Best Open-World Action RPGs – Investment Policy

When you think of the best open-world action RPGs, what games immediately spring to mind? We’re talking about games that really deliver in all areas – a huge, immersive world, exciting combat, and satisfying RPG elements. Many games excel at one or two of these things, but the following examples strike a great balance across the board.

It’s not about whether these open-world action RPGs are flawless; what matters is that they’ve been instrumental in the genre’s success and could continue to drive its evolution, as long as developers keep making them available on new gaming systems. We’ll be evaluating them based on how good they are, how original they are, and how well all their features work together.

Yakuza 0

Money Talks

While not a sprawling open world, Yakuza 0 packs a lot into its areas, mainly focusing on one section of the city and a few other locations. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in quirky characters and surprisingly memorable side quests – many fans even have a special fondness for a particular chicken named Nugget!

The combat is fantastic, with both Kazuma and Goro performing a wide range of powerful moves that send enemies reeling. Beyond upgrading abilities, you can even grab everyday items – like traffic cones – and use them as weapons, adding a really impactful and visceral edge to the fights.

Diablo 4

Top-Down Exploration

Diablo 4 is the first Diablo game to feature a vast, open world. While you view it from above, there’s a huge map to discover, filled with optional areas to search for valuable items and unexpected events.

While the expansive world isn’t the main appeal, the story is among the best in the series. It centers around Lilith, a powerful force attempting to turn people towards worshiping false deities. Plus, the game’s class system and huge skill list allow for incredible character customization, giving players a lot of freedom to build the hero they want.

Dragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen

Climbing To The Top

Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen includes the original Dragon’s Dogma game plus extra content. Both versions offer a distinct and exciting adventure in a vast, dangerous world, so it doesn’t matter which one you choose to play.

Players start by designing their own character and a supporting AI companion, then can team up with companions created by other players online – a unique feature for RPGs. Battles are fast-paced and involve mounting large creatures, like chimeras, to target specific weaknesses while your team attacks from different angles. It’s a tough game, but very satisfying if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

Forming The Brotherhood

Assassin’s Creed Origins marked a new direction for the Assassin’s Creed series, fully embracing role-playing elements while returning to the roots of the assassin brotherhood. Players take on the role of Bayek, a protector of royalty, and guide him on a quest for vengeance across ancient Egypt after the tragic loss of his son.

As with all Assassin’s Creed titles, the level of detail Ubisoft put into recreating iconic locations like the pyramids is incredible, making the open world more immersive and fun to explore because of its recognizable environments. The game’s progression and equipment systems are better than in previous installments, and combat is often intense and rewarding, but the real highlight is the open world itself – it’s a reason to play this game.

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning

Threads Of Fate

In Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, you create a character with a unique destiny, free to develop any skills and abilities you choose. This open-world RPG focuses heavily on action-packed combat and features a robust character progression system. While the game world is large, it’s divided into separate areas connected by loading screens.

While the story and quests aren’t particularly complex, the combat is the real highlight of the game. Stringing together axe attacks and spells feels incredibly smooth and fast-paced, similar to action games like Devil May Cry. This fantastic combat is a major reason why Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is so enjoyable.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

THE Open-World RPG

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is widely considered a landmark open-world game. Once you finish the initial quest, the game allows you to freely explore a vast world filled with dungeons. What’s unique is that you can improve your character’s skills by doing almost anything – whether it’s simply walking around, using magic, or fighting with weapons.

Players can also unlock a variety of skills to specialize their character, such as becoming a powerful mage or a stealthy rogue. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was incredibly influential in shaping modern open-world games with its freedom, but newer games have since built upon and improved its foundation.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

A New Age

I’m completely hooked on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2! It’s honestly the Red Dead Redemption 2 of RPGs – a super immersive, open-world experience. What’s really cool is that it doesn’t rely on magic or mythical creatures. That might sound strange, but it’s actually a big part of why I – and a lot of other players – are loving it so much. It feels so much more real and grounded.

This game lets you start as someone with nothing and work your way up to power, or stay in the shadows and profit by taking from the wealthy. It’s a realistic political story full of twists and turns, similar to Game of Thrones, but without the fantasy elements like dragons or zombies. It’s a captivating experience with a vast world to discover, and you’ll create a character and story you’ll never forget.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

A Return To Form

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth retells the story from the beginning of the original game, starting in Kalm and continuing up to the Temple of the Ancients. The game ends on a cliffhanger, setting up the final installment. While some players might be disappointed by the incomplete ending, fans of the original will appreciate being able to experience this exciting and faithful remake, packed with iconic moments and dialogue.

The game’s expansive world gradually opens up as you progress through the story, but it’s always bustling with things to do – from mastering powerful Summons to enjoying a variety of mini-games. The combat is particularly strong, offering deep customization with Materia, satisfying character combos, and plenty of weapon upgrades, making each battle engaging and never repetitive. Everything, from the gameplay to the story, feels carefully crafted with the goal of creating the best Final Fantasy game in a long time – packed with quality content and no wasted moments.

Elden Ring

Building A Better Open-World

While not as large as some open-world games, Elden Ring makes incredible use of its space. Every corner of the world holds something interesting – whether it’s valuable items, a character to meet, or a tough enemy to fight.

This Soulslike game is easier to pick up than many others in the genre. Players have a lot of freedom in creating their character and can explore the game’s areas in any order, skipping difficult parts if they choose. The ability to play with friends, both while exploring and fighting bosses, is a great addition. The combat isn’t fast-paced; it’s deliberate and strategic, which fans of games like those made by FromSoftware will appreciate. The challenging gameplay and constant sense of danger are what make it so engaging.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Masterful Storytelling

The open world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is massive and incredibly detailed. The game’s quests encourage thorough exploration – it’s worth taking the time to check every corner, not just because the game is beautiful, but because even seemingly simple tasks, like finding lost items, can lead to surprisingly complex storylines. Every quest feels meaningful and contributes to the larger narrative.

The game’s choices really matter, encouraging multiple playthroughs as your decisions significantly alter the story. Combat is intense and satisfying, blending sword fighting, magic, and potions that powerfully enhance Geralt or Ciri. Simply put, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt excels in every way – it’s a truly exceptional game with no weak points.

2026-01-15 20:09