12 open world games that you shouldn’t pass on
Love getting lost in a game world? Us too. There’s nothing quite like setting off in one direction, only to get totally distracted by a hidden cave, a side quest or a weird character you just have to follow. That’s the magic of open world games: they give you the freedom to explore, the thrill of discovery, and often, hundreds of hours of stuff to do. We’ve picked 12 of our favorite open world games you can play right now – some old, some new, all excellent.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
This is still the gold standard when it comes to open world immersion. Rockstar’s wild west epic drops you into the dusty boots of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw with a heart (sometimes). You can follow the gripping main story, sure, but it’s the random moments that make this shine: a stranger in trouble, a chance encounter with a fellow gang member, or a detour to go fishing. Few open worlds feel this alive.
2. Elden Ring
Fancy your open worlds a bit more brutal? FromSoftware’s Elden Ring combines its signature punishing combat with a vast, mysterious world full of secrets. It doesn’t hold your hand – you’ll die a lot – but if you stick with it, exploring The Lands Between is endlessly rewarding. Every hilltop hides a surprise, every dungeon has something nasty lurking. Terrifying, beautiful and brilliant.
3. Cyberpunk 2077
It might have had a rough launch, but Cyberpunk 2077 has become something really special. Night City is a neon-drenched, chaotic sprawl packed with stories to uncover and implants to install. Playing as V, you’ll navigate a wild future filled with crime, tech and Keanu Reeves. It’s stylish, deep, and with the Phantom Liberty expansion, even better.
4. Dragon’s Dogma 2
There’s a lot of fantasy RPGs out there, but Dragon’s Dogma 2 does things its own way. Its world is unpredictable in the best way, and your AI-controlled party of “Pawns” are full of surprises. One minute you’re battling a cyclops, the next you’re riding a griffin across the map. It’s not the most user-friendly game, but that roughness is part of the charm.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Yes, it’s a few years old now, but The Witcher 3 is still one of the best RPGs ever made. As Geralt of Rivia, you’ll battle monsters, get tangled in politics, and maybe even fall in love. The main story is excellent, the side quests are even better, and the world is absolutely huge. Also: play Gwent. Trust us.
6. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
You don’t need to be a fan of the films to enjoy this. Frontiers of Pandora is a classic Ubisoft-style open world packed with outposts, missions and gear to find – but with the added bonus of being a giant blue alien. It looks stunning, and riding a banshee through the skies is a real wow moment.
7. LEGO City Undercover
Yes, really. Don’t sleep on this one. Often described as “GTA for kids”, LEGO City Undercover is a surprisingly big, genuinely funny open world game that’s a joy to explore. You play as Chase McCain, a cop on a mission to take down a crime lord, but mostly you’ll be messing around collecting bricks, doing stunts and just having fun.
8. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Prefer your open worlds gritty and grounded? Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 ditches dragons for realism, dropping you into medieval Bohemia. You play as Henry, a blacksmith-turned-soldier, trying to survive and navigate politics, war and revenge. It’s immersive and detailed, though be warned – it doesn’t pull any punches.
9. Hogwarts Legacy
Even if you’re not a massive Harry Potter fan, Hogwarts Legacy is worth playing. Roaming the halls of Hogwarts, flying a broom over the countryside, and flinging spells in duels feels fantastic. There’s loads to explore, and the world is crammed with secrets and side quests. Basically, it nails the wizard fantasy.
10. Grand Theft Auto V
It might be getting on a bit now, but GTA V still holds up. Los Santos is a playground of chaos, with three main characters and a million distractions. You can steal cars, run heists, play golf, or just go for a walk. Add in the ever-evolving online mode, and it’s easy to lose hundreds of hours here.
11. Dying Light 2
If your idea of fun is running across rooftops while being chased by zombies, Dying Light 2 is the game for you. This post-apocalyptic city is full of danger, especially at night, but its parkour system is brilliant. There’s a solid story, meaningful choices, and lots of creative ways to take out enemies. Or run away screaming. That works too.
12. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
We couldn’t leave this off. Skyrim might be old enough to legally drink by now, but it’s still one of the best fantasy worlds in gaming. Dragons, dungeons, shouting people off cliffs – it’s a classic for a reason. The modding scene keeps it fresh too, if you fancy turning it into something completely different.
