Open-world games have redefined the gaming landscape, offering vast, immersive worlds teeming with adventure. In this blog we’re ranking 10 best open-world games of all time. From epic adventures to sprawling landscapes, these titles have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, setting new standards for exploration, storytelling, and player freedom. Join us on a journey through these masterpieces that continue to captivate gamers worldwide.
Ranking 10 Best Open World Games of All Time
1. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Released on November 11, 2011, by Bethesda, “The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim” is a landmark RPG action-adventure game. It’s playable on a wide range of platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S, and Switch, boasting a Metascore of 96.
Skyrim, while not having the largest map or the most polished gameplay compared to newer titles, offers a deep and popular open-world experience. It has an average completion time of 26 hours and still attracts thousands of players daily, even a decade after its release. This is a testament to its enduring appeal and comprehensive design.
2. Minecraft
Developed by Mojang and released on November 18, 2011, “Minecraft” is a sandbox survival game that’s become the best-selling game ever. It’s playable on a wide range of platforms: PS4, PS3, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Switch, 3DS, PC, Android, iOS, and Wii U, scoring a Metascore of 93.
Renowned as the top-selling game ever, it combines open-world exploration with a focus on building. The game’s simple mechanics foster immense creativity, much like playing with Lego. Players worldwide have embraced it, showcasing boundless imagination in constructing everything from simple homes to complex cities. Minecraft proves that with creativity, there are no limits to what can be built.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2
Developed by Rockstar Games, “Red Dead Redemption 2,” is a captivating action-adventure game. It landed on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia on October 26, 2018. With a Metascore of 97, it sets a high standard. It takes players on a journey before the events of the original game, diving into the life of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang.
Rockstar’s commitment to realism shines through in every aspect, from character movement to detailed game mechanics and a lifelike open world. Offering around 50 hours of immersive gameplay, RDR2 stands out as a narrative gem. It praised for its deep storytelling and engaging world.
4. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
An adventure game “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” enhances the world of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. Released on May 12, 2023, for the Switch by Nintendo, it has a Metascore of 96. In this sequel, players spend around 59 hours exploring a recovering Hyrule, alongside new areas like the Sky Islands and the Depths.
The Sky Islands offer beautiful views and interesting crafting opportunities, while the Depths add a mysterious layer to the game. Though Breath of the Wild set a high bar with its innovative world, Tears of the Kingdom builds upon it with more content and a richer experience, making it a standout title on its own.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Created by CD Projekt Red, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” is an epic RPG action-adventure game that debuted on May 19, 2015. Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC, it boasts a Metascore of 93. Set in a rich, absorbing world true to its lore, the game delivers a staggering 52 hours of gameplay.
It’s celebrated for its deep story, challenging boss fights, and exceptional side quests that set a new standard for RPGs. Despite its steep combat learning curve (tip: try “alternative movement”), “The Witcher 3” offers an unforgettable journey that’s recognized as a masterpiece in gaming.
6. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Developed by Nintendo EPD, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” is a groundbreaking action-adventure game. It the Wii U and Switch on March 3, 2017, with a Metascore of 97. It brought a fresh take to open-world games. The game offers a vast, freely explorable Hyrule where players decide their journey to defeat Calamity Ganon.
With no set paths, you place your markers and uncover the kingdom’s secrets at your pace. Even with 50 hours to beat the main story, the game invites endless exploration, making it stand out in the open-world genre, rivaled only by few like Elden Ring for its sense of adventure and discovery.
7. Grand Theft Auto 5
The game “Grand Theft Auto 5” by Rockstar North is a massive open-world action game that launched on September 17, 2013. It’s available on a wide range of platforms including PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC, boasting a Metascore of 97.
Set in the sprawling city of Los Santos, inspired by Los Angeles, this game offers endless activities and freedom, allowing players to explore and impact the world as they see fit. With a compelling story, memorable characters, and the ever-expanding GTA Online, it provides over 32 hours of gameplay. GTA 5 stands out as an extraordinary open-world experience.
8. Elden Ring
Crafted by the creators at From Software,”Elden Ring,” is a masterpiece RPG action game that launched on February 25, 2022. It’s playable on PS5, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and has scored a Metascore of 96. This game takes the essence of Dark Souls and unfolds it into a vast, open world called the Lands Between, full of secrets, daunting castles, and intense battles.
It demands about 58 hours to conquer, offering players a rich combat experience, tough bosses, deep stories, and many side quests that leave a lasting impression. Elden Ring is a grand adventure that keeps gamers glued to their screens, exploring and fighting in a beautifully crafted, challenging world.
9. Batman: Arkham City
Developed by Rocksteady Studios, “Batman: Arkham City,” is a thrilling action-adventure game that hit the scene on October 18, 2011. Available on PS3, PC, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, and Wii U, it boasts a Metascore of 96. In this game, Batman dives into the heart of Arkham City, a massive prison for Gotham’s most dangerous criminals, featuring a compact yet stunningly Gothic world that tells a story at every corner.
Though its streets are eerily quiet, this aspect enhances the game’s atmosphere, fitting the narrative well. With around 14 hours needed to beat it, players get a perfect mix of linear gameplay and side missions, capturing the essence of Batman comics and offering a compelling story that ranks among the best in Batman games.
10. Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag
A thrilling game “Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag” is all about pirates and adventures on the high seas, created by Ubisoft Montreal. It came out on October 29, 2013, and you can play it on various platforms including PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Wii U.
It’s an action-packed game where you explore a massive open world, and it’s especially known for its awesome pirate theme. Critics and gamers alike loved it, earning a Metascore of 88 and noted for its engaging 24-hour gameplay. It’s often regarded as one of the series’ high points, with fans eagerly hoping Ubisoft revisits its nautical themes.
Also Read: 25 Best RPG Games of All Time (Role Playing Games)
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