Open-world games are all about free will, freedom of choice, and that includes the freedom of letting it go when it has been really enough. But knowing how to call quits is difficult with so many good games. And despite some of them having an 'extended gameplay session' warning included as a feature, there are times when an open-world game consumes the lives (or at least, the free time) of players.
There are tons of addictive Open-world games that can trap players for hours and hours, but a few of these titles are considered so perfect in terms of immersion and gameplay, that they will hook players in and never let them go. Learn about them in this shortlist.
8 Best Open-World Games On Steam Without DRM, Ranked
For those searching for DRM-free open-world games, these titles deliver incredible experiences without the need for an online connection.
5 Valheim
It Looks Like An Easy-Going Game, But Lower Your Guard, And You'll Be Forever Lost In Its Sandbox
Valheim
- Released
- February 2, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- r
- Developer(s)
- Iron Gate AB
- Publisher(s)
- Coffee Stain Studios
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
- Platform(s)
- Linux, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Valheim is one of those games that looks approachable, has a soft learning curve, and is visually attractive for most players who cannot help but explore its vast procedurally generated sandboxes at their own pace. But be careful with this game, since it's not only about exploration, but crafting, battling creatures inspired by Norse mythology, and of course, building incredible Viking Homesteads and sailing into the horizon. It's such a complete and enthralling game that players will have a hard time dropping out of it.
This game is the real deal in terms of immersive gameplay, and with danger lurking all around, players have little to no time to think about the real world as they try to finish their base on time for the first Raid. It is no surprise that it has been called one of the best Indie Games of all time.
4 No Man's Sky
There's Just No Limit For This Game, And It Keeps Giving More And More
No Man's Sky
- Released
- August 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
No Man's Sky offers the vastness of the cosmos, hundreds of thousands of planets to explore, and an endless gameplay loop that is hard to let go of once players dive into it. From being a stranger, stranded on a random planet, not knowing a single word of the local language, to being an expert in several forms of communication and a bona fide space explorer. This game puts every other space-flight or sci-fi game to shame, not only for its sheer amount of content, but for its level of detail and immersion.
Only a few games can be compared to this incredible game, and even though many players were skeptical at the beginning, it has been made obvious that the limits of this title are far from being discovered. No Man's Sky will keep entertaining and trapping players for years to come.
3 Green Hell
This Game Took To Heart The Concept Of Being Lost In The Jungle
Green Hell
- Released
- September 5, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Creepy Jar
- Genre(s)
- Survival
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Green Hell is the ultimate survival experience, with dozens of crafting recipes based on whatever is at the disposal of players in the heart of the Amazon Jungle. With dangerous animals lurking around, poisonous insects, snakes, frogs, spiders, and even piranhas and crocodiles swarming the waters, it's nearly impossible for players to leave unscathed on their first run. After just a few hours surviving, players will finally begin to grasp what the game is about. How to craft a medicinal bandage, how to cure poison, how to purge worms, and how to disinfect wounds.
10 Best Open-World Games If You Want An Escape From Reality, Ranked
Struggling to deal with the real world? These open-world games have you covered, offering expansive worlds and lengthy play times as a distraction.
A few more hours into the game, and they'll learn how to craft better spears, perhaps even a fishing trap, discovering more and more of the Main Story (or playing in survival mode). It won't belong before they realize the ugly truth: They're trapped forever in this jungle, and most likely, already hooked into the game. So, once they take care of their basic needs, enter into contact with the dangerous inhabitants of the Amazon, and probably tire themselves of eating parrot meat, the base-building impulse will kick in. With dozens of structures to learn and build, Green Hell becomes the dream of every survivalist who wants to experience firsthand the dangers of the deepest jungle in the world, from the comfort of their couch. It is nearly impossible to let that feeling of empowerment go, once they learn how to thrive in this hostile land, that is.
2 Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
The Ultimate Medieval Simulation Game
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Released
- February 4, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
- Prequel(s)
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a perfect game, there's no fighting that truth. From its storytelling, music, setting, and worldbuilding, to its character designs, mechanics, gameplay loop, and beyond. A game that has trapped more than one brave warrior as they explore the savage lands of Old Bohemia. Divided into two enormous sandboxes that players can explore at will, KCD2 is a promise fulfilled for every fan of this original series created by Warhorse Studios.
Even if the story wasn't enthralling enough by itself (which it is), the world that grows around the characters and its vastness is deep enough to ensure players can never let go. After a few hours of learning the ropes, reconnecting with Henry's Main Skills, and perhaps seducing the Miller's daughter (and his wife too), players will be trapped forever. This game is something truly special, that pushes the boundary of a simple RPG, and becomes a fully immersive simulation with one of the most realistic combat systems in the genre. Players will never know when it's time to hang up the sword with this game, so be careful, it can trap them forever.
1 Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Yo-ho, Yo-ho, A Pirate Life For Me
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
- Released
- October 29, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
From all the Assassin's Creed Games players could pick Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is most definitely the one with the deepest level of immersion, and the highest level of freedom in all AC games. It is not so strange, then, that many fans of the franchise consider it the best of the series. Black Flag has something special, besides memorable characters, an intense and epic story, and fully operational pirate ships with crew and all: It is the level of commitment and love that the devs poured on it, that grants this game its characteristic identity.
And if players are not careful, they could spend the rest of their lives playing it without a care for the world. There's something rapturous that drives folks to set sail and just enjoy riding the winds while shanties sound in the background. It's just too perfect, and its level of detail can drive even the most hardcore player to lose themselves in the vastness of the Caribbean Sea. A perfect game that has known no equal (at least in terms of naval battle simulation).
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.