Top 30 Best Open World Video Games of All Time

Arriving 12 years after the original, “Dragon’s Dogma 2” was much more well-received. A lot of that has to do with its open world, which grabs your attention straight away. So much so, that players will spend more time free-roaming instead of completing the main story. The massive landscape offers much to do, from battling various foes to exploring areas that vary in complexity. The dynamic quality of the open world leads to different allies and enemies depending on the day-night cycle. Because of this, players find themselves in a place where predictability is the last thing you’ll expect.

Remakes are great, but how do you evolve them for today’s market? “Rebirth” shows us how. The follow-up to “Final Fantasy VII Remake” flips the script, shedding the franchise’s linear gameplay for an open-ended experience. While previous entries have featured free-roaming, “Rebirth” injects the “Final Fantasy” theme like never before. Side quests, optional missions, and characters all have a casual elegance that plays into the open world. It’s refreshing to take a break from the heavy-handed story and see what “The Planet” has in store. The contrast between the series’ tried-and-tested model and this new style of play was worth the risk. “Rebirth”’s open world proves that the franchise always reinvents itself.

Racing games and open worlds don’t really sound like the proper fit. However, the “Forza” series was up for the task, delivering a fascinating take on Mexico that’s immersive and unique. While the general idea of competing in races remains the same, “Forza Horizon 5” has us living the life of a thrill-seeking drifter. With a vast landscape comprising jungles, beaches, volcanoes, and everything else you can think of, it’s the ultimate driving experience. The open world is endlessly entertaining, as players can choose to ride to their hearts’ content or engage in any of its available challenges. Free-roaming with a car might seem hard to believe, but once you’re in the driver’s seat, there’s nothing else like it.

The zombie genre has seen plenty of creative takes, ranging from “The Last of Us”’s focus on narrative to “Left 4 Dead”’s emphasis on action. In “Dying Light”’s case, the open world is the selling point. The first-person perspective throws players right into the thick of things, with the open-ended nature of the backdrop containing surprises aplenty. During the day, zombies can be easily avoided. At night, their horrific potential comes to light. Because of the massive difference between the time cycles, the game has a constantly evolving feel to it. No two playthroughs are the same, so the city of Harran is fresh each time around. Just be sure not to get devoured by these flesh-eating fiends while you’re out exploring.

Within the “Death Stranding” universe, the United States has become a barren, hostile environment. The best way to illustrate this is by letting players see it themselves. Throughout playthroughs, there are signs of what once was and what the world still could be. Because of its unique backdrop, the “Death Stranding” world is more of an acquired taste suited to narrative-based gamers. Once you see how it all ties into the story, it becomes clear that the mostly empty landscape is deliberately designed. It’s a bleak and dangerous place to be in, but it’s also a one-of-a-kind world that carries story and gameplay hand in hand.

As a game centering around gang warfare, “Sleeping Dogs” tends to go off the rails. This applies even when you aren’t playing the main story. It’s surprisingly easy to get into trouble, as just about every corner of the map has someone waiting to attack the protagonist. The constant hostility makes this an open world that keeps players quick on their feet. Fans know what they’ve signed up for, so an all-out fight to the death is to be expected. “Sleeping Dogs”’ environment doesn’t leave much room for exploration, but the excitement it brings from its no-holds-barred style is second to none.

Flashy, over-the-top, and extremely fun, this game knows its fanbase through and through. Instead of taking itself seriously, the title aims for a breezy playthrough. Instead of attempting realism, it runs as fast as it can the other way. This means that anything goes in every part of the map. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach or beating people up at random, the game has you covered. Packed with minigames and side quests, there’s always something you can do to keep yourself busy. The craziness of gameplay is more than a little infectious, and fans will want to spend their time wreaking all sorts of mayhem just because they can.

Initial reception to this much-anticipated title was anything but positive. However, it’s since been updated to fix most of its issues. Even during its less-than-stellar release, one of the bright points of “Cyberpunk 2077” was its open world. Seen through a first-person camera, every corner of the map is visually stunning. Players might just want to relax and go for a drive, or roam around to see what NPCs are up to. True to its sci-fi setting, this world feels like you’ve been sent to the future. Although gameplay might not always match its technical achievements, the “Cyberpunk” world lives up to its promise of being absolutely breathtaking.

Although it doesn’t take too many chances with innovation, “Genshin Impact”’s world of Teyvat is unlike any other. It goes for an original take on what a free-roaming experience can be. Aesthetically pleasing and technically sound, the game makes watching the protagonists traverse the land a magical sight. Thanks to a regular influx of battle sequences, there aren’t any moments of padding the map despite its large scale. The elemental aspect of the story is present from start to finish, as the open world provides level-ups relevant to a chosen protagonist’s skills. No wonder fans keep coming back for more.

It says a lot that Ubisoft have been trying to 1-up themselves for seven years. FPS titles can be rather linear. While the story here arguably is, there is plenty else to do on the Rook Islands. And it’s all beneficial and unpredictable. You can take hunting side quests, eliminate enemy bases, and craft anything you need. The variety in how you tackle situations, with different weapons and vehicles, make exploring the chaotic setting worth it.

It’s far from the most well-known title on this list, but it demands the attention of any horror fan. Set after a second disaster at Chernobyl, this FPS/survival horror game tasks players with hunting down their assassination target as an amnesiac hero. But exploring the area means coming into direct conflict with horribly mutated creatures and humans. It’s an incredibly bleak game with an equally dreary landscape to discover.

Space is daunting. So is exploring the deepest depths of the ocean. Put those two together and you’ve got the utter brilliance that is “Subnautica.” After crashing onto a faraway planet, you’re tasked with compiling resources in order to escape. Only, if you thought our planet’s sea creatures were intimidating, just wait until you get a load of these. “Subnautica” knows how to keep you on your toes while you explore its dark, dangerous world.

Now this is how you create a bigger, bolder sequel. “Just Cause 2” takes what its predecessor did and cranks the volume all the way up. On a grander island, with the amount of vehicles and weapons severely increased, players have way more fun causing mayhem. It’s a bombastic, explosive, high-octane action movie of a game, and the freedom to bring this explosiveness to an expansive world is all the more satisfying.

For the most ambitious game set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe at the time, “Shadow of Mordor” needed a giant, perilous land to wander. Luckily, it did not disappoint. Set between “The Hobbit” and “Fellowship,” players roam as a vengeful archer of Gondor. There are legions of Orcs and Uruks to rip through, satisfying your need for revenge of your slain family. And it’s all given much more weight thanks to the game’s inventive Nemesis System.

Take the longest-running cartoon family and mash them with “Grand Theft Auto,” and you’ve got something way more fun than it sounds. There’s an alien invasion in Springfield and wacky antics are bound to ensue. You’re given objectives but driving around town as recklessly as you want is a genuine treat. If you’ve ever wanted to play your way through the cartoon city, this is the closest you can get.

Employing different strategies against enemies isn’t a new concept. But mixing it up with the open world is where innovation comes into play. Danger lurks in abundance in “Ghost of Tsushima,” so players must vary their tactics. Fortunately, the environment offers plenty of opportunities to choose between an aggressive or stealthy approach. Few games provide this kind of influence in curating one’s playthrough from the level design. If nothing else, fans can explore the massive landscape where each of the three islands offers something new. From the gorgeous visuals to the depth in gameplay, there’s a lot to do even if you aren’t engaging in the main storyline.

2018’s “Spider-Man” wowed gamers with the titular character’s seamless web swinging in New York City. The sequel goes bigger and better with a wider area to cover and two protagonists to control. With the option to freely play as Miles Morales or Peter Parker, the world here is an exciting place to be. Both protagonists have unique missions suited for them, heightening the game’s replay value. “Spider-Man 2” ups the ante with awe-inspiring viewpoints, as players can perch themselves on the highest of buildings to initiate breathtaking web-swinging sequences. Although the main storyline is “Spider-Man 2”’s strongest point, the open world also presents hours’ worth of content for fans to live out their superhero dream.

Picking up where the original left off, “Horizon Forbidden West” takes protagonist Aloy to previously undiscovered locations. A big part of the series’ appeal is the main character’s ability to use robotic creatures for her benefit. “Forbidden West” goes further, allowing players to mount creatures like the Sunwing to explore the world from the skies. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can navigate on foot, as the lush savannah offers a wide range of free-roaming gameplay. Completing “Forbidden West”’s story complements the open world’s quality, with Aloy unlocking newer and more impressive places to discover. There’s never any shortage of combat along the way, so players have a balance between exploration and adventure.

What possibilities await while you gallop on your trusty steed? Hop on over to “Elden Ring” to find out. Warning: You’ll end up in the Lands Between with no plans to leave. This fantasy RPG drops players in a world bustling with content, complete with fascinating lore that sucks you right in. Ranging from magnificent valleys to eerie-looking villages, there’s a diverse backdrop in each of the six explorable areas. Players can curate their playthroughs entirely around the map, unencumbered by the main story. “Elden Ring” pushes the boundaries to the action-adventure RPG template, with its map easily the biggest strength in its favor.

Most post-apocalyptic worlds are gloomy and filled with dread. But “Nier” proves that they don’t have to be. The overgrowth of nature is serene as you glide around as the android 2B. Composer Keiichi Okabe’s score lends itself well to the peaceful landscape, as well as the pulse-pounding action sequences which can have gameplay switch from hack and slash to shoot ‘em up. And that’s not even getting into its challenging and thought-provoking story.

That’s right; Obsidian’s “Fallout” spin-off made it while Bethesda’s main entries didn’t. But it more than deserves the spot. Most games in the series are showered with praise for open-ended gameplay. “New Vegas” made improvements on that of “Fallout 3” while including dastardly characters and tantalizing storylines that do the real Sin City proud. There are degenerates and factions hidden around every corner of this wasteland, making it endlessly fun to explore.

Few franchises can compete with “Assassin’s Creed”’s thematic quality. “Black Flag” took the biggest leap in representing its time period. Set in the Golden Age of Piracy, players control Edward Kenway as he guides his band of misfits across the sea. In a break from the series norm, naval exploration has a greater focus than gameplay on land. With vast bodies of water around the Caribbean, players encounter many mysteries and challenges. From battling enemy ships to diving underwater, the open world is as exhilarating as it is treacherous. Even the smaller scale on land has its merits, as fans can pick between jungles, villages, and hidden islands. The effectiveness of the world’s design successfully pivoted the “Assassin’s Creed” formula to new heights.

“Arkham Asylum” already gave us bat-tastic gameplay, so setting the sequel in a criminal-infested city was a gift from the Heavens. Batman has one of the best rogues galleries in comics. With each of his baddies receiving different types of quests and thugs crowding the streets, there’s plenty the Caped Crusader can do. As we soared from building to building with Batman’s belt of goodies, we knew it as the next evolution in superhero gaming.

“Red Dead Redemption” is an excellent Western experience. But its prequel is a master class in capturing life in the Old West. There’s something to do everywhere you go, whether it be hunting, stealing, bringing in a bounty, solving murders, or just riding around on your trusty steed. It’s the type of game you never want to end; a near-perfect adventure world you just want to keep living in. Also, it’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

Hideo Kojima birthed one of gaming’s most treasured franchises. And his final entry contains one of the most dynamic open worlds yet. A dynamic weather system, a real-time day-night cycle, and different types of terrain immerse you in it. Blended with the series’ signature stealth gameplay and the choice of your objective order, the world and enemies adapt to how you play. This positively forces the player to change up how they approach each situation.

If you want a game to give you objectives, “Minecraft” may not be for you. But if you want a game that lets your imagination run wild, where you can build your own extensive open world, then… Well, let’s face it. You’ve been playing this game for years. What players have been able to create with a bunch of pixelated blocks is genuinely astounding. In “Minecraft,” variety truly has no end.

“Grand Theft Auto” has seen numerous memorable entries. Just look at “San Andreas.” But when it comes to rampaging through a gigantic city, Rockstar have always managed to get better and better. Their latest was released way back in 2013 and they honestly haven’t needed to release a new one yet. With so much to do, and how addictive it all is, it feels like several games wrapped in one beautiful, notorious package.

Open-world gaming wasn’t revolutionary at the time of “Skyrim”’s release. However, gamers were astounded to see the level of freedom it offered. Rather than undergo hours’ worth of story missions to unlock the map, “Skyrim” allows players to do whatever they want. The world of Skyrim is more than just about free-roaming, as different character classes, locales, and side quests keep you busy. The backdrop has its own personality, thanks to the Viking aesthetic that dominates the landscape. “Skyrim” has gone down as a trailblazer in open-world circles, making the map a major factor in commanding consumer appeal. Whether through the modding community or because of endless replay value, the game has continued to have a lasting appeal over a decade later.

Those who thought they’d seen everything in the Kingdom of Hyrule were in for a pleasant surprise. “Tears of the Kingdom” goes beyond borders, taking fans to the highest and lowest areas of Hyrule – and it’s awesome either way. The differences in each area’s style and quality refresh the gaming experience, reducing the chance of repetition in the title’s long-lasting campaign. While there are several challenges, “Tears of the Kingdom” excels at delivering a relaxing, breezy world to get lost in. The ease of travel, familiarization with the world, and overall ambiance are marvelous. No matter how long you stick around Hyrule’s majestic environment, you’ll probably never have enough.

We’ve said it before, we’ll say it a thousand times: “The Witcher 3” is an immense success when it comes to crafting a video game world. The dark fantasy setting lends itself incredibly well to the damaged characters and horrific monsters. There’s a drive in Geralt to find his loved ones, but it’s weighed down by thankless duty and a war-ravaged landscape. Through him, the player wants to explore, piecing back together a broken kingdom.

Which open world do you return to all the time? Let us know in the comments.