The Best Open World Games of All Time

Best Open World Games

What is an “open world” game? Wikipedia defines it as a type of videogame level design where the player can freely roam through the world and is given considerable freedom to interact with objectives and the like.

I decided against including the likes of Deus Ex and the Thief series, which despite the freedom they offer to the player, are strictly linear titles—at least in terms of exploration.

Rather, the showcase you see before you is a collection of the best open world experiences in which you, the player, can explore freely and to your heart’s content while engaging in a myriad of activities unrelated to the “main story”, if there is one.

You may want to make note that these games are not necessarily ranked in any particular order. You will find a wide range of titles available both current releases to classic titles launched for previous generation of consoles.

#56 Enshrouded

Platform: PC
Release Date: January 24, 2024

PC

The world you live in used to be special, and then humanity created “The Shroud,” which now envelops the world and corrupts it in numerous ways. Enshrouded puts you as someone trying to survive this world and possibly put it back the way it once was.

To do so, you’ll travel through the vast open regions that the game offers and have you attempting to get supplies and items that can be helpful on your journey. The more you do in the game, the more you’ll learn about what happened to this world and why it ended up this way.

Plus, you can play with up to 15 friends in the game, ensuring you’re never alone as you travel.

#55 7 Days to Die

Platform: PC, PS4, Linux, Xbox One, OS X
Release Date: PC, OS X – December 13, 2013

PC | Xbox | PlayStation

When you’re given certain open worlds to live in, survival is often a task that you’re put to the test. In 7 Days to Die, you’ll have two different kinds of open worlds to survive in. The first is the “Campaign World,” where you can try to survive the game’s story and live in this post-apocalyptic world.

Or, if you want more freedom, you can dive into a randomly generated world and see if you can survive based solely on your own merit.

No matter which world you choose, you’ll need to make key choices to ensure your survival. That includes building shelter, getting weapons to defend against the living and the dead, and seeing if you want to cooperate with other players you meet.

#54 Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Platform: PC PS5
Release Date: July 17, 2020

Steam | PlayStation

Not all open-world games are created equally. In the case of Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, we say that because this open-world game is one of the greatest ever created, and it highlights how other open-world titles are doing things only halfway.

You play a Samurai determined to keep the island of Tsushima safe from an invading force. You are on your own, but with your acceptance of being a “ghost,” you know you will not fail in your mission.

As you travel around the island, you’ll unlock numerous side quests that will help you and the island, so don’t be afraid to do them!

#53 Rise of the Ronin

Platform: PS5
Release Date: March 22, 2024

PlayStation

Japan as a nation has many places for people to explore, and it’s one that games like Rise of the Ronin love exploring due to its expansive areas where they can create great stories.

This story takes root in history, as you play a “Samurai Without A Master” who has the ability to shape the future of Japan with his words and blade. You’ll travel through Feudal Japan and attempt to make great change in a land that is caught in turmoil.

Your choices will affect the story and how the game ends, so you must trust yourself to push forward. Or, if nothing else, draw your blade and slash everything in sight!

#52 Star Wars Outlaws

Platform: PC PS5 X/S
Release Date: August 30, 2024

PC | PlayStation | Xbox

When you’re set in a galaxy far, far away that has numerous planets and moons to explore, you know that someone will make an open-world title to explore. With Star Wars Outlaws, that team would be Ubisoft, which puts you in the shoes of Kay Vess, a scoundrel trying to get out of the thieving life she’s in.

To do so, she’ll have to work hard and up her game by traveling to certain worlds, doing jobs for various crime groups and syndicates, learning new skills from experts, and more!

You’ll see familiar and new locations in the game, so go and see how it all looks!

#51 Dragon’s Dogma 2

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: March 22, 2024

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

Look, when it comes to RPGs, especially ones made in the modern era, you absolutely expect them to have an open world. Then, when you think about how it took around ten years or so to get Dragon’s Dogma 2 out, you know the team at Capcom isn’t going to skimp on the world itself.

As such, you’ll have a wide fantasy world to explore, full of beings to fight, influence, bring into your party, or kill with extreme prejudice.

Plus, you’ll meet others in cities and other places that could heavily affect your journey. So, head out into this world and see where you want to go next.

#50 Palworld

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

Steam | Xbox

Ah, the open-world games are known for their excellence…

Well, not really; many of them are quite barren and boring, so you need something to make it worth playing another, right? That’s where Palworld comes in. This world is filled with various creatures to capture and have fun with. Or put them to work endlessly so you don’t have to raise a finger.

Just as important, you can ride around on these “Pals” so you can reach new parts of the world. You never know what might be around that next corner or within a cave, so make sure you have the right Pals to protect you!

#49 Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: December 7, 2023

Epic | PlayStation | Xbox

We all know that Ubisoft loves making open-world games. Seriously, they can’t get enough of it, and pretty much all of their franchises have open-world elements in one form or another. But in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, they might just be taking it to the next level.

First and foremost, yes, you are on the same Pandora as the two James Cameron movies. But just as important, you’re in a section of Pandora that the films haven’t touched. You’ll meet an entirely new Na’vi tribe and get to explore their world while helping them fight off the humans who captured you and are trying to invade.

There’s plenty to see, so don’t be afraid to venture far and wide!

#48 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Platform: PS5
Release date: October 20, 2023

PlayStation

Without a doubt, one of the things that fans are most looking forward to in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is being able to do all sorts of tasks and missions across New York City. The original game and the spinoff title featuring Miles had numerous things for fans to check out, including hidden items, doing special missions, and more.

The sequel is going to build off of that in a spectacular way. First off, both Spider-Men can be used in the open-world, which means you can choose who you want to be most of the time. Just as important, both Spider-Men will have missions and activities tied specifically to them. When you add that to new dangers in New York City? You’ll be busy going around the place.

#47 Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: September 26, 2023

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

One of the promises of the Cyberpunk title that CD Projekt Red made was that you’d get to explore a robust city and truly see it come alive. While that was only slightly true, the DLC Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty makes up for what the main game didn’t.

In the DLC, V enters the always turbulent mini-town called Dogtown. Here, the police aren’t in control; the militia are, and they’re controlled by someone who isn’t afraid to shoot first and ask questions never.

As you explore Dogtown, you’ll encounter all sorts of unique characters and dive into special quests. So don’t be afraid to see what lurks behind every corner.

#46 Starfield

Platform: PC XSX|S
Release Date: September 06, 2023

Steam | Xbox

Many games nowadays are open-world adventures. Developers revel in the chance to give you lots of space to move around and see what catches your eye as you do so. Bethesda is legendary for their open-world titles, and now, they can add Starfield to that list. But instead of just one world for you to explore, there are thousands of planets that you can visit and see what they have to offer.

Some will have quests for you to do or people and creatures you can fight. Others might have materials you can use or secrets to discover!

Whatever you want to do in the game is fine, as the galaxy is yours to explore.

#45 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Platform: Switch
Release Date: May 12, 2023

Nintendo
What made the previous entry in The Legend of Zelda franchise so special was that it was the first game in the series to embrace the open-world aesthetic. Previous titles had dabbled in being open-world but never committed.

But now, with Tears of the Kingdom, we’ll get the next evolution of that. The Hyrule from before is where we are in the sequel, but it won’t be the same Hyrule. After Ganondorf reemerges, he rips the realm apart with his power. This creates Sky Islands and underground chambers for gamers to explore!

With so much to do in Hyrule, you’ll happily get lost while trying to see all the game offers.

#44 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S
Releease Date: April 28, 2023

Steam | Playstation | Xbox

It was only a matter of time before this franchise embraced the open-world feel of numerous other games and made it their own. Star Wars Jedi Survivor will have you play Cal Kestis again, and you’ll once again explore the numerous worlds, moons, and stations of the galaxy far, far away. However, this time, you’ll get to go to places with a bit more depth.

Specifically, you’ll go to worlds where you can go off the beaten path and unlock new side missions. Or, you can return after learning new powers and abilities and see what new options you have available to you.

So don’t be afraid to take a beat and see what these worlds offer you.

#43 Sons Of The Forest

Platform: PC
Release Date: February 23, 2023

Steam

What could be better than going to an island paradise? Well, nothing if that’s actually where you’re going. But in Sons Of The Forest, “paradise” isn’t the word you will be using for the place you’re in.

When a mission to find a billionaire goes wrong, you’ll have to wander the island and get resources to survive and fight off monsters that come your way.

You can explore the entire island from the start, opening up many options for you and choices on how to survive. Plus, the longer you play the game, the more the seasons will change. So how will you adapt to what the island throws at you?

#42 Atomic Heart

Platform: PC PS4 Xbox One XSX|S PS5
Release: February 21, 2023 

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

There are numerous open-world games out there for you to buy. However, with the market cluttered, you might want one that feels interesting versus just having “lots to do.” If that is the case, give Atomic Heart a try.

The game is an alternate history take where Russia created a utopia for its people. But just when they were going to take their people to the stars, things went haywire.

You’ll have to go through the many levels of this “utopia” to find the truth about what happened and who set events in motion. But be warned! Many obstacles stand in your way. So load up with all the weapons and powers you can to take them on!

#41 Hogwarts Legacy 

Release Date: 10 Feb 2023 | Platform: PC PS5 Xbox Series X|S
(PS4 Xbox One April 4, 2023) Switch (July 25, 2023)
Camera: Third Person
Multiplayer: No
Co-op: (Local: No | Online: No)
Genre: Open World, RPG, Fantasy, Action RPG

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

One of the reasons that fans of the magical world that Harry Potter lived in was that it felt like a truly magical place to wander around and partake in. So if you have ever wanted to see part of that magical world “through your own eyes,” get Hogwarts Legacy.

You’ll start the game as a rare transfer student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After being sorted, you’ll get free reign of the castle and get to do whatever you want as a student! You can explore the grounds and see what magical creatures lurk around, or go to the Room of Requirement and see what pops up for you!

It’s a big place, so explore it all!

#40 Dying Light 2 Stay Human

In the world of Dying Light 2, zombies are still very much at large, and the people of various areas are just trying to endure what is coming. You will find yourself in a city overrun by them, yet still hosting a thriving community. You’ll be on a mission to find someone, but to get to them, you’ll have to help out the people of the city, for better and for worse.

Not only is this game open-world, it’s open ended in terms of how the story and ending can go. The choices you make and the people you help will determine how things go. All the while, you’ll have to keep your own zombie infection in check.

#39 Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator is not something you’d expect to be in the realm of “open world”, but in truth, that’s what it’s supposed to be from a certain point of view.

Because it was originally meant to be “just a simulator”, it soon enough became THE simulator for pilots. Yes, pilots that fly planes you’ve been on likely have had their hand at Microsoft Flight Simulator in the past, and for the most basic of reasons. Because this is the most accurate simulator out there for flight training.

It’ll accurately let you fly a plane and give you visuals on how it’ll look in the air and on the runway. So why not give it a shot and see if you can be a pilot?

#38 The Division 2

The Division 2 takes place just a few months shy from a full year after the first title where there is a new primal enemy focus. As The United States of America begins to get back on their feet from the viral outbreak that plagued the first installment, the government has started to unleash harsh laws.

Innocent civilians are being slaughtered leaving daily life to be a difficult struggle. Players will be taking on the role of an agent within The Division as they start a new civil war. This installment mainly focuses around Washington D.C. as you attempt to get the area back under control from the rebel groups attempting to overthrow the government completely. However, the game did bring out expansions as well with the first bringing players back to New York. Just as before, The Division 2 is really set up to be enjoyed with multiple players rather than a single player experience, but you can still get away with doing missions solo.

#37 Ratchet & Clank Rifts Apart

It took a while, but Ratchet & Clank are back, and this time their adventures will take them across the literal universe…and into the universe beyond their own. When a certain nemesis returns to try and “change the story”, Ratchet & Clank find themselves in a universe where their partnership didn’t exist, and must now help another Lombax trying to save her universe as well as save their own!

Everything you loved about the Ratchet & Clank series is back, but bigger, better, and more visually stunning. You’ll travel across the two dimensions to various worlds in order to solve puzzles, fight bad guys and reclaim peace for all.

Think you have what it takes to save two different dimensions? You’re about to find out!

#36 Horizon Forbidden West

The first Horizon title was one that was special, but with Horizon Forbidden West, it pushes it into a whole new level boosted by the power of the PS5.

In this game, you return to the post-apocalyptic world via the character Aloy. And in order to save her dying world she must travel to the place she was told she couldn’t go: The Forbidden West.

In this new land are not only new people to meet and help in order to further your mission, but all sorts of new enemies both human and robot.

Horizon Forbidden West pushes not only the graphics, but the gameplay. You’ll have multiple sets of skills you can learn from and completely tailor your combat skills toward! Play how you want to, explore the Forbidden West, and save your world.

#35 The Outer Worlds

Obsidian Entertainment is a well-known and beloved video game development studio after they have released countless iconic RPG titles. For instance, the developers were responsible for Fallout: New Vegas and during The Game Awards 2018 came the announcement of The Outer Worlds. This is a brand new experience which resembles a bit like their past Fallout: New Vegas work. Within the game players will be embarking on an adventure set in the distant future where mankind has colonized space.

Just like with past RPG titles developed under Obsidian Entertainment, the gameplay narrative will present players with multiple answers and options. Depending on the options selected may result in various branching storylines. In this game, players take the role of a crew member from a ship that was essentially abandoned years ago. Stuck in an endless frozen slumber, you are only awoken when a scientist that’s deemed mad rescues you in hopes you will help free civilians from the tyrannical reign by the current day government. From there, you’re given the freedom to explore different planets, take on quests from various NPCs and choose just how the story will end.

#34 Death Stranding

After Hideo Kojima and Konami parted ways the legendary video game developer opted to make his own video game development studio called Kojima Productions. It took a little while but Kojima started to alert fans about his debut title. In a true Kojima fashion, his first game was going to be cryptic with plenty of teasers leaving players guessing as to what this next project would be about. 

We, of course, now have this debut title which is Death Stranding. It’s a game that follows a man that has to deliver goods to different parts of the world. However, because of the supernatural event that left most of humanity spread across massive terrains, players are mainly preparing for large treks. This means making sure your packages are secure and finding an appropriate pathway to lead you around dangerous obstacles and enemies. There’s also a bit of content scattered across this game world which prompts players to take a bit of time and explore their surroundings. You may find some really incredible landscapes, places, and cargo that will make it all the more rewarding spending a bit more time wandering about rather than heading to your next destination. 

#33 Days Gone

Days Gone is a game that takes place after a virus outbreak turning most of humanity into mindless zombie-like creatures. Players step into the role of a biker named Deacon St. John, who is surviving the harsh world doing odd jobs for various factions with his best friend Boozer. This title is set in an open world environment allowing players to freely explore and take on various missions at any given time. However, because this world is filled with zombies, it can be difficult to visit certain places, especially if you find yourself being blocked off by a horde.

It’s a survival game set in the open world where Deacon is taking on various tasks while seeking resources to keep himself healthy along with his motorcycle functioning. Of course, there’s a campaign story to keep you pulling along where Deacon is still holding out hope that despite all odds, somehow his wife is still alive somewhere out there.

#32 Dead Island

Set on a resort island overcome by a viral outbreak that turns everyone into zombies, you take on the role of one of four main characters who find themselves among the lucky (or unlucky) survivors.

Equipped with little more than a boat paddle, you must make your way through the hordes of the formerly living and bring the rest of the survivors to safety before finding out what caused the outbreak in the first place.

Dead Island may be a little rough around the edges, but its ambitiousness can’t be denied. The game is without rival in terms of being an open world, zombie-killing action RPG.

#31 Far Cry 5

The fifth main title within the franchise, Far Cry 5, takes place within the United States of America in a fictional Montana area known as Hope County.

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 in his way.

Just as before, players can expect the title to deliver as a first-person shooter in an open world environment which can be explored either on foot or through vehicles. However, the campaign can be experienced both as a single player narrative or through cooperative multiplayer.

#30 Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

There’s rarely a dull moment in the Kingdoms of Amalur. It’s a world filled to the brim with magic, mystery, and adventure. It even changes as you leave your mark upon the world.

Thanks to the game’s open world nature, you can go about saving the world at your own pace and opt instead to pursue numerous sidequests provided by townsfolk and magical creatures throughout the land. You can even collect scattered bits of lore.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is Fable done right.

#29 STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl

The atmosphere of STALKER is so thick you could cut it with a knife. And atmosphere is what defines STALKER.

It’s a first person, survival-horror game set within the radioactive wasteland of Chernobyl, where men known as Stalkers eke out a dangerous living by retrieving strange, reality-defying artifacts. They aren’t alone in the wasteland, which is haunted by mutant horrors and an assortment of nightmarish creatures.

This open-ended setting allows for players to perform a myriad of objectives for the wasteland’s human inhabitants while unraveling the mystery of Chernobyl.

#28 Watch Dogs 2

After the success Ubisoft had with their new IP Watch Dogs, a sequel was released back in 2016. This time around, players are taken to the San Francisco Bay Area to explore and cause havoc by hacking various terminals connecting to city functions or personal smartphones.  Much of the same gameplay mechanics are present, though the developers did make a few overhauls such as driving.

#27 Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

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. The game does feature an open world city for players to explore and as you progress you’ll gather exp to use towards making upgrades such as agility or strength along with unlocking new skills.

#26 Xenoblade Chronicles

Xenoblade Chronicles could be described as huge, complex, and a whole series of other adjectives—none of which would adequately describe everything it has to offer.

This gem of a JRPG, limited to the Nintendo Wii, not only offers an intricate story set in a meticulously put-together world but also highly customizable characters that serve to invigorate the JRPG genre. The game invites players to explore its vast and open world with a focus on doing whatever the hell you want whenever you feel like it.

JRPG fans couldn’t ask for a better, more immersive game.

#25 Far Cry 3

Far Cry 3 has drawn comparisons to The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim in its encouragement of exploration, hunting, and crafting, the open world experience is actually quite different between the two.

While Skyrim allows the player to take the entire map at their own pace, regardless of their participation in the main quest line, Far Cry 3 is designed for the player to balance their exploring with making progress in the game. However, you will find pockets of time to wander about as you please, and indulging in what Rook Island has to offer will greatly aid you in your quests.

Far Cry 3 is proof that first person shooters can offer more in the way of exploration and world-creation beyond shooting people in corridors.

#24 Just Cause 2

Just Cause 2 sees the return of daredevil/action movie badass Rico Rodriguez in an open world adventure set in the diverse, tropical playground of Panau.

Panau is a fictional South East Asian country where violence is rife and where the physics enables Rodriguez to perform death-defying stunts with the game’s wide assortment of vehicles, weapons, and trick-enabling gadgets.

The game’s story isn’t big on its demands to your attention, allowing you to do whatever you please, whenever you please.

#23 Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

The sixth main installment of the Assassin’s Creed series, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, takes players to the open seas. While following the main overall plot of the series with the fight between Assassins and the Templars, there’s a real joy in taking up the pirate life with Edward Kenway.

Players will find that there is an emphasis on exploring the open waters, gathering a crew, sink opposing ships, and reap the rewards that come across their way. Outside of the sea life, players will also explore lands and fight using melee combat with stealthy takedowns.

#22 Far Cry 4

Much like the previous installment, Far Cry 4 makes our list. This time around, players take on the role of Ajay Ghale, a young Kyrati-American who travels back to his home country of Kyrat, a fictional Himalayan country.

During his travel, Ajay finds that this home country has been caught in a civil war that is controlled by a tyrant king, Pagan Min. A large portion of the game allows players to freely explore the Himalayan country and the wildlife that dwells within it. Furthermore, because the game has a few different storyline branches, gamers will likely replay the title a few times, offering a chance to explore a bit more of the world than before.

#21 Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey 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.

There will also be an RPG progression system included in the game as well where players can adjust their character skills and attributes. Likewise, with a branching dialogue system, your narrative journey may offer a unique ending thus giving players an incentive in going back and replaying the game.

#20 Saints Row 4

Saints Row 4 is the open-world genre taken to its most logical conclusion. Which is to say that it’s entirely open and free for you to do whatever the hell it is you want to do without even the slightest boundary to keep you in check.

Instead of forcing you to play through a story that keeps you roughly in check by means of rules enforced by cops and the like, the game actively encourages you to break the rules by subverting the rules of engagement that typify open world gaming experiences.

You’re free to do what you like, when you like, and however you like. That is Saints Row 4, and it’s a blast.

#19 Fallout 4

The Fallout franchise has hit this list several times in the past and now with its most recent installment available in the marketplace, we can’t help but add Fallout 4. If you’re a fan of the franchise then it’s likely you’ve already picked up the latest release.

However, if you’re completely new to the franchise, Fallout 4 still marks as a great first entry to the series. Set during the events of a nuclear war, players manage to escape into a vault, only to awaken hundreds of years into the future. What’s left of your world is nothing more than decay and outsiders trying to make it by in this new world.

Each installment to the Fallout franchise manages to bring out an incredible wasteland to explore and Fallout 4 is no exception to that trend. You’ll come across old ruins, new structures, and a fleshed out cast of characters to meet along your journey.

#18 Marvel’s Spider-Man

Spider-Man was developed by Insomniac Games who are previously known for their Ratchet & Clank and Resistance video game franchises. Their latest title breathes 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, the game doesn’t offer the normal 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. From what we know from so far through 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 Peter’s Aunt May is employed.

Outside of the campaign, players can freely explore New York City where crimes and collectibles will pop up throughout the area in need of Spider-Man’s attention.

#17 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Morrowind was a rare game for its time. Offering vast vistas and sublime greenery, Morrowind effortlessly captures the hearts and minds of players not only with the land, but with freedom it provided.

It is a massive, open-ended game that allows you to do what you want, when you want, wherever you want. You could be a warrior fulfilling an ancient prophecy, or a sneak thief who seeks only to enrich himself through the misery of others—or perhaps even a little bit of both. The choice is yours to make in Morrowind.

#16 Dragon Age: Inquisition

The third major installment to the Dragon Age franchise, Dragon Age: Inquisition is an action role-playing video game where players take on the role of an Inquisitor who is on a grand journey to deal with the civil unrest within the continent of Thedas.

While developers have set the game to be on the same continent of the past two installments, exploration for Dragon Age: Inquisition is rather massive in comparison. For instance, it’s been noted that the game features a map that is already five times larger than the setting of the first installment of the series. With all that said, you’ll want to set aside some time to really dive into the video game.

#15 Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn is the first IP developed by Guerrilla Games since their release of Killzone in 2004. This is an action role-playing video game title that is set a thousand years into the future.

Mankind has mysteriously fallen, with cities only a shell of a once thriving society. Now only small tribal groups remain where giant mechanical beasts roam the world freely in charge. The plot revolves around a female hunter named Aloy who sets out on a journey to explore the open world, meet with other tribes, and potentially learn of the reason mankind fell to being with.

#14 Borderlands 2

Like the first game, Borderlands 2 takes place on the planet of Pandora. It’s not exactly “post-apocalyptic” but it comes pretty close to what you’d expect from a planet destroyed more or less by corporations who are hell-bent on digging up resources and finding something called The Vault.

The planet’s full of raiders—disenfranchised miners and former employees of corporations who were left behind on the planet to fend for themselves—and survivors who eke out a living as best they can using the resources left behind by those very same corporations—and new ones intent on claiming Pandora’s riches.

The game is designed as a semi-open world title split between spacious levels, each with their own architecture and assortment of enemies, traversable through the use of vehicles or on foot.

#13 Monster Hunter: World

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.

This might not be directly an open world video game but players will still find a rather large environments to explore. Also if you’re a newcomer to the series then this will still mark as a great title to jump on but you will find that the gameplay can still be a bit advanced. Luckily the community is very active supporting other players with helpful guides and tricks to make your first hunt a successful one.

#12 Fallout 3

Hardcore fans of the original Fallout may disagree, but the Wasteland has never been better realized than in Fallout 3. Like other Bethesda titles, Fallout 3 allows you to create your own adventure.

It is set in a vast landscape that would be relentlessly bleak were it not for the remnants of civilization and the hope of survival. Fallout 3 is absorbing, immersive, and beautiful in its desolation.

#11 The Witcher 3

Fans of western RPGs will no doubt have played at least one of the Witcher games. This series of Polish games based on the works of Andrzej Sapkowski has gained a lot of fans over the years, mainly thanks to its complex world and stories, incredible graphics and deep gameplay systems.

The third and final installment in the series sees a much older Geralt of Rivia – one of the titular Witchers – dealing with the invasion of the Northern Kingdom by the Nilfgaard Empire and the otherworldy threat of the Wild Hunt, spectral riders who’ve plagued humankind for ages. Offering a massive open world, hours upon hours of story content and side quests, tons of NPCS to interact with and monsters to hunt, a living economy that adapts to different locations and events and improved gameplay, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is looking like a worthy conclusion of the series.

#10 Crackdown Series

There’s plenty of fun to be had in Crackdown outside of the game’s main narrative. With objectives and tasks that skirt the main story, players are free to roam throughout Pacific City.

While the main story strictly limits you to playing the good guy, you can wreak havoc with your superpowers and face the wrath of your employers, or use those powers for good by going after the bad guys.

Great responsibility may come with great power, but so does fun—and Crackdown offers it in huge amounts.

#9 Minecraft

Minecraft is ultimately our number one pick for the best open world videogame ever made based on the simple fact that the world in which it takes place is that of our own creation.

It offers players the ability to build kingdoms, go on adventures, and craft narratives that far transcend anything created by a game developer. The world of Minecraft is a sandbox, and it’s ours to play in and to do as we like.

The game is what you make of it.

#8 Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Taking place after the events of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, players can enjoy the last installment of the beloved franchise in which was directed under Hideo Kojima. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain follows Snake as he goes through a new mission that takes him to a Soviet-occupied Afghanistan territory.

During the journey, Snake seeks his revenge on those who destroyed his forces during the ending of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, however, to do so, Snake will be exploring an open world environment. For fans of the franchise, this latest installment is seen to be a bit different in terms of the gameplay with this time around, developers have allowed players a little more freedom when it comes to completing objectives.

#7 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim is the fifth game in Bethesda’s ever popular series of role-playing games. Like its predecessors, Skyrim takes place in an open environment in which we’re given leave to explore the world as we see fit.

While the world of Skyrim is charming and consistently engaging,  it doesn’t simply tell us a story—it offers us instead a chance to weave our very own tale.

Skyrim is interactive art at its finest.

#6 Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption is the Old West made anew with the fiction of Rockstar Games, and it’s every bit as bleak and unforgiving as it was back in the olden days.

It is within this unforgiving land that a man, John Marston, seeks redemption—not only for his life, but for his soul. And it is only within this land that such redemption is possible.

Needless to say, the game’s atmosphere is second to none, and it is host not only to John Marston’s story and those of his counterparts, but to the greater battle between the old and the new—the stolid Old West and the march of Progress.

#5 Batman: Arkham City

Not only does Batman: Arkham City surpass the likes of its genre-defining predecessor, Arkham Asylum, it also breaks new ground.

The game does away with the zones and transitions of the previous game in favor of the truly wide open setting of Arkham City.

Beyond progressing through the game’s main story, you can roam through the streets of Arkham City as either Batman or Catwoman, each with their own arsenal of gadgets and skills. There’s a variety of missions and open world side quests that will keep you busy for dozens of hours.

#4 Elden Ring

Elden Ring is something that many of you are playing right now, and for good reason. This latest title from the team at From Software took everything that they’ve been learning and building from Dark Souls to Sekiro Shadows Die Twice, and then added even more in order to make…Elden Ring.

In this game, you’re in a world torn apart by conflict from on high, and now, you must reassemble the Elden Ring to bring back peace. But obviously, that won’t be easy, at all.

But, unlike previous games, you can take this title at your own pace, and in your own way. Elden Ring embraces open-world gameplay in the best of ways and ensures that you have maximum freedom to go where you want to.

Eventually though, you’ll need to fight powerful bosses, fierce monsters, and grow yourself into a warrior powerful enough to stop the death that’s all around you.

#3 Red Dead Redemption 2

It didn’t come to much surprise that Rockstar Games opted to bring back the Red Dead Redemption franchise. The video game was a beloved open-world title that acted much like the Grand Theft Auto series but set in the old west. This particular title takes place prior to the events of the first Red Dead Redemption title where players are taking on the role of Arthur Morgan, a member of the infamous Van der Linde Gang who is on the run from the law. Rockstar Games really pushed the world players can dwell within.

Outside of having plenty of missions and NPCs to meet, there are random events that can occur, exploration and hunting. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this, the game is only available on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 platforms. So if you’re mainly a PC player, this title has yet to be ported.

#2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the nineteenth main installment to The Legend of Zelda franchise. This time around, players will be placed in a large open-world environment with the ability to play through the game’s dungeons in any order.

Within The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, players will 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 known as Hyrule where he will learn of Calamity Ganon, the antagonist who had previously destroyed Hyrule, though, during the process, he had trapped himself within the buried kingdom.

#1 Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V is by and large one of the biggest open world titles ever conceived. It’s bigger than GTA 4 and Red Dead Redemption combined, and brings to life the city of Los Angeles in the fiction of Los Santos.

Through years of hard-worn development and research, Rockstar has managed to create one of the most believable environments to ever grace the medium of video games.

Due to the fact that the game is new, and because it wouldn’t be very fair to GTA IV to call it a lesser title compared to GTA V, we’re naming this one a tie for first place on our list of the best open world games of all time.