The gaming industry continues to evolve, with developers exploring new ways to engage players beyond traditional combat systems. A growing number of open-world games now emphasize creativity, exploration, and player-driven storytelling, without the need for intense fights or stressful enemy encounters.
All Open-World Games On Xbox Game Pass
Discover the full list of open-world games available across all Xbox Game Pass tiers, including Core, Standard, Ultimate, Console, and PC.
These projects appeal to audiences looking for immersive worlds that reward curiosity rather than conflict. By shifting the focus to discovery and cooperation, these upcoming open-world games offer alternative experiences that highlight the versatility of the genre, where enjoyment can come from places other than combat.
Misty Valley: A Cozy Fishing Tale
Peace On The Open Waves
- Release Date: October 2025
- Developer: No Plan Games
- Platforms: PC
Misty Valley takes leisure as its primary focus, allowing players to peacefully fish and explore the world with little to no pressure at all. The game blends relaxation with discovery, and rather than tension or combat, the experience relies on simplistic management within a tranquil setting.
The valley itself is designed as a living environment, filled with secrets, seasonal changes, and opportunities for gentle progression. Players can improve their skills, forge connections, and explore hidden waterways at their own pace, demonstrating how comfort and calm can become the guiding principles of an expansive game world.
Paralives
Carving Out Your Very Own Life Story
Paralives
- Released
- May 25, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Paralives Studio
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation, Sandbox, Immersive Sim
Paralives stands as an ambitious life simulation within a modest open environment that lets players create and shape lives in the world around them. Its systems encourage experimentation and long-term planning, giving players a lot of freedom in terms of customization regarding how they want to approach every aspect, from housing to clothing.
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 game world is dynamic and open to any interpretation, allowing unique homes, neighborhoods, and communities to flourish. By focusing on relationships and personal expression, Paralives reinforces the idea that compelling gameplay can emerge from something as simple as an everyday activity.
VISK
Eerie Environments With No End In Sight
- Release Date: 2025
- Developers: Orionis Productions
- Platforms: PC
Visk offers a surreal and deeply haunting open world full of dreamlike landscapes that are rich with symbolism and abstract design. Exploration serves as both a gameplay and narrative device, as players navigate the creepy village in search of answers, but they never feel truly alone.
The absence of combat allows for greater emphasis on mood, art direction, and environmental storytelling. Each area invites players to wander freely, uncovering meaning through the world around them, and rather than forcing them to fight their way to the end, they must instead fight against the fear in their own minds.
Cairn
Realistic Climbing In A Beautiful Stylized World
Cairn
- Released
- January 29, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
Cairn is about as close to a rock climbing simulator as there has ever been. Players are tasked with scaling mountains full of physical and mental challenges, forcing them to make decisions about where to place their limbs and how best to approach the next section of the ascent.
The only real fight is against the elements, as players quickly realize that the real danger is the environment itself. With a cozy yet challenging feel, Cairn looks to be the perfect blend of exploration and introspection, taking players on a journey that is both physically and mentally taxing.
Easy Delivery Co.
Monotony Becomes Mystery
- Release Date: Q3 2025
- Developers: Sam C
- Platforms: PC, macOS
Easy Delivery Co. Is a cute open-world game about delivering packages to the strange residents living in a secluded mountain town. The game feels like a combination of Animal Crossing and Euro Truck Simulator, blending cozy aesthetics with satisfying driving mechanics that never extend too far into the realm of stress.
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.
There is a lot of character to the way the game is presented, with just enough jank and charm to keep players smiling through the cold, dark nights. The focus is placed on the characters in the world, as players slowly build up relationships and become more accustomed to the warm yet undeniably strange atmosphere that coats every aspect of the game.
Outbound
Driving Turned Into Base-Building Madness
Outbound
- Developer(s)
- Square Glade Games
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Survival, Crafting, Exploration
Outbound captures the quiet spirit of road travel. Players inhabit a detailed world designed for exploration by vehicle and on foot, journeying through varied environments that are filled with beauty and wonder rather than fights to take on.
Freedom defines its design philosophy. Every trip offers opportunities to interact with communities, maintain vehicles, and discover the wider world. Aside from traveling, players can construct increasingly elaborate bases that can be taken on the go, allowing them to continue exploring whilst still having a place to call home.
Big Walk
Going On A Journey Together
Big Walk
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- House House
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Exploration, Puzzle
Big Walk presents an open-world adventure defined by curiosity and collaboration. Developed by House House, known for its unconventional game design, this title invites players into a surreal wilderness filled with puzzles, secrets, and unexpected discoveries.
Instead of fighting, the fun comes from exploration, environmental interactions, and cooperation with friends. The expansive landscapes are deliberately structured to promote communication and teamwork, shifting the focus towards a shared, comforting experience that strays as far away from stressful combat as possible.
Best Open-World Games You Need To Play Before You Die
These are the absolute masterpieces that any player keen on open-world games should try.