Best Open World Games on Xbox Game Pass

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Currently, Xbox Game Pass stands out as an exceptional value in the gaming world, offering a vast array of games catering to enthusiasts across various genres.

Given the abundance of games available, it’s completely understandable if open-world genre enthusiasts find themselves perplexed about which titles to explore next.

Regardless if you’re seeking something new to enjoy through your Xbox Game Pass subscription or simply need suggestions for games to play on your PlayStation 5 or Steam platform, here you are!

Here’s a fun and engaging way I’d put it as a gamer myself: “Check out this awesome roundup of the top open-world adventures, handpicked for you on Xbox Game Pass! Dive right in without any second thoughts, because we’ve done the legwork so you can spend less time deciding and more time gaming!

10.
The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

The One That Started It All

Morrowind, created by Bethesda, was among the earliest 3D role-playing games and retains a devoted fanbase today. Despite some of its mechanics showing their age, the profound influence it exerted on the open-world genre makes it indispensable to include it in this collection.

In future, Morrowind would significantly contribute to the development of well-known open-world games such as Skyrim and Oblivion. Unlike these games which often involve frequent combat sequences, Morrowind focuses more on exploration. The game lacks quest markers, so you’ll spend a lot of time wandering and conversing with Non-Player Characters (NPCs).

If you’re okay with old-school mechanics and enjoy immersing yourself in timeless classics, Morrowind is the next game you might want to explore.

9.
Starfield

25 Years In The Making

Bethesda created quite a stir when they introduced their first new intellectual property (IP) in a quarter of a century. This highly anticipated game, named Starfield, drew many comparisons with No Man’s Sky due to its apparent influence.

Although some enthusiasts anticipated Starfield to be similar to Skyrim, it fell short of expectations. Starfield, boasting over 1000 procedurally generated space-themed open worlds for exploration, is among the largest in its genre. However, its expansiveness often leads to repetitive gameplay, vacant regions, and a generally lackluster experience.

Despite being likely enjoyed by dedicated Bethesda enthusiasts, the game doesn’t quite measure up in several crucial areas, landing it at number 9 on our list.

8.
Grand Theft Auto 5

More Than A Decade Old Relic

As Grand Theft Auto 6 approaches, it’s almost unbelievable that Grand Theft Auto 5 has been around for over a decade! This iconic series has left an indelible mark in gaming history, and if you haven’t experienced GTA 5 yet, you’re truly missing out.

This game’s open world offers an incredibly authentic depiction of Los Angeles within video games, and as for worlds themselves, it boasts one of the most lifelike open-world environments ever crafted.

Grand Theft Auto V pushes the traditional GTA framework to its peak, with everything from its immersive world mechanics to NPC behaviors, remaining impactful long after the release of GTA 6.

7.
Assassin’s Creed Origins

The Legendary Journey Of Bayek

Step back in time and explore the roots of the Assassins’ guild (figuratively speaking), specifically to the early days of its establishment. Unlike other Assassin’s Creed games, Origins adopted a role-playing game (RPG) style within its open world format as its unique approach.

The game, Origins, added novel features to the series, some positive, some negative, but overall, it was acclaimed as one of the finest Assassin’s Creed titles. You can traverse the landscape on your reliable camel, enhance your equipment, and bargain with merchants spread across the map for a superior blade.

In Assassin’s Creed Origins, you’ll find yourself immersed in a richly detailed and sprawling open-world setting that beautifully recreates ancient Egypt. This game is sure to captivate you, with many players eager to invest numerous hours into their adventure.

6.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chornobyl

Post-Apocalyptic Done Right

If you prefer a gritty, edge-of-your-seat gaming experience, then STALKER 2 is definitely worth checking out. It’s one of the most immersive and detailed open-world games I’ve encountered recently, making each step feel potentially life-threatening.

In many games, you’re often guided step by step. But STALKER 2 is different – it assumes you’ve already adapted to the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic landscape, giving you the freedom to explore and survive on your own terms.

In this game, players must exercise caution and strategic thinking to stay alive, as it doesn’t provide any warning about potential threats in the environment. Your weapons may malfunction during battles if not maintained regularly, making it one of the most authentic open-world RPGs available today.

5.
Sea Of Thieves

The Most Accessible Pirate Game

Unquestionably, one of the most inviting and straightforward live-action games I’ve encountered is Sea of Thieves. This game provides a lively open world where you can live out your pirate dreams, from plundering other players’ vessels, engaging in skirmishes with skeletons, to safeguarding your own ship against formidable krakens.

Instead of following the traditional “level-up” system, the game developers chose an alternative method where your character’s power is comparable to someone who has spent hundreds of hours in Sea of Thieves. The main difference between you two lies in the amount of experience each player has accumulated.

Additionally, the developers provided an opportunity for novice players to include a feature called “Safer Seas,” which allows them to steer clear of Player versus Player (PvP) interactions entirely. Instead, they can focus on discovering the seas at their leisure, either solo or in the company of friends.

You’ll find that Sea of Thieves offers ample playtime, making it a game worth diving into, particularly if you have friends to join you in the adventure.

4.
Forza Horizon 5

The Ultimate Comfort Game

Tired of all these rugged open-world games? It’s high time for a racing game! If you’re a racing enthusiast yearning for a touch of open-world adventure, Forza Horizon is undoubtedly the perfect choice for you.

In Forza Horizon 5, I find myself immersed in an incredibly beautiful and lifelike open world that leaves me spellbound. Driving my cherished dream car through this vibrant landscape as the sun sets is a visual treat that never fails to unwind me after a taxing day.

Beyond just exploring an open environment, personalizing your vehicles is another key feature that makes the series unique, allowing you to create a car that reflects your unique style and identity.

3.
Minecraft

A Near-Endless Sandbox

Among all these games, Minecraft stands out as one of the most flexible, offering you an unprecedented level of freedom from the moment you appear in its world. You’re free to explore and create without any limitations or constraints.

You might as well try hitting a tree for some wood, luckily for you, it seems like you started close to a village. Even if you did, beginning your journey with some useful items, hitting a tree remains unavoidable.

One wonderful aspect of Minecraft lies in its boundless creativity. It offers a versatile platform where you can explore and construct at your own pace, whether you prefer to play solo or collaborate with others online. The intricate world it presents has the power to captivate you for hundreds of hours, making it an engaging escape from reality.

2.
Fallout: New Vegas

Most Deserving Of A Remaster

Among all games, Fallout: New Vegas stands toe to toe with the one at the top. Given a chance for remastering and re-release post-fixing its technical glitches, it could comfortably claim the number one spot.

In a unique interpretation by Obsidian Entertainment, New Vegas stands out in the Fallout series, earning acclaim as the most exceptional Fallout title, catering to the tastes of open-world gaming enthusiasts across the board.

From the intricate role-playing game aspects to the meticulously crafted post-apocalyptic landscapes, it all seems almost flawless, and I eagerly anticipate that Fallout: New Vegas will be the next title to undergo a remaster.

1.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

Shadow Dropped Out Of Nowhere

Refreshingly updating one of the greatest Role-Playing Games ever made, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, showcases exceptional narrative skill while maintaining every detail from its original version.

Revitalizing the cherished land of Cryodiil for both newcomers and veterans, the game undergoes a comprehensive facelift with fresh visuals, incorporating novel mechanics. The core element of dungeon and fort exploration remains engaging and profitable, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

This game wonderfully embodies the original style and outshines in all aspects, inviting you to return to vibrant worlds teeming with life and intricately designed areas ripe for exploration.

If you’re yearning for a timeless RPG journey with an unparalleled level of immersion, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is at your disposal, completely free through the Xbox Game Pass.

Instead of making the list predominantly The Elder Scrolls games, I limited it to just two titles. Yet, if you find Oblivion appealing, I strongly suggest you also try out The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

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2025-04-30 21:10