Top European Open-World Games You Can’t Miss!

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Summary

  • European developers excel in creating immersive open-world games with deep narratives and innovative gameplay.
  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a standout sequel, offering a realistic and engaging RPG experience.
  • European studios, like CD Projekt Red, have made lasting impacts in the gaming industry with titles like The Witcher

In contrast to today’s big-budget open-world games that are often global collaborations, there is an abundance of exceptional local talent, particularly in Europe. These games, inspired by classic role-playing games and a passion for authenticity, excel in delivering an immersive open-world experience.

Europe, encompassing the continent itself and not the European Union, boasts a wealth of credibility in the realm of open-world gaming. From captivating journeys through history, to epic role-playing games nestled within fantastical realms, and even the seminal open-world game that continues to exert a profound influence, Europe’s portfolio is truly impressive.

8. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Henry’s Back Baby

In the 2010s, as open-world games gained widespread popularity, some gamers started to feel that these games were losing their freshness and innovation, becoming more about ticking boxes than offering genuine novelty. This is when Kingdom Come: Deliverance, a project close to Warhorse Studios’ heart, emerged. Instead of following modern trends, it opted for a slightly rough-around-the-edges approach, but what it lacked in polish, it made up for with remarkable realism and charm.

2025’s “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” promises to be an outstanding sequel, surpassing the original game in nearly every aspect, leading to one of the best open-world RPGs ever created boasting a vast array of captivating side quests. Although it may not appeal to everyone, its dedicated fanbase is incredibly devoted.

7. Grand Theft Auto 3

The Game That Changed The Game

It’s often assumed that Rockstar Games is purely an American company, but this assumption is off base. In reality, a significant portion of Rockstar’s developmental history hails from Scotland. Games like “Grand Theft Auto 3”, a seminal open-world title that set the blueprint for numerous future games, were actually produced there.

Despite the fact that more recent years have seen the game’s contemporaries outshine it and spin-offs being developed globally, the original Grand Theft Auto 3 remains a symbol of European ingenuity, even though its backdrop is as stereotypically American as apple pie.

6. Microsoft Flight Simulator

Above The Clouds

While Microsoft Flight Simulator might not initially seem like a typical open-world game, it could arguably be one of the most expansive open-world games, given its ambitious and ingenious effort to replicate the entire globe.

Although the flight simulator genre might initially need some adjustment, especially for those seeking faster action, the incredible realism in the game environment and the continuous updating using satellite imagery to provide increasingly detailed open-world scenes make it a captivating experience, even for gamers who typically avoid this genre.

5. Burnout Paradise

Take Me Down To Paradise City

Although Forza: Horizon games are widely acclaimed for their flawless representation of modern open-world driving games, many gaming enthusiasts nostalgically remember Burnout: Paradise as one of the best ever made. In

From its roots in the limited environments of the Burnout series, Burnout: Paradise demonstrated the enduring charm of the open-world style and proved that not only third-person shooters but also other genres could succeed within an open world setting. This is a significant factor behind why it’s often ranked among the greatest racing games ever created.

4. Batman Arkham City

The Dark Knight Rises

As a gamer, I’ve found that mastering superhero games can be quite the challenge. It’s essential for players to feel powerful yet never grow bored, while also catering to hardcore fans without alienating newcomers. Striking this balance is tough, but Rocksteady managed it flawlessly in Batman: Arkham Asylum, and even refined it further in Arkham City.

In the freshly unveiled Arkham City, a rundown district of Gotham enclosed to house its criminal element, players get to embody Batman and traverse rooftops using his grapnel gun and cape for gliding. This open-world game that fans and gaming enthusiasts have envisioned for years offers an immersive experience. It’s no surprise that it’s widely regarded as not just a standout superhero game, but also among the greatest games ever created overall.

3. Grand Theft Auto 5

Los Santos Livin’

Following Grand Theft Auto 5, Rockstar decided to share credit for their next project, Red Dead Redemption 2, with all their international studios worldwide. This move suggests that the action-heist style of Grand Theft Auto 5 might be the last game produced by Rockstar North, the renowned Scottish studio, under its name, as they have established themselves as a heavyweight in the gaming industry.

Many gamers are taken aback by the fact that a Scottish game developer produced a game so quintessentially American, but this could be what makes it so effective. With its unique European outlook, it offers an excellent platform for satire. Although Rockstar North may not feature prominently on the cover of Grand Theft Auto 6, their impact is undeniable and will likely remain significant.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt’s Swansong

A discussion of open-world European game creators wouldn’t be whole without mentioning CD Projekt Red, the renowned Polish studio behind the masterful RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This game, still hailed as one of the best ever made, continues to rank high on top ten lists even nine years after its release, thanks to its exceptional narrative and captivating secret missions.

In this game, players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter, as they journey through a captivating, dark fantasy realm teeming with creatures, both mythical and human-like. This game stands out as a testament to CDPR’s exceptional storytelling, a skill that has earned them widespread recognition.

1. Minecraft

The GOAT

Once upon a time, Minecraft wasn’t the internationally adored phenomenon backed by tech giant Microsoft, but rather an independent game created by a single Swedish developer. It’s hard to believe, yet it’s true. However, great game design always prevails, transforming this indie creation into an enduring masterpiece that continues to captivate us even in the present day, proving its timeless appeal.

The lasting appeal of Minecraft isn’t solely due to its open-world setting, but also because of its procedurally generated worlds that make each experience distinct and engaging. Every player has their own unique memories of building their first home, encountering creepers, endermen, finding diamonds, and constructing nether portals. From top to bottom, it’s a masterpiece of design, showcasing the creativity of European game developers.

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2025-04-20 13:44