
Lovecraftian Horrors Emerge
The Sinking City
- Released
- June 27, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Frogwares
- Platform(s)
- PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
US Navy soldier Charles Reed became a PI after his service in the war, and his job brings him to Oakmont, an extremely remote and hidden village in Massachusetts, at the request of one Professor van der Berg, who has been suffering nightmarish visions. Upon arriving in the city, it becomes apparent nearly everyone living there has been inflicted with these visions, and there is definitely something dark underfoot in Oakmont.
Eldritch creatures, detective work, and a good amount of exploration are the key gameplay elements of this Lovecraftian open-world game. With multiple endings, and the creative and horrifying force of Lovecraft's work behind it, cosmic horror fans will find much to enjoy in this title, and it is a worthy visit even for those who have never dabbled much with the genre.
18 Pathologic 2
Pathologic 2's Difficulty Might Be Alienating to Some, but Rewarding to the Right Audience
Pathologic 2
- Released
- May 23, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ice-Pick Lodge
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Pathologic 2 is one of the most unique games players will ever experience, not only due to its surreal nature, but also the fact that it is one of the games that offers no hand-holding. Players will be turned out into the world with a vague idea of what they need to do, having to rely on their own ideas and interpretations of events on where to go next and what to do.
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But here also lies the unending freedom, as gamers have the opportunity to take Pathologic 2 at their own pace. Linear progression is a shaky line at best, as players get to choose what quests they want to progress first. It also helps that players are given a large map to roam, allowing for plentiful exploration, which could lead them to secrets, new side quests or new NPCs to meet. Murder, mystery, and even time loops are all part of the wonderfully bizarre game. While it may not be for everyone, it is such a wacky adventure that everyone should try it at least once.
17 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
One of the Most Sprawling Entries in the Impressive S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
- Released
- September 15, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- GSC Game World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is one part of the sprawling S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series that pioneered open-world horror games when it debuted back in 2007. Despite being such an aged game, it still manages to deliver an impressive world to explore and plenty of scares, combat, and even some RPG elements.
Clear Sky is a prequel to the first game in the series, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. The game differentiates itself from its predecessor with the inclusion of faction wars, a mechanic that lets players join a faction's constant battle against its competitors and join in the share of rewards if they gain territory. All in all, Clear Sky may not be the most impressive S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Game, but it is an impressive open-world horror experience in its own right.
16 Dying Light
At Night, the World Turns Even More Dangerous
Dying Light
- Released
- January 27, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Techland
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Survival Horror
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Dying Light certainly didn't turn too many heads with its lackluster reception among certain critcs, but this did not deter some gamers, as its ambitious features drew attention that eventually turned public opinion favorable.
The game had a smartly balanced day and night cycle, with the night bringing in more dangers for players to contend with, well-integrated free-running mechanics that put titles like Assassin's Creed to shame, and enjoyable co-op multiplayer to share the fun with friends. Although the story of the zombie apocalypse and the meddling of the military is weighed with some cliches, Dying Light is still a well-rounded open-world game deserving of a chance for fans of the genre.
15 Project Zomboid
Players Need to Keep Their Character Safe from Zombies and Everyday Maladies
Project Zomboid
- Released
- November 8, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- The Indie Stone
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
The Knox Infection has ravaged the world, turning anyone who contracts it into a mindless zombie with only the thought of human flesh on their mind. No one knows where it came from or who it started, but everyone knows to avoid it.
That's exactly what the player is tasked with doing, out in Kentucky in America, which has been dubbed by survivors as Knox City. Along with zombies, players need to monitor hunger, fatigue, stress, and boredom in order to keep their character alive and well. This makes Project Zomboid an in-depth open-world horror game with fun and challenging gameplay with a variety of in-game modes to ensure it never gets stale.
14 Days Gone
A More Intimate Zombie Apocalypse Tale
Days Gone
- Released
- April 26, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bend Studio
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action, Adventure
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Days Gone was developed by Bend Studio and was released exclusively on PlayStation 4 in April 2019 before, like many PlayStation exclusives as of late, arriving on PC a couple of years later.
Days Gone was one of the most divisive games of 2019, with many fans and critics divided on the title. The story, missions, and open-world design all garnered a mixed reception, but that doesn't mean that the game is one that should be missed. It is yet another story of a zombie-infested world, but the characters feel more real thanks to their fleshed-out personalities and realistic reactions to events. For players looking for a more personal zombie story more along the lines of Last of Us than Resident Evil, it is the title for them.
13 Dredge
Players Might Find More Than Fish Lurking in These Waters
Dredge
- Released
- March 31, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- Black Salt Games
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Fishing games are normally relaxing experiences, giving players the chance to simulate the outdoor activity without needing to leave the warm comfort of home. They simply cast out a line, reel it in and see what they caught before casting it back into the water. Dredge does offer fishing gameplay, but there is so much more to the game than that, especially when nighttime brings all sorts of strange encounters if players are still at sea.
While not exactly perfect for those who want a more normal fishing experience, Dredge is here for fans of exploring, and running the chance of encountering strange, surreal or downright horrifying scenarios or creatures. Without an in-depth narrative to follow, players have the freedom to sail the vast sea, to stumble upon new secrets to discover, or new species of fish to reel in, and plenty of scares that sometimes verge right into cosmic to keep horror fans hooked.
12 Sons of the Forest
A Challenging Yet Rewarding Survival Experience
Sons of the Forest
- Released
- February 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Endnight Games
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Survival, Open-World, Survival Horror
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
First, there was The Forest, and now, there is Sons of the Forest, giving players more of the popular and beloved open-world survival horror experience. Set many years after the events of the predecessor, it sees a team of private military contractors searching for a missing family on an island called Site 2. As expected, the helicopter is shot down, killing almost all of the crew, and leaving only two survivors.
This is how the game kicks off, getting players ready for a tough survival challenge. Players must scavenge for resources to build shelter, keep themselves fed, and survive the mutant cannibals that live on the island. For gamers who enjoyed the first Forest game, there will be much for them to love in its sequel.
11 Dying Light 2 Stay Human (77)
Impressive Parkour Mechanics
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
- Released
- February 4, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Techland
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Dying Light 2 Stay Human tells the tale of a world that has fallen to a rabies-like infection, and though the world was eventually spared from the virus, the scientists couldn't help themselves and began performing experiments, resulting in a far deadlier virus that escaped the confines of the lab.
Like its predecessor, the game's narrative struggled to impress most fans and critics. However, the game's unique parkour mechanics and open world make Dying Light 2 more enjoyable to play, and its vast open world ripe for exploration is sure to impress open-world fans. Players just need to be careful that they do indeed stay human while contending with the infected they share the world with.