Over the past 20 years, the gaming industry has evolved from a large niche to a separate space that drives not only the entertainment industry but also technological progress. Full freedom of action, an interesting storyline, unexpected twists and turns, and of course the satisfaction of defeating a difficult boss – all these are modern open-world games.
Titles that allow you to spend hundreds of hours just enjoying the world around you have a special place in the industry, and although the open-world games niche has been ‘oversaturated’ over the past few years, every gamer has access to really high-quality projects.
Considering the fact that open-world games are a personal passion of mine, as they hold a special place in my gaming library, I thought it would be great to create a top list of the best open-world games for those who are looking for something to play right now.
If you have 60-300 hours to spare, the first thing you do in an open world is explore it and only then complete the main quest, and you have Skyrim on every possible platform, take a look at the projects that can pleasantly surprise you:
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is not just a game, it is a masterpiece that exceeds expectations. Long before its release, it had already become a myth, a legend among gamers. Developed specifically for the PlayStation 4, it quickly became a standout among open-world games, going beyond the usual standards and revolutionising the gaming industry, thus securing its place in the top of the best open-world games.
The protagonist, the samurai Jin Sakai, takes us on a fascinating journey to medieval Japan, where every corner is filled with the spirit of courage, devotion and greatness. Players will discover a fascinating world filled with riddles and secrets waiting to be revealed.
The main feature of the game is its unique combat system, which allows players to feel like real samurai, sword masters and masters of battle. Every blow, every movement is the embodiment of skill, and every victory is a triumph of strength and will.
The project’s graphics are a separate topic because they are incredible. Each landscape, each design element breathes life and explodes with colour, creating a unique atmospheric world that fascinates and attracts. If you’re looking for a thrilling experience with exceptional visuals, Crusino Casino login could offer a similar level of immersive graphics in its slots and games.
Ghost of Tsushima is an unforgettable adventure that leaves a mark in the hearts of players and inspires them to new journeys. If you are a fan of Japan and would like to enjoy the atmosphere of the Samurai era more, this project can offer you that. And if you’re in the mood for even more excitement, consider exploring the Crusino Casino for a dynamic experience that could rival the stunning environments of the game.
Hogwarts Legacy
Rumours about the development of a game in the world of Harry Potter have been circulating for many years, but with each subsequent chance of their truthfulness, these rumours became less and less likely. And now, in 2023, Hogwarts Legacy finally became available to all fans of the franchise and almost immediately became the most popular game on Steam.
Based on the Harry Potter universe, the game opens the door to the iconic wizarding school Hogwarts. Here you will be able to feel the atmosphere of magic, explore every corner, solve many puzzles and learn more about what it is like to be a student of the school of magic.
Hogwarts Legacy is available on all leading platforms – from PC to Nintendo Switch. Anyone can create their own character, travel through the school’s floors, make new friends, and even try their hand at broomstick racing
The game received a critical acclaim score of 85 points, which indicates its high quality and addictive gameplay. The game takes from 26 to 68 hours to complete, which means that you have a huge world that invites you to a long and exciting journey.
Hogwarts Legacy is more than a game. It is an opportunity to become a part of a magical world where there are no limits for you. Thanks to the well-designed world and interesting story, this project has every right to be considered one of the best open-world titles in history.
Grand Theft Auto V
Welcome to the exciting world of Grand Theft Auto V, one of the most epic games in the universe of the legendary Rockstar franchise! This masterpiece was released on 17 September 2013 and continues to win the hearts of gamers across multiple platforms.
Grand Theft Auto V offers a fascinating main campaign with three main characters, which unfolds through a series of tasks and events. However, you don’t have to follow the story, because the real treasure of this game is the huge open world of Los Santos, which beckons you to explore and adventure. Whether you plan to explore every corner or just want to have the biggest police chase in history, this game will definitely give you that opportunity
With an endless list of side quests and activities, players can feel like real residents of Los Santos. From racing on the streets of the city to a real escape from the police, from business projects to street fights, everyone will find something to their liking.
But that’s not all – GTA Online opens up even wider horizons, allowing players to team up with others and take over Los Santos online. From endless open spaces with exquisite cars and extreme adventures, from unpredictable challenges to large-scale criminal operations, the possibilities are truly endless in GTA Online.
Immerse yourself in this incredible world where every action has consequences and every decision determines your fate. Grand Theft Auto V is not just a game, it’s a life that pulsates with its own rhythm, waiting for your contribution to this story.
Final Fantasy XV: Complete Edition
The famous JRPG from Square Enix can bring you a lot of fun and emotions. The game became available to gamers on 6 August 2018 and is recognised as one of the most successful releases of Square Enix.
The title is available on three major platforms, so each of you can enjoy this unique masterpiece. The game received a critics’ score of 85 points, which indicates its high quality and exciting gameplay.
In Final Fantasy XV: Complete Edition will take you on an exciting adventure with Prince Noctis and his companions. Together, you’ll embark on a journey through a unique fantasy world where exciting plot twists and epic battles await. The game offers a huge open world to explore, filled with mysteries, monsters and incredible locations.
The story offered to you is an impressive example of plot depth and charismatic characters. This adventure will certainly captivate you with both its emotional component and unexpected twists and turns. If you have been looking for a truly high-quality product with a series that has a history and a large fan base, Final Fantasy XV: Complete Edition is definitely worth buying.
Cyberpunk 2077
Although the game was criticised at release due to technical flaws, today Cyberpunk 2077 is a story about the majesty and dangers of a city that brings together a variety of characters and each of them has a story to tell.
Immerse yourself in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, where every corner of the city is full of secrets and danger. You’ll embark on an epic journey that will last from 25 to 104 hours, depending on your playstyle.
Create your own character, make a choice on whose side you are and live a story where there is no room for regrets and doubts. Always keep your hand on the trigger, because Knight City does not forgive weakness.
Don’t miss the Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 update, which will significantly improve your gaming experience, as well as the Phantom Liberty expansion pack, which will reveal new stories in this fascinating world that has made this game one of the top open-world options.
Elden Ring
The game that has already become a legend, Elden Ring, from the equally legendary studio, which was released on 25 February 2022, has become a benchmark among role-playing action games. The project is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, allowing all fans of Souls games to enjoy its unique world.
The game world, divided into five regions, will surprise you with its scale and variety of content. The game takes from 59 to 133 hours to complete, but even after completing the main story, you will be impressed by the endless possibilities for exploration.
Elden Ring gracefully combines the classic Dark Souls formula with a huge open world that attracts players with its mystery and secrets. This game has set new quality standards in the genre, becoming one of the best of its kind.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain offers a unique approach to the open world and gameplay. Released in September 2015, the game impressed players with its freedom of action and unpredictability.
While the lack of a deep storyline may seem like a drawback, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain makes up for it with its huge, intriguing map. Players have the opportunity to explore different areas, find secret locations, and complete different missions, which makes each gameplay unique.
The main focus of the game is on stealth and tactics. Players will have to use different approaches to each situation, which gives the game depth and variety.
Another big advantage of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is its technical implementation. The game runs smoothly on different platforms and pleases with impressive graphics and animation.
All of these factors make Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain a great choice for any fan of open-world games.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2, released in October 2018, is deservedly recognised by critics and gamers as a masterpiece from Rockstar. The game, which received a score of 97 points, incorporates an unrivalled storyline campaign and a lively open world.
The story centres on Arthur Morgan, a veteran outlaw who joins the van der Linde gang. His emotional journey in the western is intertwined with numerous tasks and challenges that reveal the depth of the character.
However, the real highlight of the game lies in its open world, which instantly absorbs the player. The vast territory, which varies from mountain ranges to desert, offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
The total time to complete the game can reach from 50 to 182 hours, depending on how deeply the player wants to delve into the story and open world.
Thanks to its unrivalled atmosphere, fascinating characters and detailed world, Red Dead Redemption 2 has become known as one of the best open-world games in the history of gaming.
Fallout 4 – Game of the Year Edition
Fallout 4 – Game of the Year Edition was released on 10 November 2015 and has remained one of the most popular open-world games since then. Although some critics have expressed complaints about the game, they have also recognised that Fallout 4 has its advantages.
The exploration of the post-apocalyptic world continues to fascinate players, making them want to explore every corner. Managing your own settlements in the game is one of the interesting innovations that offers many hours of exciting gameplay.
Fallout 4 combines research, construction, and many other elements, making it one of the largest games in the genre. The time spent on its completion can vary from 33 to 212 hours.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Have you bought Skyrim yet? If not, Todd Howard is coming to you.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is not just a game, it’s an epic journey that has been winning the hearts of players since its release in 2011. Created by Bethesda Game Studios, this masterfully realised RPG is recognised by the gaming world as a benchmark for flexibility and diversity to aspire to.
The game offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the magical world of Skyrim, where every corner is filled with adventures and mysteries. Any player will be able to find something interesting for themselves, ranging from majestic epic quests to small details that will become part of their own unique story in Skyrim.
Rated at 96 points, the game has unlimited potential, requiring players to take the time and desire to immerse themselves in the journey again and again. You are free to decide your own fate in this unique world, where each of your choices has its own consequences and affects the further development of events.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom impresses with its extraordinary depth and opportunities for players. Long before the release day, during the announcement of the game, fans of the series were excited about the new opportunities they would get in the world of Hyrule.
The main aspect of this game is the ability to explore amazing locations and solve fascinating puzzles. This allows players to immerse themselves in a unique world and feel like real heroes.
In addition, Tears of the Kingdom has many new mechanics that make the game more dynamic and exciting. For example, the ability to combine different items to create powerful weapons or vehicles. This allows players to feel like creators of their own path in the world of The Legend of Zelda.
The game received a high score of 96 points from reviewers and fans, which is evidence of its huge success and recognition in the gaming community. Thanks to this, Tears of the Kingdom will undoubtedly take its place among the top open-world games.