13 Open-World Games Everyone Should Play at Least Once

What makes a game open-world? Is it a matter of scope? Does it have to have mountains of side content for you to explore? Genres have always been arbitrary but “open world” has been a more contentious one. For the sake of this article, I believe an open world has to have two things: A large amount of content that doesn’t pertain to the main objective and has to be walkable for the most part. With these criteria in mind, I have cultivated a list of some of the best open-world games the genre offers. Here are 13 open-world games that everyone should play at least once.

Shenmue 2

• Release Date — September 6, 2001
• Platforms — Dreamcast, Windows, Xbox, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4
• Publisher/Developer — Sega AM2
• Metacritic Score — 80

This title is an action brawler that was way ahead of its time. It employs quick-time events and various mini-games to keep players on their toes. Shenmue 2 isn’t a good game in the traditional sense. A lot of its allure comes from the novelty of Shenmue 2. No game is quite like it and those who don’t mind a more unique experience over a polished one will love this title.

Minecraft

• Release Date — November 18, 2011
• Platforms — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Xbox 360, Raspberry Pi, Windows Phone, PlayStation 3, Fire OS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Apple TV, tvOS, Nintendo Switch, New Nintendo 3DS, ChromeOS
• Publisher/Developer — Mojang Studios
• Metacritic Score — 82

Who doesn’t know Minecraft? It is one of the most successful games of this generation and will continue to be successful for the years to come. No list talking about open worlds is complete without Minecraft. In this title, you explore a procedurally generated virtually infinite world. It is truly something that can provide an endless amount of content.

Paradise Killer

• Release Date — September 4, 2020
• Platforms — PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher/Developer — Kaizen Game Works
• Metacritic Score — 81

Paradise Killer is a non-linear open-world mystery title that follows the eccentric Lady Love Dies tasked with uncovering a mass murder on Paradise Island. If freedom is your favorite aspect of open-world titles then you don’t want to miss out on Paradise Killer. Also it’s one of the more unique titles on this list especially when pertaining to the mystery genre. If you like vaporware, the occult, or first-person exploration, then this game is perfect for you.

Subnautica

• Release Date — January 23, 2018
• Platforms — macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher/Developer — Unknown Worlds Entertainment
• Metacritic Score — 87

Subnautica is a survival action-adventure game that takes place in an open-world underwater environment. While most of the game is set underwater there are two islands available for you to explore as well. This title is perfect for those who enjoy getting lost in a world’s ecosystems. Subnautica even has horror undertones for those who search them out. A truly special experience.

Death Stranding

• Release Date — November 8, 2019
• Platforms — PlayStation 4, Windows, PlayStation 5, macOS, iOS
• Publisher/Developer — Kojima Productions
• Metacritic Score — 82

Hideo Kojima is one of the most prolific game designers we have. Death Stranding is an artistic masterpiece that showcases Kojima’s skill set and unique approach to storytelling. To be frank, Kojima’s work is a bit out there and many people find it pretentious. However, you cannot deny that Death Stranding is unique and has something to say. If that matters to you, then it is definitely worth the time spent.

Fallout New Vegas

• Release Date — October 19, 2010
• Platforms — Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
• Publisher/Developer — Obsidian Entertainment
• Metacritic Score — 84

For fans of the role-playing, it simply does not get better than Fallout New Vegas. Immersion is an important part of a good open world. Fallout New Vegas‘ writing, world building, and gameplay was received well on release and has stood the test of time. If you’re looking for something a bit older with a lot of replayability then look no further than New Vegas.

Grand Theft Auto V

• Release Date — September 17, 2013
• Platforms — PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher/Developer — Rockstar North
• Metacritic Score — 97

While Minecraft is the most successful open-world title, many would argue that Grand Theft Auto V is a close second. Even though Grand Theft Auto VI is less than a year away, the player count for this title has only gone up. This title is full of many things to see and do making it perfect for those needing a game to sink hundreds of hours into. With a booming online presence as well as a rich single-player experience, there’s something for everyone when it comes to Grand Theft AutoV.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

• Release Date — March 3, 2017
• Platforms — Nintendo Switch, Wii U
• Publisher/Developer — Nintendo
• Metacritic Score — 97

This is my pick for the best open-world game of all time. It is full of rich environments and history to explore especially if you’re a fan of the franchise. The sequel title Tears of the Kingdom can arguably fill this slot as well but where that game focused more on its mechanics, this game focused more on freedom which is what open worlds are all about. Also, through emulation, you can experience this beautiful game at higher resolutions and a smooth 60 fps. To me, it just doesn’t get better than this.

The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt

• Release Date — May 19, 2015
• Platforms — PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher/Developer — CD Projekt Red
• Metacritic Score — 92

The Witcher 3 probably has the most consistent world on this list especially if you’re a fan of the previous titles or the books. If you’ve never played a Witcher title you can jump in with The Witcher 3 but it is a game that gets better with knowledge of the world. Immersion is a big draw of The Witcher 3. While it doesn’t have the best combat on this list, sometimes a good story and a well-thought-out world is all you need.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• Release Date — October 26, 2018
• Platforms — PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Stadia
• Publisher/Developer — Rockstar Games
• Metacritic Score — 97

Rockstar are the kings and queens of the open-world narrative game. Modern gamers look back on Red Dead Redemption 2 very fondly. The story and characters are the main draw of this title. Red Dead Redemption deserves all of the accolades and praise it receives and honestly, it might be a tad underrated still. If you play games at all you should experience this story at least once.

Dark Souls

• Release Date — October 4, 2011
• Platforms — Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows
• Publisher/Developer — From Software
• Metacritic Score — 85

Dark Souls is similar to Shenmue 2 and Death Stranding in the sense that it’s one of the more unique entries on this list. While its combat, story, and graphics are nowhere near the best on the list there is something it does better than the other entries on this list and that is navigation. The way the world of Dark Souls fits into itself is mindboggling. The best way to describe it is that it’s like a honeycomb that’s folded into itself. Unlocking shortcuts to previous areas grants this euphoric “A-HA” moment that has yet to be replicated.

Elden Ring

• Release Date — February 25, 2022
• Platforms — PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher/Developer — From Software
• Metacritic Score — 96

Elden Ring is similar to Dark Souls but doesn’t quite fulfill that same satisfying navigation. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t great sights to see. Pound for pound, Elden Ring is one of the best games to release this decade. What’s going to decide your enjoyment is whether or not you like Soulslike game design. Elden Ring is a great entry point for those unsure if they’ll like it but if you don’t this might be one of the most frustrating games ever. Also, Elden Ring debatably has the best combat out of the entries on this list.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth

• Release Date — February 29, 2024
• Platforms — PlayStation 5
• Publisher/Developer — Square Enix
• Metacritic Score — 92

If Elden Ring doesn’t have the best combat then Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth does. This title is an emotional experience, even if you don’t know much about the original title’s narrative. This game makes you fall in love with almost every character you interact with while also having a beautiful world for you to explore and experience. On top of that, this game is flooded with mini-games for you to do if you need a break from the main story. The high number of mini-games won’t be for everyone but those who enjoy many different gameplay styles in their games will love it.

Honorable Mentions

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Bethesda’s other open-world masterpiece.
• Borderlands 2: Best experienced with friends but can be enjoyed solo as well.
• Pokemon Scarlet / Violet: Technically, Pokemon has always been open world but Scarlet and Violet took it to a new level.
• Final Fantasy XIV: Perfect for fans of MMOs. Some fans of the genre consider this the best MMO on the market.
• Metroid Prime: Another phenomenal Nintendo open-world. It’s perfect for those looking for an immersive experience over everything else.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©CheatCC/Jazz Stewart.