33 Best Nintendo Switch Open-World Games

The Nintendo Switch is absolutely loaded with excellent titles, but for those of you wanting something vast and expansive, we’ve got you covered. We’re counting down our picks for the best Nintendo Switch open-world games available now. This list includes a title or two for every type of gamer, so keep reading. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know.

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#33 Hogwarts Legacy

Platform: PS4 Switch PS5 X/S PC
Release Date: November 14, 2023 (Switch)

PlayStation | Xbox | Nintendo | PC

While Hogwarts Legacy did come to the Switch a bit late, it’s still one of the best open-world games from the last few years.

One the key elements to the title is the “Live The Unwritten” montra, which will let you become your own student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and become whatever kind of witch or wizard that you desire.

Will you rise up to be a wizarding warrior? Or, will you fall to the Dark Arts and use the Unforgivable Curses? With plenty of classes to take, battles to have, and mystical creatures to meet, you’ll have quite the journey ahead of you.

#32 Red Dead Redemption

Platform: PS4 Switch – August 17, 2023
Release Date: Xbox 360 PS3 – May 18, 2010

PlayStation | Xbox | Nintendo

One of the things that made the Wild West such an “inviting” place was that many felt the land would go on forever, and there were plenty of places to try and set up shop or home and attempt to live in peace. One such person was John Marston, who left his life as an outlaw to become a family man.

However, when the law caught up with him, he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse. He’s now forced to hunt down his former outlaw crew to get his freedom.

To do this, he’ll venture across America and Mexico to get them. You’ll see this older version of America and beyond like never before and get to enjoy many adventures and quests along the way.

#31 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Platform: Switch
Release Date: May 12, 2023

Nintendo

It took many years for this franchise to embrace the open-world gameplay aesthetic. But once it did, it was never the same in the best way possible.

Fast forward to Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, and you can see why this series has blossomed in a new way recently. Hyrule has never been more open to you. There are technically three different “realms” for you to visit via the Sky Islands, The Depths, and the overworld that is Hyrule.

Within these areas are plenty of puzzles, monsters, side quests, shrines, temples, and more to do at your pace and leisure.

It’s a vast world that needs saving. So get to saving it!

#30 Dragon Quest Builders

Release Date: 2018 | Platform: Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: RPG, Adventure, Action, Simulation, Exploration

Nintendo

When a world is ruined, the time to rebuild must come. But in Dragon Quest Builders, you’re the only one who can rebuild everything! That means you need to get to work!

Welcome to Terra Incognita, where the people are relying on you to help restore their kingdom to its former glory. You’ll take that task one building at a time and work through the landscape to get the materials you need to craft whatever you want.

The more you restore the kingdom, the more likely it is to grow. But be warned! There are monsters in the land that want to hold you down. So when they approach, beat them up!

#29 Borderlands Collection

Developer: Gearbox Software, 2K Australia, Telltale Games| 2K Australia, Telltale Games
Release Date: 2020 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, MacOS
Camera: First Person
Multiplayer: YES
Co-op: (Local: 4 | Online: 4)
Genre: Looter Shooter, RPG, FPS, Open World, Adventure

Nintendo | Steam | Playstation | Xbox

Many beloved franchises have been ported to the Switch. However, the Borderlands Collection is one that many will want to get if they’re looking for over-the-top fun. In that collection are Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!

Those three games helped establish a franchise that is still growing today. For $50, you can get games that amount to over 100 hours of gameplay. That’s a lot of content to enjoy.

You’ll explore the world of Pandora and beyond, meet some of the most insane characters ever, and wield many guns. Doesn’t that sound like a good time to you?

#28 Nier Automata

Developer: PlatinumGames | Square Enix
Release Date: 2022 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Story Rich, Female Protagonist

Nintendo | Steam | Playstation | Xbox

PlatinumGames is known for its insane action-packed titles. But they’re also known for in-depth stories and mind-bending worlds. If you want to play a game that personifies those ideas, get Nier Automata.

In the title, humanity has been driven from Earth due to a robot uprising. To get back the planet, they’ve created androids that they’ve sent back to Earth to take down the robot menace. As multiple characters, you’ll fight massive waves of enemies and huge bosses in frantic combat.

You’ll also slowly unravel the truth of what’s been happening in the world and the role humanity played in its downfall. With over two dozen endings, the story has many ways it can go.

#27 GTA trilogy

Developer: Rockstar Games / Grove Street Games | Rockstar Games
Release Date: 2021 | Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Open World, Sandbox, Action, Adventure, Shooter

Nintendo | Steam | Playstation | Xbox

Every series has a beginning, and for one that has been controversial since the word go, it’s been quite a journey from there to here.

The GTA trilogy will let you play the franchise’s first three games, and you’ll see how far it’s evolved. Start with the top-down titles and then head to the city of San Andreas to see where things really took off.

It’s true that these titles might not hold up to the fourth and fifth entries that truly rocked the world, but they still play well and are a must-have for gamers who haven’t yet experienced them. So why not do some crime and have fun?

#26 Saints Row The Third

Developer: Volition Inc. | THQ Inc.
Release Date: 2019 | Platform: PC, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 2 | Online: 2)
Genre: Open World, Action, Comedy, Satire, RPG

Nintendo | Steam | Playstation | Xbox

While the franchise has seen better days due to its reboot flopping, Saints Row The Third remains the best entry in the insane, over-the-top franchise.

In the title, The Saints are on top of the world. They’ve conquered Stillwater, become pop culture celebrities, and feel they can do anything they want. But when a bank robbery puts them in the crosshairs of The Syndicate, it’s time to show why you don’t eff with The Saints.

Become “The Boss” and lead The Saints through numerous missions too insane to describe. Wield powerful weapons and upgrade them to be even deadlier so you can wipe out the opposition and become the undisputed kings of crime.

#25 Dragon ball Z Kakarot

Developer: Cyberconnect2 | Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release Date: 2021 | Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: YES
Co-op: (Local: No | Online: 2)
Genre: Action, RPG, Anime, Open World. Adventure

Nintendo | Steam | Playstation | Xbox

Have you enjoyed the adventures of the Z-Fighters over the many years and many animes that have come and gone? If so, then you should get Dragonball Z Kakarot to relive those experiences in a fresh way.

The game sticks to the Z-Era of titles and allows you to relive some of the best fights and arcs from the anime. But it’s not just a rehash of old material. Instead, you’ll get to explore the world the Z-Fighters live in, interact with various characters, and get new tidbits of story that tie the arcs further together!

Plus, the DLC introduces even more storylines, including one focusing on Goku’s father!

#24 Firewatch

Developer: Campo Santo | Publisher: Panic Inc.
Release Date: 2018 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, MacOS
Camera: First Person
Multiplayer: NO
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Adventure, Story Rich, Mystery, Open World, Thriller

Nintendo | Steam | Playstation | Xbox

There are many different styles of games in the world, and Firewatch tests your ability to communicate socially and solve a mystery.

You play as a watcher out in the Wyoming wilderness. Your job is to ensure that everything stays pristine and that no fires burn down the trees. You have only one person to communicate with, your supervisor.

You can choose when to communicate with them or not, and your choices in those conversations will affect things in the future. So what awaits you in this grand wilderness? What led you to become a protector of this area? Jump in and find out!

#23 Sonic Frontiers

Developer: Sonic Team | Publisher: SEGA
Release Date: 2022 | Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Genre: Adventure, Open World, Action, Platformer, Story Rich

Nintendo | Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

Sonic Frontiers was a significant step forward for a franchise that has been running in place for a very long time. The game focuses on Sonic as he heads to the Starfall Islands searching for the Chaos Emeralds. But when things get more dangerous than he expects, he’ll have to level up like never before to save the day.

Also, many of his allies have been captured on the island, so he must rescue them too! Speed across a vast open world and see all that the islands offer. Then, use a skill tree to upgrade Sonic’s moves so he can take down all the foes in his sights!

#22 Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Publisher: Nintendo | Developer: Monolith Soft
Release Date: 2022 | Platform: Nintendo Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: No | Online: No )
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Combat, Fantasy

Nintendo

One of the biggest elements of the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise is that they increasingly get bigger and more expansive places to roam. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is no exception, as the dev team noted that the game gives you a world five times the size of the previous title!

You are in the world of Aionios, where two races of people are bred for war. Their fates are changed when six people are brought together through battle and then given a chance at life.

What mysteries will they unlock as they fight to live regular lives? What secrets will the world share with them as they journey on? You’ll have to play the game to find out!

#21 Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Release Date: 2022 | Platform: Nintendo Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 2 | Online: 2)
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Combat, Exploration

Nintendo

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is the latest mainline installment of the Pokemon franchise. We’re tossed into a story that takes place well before the events of the other games, but we’re in a familiar region–at least, a little. Arceus is set in the Hisui region, the area that would later become the Sinnoh region. Players act as researchers trying to catalog all of the different Pokemon species. It’s a familiar setup 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 than many may be used to.

#20 Super Mario Odyssey

Publisher: Nintendo | Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: 2017 | Platform: Nintendo Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: NO
Co-op: (Local: 2 | Online: No)
Genre: Platformer, Action, Adventure, Exploration, 3D

Nintendo

Arguably the best Super Mario game to be released, Super Mario Odyssey completely changed the franchise and offered gamers a totally new experience. The game follows Mario and his new ally Cappy as they journey across various kingdoms to save Princess Peach from the infamous Bowser. The game primarily offers open-ended 3D platform gameplay, similar to Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute must-play for any Nintendo Switch user.

#19 Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: 2021 | Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: YES
Co-op: (Local: 4 | Online: 4)
Genre: RPG, Adventure, JRPG, Exploration, Fantasy

Nintendo

Monster Hunter games have a massive following. While the titles largely follow the same formula, the gameplay was changed up for the Monster Hunter Stories series. Instead of an action RPG where players are actively moving around a field to battle against a monster, this series consists of turn-based RPGs.

In 2021, we received Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. In this game, players are tasked with finding out why there was a mass disappearance of Rathalos, and why mysterious pink lights began appearing around the world. Our protagonist stumbles upon a mysterious girl who gives him a remaining Rathalos egg. This might be a fresh take for some players who find the mainline Monster Hunter games repetitive.

#18 Assassins Creed Black Flag + Assassin’s Creed 3

Publisher: Ubisoft | Develop: Ubisoft
Release Date: 2019 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: NO
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Pirates, Open World, Assassin, Action, Stealth

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

The Assassin’s Creed franchise is not only a fan-favorite, but one that has grown and evolved with the times in both good and bad ways. Many of the games are available now on Nintendo Switch, including the Ezio Collection. If you’re looking for a great duo of titles, grab Assassins Creed Black Flag + Assassin’s Creed 3. The third entry takes things to the early days of the United States and follows an assassin who must help free the colonies from British rule as they’re being manipulated by Templars. As for Black Flag, you’ll take on the role of a pirate in the Caribbean and work alongside famous pirate figures to get things done and capture as much treasure as possible.

#17 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Developer: Monolith Soft | Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: 2020 | Platform: Nintendo Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: RPG, Combat, Action, Adventure, Exploration

Nintendo

Many times, a Definitive Edition is nothing more a collection of the main game and available DLC with some slightly better graphics. With Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, fans get much more. The original game came out on the Nintendo Wii many years ago, and a fan movement got the game localized in the US. Even with another port to the 3DS, the game didn’t feel as good as it should’ve been visually.

Enter the Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, where the graphics have been overhauled and gameplay has been tweaked to give you the experience you deserve. Dive into a deep story involving Shulk and his friends as they try and stop a war between the Bionis and the Mechanics. Plus, you’ll get some special endgame content that sets up Xenoblade Chronicles 3!

#16 Immortals Fenyx Rising

Developers: Ubisoft, Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: 2020 | Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Open World, Female Protagonist

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Immortals Fenyx Rising has been called a Greek mythology version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and that’s not an entirely inaccurate description. The game features a demigod named Fenyx tasked with saving the Greek gods from a terrible curse. All in all, it’s a fun time, and the movement and combat in the game is excellent. If you’re looking for a light-hearted and fun title to pass the time, this is a great addition to the Switch library worth picking up for the visuals alone.

#15 Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Developers: Studio Ghibli, Level-5, QLOC
Release Date: 2019 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: NO
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: JRPG, Adventure, Action, Open World, Turn Based

PC | PlayStation | Nintendo

The first Ni no Kuni game was released back in 2010, and fans of the franchise have been receiving new installments over the past few years. One of the more iconic titles from the franchise has been Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, which came out in 2011 for the PlayStation 3 before finally seeing a remastered edition released on other platforms in 2019, including the Nintendo Switch.

When this game came out, it caught plenty of attention for its visuals. That’s thanks in part to a collaboration between the development studio Level-5 along with iconic Japanese animated production company Studio Ghibli. In this game, players take on the role of a young boy named Oliver who ends up gaining access to two different worlds. With this newfound ability, Oliver is sent on a journey to help those with broken hearts.

Oliver and his party will also come across quite a few battles along the way and the combat is a bit unique. During battle, players can move around in the world freely and attack or dodge when the time calls for it. (This is a bit similar to the Tales franchise, if you’re familiar with that RPG series.) However, there’s another aspect that’s crucial to battles. Monsters you face of against can be captured, much like in a Pokemon game. From there, you’re able to send these creatures out to battle for you.

#14 Subnautica

Developers: Unknown Worlds Entertainment, Shiny Shoe LLC, Panic Button Games, Grip Digital | Publisher: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Release Date: 2021 | Platform: PC, PS5, Ps4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: First Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Survival, Exploration, Underwater, Horror, Base Building

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Subnautica is an alien ocean survival game full of beautiful (and sometimes dangerous) alien wildlife to interact with. The playable character’s ship is shot out of orbit by a mysterious pulse gun. As the only survivor of the crash, he has to explore and survive his new underwater environment. Meanwhile, there is a larger plot taking place. Another alien race is attempting to cure a plague in their community by harvesting the eggs of a huge and ancient alien creature called the Sea Emperor. Communicating telepathically with her, he attempts to find her and set her free.

This first-person perspective survival game has multiple modes of difficulty. In survival mode, you have to manage your thirst, hunger, oxygen, and health, but if you die, you respawn. However, in hardcore mode, there’s no coming back, and in creative mode, life is an absolute breeze! You can just build things and explore without worrying about health and thirst, etc. The open world format is really cool too. While there is an overarching plotline, most of the game is you exploring and gathering resources. Considering the beautiful underwater world, there is so much to explore. Plus, you get to catalogue and interact with the alien wildlife!

#13 Dragon’s Dogma

Publishers: Capcom, Capcom U.S.A., Inc. | Developers: Capcom, QLOC
Release Date: 2019 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: NO
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: RPG, Open World, Action, Fantasy, JRPG

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

If you want a very deep action experience, you’ll want to try out Dragon’s Dogma. In this game, you’ll work alongside three AI partners known as Pawns to get the job done. Players can choose from nine unique vocations before jumping into this hack and slash title, fighting monsters in style. While the title had been dormant for some time, it was recently announced that a sequel, Dragon’s Dogma II, is in development for the series’ 10th anniversary. If you haven’t played this unique Capcom title, now’s the time.

#12 Don’t Starve Together

Developer: Klei Entertainment | Publisher: Klei Entertainment
Release Date: 2022 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: YES
Co-op: (Local: 2 | Online: 4)
Genre: Adventure, Survival, Crafting, Roguelite, Open World

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

In Don’t Starve, players are dropped into a dark and dreary world with little instruction about what to do. Players control a scientist named Wilson as he survives through the night with monsters and supernatural enemies hot on his tail. Throughout the game, players will have to search and scavenge the world during the day to gather supplies from firewood to food to survive nightfall. This survival game received a standalone expansion called Don’t Starve Together not long after the game was released. The gameplay remains the same, but multiplayer support has been added. Have fun with a friend or a random player online!

#11 My Time In Portia

Developer: Pathea | Publishers: Team17, Nuverse
Release Date: 2019 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: NO
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: RPG, Open World, Farming Sim, Casual, Adventure

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

My Time In Portia is one of those surprise hits. Released in 2018, audiences were immediately smitten with the title’s graphical style and simple gameplay. Players start a new life in a new place–the island of Portia, in this case. You take over for your father and have to rebuild his workshop while making your life what you want. You can befriend the locals, take jobs to build up your place, and more. For something more zen, this is a great choice.

#10 Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning

Developers: 38 Studios, Kaiko GmbH, Big Huge Games, KAIKO | Publishers: 38 Studios, Electronic Arts, THQ Nordic
Release Date: 2021 | Platform: PC, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: RPG, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Combat

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Though this title has a tricky history, it is one very worth playing. In this remastered game, you’ll take on the role of a warrior trying to save the land from war as he ventures through a massive open world. Players can build the main character however they please while taking on all sorts of quests that will take hundreds of hours to complete. While this title is unlikely to ever get a sequel, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth playing. If you love fantasy, you’d be remiss not to give it a try.

#9 L.A. Noire

Developers: Rockstar Games, Team Bondi, Rockstar North, MORE | Publisher: Rockstar Games
Release Date: 2017 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Detective, Open World, Crime

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

This detective action-adventure game is set in L.A. in the year 1946. Developed by Rockstar, the game follows Detective Cole Phelps as he rises through the ranks of the L.A. Police Department. He is tasked with investigating a morphine distribution ring that involves several of his old squadmates from WWII. Played in the third-person perspective, L.A. Noire features an open world where players primarily travel in a vehicle or on foot. This game is great for fans of mystery and 1940s noir films.

#8 Dying Light Platinum Edition

Developer: Techland | Publishers: Techland, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: 2021 | Platform: PC, PS5, Ps4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: First Person
Multiplayer: YES
Co-op: (Local: 5 | Online: 5)
Genre: RPG, Action, Zombies, Open World, Parkour

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Dying Light is a zombie game with individuality. This was a revolutionary game that became one of the great open-world journeys, and its weapon customization was a big hit as well. Then throw some wild parkour into the mix and you’ve got yourself a proper game. The parkour is what the series is now known for, and oddly, the original hits a benchmark that the sequel couldn’t quite reach. They’re both fantastic, but the original has a little something special.

#7 Divinity: Original Sin 2

Developers: Larian Studios, Elverils | Publishers: Larian Studios, BANDAI NAMCO
Release Date: 2019 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, MacOS
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: YES
Co-op: (Local: 4 | Online: 4)
Genre: Tactical RPG, Strategy, Adventure, Multiplayer, Turn Based

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Divinity: Original Sin II takes place after the first installment. During a time of war and religious persecution, Bishop Alexandar the Innocent declares all Sorcerers to be criminals to rid the horrid creatures their powers lure into the game’s lands. Players can make up a team of four as they play through a deep and meaningful narrative, taking on quests around the world and potentially slaying the Bishop.

This is a multiplayer RPG title inviting friends to play together. However, if you’re already a bit into the campaign and don’t want to start over, other players can take control of a character in your party. Likewise, the game offers a plethora of choices to help alter the narrative or means of completing a quest.

#6 No Man’s Sky

Developer: Hello Games | Publisher: Hello Games
Release Date: 2022 | Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, MacOS
Camera: First Person | Third Person
Multiplayer: NO
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Space, Exploration, Adventure, RPG, Survival

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

One of the “it got better over time” games on this list, No Man’s Sky is a fine example of a team making good on its promise. What started off as a relatively simple and bare-bones space sim has finally gone on to be something much, much bigger.

Cruising through space, building your own spaceport, or leading expositions on different planets have never been more seamless, thanks to massively improved loading times. Heaps of content, including mech suits and more ship options, not to mention multiplayer, make No Man’s Sky a much more improved experience than its hollow launch in 2016.

#5 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Game Studios
Release Date: 2017 | Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: First Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Open World, RPG, Adventure, Fantasy, Story Rich

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Skyrim is a classic example of high-fantasy worldbuilding and still stands the test of time over a decade after it first launched. The game is set in the northernmost province of Tamriel, the world in which the events of all the games in The Elder Scrolls franchise take place. Skyrim, a hardy, cold and mountainous region is a landscape torn by warring factions, bandits, monsters, and religious upheaval. It’s a foundation upon which many open-world games of today build and is a fantastic example of non-linear exploration in an open-world setting. Plus, it still looks beautiful years later, especially with mods. With almost too many quests to count, this is one title you’ll be playing for years.

#4 Monster Hunter Rise

Developer: Capcom | Publishers: Capcom, Capcom U.S.A., Inc
Release Date: 2021 | Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: NO
Co-op: (Local: 4 | Online: 4)
Genre: Action, JRPG, Hunting, Fantasy, Dragons

PC | Nintendo

Monster Hunter games are always a ton of fun to play with friends. On the Nintendo Switch, Monster Hunter Rise is an incredible title for players to jump into, keeping the formula of other games in the franchise while pumping up the difficulty. Players work together to track down a monster, take them on, and attempt to gather the downed monster’s resources to craft better gear. As the name suggests, there is more focus on vertical movement this time around–players can climb or use a grapple, making things feel even more wide open. While not completely open-world, the areas you’ll be exploring here are vast enough. Also, having a friend may be the difference between life and death. The new Sunbreak expansion continues to smash records, so it’s definitely worth grabbing.

#3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Developers: CD Projekt Red | Publishers: CD Projekt Red
Release Date: 2021 | Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Open World, RPG, Story Rich, Choices Matter, Medieval

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

No list of the best open-world titles would be complete without championing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Masterful storytelling aside, this game’s maps and environments truly invoke the spirit of the Slavonic mythology that the fantasy world was built upon. Stepping foot inside the world of Geralt of Rivia really does feel as though you’re visiting an era that’s not so far removed from our own historical reality, albeit with added magic, monsters, and mystery thrown in for good measure. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is widely acknowledged as being a masterpiece of gaming, and takes the number one spot on this list. If you’re looking to truly escape into a high fantasy setting with a truly human undertone, then this is the game to do it in. The Complete Edition also comes with all 16 DLCs, and 2 Expansion Packs: Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine.

#2 Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Developer: Monolith Soft | Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: 2017 | Platform: Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Exploration, Combat

Nintendo

The last major game for the Switch in its launch year of 2017, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was a long-awaited sequel to the original title that we discussed earlier. This title is bigger and bolder, and sees players take on the role of Rex, a young salvager who comes across a mysterious weapon known as the Aegis. Now on a difficult mission, the title has a deep story and deeper combat mechanics. If you’re a fan of games with an anime aesthetic and plenty of DLC, this Switch title can’t be missed. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is right around the corner, so it’s a great time to catch up.

#1 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: 2017 | Platform: Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: 0 | Online: 0)
Genre: Adventure, Action, RPG, Combat, Exploration

Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the latest mainline installment to The Legend of Zelda franchise. This time around, players are placed in a large open-world environment and can challenge a number of dungeons, otherwise known as Shrines, in any order. Within The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, players will once again take on the role of Link after he awakens from a deep slumber that lasted a hundred years.

A mysterious voice alerts Link to reach a ruined kingdom where he will learn of Calamity Ganon, the one he must defeat. The title has become one of the most beloved installments in the entire franchise and is loved for its massive open world and countless quests and adventures. If you somehow missed this game, there’s plenty of time to pick it up before Breath of the Wild 2 drops in 2023.

Bonus :-

Red Faction Guerilla Remastered

Developer: Volition, Kaiko| THQ Nordic
Release Date: 2019 | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: YES
Co-op: (Local: 8 | Online: 16)
Genre: Destruction, Open World, Physics, Action, Sandbox

Nintendo | Steam | Playstation | Xbox

Mars was supposed to be a place to get a second chance at life. But now, you’re wrapped up in a war for freedom, and it’s up to you to lead the charge.

Red Faction Guerilla Remastered puts you in a new uprising on Mars, and you have to use Guerilla tactics to overcome the odds stacked against you. Witness the game that gave you true freedom in when and where you attack foes and how you bring them down.

Lure enemies to where you want them to so you can strike. Or take down pieces of a structure so it’ll collapse on itself. You are the architect of change and have the perfect hammer to bring it all down.