Best Open-World Games Great For Exploring By Car

Playing cars in video games is really fun. When a game gets the driving just right, speeding around in a big open world can be incredibly satisfying.

People enjoy video games with fast cars because it’s incredibly fun to explore the game world. Whether speeding through cities or open countryside, players love getting the hang of driving, competing in races, and personalizing their vehicles.

Burnout Paradise

A Fun Arcade Racer Set In An Open World With A Focus On Wrecking Cars

Burnout Paradise is a fun, fast-paced racing game where you can crash into other cars and wreak havoc. It’s perfect for players who enjoy arcade-style racing and causing destruction while exploring the open world of Paradise City.

One of the best things about *Burnout Paradise* is that it doesn’t try to be a realistic racing game. Instead, it focuses on fun, arcade-style driving where you can pull off crazy drifts, reach incredible speeds, and take out your rivals.

Grand Theft Auto 5

The Driving Mechanics In This Game Are Off The Charts

Even after more than ten years, the way vehicles handle in *Grand Theft Auto 5* is remarkably good – it still feels better than many newer open-world games, and even some dedicated racing titles. The single-player experience is enjoyable, letting players easily find and steal impressive cars and other vehicles as they explore the game world.

As a huge fan of GTA Online, I’m loving how many vehicles there are to collect now! It really feels worth it to grind and save up for these cars. There’s nothing quite like cruising around Los Santos in a sweet, new ride. Honestly, some of these cars are so expensive, you actually start driving a little more carefully – nobody wants to total a car they worked so hard to get!

Cyberpunk 2077

Driving Around In Futuristic Vehicles Is A Blast

While driving in *Cyberpunk 2077* isn’t perfect, the game’s atmosphere is incredible. Night City is a fascinating place to explore – it’s beautiful, but also feels bleak and unsettling.

Night City is full of cool things to discover, and finding the perfect vehicle to drive around its gritty streets is a lot of fun. Whether you’re looking for something that resembles the Batmobile or a tough, weaponized car like the Herrera Outlaw, the game has plenty of great cars and bikes to choose from.

Watch Dogs 2

Driving Around While Using Hacks To Stop Pursuers In Their Tracks Is A Ton Of Fun

While the driving in *Watch Dogs 2* is decent, it’s the game’s improved hacking features that truly make exploring the world fun. These features add a new level of excitement and interactivity to simply driving around.

During fast-paced chases, Marcus can use his hacking skills to control traffic lights and security posts, slowing down those chasing him and allowing him to get away safely. The city of San Francisco is also incredibly detailed, making it fun to simply explore and drive around on its own.

Forza Horizon 5

One Of The Best Open-World Racing Games Players Can Get Their Hands on

Even though *Forza Horizon 5* can be a little confusing at times and has a lot going on, it’s still one of the best open-world racing games available. The game is stunningly beautiful, and exploring the landscapes of Mexico is a lot of fun.

As a Forza Horizon 5 fan, I’m telling you, it doesn’t take long to get an amazing car from the Wheelspin – seriously, it just *feels* so good to cruise around the open world with it! And there’s always something to do, whether it’s Horizon Events or picking up special deliveries. The game is packed with content, so you’ll never be bored.

Mad Max

Customizing The Magnum Opus To Explore This Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland Is A Blast

Many consider *Mad Max* to be a hidden gem among video games. It surprised players with its incredibly satisfying combat, which felt similar to the acclaimed *Arkham* series but with a much more raw and impactful feel. But the real standout feature for most was the Magnum Opus – a truly impressive element of the game.

The world of Mad Max is dangerous, filled with bandits driving armored vehicles. To survive, players need to improve their vehicle, the Magnum Opus, by strengthening its armor and adding weapons. This customization is a key part of what makes the game so engaging, letting players build a car that can efficiently explore the wasteland without being destroyed.

Final Fantasy 15

Driving Around In The Regalia Is Surprisingly Relaxing, Despite How Railroaded Exploration Is

While some players might not like that you initially drive on a fixed path in *Final Fantasy 15* (though the car, the Regalia, later can drive off-road and fly), it’s important to remember the game is designed like a road trip. The way the Regalia drives really emphasizes how laid-back it is when the characters travel between locations.

Players can choose to drive as Noctis, but many find it more relaxing to let Ignis drive while enjoying music from the *Final Fantasy* series. As you travel, random events will happen along the road, prompting you to stop, investigate, and then continue your journey.

Need For Speed Heat

Arguably The Best Modern NFS Racing Game

While recent *Need for Speed* games offer some street racing excitement, their quality has been inconsistent. However, *Need for Speed Heat* is widely considered a success, successfully blending both daytime and nighttime racing experiences.

During the day, players can earn money by participating in legal races without police interference. However, nighttime races are illegal and will attract the cops, but they offer significantly more reputation points. Racing at both times keeps *Need for Speed Heat* feeling fresh and varied, which is more than can be said for the next *NFS* game.

2025-10-07 14:27