Best Open-World Action-Adventure Games

by

Open-world and action-adventure games often create truly incredible experiences. When combined, these genres deliver titles with huge freedom, exciting combat, compelling characters, stunning graphics, and immersive stories. These games are typically set in large, explorable worlds, and can range from epic fantasy and futuristic sci-fi to realistic stories about people.

The most popular open-world action-adventure games have a unique quality: they feel both fresh and classic. People loved them when they first came out, and they continue to draw players back in, offering years of replayability. It’s a rare achievement, but here are some of the nearly perfect action-adventure open-world games that consistently deliver.

This article will focus exclusively on action-adventure games, and won’t include open-world RPGs. While these genres can sometimes blend together, we’re specifically highlighting action-adventure titles.

These games or franchises will not be included since they are action RPGS:

  • Cyberpunk 2077
  • Elden Ring
  • Fable
  • Fallout
  • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
  • Genshin Impact
  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance
  • Like a Dragon
  • The Elder Scrolls
  • The Witcher

10. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Hideo Kojima’s Bizarre Open-World Adventure

Just like the first game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a unique experience that won’t appeal to everyone. But if you enjoyed the original Death Stranding, you’ll find nothing quite like it. While the first game felt more original, the sequel offers a better balance of exploration, action, and stealth, though some might see its increased accessibility as a drawback. Death Stranding 2 features more combat and simpler gameplay, and it addresses some of the frustrations of the first game, all while maintaining the same distinctive atmosphere, quirky style, and deliberate pace.

Whether you loved Death Stranding or On the Beach, both games demonstrate how open-world games can be truly innovative and offer memorable experiences, even if they aren’t exactly to your taste. We need more games willing to take similar chances.

9. Ghost of Yotei

An Open-World Historical Epic That Nails Nearly Everything

Following the success of the first game, Ghost of Yotei smartly chose to improve upon what was already great instead of trying to completely change things. By adding more weapons, better side missions, and a more engaging world, Sucker Punch not only exceeded the quality of an already fantastic action-adventure game, but also arguably created the ideal open-world experience.

Drawing inspiration from classic samurai films and anime, Ghost of Yotei delivers a compelling revenge story with beautiful scenery, interesting characters, and exciting battles. Though the optional side quests aren’t groundbreaking, they enrich the game’s world and offer enjoyable breaks from the consistently excellent main story.

8. Shadow of the Colossus

The Most Haunting Open-World Action-Adventure Game Ever

While large size and lots of details aren’t always necessary, they need to be used effectively. Shadow of the Colossus has a surprisingly small and simple open world, especially compared to other games of its type, and it doesn’t include any side quests or extra things to do. As the player, you explore a lonely landscape searching for 16 massive colossi, and you must defeat them all to save a loved one. Each fight is huge and challenging, and the creatures themselves aren’t simply good or evil – they’re peaceful beings that you are disrupting.

Man, playing Shadow of the Colossus is such a unique experience. The story isn’t just told to you, it’s something you feel as you explore. The world isn’t huge in terms of map size, but it feels massive because you’re mostly wandering around alone. The music and the way you travel between each Colossus really add to that lonely, somber vibe. It’s all about what you do and how the game makes you feel, not just what it shows you.

I emphasized the 2018 edition since it’s probably what most people are playing today. However, both the original game and the remake are relevant to this discussion.

7. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

The Best Assassin’s Creed Game Is The Least Assassin’s Creed Game

I’ve generally been a fan of the Assassin’s Creed games, even though they aren’t flawless. Ubisoft has consistently delivered titles with captivating historical environments, a grand scope, and stories that are often quite good. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag arrived at a time when people were starting to get tired of the series, and it smartly differentiated itself. It did this by focusing on exciting naval exploration in an open world, letting players experience things organically rather than just completing tasks, and giving players more freedom. Black Flag felt distinct enough that it could have been a successful game even without being tied to the Assassin’s Creed name.

Black Flag isn’t just the best Assassin’s Creed game – it’s potentially the greatest pirate game ever made. Its Caribbean world is incredibly fun to explore, encouraging you to go off the beaten path and discover things on your own. You’re free to roam and enjoy exciting battles on both land and at sea. Plus, the main character, Edward Kenway, is a standout protagonist in open-world games.

6. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

The Ultimate Stealth Sandbox Game

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain isn’t quite the game longtime fans were hoping for. It downplays many of the things that made the series popular. The story, while present, feels rushed and underdeveloped. While the open world is large, it’s often empty and doesn’t offer much to discover, leading to a lot of time spent simply traveling between missions.

Okay, The Phantom Pain isn’t perfect, but honestly, the gameplay is incredible. It’s still the best open-world combat I’ve ever experienced. What I love is that it makes you think. Do I want to be sneaky, scout everything out, and take enemies down quietly? Or just rush in, guns blazing? It doesn’t always get everything else right, but the core gameplay is just so polished and satisfying, it more than makes up for it.

5. Beyond Good & Evil

An Impressive Early Attempt At An Open-World Game Wrapped Up In A Perfect Adventure

In the early days of open-world games, the focus wasn’t on how big they were, but on how well-designed and engaging they were. Beyond Good & Evil was remarkably forward-thinking in this regard. The game’s world, Hillys, is cleverly crafted so that almost every location contributes to the story, introduces new ways to play, or adds interesting twists to what you already know.

Though not the very first of its kind, Ubisoft’s Beyond Good & Evil was ahead of its time, successfully combining open-world exploration with stealth, action, and puzzle-solving – elements that would later become standard in the genre. What truly stands out is how well-paced the main story is; the game focuses on getting you through a compelling campaign without unnecessary side quests. It’s a testament to the original that, even today, Ubisoft hasn’t been able to create a sequel that matches its quality.

4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The Best Game In The Biggest Open-World Franchise

Everyone has their favorite, but the Grand Theft Auto series is essential to any conversation about great games. Grand Theft Auto 5 has been hugely popular for over ten years and is the most successful game in the franchise, while GTA 3 is often considered the most influential open-world game of all time. However, many fans believe San Andreas is the best GTA game and has held up remarkably well over time compared to other classics.

Released in 2004, San Andreas was remarkably ambitious, featuring three cities, expansive countryside, a compelling story, well-developed characters, and some customization options. While GTA 3 pioneered the modern open-world format, San Andreas truly established it, creating a lasting impact that continues to be felt across numerous game releases and technological improvements. The game wasn’t just a hit within its genre; it became a major cultural event that reshaped the entire gaming industry.

3. Batman: Arkham City

The Best Combat In The Open-World Action-Adventure Genre

Rocksteady’s Arkham Asylum was a game-changer for superhero games, influencing titles like Mad Max and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. The developers then followed up that success with Batman: Arkham City, which took the action from the prison walls and opened it up to a sprawling city environment filled with side quests. Arkham City’s map is packed with engaging content, with the exception of the notoriously challenging Riddler missions.

The game seamlessly blends Batman’s story with Gotham City, naturally leading players through areas controlled by his iconic enemies. Players who prefer a straightforward experience can easily follow the main story. Like recent games such as Marvel’s Spider-Man, Batman: Arkham City excels at movement, letting you glide, grapple, and swing through the city just like Batman. And its combat system, which focuses on fluid, continuous attacks, is the best of any open-world action-adventure game we’ve discussed.

As much as I love Arkham Knight, the Batmobile sections slightly overstay their welcome.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

The Best Story In An Open-World Action-Adventure Game

Besides perhaps Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts the most immersive open world ever created, and it’s more than just how good it looks. Everything, from the characters you meet to the changing weather and animal life, feels incredibly realistic and responsive, truly placing you in the Wild West during a turbulent and dangerous time. Exploring the world is consistently rewarding, with unexpected events unfolding around you and creating memorable moments. While the dedication to realism sometimes felt excessive, Rockstar crafted a unique experience that’s unlikely to be duplicated.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, you play as Arthur Morgan, a member of a dwindling group of outlaws as the American West changes around him. The game focuses on his relationships within the Van der Linde gang and challenges you to decide if he’s a man of honor or simply a ruthless criminal. The story is the game’s strongest point, and its central themes are woven throughout the entire world.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Ultimate Action-Adventure Franchise And The Genre-Changing Open-World Game

The Legend of Zelda series is known for some of the best action-adventure games of all time, with earlier titles hinting at the expansive worlds we see today. Games like Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker, and Majora’s Mask laid the groundwork, but Breath of the Wild truly revolutionized open-world exploration. Breath of the Wild vividly brings Hyrule to life and quickly encourages players to freely explore its vast landscape. While there’s one essential story objective, almost everything else is up to the player to discover and experience at their own pace.

The world feels beautifully empty and immersive, with lots of little details that make each encounter unique. Breath of the Wild is a classic action-adventure game, emphasizing exploration, puzzles, and player creativity. The story isn’t the main focus, but the overall experience is unforgettable and truly feels like your own. Tears of the Kingdom improves on many aspects of the game, but it doesn’t quite capture the same magic as Breath of the Wild.

Honorable Mentions

  • Donkey Kong Bananza
  • Far Cry 3
  • Horizon Zero Dawn
  • Just Cause 3
  • Mafia 2
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man
  • Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
  • No Man’s Sky
  • Outer Wilds (More adventure than action-adventure)
  • Saints Row 2
  • Sleeping Dogs
  • Watch Dogs 2
  • Yakuza (Toes the line between action-adventure and RPG)

Read More

2026-02-01 03:07