5 Open-World Game Sequels Releasing in 2026

Happy New Year! 2026 is shaping up to be a great year for open-world games. Expect to explore incredible new worlds every month, or revisit familiar places with a fresh twist. While there will be plenty of brand new games, 2026 will also bring several highly anticipated sequels in the open-world genre.

Everyone is eagerly awaiting Grand Theft Auto 6, especially if Rockstar Games releases it in November 2026 as planned. But it’s not the only exciting open-world game coming soon! Forza Horizon 6, Crimson Desert, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, and Subnautica 2 are also on the way. While those games are already well-known, there are a few other 2026 open-world sequels that deserve some attention, and we’re going to highlight them now.

I’ve mainly concentrated on lesser-known open-world games. However, I’ve also included one very popular game from a series that doesn’t usually feature open worlds – though technically, it isn’t one. I’ll be sure to point out that it’s an exception to my focus.

Exception: Nioh 3

Team Ninja Is Introducing Open-Field Design For Its New Action RPG

Let’s address the biggest release upfront: Nioh 3 is a major title coming in early 2026, especially for fans of challenging action RPGs with tons of weapons and complex gameplay. As a huge fan of Nioh 2, one of my all-time favorite games, I’m incredibly excited for this sequel.

While not a traditional open-world game, Nioh 3 will be significantly more expansive than previous installments, featuring larger, more open areas the developers are calling “open-fields.” This design allows players more freedom and multiple paths through most levels – something the earlier games lacked. Though you won’t have complete freedom to roam everywhere, the game will clearly indicate which areas are off-limits. In addition to these larger areas, Nioh 3 adds a jump button, letting players explore vertically. Despite offering side quests and optional content, the core of Nioh 3 remains its challenging, combat-focused RPG gameplay set in a dangerous world full of deadly enemies.

This change might seem a little scary, but Nioh has always let players customize their fighting style and choose how they approach combat. Now, with more open areas to explore, that freedom could extend beyond just battles.

Streets of Rogue 2

2026’s Most Exciting Upcoming 2D Open-World Game

While often associated with 3D environments, the open-world style of gameplay can also be found in excellent 2D games. Streets of Rogue offered sandbox levels that changed with each playthrough, acting like small, connected areas. The upcoming sequel, Streets of Rogue 2, will expand on this with a truly open-world design, while still keeping the random generation that made the first game unique. Like the original, Streets of Rogue 2 will be inspired by the top-down perspective and chaotic gameplay of GTA 1 and 2, encouraging players to create their own mayhem in a sprawling, ever-changing world.

The Steam page for the game boldly states, “Anything is possible,” and while that often feels like an exaggeration, it really fits Streets of Rogue. The original game was incredibly flexible, and Streets of Rogue 2 aims to take that even further, letting you truly define your own journey. By combining the challenge of roguelike gameplay with the depth of RPG character classes, Streets of Rogue 2 promises to let you forge your own path to becoming powerful.

Outward 2

Become An Adventurer And Try To Survive A Beautiful Fantasy World

While not a perfect open-world game, Outward has gained a dedicated following who feel a sequel could be exceptional. I agree, even though I often found the first game challenging and tested my patience. There are many survival open-world games, but Outward 2 is different because it’s fundamentally a fantasy RPG focused on exploration and adventure, rather than just surviving. The game begins with you leaving the safety of your home town to explore a beautiful, yet dangerous, world.

Getting ready for what’s ahead means thinking about all the difficulties you might face – things like being hungry, tired, or dealing with bad weather. It’s not just about your gear and weapons; you also need to plan for essentials like food, shelter, and carrying everything you need. Remember, you’re a determined and brave person, but still human – not invincible. You’re facing these dangers with courage and willpower.

Overall, Outward 2 appears to follow the same design and ideas as the original, and that’s a good thing. It also looks like they’ve made the fighting better, which was a point of contention in the first game.

Mortal Shell 2

A Soulslike Sequel Goes Full Open-World In 2026

Mortal Shell was a solid indie take on the Soulslike genre, despite some rough edges. It looked good, played well, and had a unique approach to character classes and armor. I’d mainly suggest it to dedicated Soulslike fans who want to try a different experience. However, Mortal Shell 2 appears to be a much bigger game, with a more expansive and connected open world.

The first game had elements of the Metroidvania style, but its story was concise and straightforward, which worked well. While not every game needs a huge open world, a sequel to Mortal Shell could benefit from one. You play as the Harbinger, journeying through a ruined land of dungeons, graveyards, forests, and the wrath of ancient gods. You’ll inhabit the bodies of defeated warriors, learning their fighting styles as you go. Expect to explore, uncover secrets, die often, and try again – it’s the classic Soulslike experience.

Breathedge 2

Survive Among The Stars And On Alien Planets

Breathedge 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the sci-fi survival game, Breathedge, and it promises to be even more expansive and humorous. Players will pilot a spaceship and explore planets with unique environments. As a first-person survival game, Breathedge 2 features core gameplay elements like gathering resources, building items, and, crucially, managing your ship’s crew.

Breathedge 2 sounds promising, building on the good work of the first game and offering potential for a more complete experience. While its quirky, funny style won’t appeal to all players, it’s refreshing to play a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

2026-01-05 15:46