10 Huge Open World Games You Won’t Mind Replaying

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Growing up in the early 2000s, I’m starting to find open-world games a bit overwhelming. That’s why I really appreciate the few games that still hold my attention and are worth playing again and again.

Games that you can enjoy repeatedly thanks to their open-ended gameplay, or those that offer a particularly strong and unforgettable story during your initial experience.

Good news! I’ve put together a list of amazing open-world games – the kind you’ll love playing again and again for a relaxing and happy experience.

10. Elden Ring

The Most Replayable Soulsborne Title

I wanted to address the most popular choice right away, and I don’t mean to diminish its importance. Elden Ring is incredibly replayable – it’s probably FromSoftware’s best in that regard, though I still slightly prefer Bloodborne.

What really makes me want to play this game again and again is how I can approach the Lands Between differently each time. It’s not just about replaying, it’s about having new experiences!

Feeling adventurous? Try heading straight through Liurnia of the Lakes without exploring Stormveil Castle, then circling back later. Also, how about making it a goal to complete every NPC questline during this playthrough?

There might not be a ton of new content for everyone, but if you enjoyed the game when it first came out, it might be worth revisiting with a new game or a New Game Plus run. Plus, if you’re on PC and play with friends, the Co-op Mod really extends the game’s replayability.

9. Borderlands 2

Handsome Jack’s Scoopful of Mayhem

Borderlands 2 isn’t a fully open world, but it’s a game I always found myself coming back to, both by myself and with friends.

Borderlands 2 is a highly replayable looter shooter, and it’s fun to play with friends! The game offers a lot of variety with its different playable characters and the massive number of guns you can find.

With a ton of downloadable content, including an expansion that later inspired the game Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, this game is definitely worth playing again and again – just like my friends and I do!

8. Marvel’s Spider-Man

Be Greater, Again

Although the second game didn’t quite live up to the initial excitement after its release, the first Marvel’s Spider-Man by Insomniac remains far superior and more enjoyable.

I recently replayed the game a couple of years ago as part of a New Game Plus run on the hardest difficulty, and I also completed all of the ‘City That Never Sleeps’ DLC.

This game is great for replayability or a quick return, as the main story doesn’t take long to complete and the action stays engaging, except during the stealth sections with MJ and Miles.

7. Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar’s Magnum Opus

I often overlook the fact that despite its somewhat old-fashioned game design – which I really dislike – this game was a groundbreaking open-world title with incredible production values, and it still looks and feels amazing today.

Starting Red Dead Redemption 2 again can feel slow, particularly in the first couple of chapters. However, once you move past that initial pace, it’s wonderful to reconnect with Arthur Morgan, though it’s also bittersweet knowing how his story will ultimately play out.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that’s well worth playing again, whether you want to catch subtle details about the Van der Linde gang or discover side stories you might have missed. If you decide to replay, it’s best to do so on PC, as the PlayStation 4 version never received an upgrade for newer consoles.

6. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

A Hero’s Endearing Rise

I’m a big fan of the Yakuza series, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon holds a special place with me. I’ve replayed it several times since it came out – it’s just that good!

Honestly, I was so excited to see the combat switch to a turn-based system, and it totally worked! It really came into its own with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. But the best part? This game has the most emotionally gripping story in the whole series. Watching Ichiban Kasuga fight his way back up from nothing was just incredible – I was hooked the entire time!

Even after years, a single game’s character resonated with me more powerfully than the entire story of another popular series. It’s a truly memorable experience, and the gameplay is so enjoyable that I find myself wanting to replay it again and again. Overall, it’s an open-world JRPG that’s just plain fun.

5. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

The Most Replayable ARPG

Seriously, if you think you can experience everything Dragon’s Dogma has to offer in just one playthrough, did you actually play the game? It’s designed for multiple runs!

Okay, so Dragon’s Dogma 2 is amazing, but be warned – it throws a lot at you right away. Honestly, your first time through, you really need to focus on learning how everything works. There are different classes – Vocations – and each one plays super differently, so take your time and experiment! Don’t rush it, because understanding all the little details is key to really enjoying the game.

I’m already planning my next playthrough! I think the best way to experience the DLC, like the Bitterblack Isle, is to finish the game once, then start a New Game Plus and level up properly before tackling it. It just seems way better than trying to grind levels during my first run. That’s definitely how I’m going to do it!

4. Cyberpunk 2077

Night City Never Dies

Cyberpunk 2077 has become a truly immersive RPG, particularly after the major updates like 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion. As someone who’s spent over 300 hours playing, I can say it’s one of the best modern RPGs available.

I keep returning to this game, whether it’s with the many mods I’ve installed, or by trying out different characters and ways to play. It’s something I replay regularly.

As someone who really loves getting lost in detailed game worlds, Night City is incredible. I’m a sucker for immersion, and this city delivers. Honestly, sometimes I don’t even feel the need to rush through the main story. I just love driving around, soaking it all in, and picking up side jobs as I go. It’s just… relaxing and fun to explore!

3. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

A Treasure Trove of Replayability

Let’s be honest, Skyrim is a truly special game that holds up to repeated playthroughs. Perhaps all these re-releases are a good thing, after all.

This game boasts a huge and very active modding community, so it’s not unusual for players to spend hundreds of hours enjoying it.

The game lets you explore and progress however you want, with no restrictions, which is a hallmark of the Elder Scrolls series. It’s also surprisingly comforting and relaxing, making it a game I enjoy revisiting every year or so.

2. Fallout: New Vegas

Role-Play Freedom At Its Finest

Modern RPGs often prioritize player choice, and it’s important to remember that Fallout: New Vegas was a pioneer in establishing that level of freedom for players.

In New Vegas, you have complete freedom to shape your character’s morals and beliefs, and your choices genuinely affect the game world and how its inhabitants react to you, particularly through the game’s many different questlines.

Even after many hours of playing and adding modifications to Fallout: New Vegas, it’s still incredibly fun to start a new game and try different approaches. You can play as a peaceful character, a noble hero, or a ruthless mercenary – the possibilities are endless! Some players, like me, even enjoy taking on a challenging role like joining Caesar’s Legion. The game offers amazing replay value.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

One More Rodeo With Geralt

Open-world RPGs are released often, but a game as exceptional as The Witcher 3 is incredibly rare. What truly sets it apart is not just its fantastic story, but also how much there is to explore and do – from hunting monsters to tackling side quests that often present difficult moral choices.

I’d happily replay The Witcher 3, not just to make different choices, but because of how incredibly large and detailed the world is. I still remember one quest – without giving it away – where I was tasked with finding a serial killer. It wasn’t until my third time playing the game that I discovered I’d been wrongly accusing – and even killing – someone in my previous playthroughs. The real killer had cleverly set them up as a distraction!

Few games match The Witcher 3 in terms of quality DLC. Both ‘Heart of Stone’ and ‘Blood and Wine’ are exceptional expansions, providing rich stories, plenty of content, and multiple different endings.

The Witcher 3 is incredibly replayable thanks to its engaging world, memorable boss battles, and truly exceptional story. If this game doesn’t make you want to play it again, nothing will.

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2025-11-06 02:45