Since 2015, players who enjoy open-world games have had plenty of great options, largely due to the capabilities of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. More and more developers are attempting to create games in this style each year, though the results vary – some are packed with engaging content, while others fall short.
It’s great that developers are constantly trying new things, even if not every idea succeeds. To celebrate ten years of innovation in open-world gaming, here are some of the most popular and highly-rated titles. They range from immersive fantasy role-playing games to action-packed sci-fi shooters – all worth checking out!
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Climb, Cook, And Fly Like This Link Guy
It might sound cliché, but *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* truly amazed players when it was released with the Switch in 2017. The game offered significant advancements for both the *Zelda* series and open-world games in general, including features like gliding and the ability to climb almost any surface.
As a huge Nintendo fan, it’s clear they really studied what made other games great and then took those ideas to the next level. And while *Tears of the Kingdom* is fantastic too, *Breath of the Wild* is the one that truly changed everything – it really kicked off a whole new way of thinking about open-world games, in my opinion.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware Continues To Challenge Players
The 2009 release of *Demon’s Souls* by FromSoftware was a turning point for video games, and for the next ten years, the studio consistently delivered high-quality games in a similar style. Just as players began to feel the formula was getting stale, FromSoftware launched *Elden Ring* and breathed new life into the genre.
Players can now journey through a large, open world that still offers the challenging and satisfying gameplay of the Soulslike genre. The game truly shines through exploration, with a world full of secrets and obstacles to overcome.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Making Quests Matter
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt revolutionized quest design. Even seemingly simple tasks have consequences, which encourages players to complete absolutely everything the game offers, making for a truly immersive and challenging experience.
The world’s dangers also made exploration exciting. Unlike some heroes, Geralt isn’t invincible. Players need to carefully prepare for challenging monster hunts to truly utilize his Witcher abilities, leading to some of the game’s most unforgettable moments.
Red Dead Redemption 2
The American Frontier
The world of *Red Dead Redemption 2* feels different from other Western games. It’s huge, though it can sometimes feel a little empty outside of towns and cities. But there’s always something to discover if you venture off the main roads – whether it’s wildlife to find or dangerous bounties to hunt, so it remains engaging.
This game brilliantly blends thrilling action – think horseback bandits, bank robberies, and gunfights – with a realistic Western experience. Rockstar successfully balanced these two elements, resulting in one of their most impressive titles yet.
Ghost Of Tsushima
A Secluded Island In Japan
Ghost of Tsushima brilliantly combines samurai and ninja gameplay into a single experience. Players take on the role of Jin, a warrior seeking to reclaim his homeland from Mongol invaders. While the fight for liberation is intense, the game truly shines in its quieter moments, showcasing a stunning open world filled with beautiful landscapes – from rocky coastlines to peaceful meadows. It’s clear a lot of love and detail went into creating the game’s environment.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Chocobo’s Paradise
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the second installment in Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 remake project. While the first game focused on a limited area, Rebirth opens up a vast, explorable world based on the original game’s map. Players can journey across this world on foot, in vehicles, or riding Chocobos, experiencing familiar locations in a fresh way. The game also features a more dynamic combat system with new characters and combinations.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Lush Environments Filled With Deadly Creatures
Monster Hunter Wilds is the most beginner-friendly game in the Monster Hunter series, with several improvements that make it easier to pick up and play. While teaming up with three other players online is still the best way to tackle missions, the game now lets you bring along computer-controlled allies if you prefer to play solo or have trouble connecting. These additions, along with more fluid combat and movement, make for a much smoother experience.
The game’s biggest addition is a vast, open world that starts in a dry desert and smoothly transitions into lush jungles and frozen caves. Players who explore carefully will discover many hidden secrets.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Webbing Up NYC
I loved the first Spider-Man game and Miles Morales, but *Marvel’s Spider-Man 2* really takes everything to the next level! Swinging through New York always felt good, but the new wing suit makes getting around the city so much faster and smoother – it’s a huge improvement!
Both Peter Parker and Miles Morales feel fantastic to play as, whether you’re fighting enemies or swinging around New York City. While the game’s map isn’t as huge as some other open-world titles, it’s still a really enjoyable and unique experience.
Fallout 4
Bleak But A Blast
While not traditionally beautiful, the world of *Fallout 4* offers a lot to look at in the Boston area. A key part of what *Fallout* fans enjoy is seeing familiar landmarks reimagined after the apocalypse, even if they’re a bit rundown. For instance, the in-game city of Diamond City was modeled after the famous Fenway Park baseball stadium. The game also significantly improved combat, letting players build and customize weapons to stylishly defeat enemies in the wasteland.
Diablo 4
Top-Down Games Can Be Just As Open
Diablo 4 is the first game in the series with a truly open world – it’s massive, even though you view it from above. While it takes some time to get, unlocking the horse makes getting around much easier.
The game offers a vast and engaging world to explore, while still delivering the classic thrill of action and collecting loot. Each character class is enjoyable whether you play solo or with others, and offers extensive customization so that no two characters are exactly alike – every Rogue, for instance, will feel unique.
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2025-09-14 18:28