Exploration is something that most open-ended games need to nail, especially in the case of RPGs that take players on an epic ride. The massive worlds in some of these games can be so engaging to explore that players may completely forget about the main story.
It's a testament to the amazing sandbox design in these games that players can potentially get lost in their mini-adventures for hours on end. From tantalizing side quests to fun open-world activities, there's no shortage of distractions in these RPGs that turn the main story into a second priority.
28 Xbox One Games With Huge Open-World Maps
The eighth console generation allowed for some massive open-world maps; here are some of the biggest available on Microsoft's Xbox One.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
An Amazing Open World Full Of Great Locations To Explore
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
The Witcher 3 is one of the greatest video games ever made. Players can head to many open-ended zones throughout the Continent in their hunt to find Ciri, stop Gaunter O'Dimm, or figure out the origins of the disturbances plaguing Toussaint.
The game's incredible writing shines in both the main story and the side quests, with the latter being so fleshed out that they changed how developers approach side content in their video games. CD Projekt Red has developed one of the greatest open-world RPGs of all time with several beautiful landscapes to gaze at.
Fallout 3
The Capital Wasteland Is Jam-Packed With Content
Fallout 3
- Released
- October 28, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Fallout 3 is an excellent attempt to modernize the series, and fans had a great time with it as a result. While the quality of the main story isn't as good as the first two Fallout games, the side content more than makes up for it.
The Capital Wasteland is full of amazing locations for players to get lost in. From finding an iconic character transforming into a tree to seeing how players can shape the town of Megaton, there's no shortage of memorable moments to find when players explore the map in Fallout 3.
Sunless Skies
Exploration Is The Meat And Bones Of This Story-Driven RPG
Sunless Skies
- Released
- January 31, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Blood, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
When players start Sunless Skies, they must choose from one of several possible end goals that they build toward. While there may be a main narrative to follow for their questlines, the real magic of this game stems from the amazing exploration that fans can enjoy.
The 26 Best Open World PS5 Games, Ranked (2025)
The best open-world games on the PlayStation 5 push the system to its absolute limits, offering players some of the most stunning locations in gaming.
Every port in Sunless Skies is full of unique stories and discoveries that are chilling and enlightening in equal measure. The horror elements of this title aren't too overbearing and ensure that players will have a great time with what this title brings to the table.
Elden Ring
Players Are Encouraged To Explore And Get Stronger
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Elden Ring is one of the hardest open-world games players can get their hands on, but there's a simple way to reduce the challenge of this game considerably. Given the endless avenues of exploration in this game, players are encouraged to get stronger by exploring the Lands Between before they tackle important bosses.
As a result, the simple act of exploration enables players to deal with the many tough enemies standing in their way. It helps that the sandbox design is so great that players will feel an immense sense of satisfaction from exploring this world to their hearts' content.
Disco Elysium
A Rich World Full Of Tantalizing Lore Uncovered Via Exploration
Disco Elysium
- Released
- October 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The detailed setting of Disco Elysium isn't apparent at first glance. Players will assume that they're just solving a murder case, only to stumble upon one of the richest RPGs they can get their hands on.
Exploration is highly recommended for players who want to interact with unique characters and uncover more of this interesting world. The amazing writing ensures that every conversation will be a joy to experience as players marvel at the storytelling and lore of Disco Elysium for many hours.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
A Massive World That Begs Players To Explore It
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Released
- February 13, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- RPG
For their first game, Warhorse Studios went above and beyond with Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Henry's adventures start with him being an ineffective blacksmith's son who can barely hold his own in combat, and he transforms into a surprisingly deadly warrior capable of taking out multiple foes.
Most Must-Play Open-World Games
It's hard to define what makes a game a "must-play," but for open-world fans, these games definitely make the list.
The main story may end on a disappointing cliffhanger, but the exploration and side content more than make up for it. Players can enjoy several adventures as Henry and see him interact with a wide variety of colorful individuals in medieval Bohemia.
Cyberpunk 2077
Night City Is Full Of Things To Discover
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Cyberpunk 2077 is a great game that turned its reputation around in no time. While the main story is excellent and well-written, players will soon realize that the narrative's pacing may not be that great.
Thankfully, this can be alleviated for players who enjoy exploring Night City and the silly amount of side content it has to offer. From the many errant crimes to the hilarious side content of this title, each and every corner of Night City and its many districts is full of things for players to enjoy.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
The Nordic Lands Are Magical And Easy To Get Lost In
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
Skyrim is one of the greatest video games ever made, in no small part because of how engaging its exploration is. In fact, the story is little more than an excuse to chuck players into the map and let them develop a vast array of powers to take out their foes in style.
After exploring the game for many hours, the Dragonborn will transform from a weakling into the strongest warrior in the Nordic lands. Despite some copy-paste dungeons, the bulk of Skyrim's environments are carefully curated give players the best possible time with this title.
8 Best Open-World Games To Play If You Are Tired Of Open-Worlds
These great games offer interesting open worlds that provide unique experiences, ideal for those who think open-world games have become cookie-cutter.