Summary
- GTA 6 is the most anticipated video game of this generation but other upcoming open-world games have potential.
- Pokemon: Legends Z-A promises a brand-new open-world with Mega Evolved Pokemon for younger players.
- Game Freak's ambitious Beast of Reincarnation offers a unique post-apocalyptic open world.
Everybody knows that Grand Theft Auto 6 (also known as GTA 6) is the biggest and most highly anticipated video game of this generation. After waiting for over thirteen years, gamers will finally be able to experience this massive sandbox title soon, when it comes out on consoles on May 16, 2026.
However, as important and exciting as the release of GTA 6 is, it’s worth pointing out that this is not the only open-world game currently in development. Many other games in this genre will also come out in the near future, either before or after Rockstar’s massive project. GTA 6 is the undisputed king of upcoming open-world games, but the following games have the potential to be just as good.
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8 Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The Return Of A Beloved Gameplay Formula
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
- Released
- October 16, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
The release of Pokemon Legends: Arceus in 2022 was widely celebrated by Pokemon fans, who loved the new semi-open world formula that felt like a breath of fresh air for this franchise. However, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet came out a few months later, and doubled down on this formula by implementing an even bigger and interconnected open world. However, these two Generation 9 games were scrutinized due to their glitches, bugs, and technical issues.
Fortunately, Game Freak decided to take its time on the next entry in the series, which is why Pokemon Legends: Z-A has been looking so promising in all the images and trailers released so far. The return to the Legends formula is a welcome change. It seems like fans will be able to explore a brand-new open-world version of Kalos’ Lumiose City, complete with new locations, new characters, and a bunch of Mega Evolved Pokemon. While other upcoming games in this genre are only suitable for adults, Pokemon: Legends Z-A will allow younger players to enjoy a well-made open world.
7 Beast Of Reincarnation
Game Freak Is Taking A Risk With An Ambitious Open-World RPG
Beast of Reincarnation
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
Pokemon developer Game Freak is currently developing two different open-world RPGs, but this one is much more different and ambitious. Revealed during Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Beast of Reincarnation is an upcoming action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic version of Japan. Despite Game Freak’s tendency to make cartoony games, this one will have a more realistic presentation that’s still brimming with style.
Little is known about Beast of Reincarnation so far, but it looks promising. The unique reimagined version of Japan will be interesting to explore, and the game features a dynamic combat system reminiscent of games like Devil May Cry and Elden Ring. This project is much more ambitious than what Game Freak usually makes, but if it's as good as it looks, it may elevate this iconic studio’s reputation.
6 The Outer Worlds 2
The Long-Awaited Sequel To Obsidian’s Stylish Space RPG
The Outer Worlds 2
- Released
- October 29, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
Back in 2019, Obsidian Entertainment (the studio known for Fallout: New Vegas and South Park: The Stick of Truth) released The Outer Worlds, a first-person action RPG that was promoted as "Fallout in space." This game sold and was reviewed pretty well, despite a few minor issues.
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After many years in development (and with the studio working on other projects in the interim), its follow-up , The Outer Worlds 2, is finally set to release in October 2025. Based on what has been shown so far, it seems this sequel will improve on pretty much everything from its predecessor, like the shooting, the weapons, the NPCs, and the map. It reportedly won’t be as ambitious as the massive world of GTA 6, but it will still give players freedom of choice and a multitude of fun missions to complete.
5 Lost Soul Aside
Kingdom Hearts Meets Devil May Cry
Lost Soul Aside
- Released
- August 29, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rating Pending
- Developer(s)
- Ultizero Games
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Adventure, JRPG
Lost Soul Aside went viral when it was first revealed back in 2016. This open-world hack-and-slash/RPG based on games like Final Fantasy 15, Kingdom Hearts and Devil May Cry looked incredible, not to mention that it was ambitious for a project being developed by one person. Fortunately, Sony Interactive Entertainment decided to support this game, which allowed creator Yang Bing to found his own small studio.
After so much waiting, Lost Soul Aside is set to release in August 2025. Not only does the combat system look fun and diverse, but the map is surprisingly large for a game like this. The fast-paced action will take center stage, but the open-world gameplay will also be very engaging, especially considering that the playable character, Kaser, can use his incredible powers for both movement and exploration.
4 Borderlands 4
Another Wacky FPS Set In This Series' Unique Universe
Borderlands 4
- Released
- September 12, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
2019’s Borderlands 3 was well-received by general audiences, but seasoned fans of the series criticized it for its characters, story and sense of humor. Now, after waiting over five years for a sequel, it seems like Borderlands 4 will be a major return to form in terms of writing, and fans couldn’t be more excited about it.
Like its predecessors, Borderlands 4 will be another over-the-top FPS adventure with fast-paced gun play. It's set in a seamless semi-open world filled with lovable characters, hilarious comedy, and a lot of valuable loot for Vault Hunters to find and collect. In the words of the official Gearbox social media accounts, "everything the player sees (in this game) is playable space that they can get to and reach without a load time", which sounds exciting and promising.
3 The Witcher 4
Ciri Stars In An Epic Adventure Of Her Own
The Witcher 4
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
WHERE TO PLAY
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Open-World
The developers at CD Projekt Red are experts at creating immersive open-world experiences brimming with content. Two of the studio’s most recent games, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077, are often considered some of the best in the genre. Fortunately for fans that have been waiting for this sequel since 2015, it seems like The Witcher 4 won’t disappoint either.
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Not much has been shown about this upcoming action RPG, but what the developers have revealed looks incredible, with a beautiful open world populated by both regular NPCs and deadly monsters. The fact that this adventure will star Ciri, Geralt of Rivia’s adoptive daughter, is also very interesting. T The Witcher 4 is one of the few upcoming open-world titles on this list that may not only be just as good as GTA 6, but it may also surpass it in terms of overall quality.
2 The Elder Scrolls 6
The Long Wait For The Sixth Main Entry Will Be Worth It
The Elder Scrolls 6
- Released
- 2026
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The next entry in the Elder Scrolls series was originally announced back in 2018, and almost no information about it has been revealed since. However, lifelong fans know that they just have to keep waiting a little bit more. Not only will their patience be rewarded at the end, but because Bethesda released Starfield a few years ago, the studio must be focusing entirely on The Elder Scrolls 6 now.
Skyrim is one of the biggest and most ambitious open-world RPGs ever made, and it was incredibly impressive for its time. Its sequel, which is being made with the more modern technology of current game systems, has the potential to be even bigger, better, and more immersive. Starfield’s polarizing reception made some fans worry about Bethesda’s capacity to make expansive open-world games like this. However, the worldwide success of Oblivion Remastered put those worries to rest, while also giving fans a high-quality product that will tide them over until the release of the sixth entry.
1 Ghost Of Yotei
Exploring Japan Via A Beautiful And Cinematic Samurai Tale
Ghost of Yotei
- Released
- October 2, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World
Ghost of Tsushima was, one of the biggest surprises of 2020, so gamers are extremely excited about its upcoming sequel, Ghost of Yotei. Set 329 years after the events of the original game, it will tell the story of Atsu, a wandering ronin who will have to take revenge on the six renegade samurai who killed her entire family.
Ghost of Yotei looks gorgeous, with detailed graphics and a beautiful art style that’s reminiscent of old-school samurai films. It will take place in a vast open-world version of Japan’s Ezo region (nowadays known as Hokkaido), which will have multiple fun activities for the player to engage in. On top of that, its storyline will be entirely non-linear, meaning that players will be able to explore this beautiful map and complete the main campaign at their hearts’ content. Ghost of Yotei has the potential to not only become one of the best video games of 2025, but of this entire generation.
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