The open-world genre is full of amazing titles that fans can't get enough of. However, especially when it comes to AAA offerings, all these sandboxes converge to create a largely similar experience that can be grating. It has reached a point where only games with the highest level of technical proficiency can compensate for the lack of imagination in their titles.
Best Open-World Games More Beautiful Than Real Life
With this selection of open-world games, players are going to be immersed in worlds that are far more beautiful than real life.
This is why games that make it a point to make huge waves in the industry and let players enjoy something different will always be appreciated. The standards for an open-world game are pretty high, but these titles look poised to not only meet this level of quality but surpass it in a bid to help this genre evolve.
Grand Theft Auto 6
Promises To Be The Next Big Thing In The Genre
Grand Theft Auto 6
- Released
- November 19, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
There's no denying that Rockstar's modern approach to video game design has its issues, especially when it comes to how linear the missions are in an open-world environment that promotes freedom. However, that doesn't change the fact that the technical revolution that Grand Theft Auto 6 will bring to the industry will be monumental. In terms of sheer hype alone, the game is making waves with mere delay announcements and trailers, which goes to show how earth-shattering the final product will be.
The technical prowess of this game will leave fans with their jaws on the floor and further heighten the expectations that fans have from a state-of-the-art open-world title, something that was already done with Red Dead Redemption 2. The reveal trailer already set the internet into an uproar, and fans can't wait to head back to Vice City in what is shaping up to be a monumental 2026 for the genre.
The Witcher 4
The Witcher 3 Was A Huge Step Forward For Open-World RPGs, And The Sequel Can Channel The Same Energy
The Witcher 4
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Open-World
The Witcher 4 will continue the trend of excellence that was brought to new heights with The Witcher 3. Sure, the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was woefully mishandled, but CD Projekt Red is a developer that learns from their mistakes and has already redeemed this amazing open-world RPG's reputation in the eyes of many. So, it's easy to see why The Witcher 4 won't generate this controversy at launch, unless the execs forget what happened the last time they rushed a release.
The Witcher 3 was monumental in making a game's writing impactful for both story and side quests, and this is something that will be carried over in the sequel. Fans can only wait and see in what other ways CD Projekt Red will wow them, with their expectations for this upcoming open-world RPG being through the roof.
The Elder Scrolls 6
If This Game Manages To Be Just As Revolutionary As Skyrim, It'll Be Amazing
The Elder Scrolls 6
- Released
- 2026
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Bethesda has definitely lost a ton of steam since the release of Skyrim. Fallout 4 was divisive, Fallout 76 had a horrendous launch, and Starfield committed the ultimate gaming sin of being an average video game that fans would forget. All these releases should serve as learning experiences for Bethesda, which obviously doesn't want to besmirch the reputation of an IP as valuable as The Elder Scrolls.
The Biggest Open World Games, Based On The Size Of Their Maps
Open-world games are beloved for their massive maps. Here are some of the biggest open worlds that gamers can explore in the genre.
This is why The Elder Scrolls 6 must hit the ground running and remember what made Skyrim such a memorable game. If this game manages to build upon the foundation that made the fifth Elder Scrolls game special in the first place, then Bethesda will remind everyone how they became a juggernaut in the gaming industry. It's a tall order, but games like the modern Zelda games have shown just how much room for improvement there is in a genre that stagnates for the most part when the big hitters aren't developing something.
Octopath Traveler 0
Can Build On The Open-World Structure Of Octopath Traveler 2 To Make A Special Experience
Octopath Traveler 0
- Released
- December 4, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Octopath Traveler 2 was a massive improvement over its predecessor, addressing many fan complaints while making the open-world structure more justified than ever. Fans expect the same level of improvement from Octopath Traveler 0, and it doesn't seem like Square Enix will rest on its laurels when it comes to this modern JRPG franchise.
An expanded party size gives players way more Hero Actions to choose from, and it's all but confirmed that the open-world sandbox will aim to accommodate these changes. Since the JRPG genre isn't all that familiar with proper sandboxes, it'll be interesting to see the new steps that Octopath Traveler 0 takes to make exploration more riveting than ever.
InZOI
Can Reach Its Full Potential To Become The Open-World Sims Sequel Fans Always Wanted
InZOI
- Released
- March 28, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation
inZOI is already making waves in Early Access, although the title is still a long way off from being the Sims-killer that everyone wants it to be. However, if the free Island Getaway DLC (and the other promised expansions that won't cost a dime) has made one thing clear, it's that the developers will make it a point to help this life sim game reach new heights with each update.
The game won't reveal its true hand until the 1.0 launch away, with the technical performance and open-world structure already wowing players. If inZOI manages to fulfill its potential, then fans will be looking at the reason why EA won't be phoning it in with The Sims franchise anymore.
Upcoming Role-Playing Games People Are Excited For
While plenty of RPGs have been announced for 2026 and beyond, these upcoming role-playing games are especially exciting.