The top 25 best open-world games out right now, ranked

The amount of freedom offered by open-world games is hard to resist, and they do a fantastic job of scratching that exploration itch. The genre also lends itself well to long games chock-full of activities, and some immersive open-world titles can even be played indefinitely. These 25 are must-plays.

Our top 25 best open world games out right now

Below, we've listed what we believe are the 25 best open-world games you can play right now. They're ranked from those you should play first in position 1, to those you should play last in position 25. However, we recommend open-world game fans play every single entry on this list. There are no bad games here, just ones we think you should prioritize and those you can sit on for a while.

25. Forza Horizon 5

When open-world games are discussed, racing games are often neglected, yet they have a noteworthy presence in the genre. Forza Horizon 5 features curvy roads that wind through Mexico, exposing racers to picture-perfect scenery. It's a must-play title for all gearheads, and with a massive catalog of customizable cars available, it has the potential to provide endless hours of fun.

24. Genshin Impact

Although Genshin Impact is often pegged as just another gacha game, its awe-inspiring take on the open-world genre is impossible to ignore. I've been playing for years, and I still haven't fully explored the map, especially considering the constant wave of new updates. The stunning landscapes and distinct cultures offer something new, no matter where you go. Cooking regional dishes, learning about each area's traditions, and discovering hidden gems are just a few of the ways the world keeps drawing me back.

23. Cyberpunk 2077

Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 made an impressive comeback thanks to a series of much-needed updates and refinements. Now, Night City is widely praised for its vigorous atmosphere, where the world feels genuinely lived-in. The city tells countless stories through its gritty back alleys, glowing advertisements, and even in the fleeting chatter between NPCs. The neon lights from billboards and towering skyscrapers create a visual spectacle that's hard to look away from.

For those craving even more of that high-tech, high-stakes city life, the Phantom Liberty expansion pushes the experience further. It opens up new districts, deeper narratives, and more reasons to lose yourself in the chaotic beauty of Cyberpunk 2077.

22. Starfield

I wish I could place Starfield higher on the list, but unfortunately, some parts of it feel a bit hollow. Even so, it remains one of the best open-world games out there, delivering a truly immersive space experience. Joining different factions makes exploration more compelling, with side stories that carry just as much tension and excitement as the main campaign. Ever wanted to be a space pirate? Starfield lets you do just that, along with a host of other unique paths to explore.

21. Marvel's Spider-Man 2

While Marvel's Spider-Man 2 might not boast as many features as the games in the top 10, it still has more than enough to keep you hooked. Whether you're a New Yorker or a die-hard Marvel fan, the game is filled with familiar landmarks and comic-inspired storylines that make every corner of the city worth exploring. There are plenty of hidden Easter eggs to discover, like the Home Run trophy, where you can snag an achievement at the iconic baseball stadium.

You'll also lose track of time chasing collectibles and diving into some of the most engaging side missions. And let's not forget the pure joy of swinging through the city as Peter Parker or Miles Morales. Sometimes, I find myself just gliding through the streets without any particular destination, caught up in the fun of it all.

20. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

I adore the Assassin's Creed series, but the one game I keep coming back to out of all of them is Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. This pirate take on the franchise puts the core idea of the Assassins and Templars to the side for most of the story and simply focuses on making you a pirate.

Skull and Bones was brought to life based on how good the sailing and moment-to-moment gameplay in this title is. However, most fans would say Black Flag still has better sailing all these years later. The tangible open world that you can disembark and climb around comes to life while you play, and there really is nothing else like it out there.

19. No Man's Sky

Since its initial release in 2016, Hello Games has continued to support and update No Man's Sky with new features and mechanics that make it bigger and better than most of the games on this list. You could be a trader, a pirate, set up a city on an unknown world, establish a major trading hub for other players to visit, or build complex computers all within the game. The most basic element of gameplay is exploring a procedurally-generated universe at your own pace. A universe that still has me in awe almost a decade later.

One update introduced a new Expedition and a way to access old ones. Extended questlines encourage players to engage with nearly every system ever introduced, including those you might not know about. I've put hundreds of hours into No Man's Sky, and I never tire of it. There's definitely a learning curve to get started with, but once you're in, you'll never want to leave.

18. Subnautica

Subnautica is an open-world survival game with one of the best unique angles on this list. It's set on a planet almost entirely covered by an ocean. You'll crash onto this planet, build a base, gather food, and hunt for survivors. While the sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero, is much more story-focused, this game has the best world for surprisingly deep exploration and a satisfying gameplay loop. It's not a horror game, but it'll give you a few good jump scares too.

17. Dragon's Dogma 2

When I first indulged in the open world of Dragon's Dogma 2, I was completely lost. But that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. In fact, I loved the feeling of not knowing where to go, stumbling upon secrets that could lead to grand adventures. Even if it could get frustrating not knowing where to head next, your Pawn can help guide you to your destinations. It's a mechanic I constantly relied on, and it made having allies all the more beneficial.

Though fast travel features are available through wagons and port crystals, their use is quite restrictive. This means you'll mostly be on your feet the entire time. While it can be challenging and sometimes tedious not having more fast travel options, it makes the exploration feel more grounded and the journey more difficult, especially with the many enemies you'll encounter along the way.

16. Days Gone

Days Gone is one of the ultimate survival tests in an open-world setting. It might not be the most populated game world, set two years after a devastating global pandemic, but that desolate atmosphere is part of what makes it so gripping. The environment feels unforgiving, and every choice carries weight. You'll spend a lot of time looting for supplies and gathering materials essential for crafting and maintaining equipment. These resources are vital for enduring the diverse biomes and confronting the violent gangs and relentless Freakers you encounter.

What sets Days Gone apart is its focus on realism. It's one of the few open-world games where your vehicle needs fuel, turning your motorcycle into more than just a fast-travel tool. Running low on gas in the middle of nowhere adds tension and forces you to plan ahead, making each journey across the wilderness feel like a small survival story of its own.

15. Ghost of Tsushima

Anyone who loves Japan and Japanese culture absolutely has to play Ghost of Tsushima. It's far from your standard open-world game, with the location, Tsushima, brought to life with incredible attention to detail by developer Sucker Punch. In it, you'll experience a tale of loss, betrayal, and revenge as a samurai living through the area's Mongol invasion. It's a classic samurai story based on real-world events. It's heartfelt, has a beautifully stunning world, and deep gameplay systems to keep you enthralled all the way through.

14. Death Stranding

Kojima Productions' Death Stranding is a polarizing game. Players must deliver packages across a vast open world while creating routes they and others can use. The story is complex but well worth your time if you've got the hours to spare for the cutscenes. This game isn't for everyone. To some, it's a big walking simulator, while to others, it's a profound experience. With Death Stranding 2 on the way in 2025, I've seen people replay this game and discover how good it is when given a chance. Don't miss out.

13. Hogwarts Legacy

Every Harry Potter fan has likely imagined what it would be like to wander the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, and with Hogwarts Legacy, that long-held dream finally takes shape. Stepping into the shoes of a fifth-year student, you're not just attending classes; you're living the fantasy. You can stroll through the castle corridors, soar above the treetops on a broomstick, or take a more daring route by riding a magical creature through the wilderness.

Beyond the school grounds, Hogsmeade welcomes you with its cozy charm and hidden surprises, though you might want to think twice before venturing into the mysterious shop tucked away in town—it's home to one of the most spine-chilling quests I've encountered. The map stretches even farther, reaching into places that were once only hinted at in the books and films, now fully realized in vivid detail.

12. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Like Dragon's Dogma 2, I was utterly lost at first in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, trying to make sense of its intricate paths and richly detailed medieval world. What began as a rough, uncertain start quickly turned into one of my most cherished open-world experiences of 2025. The game overflows with activities, including testing your strength in fighting arenas, playing dice, or forging your own weapons as a blacksmith.

Just when it feels like you've uncovered everything, the second map, Kuttenberg, unlocks with a whole new layer of exploration. New settlements, hidden trails, and unexpected quests add fresh momentum to the journey. With two expansive maps, the game delivers long after you think you've seen it all.

11. Shadow of the Colossus (Original, Remaster & Remake)

Although Shadow of the Colossus certainly packs both good gameplay and a surprisingly emotional story, its unique place in gaming is, to some degree, a product of the atmosphere created by the open-world design. Wander ventures through a hauntingly empty world, though it is not a void. Crumbling architecture and hidden ruins tell ancient stories without words. Nothing is ever fully explained, and the world remains a mysterious realm filled with structures and forces far beyond Wander's comprehension.

This phenomenal game has both a remastered version and a remake for players to lose themselves in. While you might not have the time to play through all three, you really only need to experience this story and world once to appreciate it. I'd recommend the remake, the most recent version to release, because it boasts a beautiful world, solid controls, and it's just easier to get a hold of.

10. Fallout 4

For a while, I had gone on a hiatus from gaming and decided to rope myself back in with Fallout 4. Its magnificent open world made me remember why I love gaming worlds in the first place, where there are almost endless possibilities. I got caught up in so many side quests and collectible-finding adventures that I would forget about the main story altogether.

You'll find a plethora of settlements, and you can even build up one yourself to make a dystopian empire. The characters you meet also make the journey more fulfilling, and you may find a partner for life with Fallout 4's romance features.

9. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

While Yakuza 0 is typically the most highly praised in the series, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is the underrated gem that deserves a lot more attention. It's one of the best open-world games I've played, period, with its abundance of activities and strong ties to real-life Japan. Sure, the map may not be as large as others on this list, but it's memorable enough that I always know exactly where to go without needing directions.

The side storylines have a lot of variety, from training Kiryu at the gym to managing a baseball team and befriending NPCs at the bar. And that's only the beginning, as there are many more things to dive into that keep the world feeling alive and interesting. Yakuza 6 also introduced the Dragon Engine system, making everything in the world feel more lifelike and responsive. You don't just revisit the beloved Kamurocho—you also get to explore Onomichi, a new location that brings even more content to the experience.

8. Grand Theft Auto 5

GTA 5 presents a massive urban map for players to raise hell in, and it manages to go a step further than its predecessors by featuring three protagonists that players can switch between on the fly. The storylines of the trio intertwine satisfyingly, and their antics provide hours of high-stakes action. As one of the bestselling games of all time, GTA 5 has cemented its place in gaming history, and despite its age, it still manages to compete favorably against recent open-world titles.

7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt, released in 2015, proved to the world that CD Projekt Red can box with the best in the open-world genre. It follows Geralt on his quest to rescue Ciri. Along the way, players get to explore an enormous world filled with quests that seldom feel like busy work. A late 2022 re-release of the game on current-gen systems has polished the game even further, giving fans a reason to jump back into Andrzej Sapkowski's fantasy world.

6. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim made its first appearance on the now-iconic date of 11 November 2011, and it has remained a permanent fixture in gaming culture, with re-releases on the Nintendo Switch and current-gen consoles ensuring that it can be played almost anywhere. Skyrim has yet to overstay its welcome due to the active modding community that has developed around it. With the right mods, it feels like an entirely different game.

5. Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West doesn't reinvent the wheel in terms of open-world gameplay, and there are plenty of other games that follow a somewhat similar structure. What sets it apart from its competitors is its beauty. It manages to artfully blend sci-fi robots with primitive tribes and wild jungles, and the result is an admirably unique aesthetic. Best of all, this is presented to players with graphics that make the game one of the most gorgeous of all time.

The game's DLC, Burning Shores, extends the story even further and, in my opinion, is the best conclusion to an open-world game on PS5. The region adds new mechanics and dozens of hours of content to get stuck into. The best part is how it looks forward to the third game in the series.

4. Elden Ring

FromSoftware's critically acclaimed Elden Ring blends the studio's notoriously difficult combat with an open world dripping with enchanting fantasy elements courtesy of A Song of Ice and Fire's George R.R. Martin. The game's greatest contribution to the genre comes from its willingness to turn its back on popular modern conventions that emphasize easy-to-understand user experiences propped up by detailed HUDs. In comparison, Elden Ring adopts a minimalist approach, allowing players to get lost and carve out a unique adventure.

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds a region the size of the base game's starting area and an obscene number of new weapons and bosses to master. It's also packed with lore for those who like to overanalyze FromSoftware titles to dig into. Out of every game on this list, Elden Ring is certainly the one that could suck up the most hours of your life.

3. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear 5: The Phantom Pain continues to innovate the franchise's stealth gameplay, though it is applied to an open-world environment. As usual, players find themselves on solo missions that involve infiltrating enemy bases. However, the sprawling open world allows for an almost infinite number of ways to complete objectives. Snake also has a plethora of weapons, including cardboard boxes and water guns, to use ingeniously.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Like other highly critically acclaimed titles in the genre, Breath of the Wild features a beautiful, intricate world. The sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, continues to build on Breath of the Wild's successful foundation. Even though it shares much of the same landscape as Breath of the Wild, this sequel introduces so much more, with the soaring Sky Islands and the haunting Depths below.

Perhaps most notably, Link can now fuse items. This has opened a new realm of creativity, as players can now craft new weapons and build structures that allow them to interact with the world in new ways. When it comes to emergent gameplay that rewards imagination, Tears of the Kingdom has set a new bar.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 follows the Van Der Linde gang as its members attempt to cope with the growing wave of industrialization and societal changes that spell the end for their outlaw days. Players take the role of Arthur Morgan, and the world presented is one teeming with things to do.

Though the game is primarily an American Western, it has strong naturalist themes, and players can put the guns away and just enjoy the untamed acres. When it comes to intricate open-world design, Red Dead Redemption 2 sits at the top, providing an unparalleled example of just how immersive open-world games can get.

Of course, open-world games do have their downsides. They tend to be buggy, and poor game design can result in titles that are filled with repetitive tasks and other forms of tiresome bloat. Nevertheless, when the developers get it right, as is the case with the above titles, they provide some of the best gaming experiences available.

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