Best Cyberpunk Open-World Games

Highlights

Explore various cyberpunk worlds full of corporate control and rebellion in these top open-world games.
From dystopian private detective work to fighting for freedom, these games offer unique RPG experiences.
Cyberpunk 2077 may have had a rocky start, but it’s an incredible RPG with a living world controlled by corporations.

As a seasoned cyberpunk enthusiast and a resident of The Fields for the past two decades, I can confidently say that these games are not just mere digital escapes, but they offer a glimpse into the future we may all be striving to avoid.

As a fan, I can’t help but be drawn to the captivating world of cyberpunk that we’ve seen unfold in both gaming and cinema. These narratives often depict a future city or realm dominated by powerful corporations. Among the recent releases, Cyberpunk 2077 has made quite an impact, but there are other outstanding open-world cyberpunk experiences waiting to be discovered as well.

There are numerous other fascinating game titles available on PC and console, offering players the chance to traverse sprawling cityscapes brimming with corporate advertisements. In these games, it’s crucial to consistently express optimism about a company that might be negatively impacting characters’ lives. These cyberpunk open-world games are undeniably outstanding, thanks to their unique appeal.

8 The Outer Worlds

Everyone Belongs To The Corporation

In “The Outer Worlds,” you embark on an engaging role-playing journey that leans more towards traditional sci-fi rather than cyberpunk. Notably, most of the planets in this game are controlled by a powerful corporation called Spacer’s Choice.

Inhabitants of these planets are under the ownership of Spacer’s Choice, some even having to settle debts owed to this corporation long after their demise. It’s important to note that Spacer’s Choice isn’t the only questionable organization in The Outer Worlds; players will encounter numerous other corporations, some of which can be supported or resisted.

7 Watch Dogs: Legion

Rebel Against The Government

The entire “Watch Dogs” series can be seen as belonging to the cyberpunk genre, but its connection becomes more apparent with “Watch Dogs: Legion”, set in a future interpretation of London. In “Watch Dogs: Legion”, themes of technology misuse and the power dynamics surrounding it are heavily emphasized, demonstrating how those in control utilize this technology to suppress others.

Workers have taken a stand, defying the corporations responsible for developing the technology. They use some of the corporation’s equipment against them in an effort to liberate the general public from the grasp of these corporate powers.

6 Death Stranding

A Post-Apocalyptic Cyberpunk World

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that I was taken aback when I first came across Death Stranding among the list of open-world cyberpunk games. Yet, upon delving into this unique open world, I found myself engaged in a task that involved traveling between bunkers, making deliveries. This post-apocalyptic setting presents a world where corporations like Bridges continue to hold significant importance for survival, even in the ruins of civilization.

Much of the plot centers around a government agency that the player interacts with sparingly, yet is frequently tasked to perform duties for. Every bunker in the game depends on resources supplied by the others. Additionally, Death Stranding received an update modeled after Cyberpunk 2077, which introduced six new missions featuring Cyberpunk RPG’s lore and characters.

5 Shadows Of Doubt

Becoming A Private Detective In A Dystopian World

In the expansive universe of Shadows of Doubt, players assume the role of a private investigator, roaming freely in a grimy, futuristic cyberpunk cityscape. As this is their means of earning income, they must delve deep into cases, asking tough questions and uncovering clues to solve diverse crimes within this noir-inspired digital metropolis.

Living in such a tough environment, one might wonder why so many locals persist in their jobs. It’s primarily for the hope of retiring and settling down in The Fields, an idyllic suburban retirement community that inspires dreams of reaching it someday. This is the ambition that Starch Kola capitalizes on to motivate people.

4 Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst

Run And Fight For Freedom In A City Of Glass

In the stunning metropolis of Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst, towering glass skyscrapers dominate the landscape. Despite its breathtaking beauty contrasting with the gritty backdrop typical in cyberpunk games, this open world maintains the theme. As players navigate these diverse structures and delve deeper into the flawless city, they’ll inevitably cross paths with the very corporations they are battling for liberty.

Most residents of this transparent metropolis share a common connection with a surveillance network via neural links. This intrusive method becomes more concerning as corporations aim to exert power over the masses by controlling the interconnected web that binds them all. Understandably, the character can’t stand idly by and let this occur.

3 The Ascent

A Detailed And Grimy Cyberpunk World

If you’re on the hunt for an exciting open-world cyberpunk RPG, I strongly recommend giving The Ascent a try. Featuring third-person shooter gameplay set in a gritty cyberpunk environment, players can customize their own cyborg character and strive to climb the corporate ladders across multiple levels within The Ascent.

Following the downfall of The Ascent Group, the company that governed the player’s workplace, the district has been compelled to fend for itself amidst numerous groups and corporations vying for control. In this cyberpunk setting, the player was once part of this corporation. However, they now find themselves in a position where they must learn to survive independently and prove to others that there is still hope for the future.

2 Cloudpunk

Delivering Parcels In A Corpo Run City

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that while Cloudpunk might not boast the same extensive gameplay options as other open-world games out there, it certainly offers a meticulously designed cyberpunk universe brimming with intrigue. The narrative, hidden within the deliveries you make around this futuristic city, is a captivating journey that I can’t wait to explore further.

In the game titled Cloudpunk, individuals function as delivery personnel for a unique company. Beyond the usual parcel collection and delivery tasks, they also offer rides throughout the city, acting as both couriers and taxi drivers. The decisions made during these errands have profound impacts on the city’s environment, either improving or worsening it, while simultaneously uncovering who holds power in Cloudpunk and following the individual narratives of each customer.

1 Cyberpunk 2077

A Lively World Where Only Corporations Have Power

Initially, Cyberpunk 2077 faced some difficulties upon its debut, yet CD Projekt Red has since developed a cyberpunk-themed game that numerous other productions have endeavored to emulate over the years. Beyond offering an exceptional role-playing game (RPG) experience, Cyberpunk 2077 boasts an immersive open world that seems real enough for players to inhabit it.

At the onset of the game, players find themselves faced with multiple life trajectories to pursue. As they navigate through Night City, they swiftly understand the hierarchy among different lifestyles and how dominant entities like Arasaka govern almost everything. Interestingly, the cybernetic enhancements that players use against these corporations were originally developed by none other than their creators.

2024-08-18 11:34