Modern games are full of open world adventures. It feels like every major release goes down this path, whether the game needs it or not.The latest example is: Final Fantasy VII: RebirthThis is the latest entry. Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. The original games weren’t open world, but in 2024 it feels like everything should be.
The freedom to explore large areas, approach objectives in different ways, and encounter interesting distractions is always a great format for video games, but some formats are better than others. To celebrate this formula and analyze the best, let’s take a look at the best open-world games of all time.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
in spite of red dead redemption 2 Although it’s a few years old, it undoubtedly surpasses other open-world games in terms of scope and consistent quality. The handcrafted world is still jam-packed with things to do, allowing players to live out their outlaw fantasy for dozens of hours before finishing the main campaign. The game’s scale seems only balanced by its production value, with excellent voice acting, music, graphics, top-notch gameplay, and a story that can’t even be compared to most Hollywood movies. Fans of open world games owe it to themselves to give this game a try.
2. Grand Theft Auto V
It seems like only a rock star can surpass a rock star. red dead redemption 2 It may be the best in its class, but that’s mainly because of its successes: Grand Theft Auto V Build from. The game melds multiple stories into a larger tapestry, with a dash of social commentary mixed in to keep it fun and spicy, which is unique to Rockstar. GTA V But it was as much a technical achievement as it was a storytelling masterclass, offering players a well-crafted and balanced experience that easily surpassed everything in its predecessor.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
skyrim had to wear big shoes oblivion and fallout 3 These open-world games surprised players with their breadth. The vast choice and freedom these games offer has created a new level of anticipation among Bethesda’s fans, but skyrim In that respect, we succeeded in breaking through the ceiling yet again.
skyrim Since then, it has become a well-known name, elder scrolls It’s all about the brand, and for good reason. While others have surpassed it in most areas, especially combat, it still retains a kind of timeless appeal. Rich storytelling filled with mystery, lore, and intrigue remains unparalleled in open-world gaming, before or since. The modding community continues to bring modding to life today.
4. Minecraft
Many open-world games have flaunted open-endedness and minimal storytelling, but none have combined it with such a great encouragement of creativity. Mine Craft. Currently one of his best-selling games of all time, Mine Craft It still reigns supreme in the craft and architecture genre, which has endless possibilities. Coincidentally, this game plays like a great open world full of endless exploration.
A lot has changed since the game’s release, but the perfect balance between depth and simplicity remains. Mine Craft Looks like you can attack. Not playing this game is simply depriving yourself of the almost childlike sense of wonder that few games have ever been able to evoke.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Kingdom of Tears
legend of zelda Since its inception, it has taken various forms. tears of the kingdom It can be considered the best permutation ever.Unparalleled freedom, addictive craft, and timeless zelda The storytelling here creates one of the best open-world games of all time, and in turn one of the best Zelda games. Creating wild contraptions and cooking delicious dishes may be a game in itself, but they’re just part of this epic adventure.
6.Batman Arkham City
of batman arkham Each open world game has its strengths, but arkham citythe second game in the main trilogy, has the best combination of: arkham element. The fluid combat of the first game returns, but the vast open Gotham is packed with crimes to solve, bosses to overcome, and of course, hundreds of thugs. Batman’s tools also add a lot to the experience. The grappling hook can launch the Dark Knight from most ledges, and the cap can be used to glide long distances, keeping the hero airborne for long periods of time if needed.
7. Horizon Forbidden West
Everything Guerrilla Games has right horizon zero dawn A further leap forward with the sequel, forbidden west. Aloy’s character has been further fleshed out, combat feels more dynamic, and the amount of machines you fight has increased to a noticeable level. forbidden west And just like exploration, it takes wild sci-fi stories to the next level. Unlike many open-world games, even the most conventional side missions can lead to unexpected things, with optional boss fights, additional exploration, and unique mechanics popping up throughout.
8. Ghost of Tsushima
ghost of tsushima It accomplishes a lot, but first and foremost it blossoms into a great open-world game full of beauty and mystery. Hitoshi Sakai’s story of conflict and resolution serves as a backdrop for players to deviate freely, upgrade their weapons, rescue hostages, and liberate the camp from Mongol invaders. We recommend playing this game on PS5 instead of PS4 due to improved performance, but be sure to play it no matter how you choose to play it.
9. Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas I felt like the black sheep of fall out At first it was family-friendly at first, as it feels and looks a little different than its predecessor in many ways, but as time went on, more and more players came to appreciate it. new vegas As a classic open world title as ever. Its multidimensional characters and engaging story surpass most of its contemporaries. The faction system adds depth to role-playing for fans. fall out for.
10. Sleeping Dogs
to call sleeping dog “grand theft auto In Hong Kong is not InaccurateBut that’s like calling Michael Jordan a bad baseball player, ignoring the more noteworthy features of the topic at hand.
Multiple choices that influence the story, a sophisticated driving system, and Weishen’s delicate balance between his mission as an undercover cop and his growing relationships with the crime-ridden Hong Kong underground. The action continues to be a fascinating story to watch unfold. Plus some interesting combat and a detailed open world. sleeping dog A great example of an open world game.
11. Saints Row: The Third
largely saints row Fans agree. number 3 Always at the top of the franchise. The serious tone of the first two entries feels lighter here, but not so much that it becomes a barrel of nonsense in the fourth entry. It’s perfectly balanced. saints row Humor and semi-realistic criminal activities made this series an excellent alternative to movies. grand theft auto forever. The variety of insane weapons and outlandish missions only scratch the surface of this classic title, so we encourage you to give it a try.
12. Far Cry 6
far cryThe various forms of have their own strengths, and we believe that any form may be more applicable to some players than others. far cry It works best in settings south of the equator, with more outlandish weapon and character sets. Visually, the game looks amazing and has a lot of variety. Are enemies and allies AI? top notch. Improved weapon types now make at least some loadouts work for everyone. Giancarlo Esposito also plays one of the most powerful antagonists in series history.
13. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
easily the best spiderman Previous games, Marvel and Insomniac spiderman 2 We will give you a knockout package. Despite the additional real estate, the open world of this sequel is bigger and better than its predecessor, with excellent modern graphics polished to a high gloss, but with smooth combat and a diverse open world. The gameplay elements become the real star of the show. Yet another thrilling Marvel-style story takes players through. marvel’s spiderman 2 It will be a new touchstone for open world games.
14. Mafia 3
of mafia Although the game still doesn’t outperform its contemporaries in most areas, mafia 3‘s open world continues to be a great example of the genre done right. The 1960s New Orleans setting is a big differentiator. mafia 3 Also from other games of the same genre or previous games mafia The game itself took place several decades ago.
Having its own era gives the game a lot of room to inject social commentary and set decorations that better reflect the era. The story not only encapsulates the social and cultural climate of the time, but also addresses social divisions that continue to this day, making it one of the most underrated stories in the genre. Masu. Openness extends from the world design to the way players complete missions, with most buildings having multiple entry points and making it feel like multiple playstyles are supported. Although it has stumbled in some departments, overall, mafia 3 It’s still a great open world game.