Top Upcoming Open-World Video Games of 2018

shadow of colossus, ps4, e3 2017

Note: Article updated in August of 2018.

2018 is closing in on us soon and now is a better time than ever to start gearing up for the big releases slated to launch in the coming year. If you’re a fan of open-world video games then you’ll have plenty of video game titles to enjoy in 2018. There’s still plenty of time to announce new and exciting video game titles for 2018, but until those new announcements, here are our picks for the top upcoming open-world video games of 2018. As always, let us know by leaving a comment below if there’s a video game title worth adding to the list.

Find More Upcoming 2018 Video Game Lists on Gameranx:

Monster Hunter: World

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release: Jan 26, 2018
Platforms: PS4, XBO, PC

The Monster Hunter franchise is consistently growing and with each new installment a number of new gamers explore the monster filled worlds development studio Capcom has crafted. Monster Hunter: World will mark as the fifth main installment to the franchise and as you can expect, there will be a number of notable updates.

For instance, Capcom has placed larger maps, a more seamless experience between zones and what’s a Monster Hunter video game without the ability to hunt with friends? Outside of the offline campaign, the game will allow a four-player online co-op opportunity.

Far Cry 5

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release: March 27, 2018
Platforms: PS4, XBO, PC

Far Cry 5 takes place within the United States of America this time around, though more specifically, in a fictional Hope County, Montana.

Within the narrative, Far Cry 5 pins players against Joseph Seed, a leader of a cult who has forced his way into controlling Hope County. As more innocent civilians become trapped and forced into submission under Joseph Seed’s rule, only a handful of resistance stands between Seed and his reign.

Just as before, players can expect the title to deliver as a first-person shooter in an open world environment to explore either on foot or through vehicles.

Sea of Thieves

Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: PC, XB1
Release Date: March 20, 2018

Sea of Thieves is all about being a pirate with a crew. Scavenge for treasure, loot islands, take to the open sea, and battle against other crews that are unfortunate enough to come across your pathway.

Needless to say, exploration plays a massive role in Sea of Thieves. Players will constantly be on the lookout for long lost hidden treasures to claim for themselves.

With that said, gamers will roam the open seas or explore the various sand filled islands scattered about in the game.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Developer: Rockstar Studios
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Platforms: PS4, XBO
Release: October 26, 2018

Rockstar Games has crafted up a number of incredible pieces of work. For instance, fans have quickly purchased and gathered a following for their beloved long-running series Grand Theft Auto, the single IP release of Bully, along with the old western series, Red Dead Redemption. Red Dead Redemption has a massive following and gamers all over the world are undoubtedly waiting for new information to trickle down from Rockstar for their upcoming installment, Red Dead Redemption 2.

Gamers can be delighted to know that the latest trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2 reveals the narrative. Players will follow the outlaw Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they flee across the country with the law on their heels.

We imagine the world will be rather massive with plenty of towns and rural locations filled with quests but we’re still waiting for Rockstar Games to showcase the in-game world map and the activities players can get involved with.

Spider-Man

Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PS4
Release: 2018

Spider-Man is an upcoming video game title under developers Insomniac Games who are previously known for their Ratchet & Clank and Resistance video game franchises. Their latest upcoming title will breathe some new life into the Spider-Man story as this video game title will not be linked to any past comic books or cinematic movies.

Furthermore, we’re not going through some origin story of Spider-Man. Instead, the video game will be focused around Peter Parker, eight years after he has established the role of being the famed hero. From what we know so far, this is an open-world title where the narrative will follow Peter Parker graduating college while keeping up as protector of New York City.

The video game will also give players the ability to go through the narrative as not only Spider-Man but as the civilian Peter Parker character as well. According to the trailers released, Spider-Man’s main antagonist will be Mister Negative, who turns out to be Martin Li, one of New York’s prominent philanthropist and owner of the F.E.A.S.T. shelters that Aunt May works at.

When it comes to the open world aspect, we don’t have too many details as to what gamers can expect to get into while freely explore. However, we do know that this will be bigger than Sunset Overdrive.

In a tweet Insomniac Games have stated that the upcoming Spider-Man video game will be several times larger than Sunset City, the location that the Sunset Overdrive video game took place. Furthermore it was confirmed that the open world environment would be unlocked right from the start of the game.

Black Desert Online

Developer: Pearl Abyss
Publisher: Kakao Games
Platforms: PC, XBO
Release: 2018 (XBO)

Black Desert Online is already available by developers Pearl Abyss, however, the game is only available on the PC platform. However, soon the game will be launching on the Xbox One platform, where gamers will have a new MMORPG to enjoy with friends.

This is a fantasy MMORPG where two rival nations are at war and as a result, there will be quests and missions to take on. Likewise, there is a dynamic weather system, day and night cycle, player housing, active combat system, and mounts.

Gamers can work together in the campaign quests or go against each other in PvP areas. Currently, the game is set to the only launch on the Xbox One outside of the PC platform. Of course, we’ll be keeping an eye on any changes.

Shadow of the Colossus

Developer: SCE Japan Studio, Bluepoint Games, Inc.
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PS4
Release: February 6, 2018

Shadow of the Colossus is an iconic title, one of which that originally released back in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. Overall, players take on the role of a young man named Wander who has entered into a forbidden land. Your overall goal in the video game is rather straightforward, players must track down and fight these massive creatures known as Colossi in order to restore the life of a girl named Mono.

The video game as mentioned was introduced and released for the PlayStation 2, however, it was later re-released with enhanced graphics in 2011 for the PlayStation 3. During Sony’s E3 2017 press conference, we were once again taken back to the classic title as Sony unveiled their intentions to remake the video game for the PlayStation 4 console.

Because this is a remake of the game, players who have already enjoyed the game in the past should be familiar with the map size. While gamers can explore the open world, the main focus for traveling is to reach the next colossus to take down.

The Crew 2

Developer: Ivory Tower
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: March 16, 2018

The Crew 2 is the sequel to the 2014 release, The Crew. Much of the same gameplay is present in the upcoming sequel as players will be roaming around the open world environment racing cars, motorcycles, boats, and airplanes.

At its core, The Crew 2 is still very much a racing title with a narrative for plays to follow along with. In the game, the player will take on the role of some new upcoming racer who is working to become a success in the racing industry.

While players can enjoy the game alone, there is a multiplayer mode where players can race against each other online in a slew of tracks set within a scaled down version of the United States.

Even though the game map is a scaled down version, players will have plenty to explore as it will take gamers nearly an hour to drive from coast to coast. Of course, that could alter depending on what you’re traveling within as you may see the time shrink down a bit when soaring through the air in a plane.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Platforms: PS4
Release: April 17, 2018

For those familiar with the Yakuza series, the seventh main installment of the series, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life which will pick back up the narrative storyline players have been following over the years.

The game has already released in Japan where it has received a positive reception. Gamers can still expect a brawler type gameplay set in an open world environment. Much like previous installments, players will have the ability to level up various skills and abilities to use against other yakuza thugs in battle. As for the narrative, players will step into the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu once again who is on a mission to learn what has happened to Haruka after being locked away for three years.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: Versus Evil
Platforms: PC, PS4, NS, XBO
Release: May 8, 2018 (PC) TBA 2018 (NS, PS4, XBO)

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a direct sequel to Pillars of Eternity. The video game will take place within Eora where players step into the role of a Watcher. Our protagonist has the ability to look into other character’s souls along with reading their memories or past lives.

Now that the god of light and rebirth has awoken, players will find that the god has destroyed his stronghold while also leaving him near death. Escaping death, our protagonist sets off to find the god.

Players will be able to explore the in-game world while taking on various quests. However, there has been some complaints online that the level scaling can be thrown off if players end up going through all the quests available while progressing.

This RPG is currently only available on the PC platform but the development team over at Obsidian Entertainment is gearing up to release the game on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms towards the end of this year.

State of Decay 2

Developer: Undead Labs
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: PC, XB1
Release Date: 2018

State of Decay 2 is a zombie-survival game that lets players have their own unique story. While battling zombies is very much a key aspect of the upcoming title release, players are encouraged to work together in setting up their own community that’s able to successfully take out the undead threat.

When the game launches, players can expect three open world maps to progress through. Each map is said to be comparable to the map size found within the first State of Decay video game, though the various maps in the sequel will feature different environments and landmarks.

Dynasty Warriors 9

Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Platforms: PS4, XBO, PC
Release: February 13, 2018

Dynasty Warriors is a well known video game series and the latest installment launched earlier this year. While the narrative of the series stays mainly the same, the developers have tweaked a few different gameplay mechanics among other notable attributes.

The biggest change that came to the Dynasty Warriors 9 installment is the open world aspect. This is the first Dynasty Warriors title to include an open world, allowing players to freely roam the world and battle against the opposing force.

This is a large map for player to explore and as such, additional side quests will be available to take on. Likewise, outside of battling, players can gather extra loot, hunt wild animals or even purchase hideouts scattered throughout the land.

Biomutant

Developer: Experiment 101
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: 2018

In Biomutant, players take the role of a raccoon-like creature that must save the world. With a poisonous oil springing up from the ground, most the world is quickly infected and dying off. This also has spread to the Tree of Life, a giant tree that brings life to the whole world.

Players must go to each of the six roots of the Tree of Life and stop the oil and defeat each boss. Furthermore, the game will be tossing players a number of decisions that will affect the overall narrative storyline. Likewise, the choices you make will ultimately alter the world itself. Developers have stated that the entire world is open for players to explore with only sections blocked, forcing players to progress the narrative in order to gather the items required to access past unreachable areas.

We’re not sure just yet how large of an open world Biomutant is nor do we have details on how much of the open world is available at the start without progressing through the narrative. However, we’ll continue to update you once more information is unveiled.

Yakuza Kiwami 2

Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Platforms: PS4
Release: August 28, 2018

If you enjoy the Yakuza series then you may have picked up Yakuza Kiwami. The game was a remake of the original Yakuza title and this year we’re going to be receiving yet another remake. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the remake of 2006 release, Yakuza 2.

Much like other Yakuza installments within the franchise, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is an open world action-adventure title where players take the role of Kazuma Kiryu. Without spoiling the original narrative, Kiryu is a former Yakuza member but he soon finds himself back into another fight and investigation when Yukio Terada, the clan’s Fifth Chairman is murdered.

This is also a game series that features an open world environment to explore and take on quests. However, the world is a bit limiting, especially since the game is based off of a PlayStation 2 video game title. Regardless, players can open roam the streets and take on rival gangs that get in your way.

Dual Universe

Developer: Novaquark
Publisher: Novaquark
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 2018

This is an upcoming title that very well might not officially release within 2017 as developers hope to release an alpha version next year. Overall, Dual Universe seems to be quite ambitious and even said to combine elements from Minecraft, No Man’s Sky, Eve Online, Star Citizen, and Space Engineers.

Within the game, players are tasked with collecting resources, trading goods, crafting items, mining, exploring the open world, along with creating an in-game politics system.

Players will share a massive single universe with the ability to edit game worlds by adding structures, altering terrain, along with creating ship scripts and constructs.

As a result, Dual Universe will focus on collective gameplay with gamers exploring, mining, trading, crafting, and creating in-game politics

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Developers: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: October 5, 2018

Assassin’s Creed will have a new installment this year with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The video game is set in 431 BCE where players will have the choice of being a mercenary that fights for Athens and the Delian League or the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta. Either way, players will be a descendant of Spartan King Leonidas I during the Peloponnesian War.

Much like the previous Assassin’s Creed installments, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey will feature a modern day protagonist as well. Ubisoft will be reintroducing players to Layla Hassan who was present during Assassin’s Creed Origins.

Developers over at Ubisoft seems to also be working more on an RPG progressive system in this upcoming title which ranges from dialogue choices to a skill tree that can help in aspects such as stealth and combat. We’re still interested in seeing just how much of the world is free to explore especially after coming off of Assassin’s Creed: Origins, but in the meantime you can take a look at the world premiere trailer posted above.

Fallout 76

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: November 14, 2018

Fallout 76 is the latest upcoming installment to the Fallout franchise though it will be quite a bit different in comparison to past main installments. Bethesda has developed Fallout 76 to be an online multiplayer title that takes place before previous Fallout games.

Within the game, players take on a member from Vault 76 where their goal is to help rebuild the wasteland, twenty-five years after the nuclear war. While this is still an action RPG, the gameplay is centered on building up and maintaining settlements.

For instance, when players have managed to build up a base, they will have to defend it from the mutated monsters both old and new along with other hostile players. Luckily it seems that Bethesda has incorporated a feature that will save player creations when they are offline so you won’t have to start completely over.

The game’s map is also said to be four times the size of Fallout 4. Additionally the game will be broken down into six sections that will have their own unique rewards and risks. Unfortunately the game world will only really be made up of other players so you won’t find NPCs offering quests but instead you’ll have to piece together stories through collectible recordings and logs.

Just Cause 4

Developer: Avalanche Studios
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: December 4, 2018

Just Cause 4 was officially announced during Microsoft’s E3 press conference this year and as such players can expect to step back into the shoes of Rico Rodriguez. The game will still be a third-person action-adventure title set in an open world environment while being set in a fictional South American country called Solis.

The overall journey for Rico is to fight against a paramilitary group known as the Black Hand but in order to do so, players will have other hostilities to worry about. One of the biggest aspects that developers Avalanche Studios is pushing for this upcoming installment is weather conditions. Players will have to avoid downpours, lightning strikes and tornadoes when maneuvering around the country.

As mentioned, this is an open world video game just as before with developers stating that this installment will be the best open-world sandbox ever. Apparently, developers pushed the boundaries to make this game immersive with a ton of content to discover. W