What defines ‘modern’ gaming is open to interpretation, but for our purposes, it includes the PlayStation 4 and all consoles released since. This modern era effectively started in 2013. Interestingly, even older games can still feel modern thanks to features like backwards compatibility. This has made the distinctions between console generations less clear on systems like the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Open-world games are incredibly popular today, with titles like Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag and Red Dead Redemption 2 leading the way. We’ll be ranking these and other games based on factors like how fun the gameplay is, how immersive the world is, its design, story, and overall impact.
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Results
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10. Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag
A Deep Blue Sea Quest
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag truly shines as a pirate adventure more than a traditional Assassin’s Creed story. While stealth and assassination aren’t as strong as in other games in the series, it doesn’t detract from the experience. Players get to explore the Caribbean as a pirate, engaging in ship battles, fighting other pirates, and having exciting sword fights on the decks of their ships.
Honestly, playing this game is amazing. You’re thrown into these crazy naval battles, but then you have these peaceful moments where you can just sail around the Caribbean and enjoy the scenery, especially with the crew singing those sea shanties! It’s a really top-notch Assassin’s Creed experience. My only slight disappointment is knowing a remake, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, is coming out, which makes me think it could get even better, but even as it is now, it’s fantastic.
9. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
A Fish Out Of Water Story
In Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, players explore a vibrant, though somewhat smaller, open-world version of Honolulu and its surrounding islands. As Ichiban Kasuga, you’ll enjoy plenty of activities and engaging turn-based combat while on a quest to find his mother.
Players can expect a variety of unusual activities, like photographing bodybuilders, completing quests with talking vacuum cleaners, building relationships with townspeople, and restoring a perfect island. The game’s heart lies in its engaging class system, which offers challenging and addictive turn-based combat.
8. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
The Environment Is Against You
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a role-playing game with a fast-paced combat system, much like those found in online multiplayer games. Players use special abilities with cooldowns to create powerful attack combinations. While exploring the game’s large open world, you can freely fight monsters or defend against groups that become aggressive.
One of the game’s biggest strengths is its exciting combat, combined with a vast and beautiful open world. The story is also captivating throughout, with a deep and intricate plot, numerous characters, and a rich backstory – though it might take some time to fully understand everything.
7. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Sneaking Past The Competition
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a fantastic conclusion to the story of Big Boss, spanning four games (not including the earlier standalone experience, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes). Players take on the role of Venom Snake, Big Boss’s new alias, and complete objectives across large, open environments. You can focus directly on the missions or freely explore to gather resources and build a team of soldiers.
Soldiers who are captured will be sent to a central base and repurposed, potentially for research that could lead to the development of new technologies and weapons for use in combat. The game is a detailed stealth experience with many different mechanics and items, giving players freedom to complete missions however they choose, all within the unique and unusual world created by Hideo Kojima.
6. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Delivering Packages The Hard Way
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is the latest game from Hideo Kojima, set in Mexico and Australia. Players primarily deliver packages to underground bunkers, but reaching them is challenging due to the dangerous landscapes.
Players have access to lots of useful items to help them get around, including ropes for climbing down cliffs, ladders for crossing water, and even special suits that make carrying things easier. Like other games in the series, it’s packed with things to learn, but it feels even more free and open than Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, and that’s a definite plus.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
A Dark And Twisted Fairy Tale
While only four years apart, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt truly showcases how much open-world action RPGs have improved since The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. Its compelling story, memorable characters, and engaging quests make it a game everyone should play.
The game features intricate quests that don’t have simple answers, and its combat is raw and impactful. The story itself is just as complex and unpredictable as the quests you undertake. What’s striking is the contrast between the grim narrative and brutal fights, set within a surprisingly beautiful world. You’ll explore stunning landscapes – think gorgeous sunsets and peaceful waters – and detailed villages inspired by medieval Europe, but with a fantastical twist.
4. Elden Ring
Challenge Yourself
Elden Ring is a solid open-world action RPG, but it’s known for being quite difficult, fitting into the challenging ‘Soulslike’ category. You create a character and pick a starting class, but you’re not locked into it – you can change your character’s abilities and playstyle throughout the game. For instance, a character starting as a magic-user could eventually become a powerful warrior.
I absolutely love that you can play this game however you want – totally solo if you’re feeling it, or with up to two friends! We’ve been spending hours exploring caves, grabbing awesome loot, and taking on these massive bosses. It’s honestly pretty scary when you hear something weird coming, but finally beating those big bad guys? That feeling is incredible – super rewarding and just… exhilarating!
3. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
A Hero’s Choice
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 finishes the story begun in Insomniac Games’ series, letting you play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. While some missions require one Spider-Man over the other, you can switch between them whenever you’re exploring the game’s open-world New York City.
Both characters are skilled at fighting with punches, kicks, and special attacks, but they also have unique abilities – like Miles’ power to become invisible. The game features two fantastic superheroes and tells a story that’s just as captivating as those seen in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Gunslinging Melancholia
Red Dead Redemption 2 is heavily inspired by classic Western films, filled with complex characters facing difficult challenges. You play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw, but the game allows you to shape his character and make choices that aren’t always criminal.
The story unfolds realistically, filled with meaningful conversations alongside exciting action like train robberies and plantation takeovers. Ultimately, this is a fantastic cowboy game that also happens to be a well-made open-world experience.
1. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Nothing Like It Still
Even after nearly ten years since its release on the Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild remains an exceptional game – so much so that Nintendo attempted a follow-up. While the sequel was also well-received, it doesn’t quite capture the magic of this original open-world experience. Breath of the Wild truly transformed the Zelda series, and it’s difficult to imagine playing the older games after this one.
The battles were more demanding and innovative, moving away from large dungeons filled with simple puzzles. Instead, the game focused on exciting movement – players could climb almost anything and then glide safely back down. Calling The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild a game-changer would be an understatement.
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2026-05-10 06:07