22 Best Open-World RPGs of 2024

2022 is a stacked year for games of all genres, but open-world RPGs, in particular, seem to be popping up around every corner. Whether you’re looking to explore post-apocalyptic cities, build a farm with friends, or become a hero of the wild west, plenty of new titles are scheduled to hit PC and consoles this year.

Disclaimer: State of Decay 3, Hogwarts Legacy, Atomic Heart, Forspoken, Avowed, Starfield, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, Untamed Isles, The Ranchers, Earth from Another Sun, Wild West Dynasty, Palworld, Dark Envoy, Return to Nangrim, Bleak Faith: Forsaken, Crimson Desert, Lies of P and Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl after no longer being expected in 2022.

#23 Palworld

Platform: PC Xbox One XSX|S
Release Date: January 19, 2024 (early access)

Steam | Xbox

Putting Palworld on this RPG list will seem very cliché, and that’s because it is! This is absolutely the kind of RPG you’re thinking of, just with some very dark twists.

The title is indeed a “monster catcher” title where you’ll travel around and get “Pals” for your personal collection. Like many RPGs, you’ll train them and raise them so they can get stronger. You can even breed or fuse these Pals to make even better creatures!

Then, what you decide to do with them is up to you. You can treat them like family, or create an army, or maybe you’ll want to outfit them with guns!

Or, you can eat them.

#22 Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Developer: TaleWorlds
Publisher: TaleWorlds
Platforms: PC PS4 XBOX ONE PS5 XSX|S
Release: October 25, 2022

Years after the release of Mount & Blade: Warband comes its sequel. Fans of medieval combat simulation games likely had this title on their radar for quite some time and were eager to jump into the latest installment. This is another game based around an empire torn into civil war. It’s an epic battle between factions and those seeking glory on the battlefield. Players will develop a character and lead into an epic battle, conquering other factions across the medieval world. When you’re not sinking your blade into an opposing soldier, you’ll engage in politics, craft new weapons, and recruit new soldiers into your ranks. Since this game was released, the community of players has found this title to be well worth the investment and can easily sink hundreds of hours into gameplay.

#21 Solace Crafting

• Publisher: Big Kitty Games
• Developer: Big Kitty Games
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows and Linux
• Release Date: August 2, 2022

Solace Crafting is an open-world fantasy survival RPG that allows infinite travel in all directions. As players explore, monsters and resources will increase their difficulty the further you travel away from the start point – so bear that in mind when adventuring. When the game was in early access, people were raving about the concept being super fun, and apart from a few minor bugs, there were high hopes for its full release. However, the full release came and there was no difference, the bugs were still there, the same problems arose, and the game just feels largely unfinished, which is a massive shame.

#20 Raft

• Publisher: Axolot Games
• Developer: Redbeet Interactive
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems, and Linux
• Release Date: June 20, 2022

Set in the not-too-distant future where climate change and rising temperatures have caused the polar ice caps to melt and flood the whole planet. With dry land now being incredibly scarce, floating cities have popped all over the world, and players must craft their own little rafts and try to survive this post-apocalyptic world. This is one of the most chill and enjoyable survival games about at the minute, and with the creativity in the building aspect, the huge explorable map, and all its little quirks, this is one for the survival game catalog. Although the newly released update has had a mixed reception, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.

#19 Elex 2

• Publisher: THQ Nordic
• Developer: Piranha Bytes
• Platforms: PC
• Release Date: March 2021

The sequel to the vintage ELEX, ELEX 2 returns players to Magalan but with a much larger map that can be explored via the use of a jetpack. Because of this, players will have the ability to venture through the story in any way that they please while also interacting with you according to how you choose to proceed in the game. They can join or leave you, remember the things that you’ve done and react accordingly, and much more. Jax may have defeated the hybrid, but there are so many other enemies waiting for him in this latest adventure that really puts you in a post-apocalyptic world from the minds of Piranha Bytes.

#18 Digimon Survive

• Developer: Witch Craft, Hyde, Witchcraft
• Publisher: BNE Entertainment, Namco Bandai Games America
• Platform: PS4, XBO, PC, NS
• Release: July 29, 2022

For those of you who have been waiting for a long time for a truly new and innovative Digimon title, your wait has finally come to an end. Because Digimon Survive is here, and it’s a game that’ll test both you and your Digimon alike.

You are a young man at a summer camp who ends up in the digital world alongside many others. But now, the fight to get back to the human world is going to be one that will literally require you to survive. Will you be able to overcome the challenges that await you? What choices that you make will affect your allies and your Digimon?

Jump into the digital world and find out.

#17 Citizen Sleeper

• Developer: Jump Over The Age
• Publisher: Fellow Traveller
• Platforms: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Release: May 5, 2022

Erlin’s Eye is a space station in ruins, and yet, it’s home to thousands of people who are just trying to survive while also being on the edge of a capitalist empire in space.

You are a “Citizen Sleeper”, a consciousness that just so happens to be within a robotic human-shaped shell. You were made by a corporation, and yet you fled them and reached this station to hide. Now, you must live amongst the people, find out how to survive, and make sure you last until the next cycle beings.

This narrative RPG has a unique feel and setting to it, so you’ll want to explore it all and keep yourself sharp for all that might come your way.

#16 Salt and Sacrifice

• Release date: May 10, 2022
• Publisher: Ska Studios
• Developers: Ska Studios, Devoured Studios
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5

How about a title that is a true challenge? Welcome to Salt and Sacrifice!

This is a title where you’ll play as one of the Marked Inquisitors, whose job it is to purge the land of the wicked mages who have done nothing but bring chaos to the world itself. You will be their end!

But defeating them is only the first step. After they’re dead, you’ll collect their remains and get to make unique weapons and armor to better arm yourself for the fights ahead.

The world of this game is rich with detail and areas to explore. Don’t miss out on how far to go, and where to take your character so you can defeat all who oppose you!

#15 Coral Island

• Developer: Stairway Games
• Publisher: Stairway Games
• Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Release: Q4 2022

Credited as a ‘re-imagined farm sim inspired by the classics,’ Coral Island will be the first release from Indonesian developer Stairway Games. Set on a tropical island, players will be able to fully customize their character, romance one of 16 attractive NPCs, start a family, restore the local coral reefs, traverse dangerous caverns, and, of course, make the most impressive farm that anyone’s ever seen. Inspired heavily by Southeast Asia, the game also seeks to promote environmental awareness, and Coral Island has managed to pull in over $1.6 million on Kickstarter.

#14 My Time at Sandrock

• Developer: Pathea
• Publishers: Pathea, DMM GAMES Limited, PM Studios
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
• Release: May 26, 2022

My Time at Sandrock is very much like a certain other game in My Time in Portia.

This time around, you’ll be a builder who is sent to a place called Sandrock, 300 years after a calamity wiped out all modern technology. As a result of this, you’ll need to work hard with your tools in order to rebuild Sandrock into the thriving city that it once was.

Start small, then build your way up. After that, go and explore the world around the city, interact with NPCs to get more of the story and form relationships! There’s also combat and mini-games for you to do, so no matter how you want to play, My Time at Sandrock is ready for it.

#13 V Rising

• Developer: Stunlock Studios
• Publisher: Stunlock Studios
• Platforms: PC
• Release: May 17, 2022

V Rising has players taking the role of a vampire. After your centuries-long slumber, you awaken to find your kingdom has collapsed. Hungry and without a castle, it’s a battle to survive. Stick to the dark and shadows, gather resources, and feed on unsuspecting humans to regain your strength. From there, you’ll build up your empire, add new humans into your army ranks, craft a castle suitable for your legion, and begin a war against those that oppose you, from holy soldiers to other players.

#12 Sniper Elite 5

• Developer: Rebellion
• Publisher: Rebellion
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release: May 26, 2022

You’re likely already aware of the Sniper Elite franchise, as it’s been around for quite a long time, and a new installment is coming this year. With the new franchise chapter, Sniper Elite 5 will follow the gameplay mechanics and settings that you’re used to with the past installments. Here you’re still battling against Nazis with more focus on taking them out through a high-powered rifle. It’s a very tactical-focused game with a campaign to throw you in different environment locations. These games have always been a solid hit with fans, and expectations are set high for the new game after Sniper Elite 4 launched back in 2017.

#11 Crowz

• Publisher: Thumbage
• Developer: Royalcrow
• Platform: PC
• Release Date: June 28, 2022

This free-to-play casual survival game focuses on massively multiplayer battles, with players taking on the role of a mercenary known as a CROW. In order to survive in the game, players inhabit the role of a hired soldier and must compete in squads to achieve the objectives set out by the powerful nations they’re hired by. Players can enjoy Crowz both in online co-op or online PvP modes. The game is currently in early access so there’s not a huge amount known as of yet other than its militia-style combat mechanics look set to be a hit with fans of games like PUBG and Battlefield.

#10 Dinkum

• Developer: James Bendon
• Publisher: James Bendon
• Release date: July 14, 2022
• Platform: Microsoft Windows

Yes, as in “Fair Dinkum”, in the game known as Dinkum you’ll be starting up a new life in a land that is very much like Australia. Complete with all the challenges that would come with being in such a terrain.

You’ll start small and make a little place under the stars for you and yours to sleep at, but then, you’ll start building up your town, and get to do it YOUR WAY. The more you expand, the more you’ll be able to attract visitors and see if they want to stay in your lovely little hometown.

Use your resources well, farm to get more, and keep your citizens happy while also maintaining a unique place to stay. It’s up to you, so don’t mess up!

#9 Outward Definitive Edition

• Developer: Nine Dots Studio
• Publisher: Koch Media
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5
• Release: May 17, 2022

There are all kinds of exploration games out there, but Outward Definitive Edition is one of the more expansive ones you will find. Mainly because it has a lot of content for you to partake in, and there are many ways to survive in this world.

As you are an ordinary being in this world, you must look across the lands for resources and things to use in order to build and survive the dangers that are out there. You can eventually find a town to go and help and make your own part of history.

Add to that, there’s a magic system that’s almost ritualistic in nature. So go, explore, build, create, survive. Whatever it takes.

#8 Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

• Developer: Game Freak
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Publishers: Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, Nintendo of America Inc.
• Release: November 18, 2022

With each generation of Pokemon, new advancements and evolutions (pun intended) happen and make the game better. For Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the leaps that they’re taking here could forever augment how we perceive Pokemon titles.

That’s due to the fact that like the spinoff title Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are going to have an open-world feel to the game. While we haven’t been able to experience it in full, Arceus did it quite well, and Scarlet and Violet will likely advance it farther than that.

Plus, for the first time, we have two new professors, each ones tied to a particular game and legendary Pokemon. Not to mention, you still gotta catch’em all! So getting this game is a must for Pokemon fans.

#7 Gotham Knights

• Developer: WB Games Montreal
• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, X/S, XBO
• Release: 2022

While we enjoy a good Batman game, Gotham Knights won’t have you stepping into the role of the Dark Knight. Instead, this game has players going through a narrative where Bruce Wayne is killed off. A message gets sent off to his closest allies, Batgirl, Robin, Red Hood, and Nightwing, asking them to keep Gotham City safe. With the Bat no longer in the picture, Gotham is up for grabs as criminal scum heads into the area to claim their piece of the land. Meanwhile, Gotham Knights has players taking each character’s role as they battle off some of Batman’s biggest enemies. However, a new criminal organization force has made its way into Gotham. The Court of Owls is getting their first big video game debut after their appearance in Batman The New 52 comic book series run.

#6 The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle

• Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Platform: PC, PS4, XBO
• Release: June 6, 2022

We might be waiting a few more years before we actually get that next mainline installment to The Elder Scrolls franchise. However, there is the MMORPG that’s readily receiving new content. The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is coming out later this year, taking players to a new location centered around Bretons. Meanwhile, the narrative will focus on bringing a truce to the Three Banners War. However, a mysterious organization called the Ascendant Order will try to prevent the war from ceasing. When you’re not actively hunting down the Ascendant Order, you’ll find that there are plenty of new areas to explore, events to partake in, and dungeons to clear.

#5 Monster Hunter Rise

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Platform: NS, PC
• Release: January 12, 2022 PC

The Monster Hunter franchise is quite popular, and it’s been around for console generations now. Each game typically plays out the same with a few different tweaks and new mechanics. Overall, the game follows players on different hunts. First, you’ll track down these behemoth size beasts and attempt to take them down. From there, they drop different valuable resources for you to gather. Players can take these resources and further craft up new and more powerful gear. In 2021, we received Monster Hunter Rise for the Nintendo Switch, but the game finally came out to the PC platform this year. The setup is just as I mentioned, but there’s more vertical play here. With Monster Hunter Rise, players have a grapple-like system to allow players the ability to reach new heights.

#4 Pokemon Legends: Arceus

• Developer: Game Freak
• Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
• Platform: NS
• Release: January 28, 2022

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is the latest mainline installment of the Pokemon franchise at the time of writing this description. It’s a new kind of take for the IP in general. We’re tossed in a game that’s set well before the events of the other games, but we’re in a familiar region. Set in the Hisui region, long before it was known as the Sinnoh region, players are going through the game as a researcher trying to catalog all of the different Pokemon species. It’s a familiar set up in that you’re actively working to establish a Pokedex essentially, but you won’t find leagues to go through here. Instead, this is a game all about capturing Pokemon and unlocking different regions. This is also more of an open-world experience where you’ll freely explore different areas you unlock to find even more wild Pokemon.

#3 Xenoblade Chronicles 3

• Developer: Monolith Soft
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platforms: NS
• Release: July 29, 2022

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 in many ways is the culmination of everything that Monolith Soft has been building ever since the first game was brought over from Japan onto the Wii.

The game focuses on six characters who are part of a war between nations that seemingly has no end in sight. But when they learn the truth about how their nations and entire lives are being manipulated, they strive out on a quest to try and stop this from continuing.

You’ll have a massive RPG adventure ahead of you, with a world apparently five times the size of the previous entry! Add that to a deep battle system and you’ll be enjoying this game for some time.

#2 Dying Light 2: Stay Human

• Developer: Techland
• Publisher: Techland
• Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Release: February 4, 2022

Finally, a game that’s already out. Dying Light 2 has been seeing ample praise since its release earlier this month, with Kotaku stating that the game has one of the “best parkour systems ever seen in a game,” and Polygon praising the melee combat. Set 22 years after Dying Light, players step into the shoes of Aiden Caldwell as he seeks to survive the post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested city of Villedor. Choices made in the game impact the game world, and the map is four times larger than the original game. If you’re looking for a game you could spend the next year playing, this is a good choice.

#1 Elden Ring

• Developer: FromSoftware
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Release: February 25, 2022

How could anything else be at the top of the list? Only four days away from release, Elden Ring has been an obsession for gamers over the past year. Made in collaboration with George R. R. Martin, the game will feature elements similar to those found in its predecessors, the Souls series as well as Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The game will contain a total of six open-world areas for players to explore, with each featuring a unique map. An overview trailer was released over the weekend.